The subject of the pedestrian and bicycle path on Okrzei Street was raised during the September session of the City Council by councillor Urszula Magryś, who reported that she had received messages from residents on the matter. They oppose the planned construction of the path on the green strip.
The councillor asked whether such signals had also reached Bolesławiec City Hall, and whether it had consulted residents.
Deputy Mayor Robert Rzepnicki confirmed that such a project was indeed planned. He admitted that no consultations had taken place, but the authorities of the City of Ceramics had been talking about the project for years, and relevant presentations had been published online.
What is more, the City already has a building permit and a selected contractor.
The deputy head of City Hall explained that officials had received one objection to the path in question. However, it came from a person living... in another part of the city.
Mayor: “If people are divided, we withdraw from the project”
The matter was addressed by the Mayor of Bolesławiec Piotr Roman:
Please tell me what the problem is.
The councillor explained that residents wanted to preserve the green strip. The mayor stated that the area is currently used, among other things, by people walking their dogs. And that after construction it would still serve them:
A bicycle path is also meant to be walked on. This will be a pedestrian and bicycle route that will also serve walkers.
The City may withdraw from the project
– If people are divided, we withdraw from the project. In this case, of course, the residents’ wishes will be respected. Provided that – the opposition is unequivocal – noted Mr Roman. – Vox populi, vox Dei.
During the discussion, the question also arose as to how residents were supposed to express their opposition. The point was for official letters on the matter to be submitted to City Hall.
However, the head of Bolesławiec City Hall also pointed out that when assessing the residents’ position, it would matter whether the opposition actually came from people living on Okrzei Street.
City authorities say residents will gain a sidewalk
Deputy Mayor Robert Rzepnicki, meanwhile, argued that the planned project could improve residents’ comfort:
I believe residents will gain a beautiful sidewalk for walks. In the future, it will be connected to the paths planned by the County on Wojska Polskiego, Zwycięstwa and Łasicka streets.
He also pointed out that the paths are built in such a way as to “tie the bicycle system together,” making it safe for every user.
The subject also returned at the very end of the September City Council meeting. Councillor U. Magryś clarified that people feared the area would be “flooded with concrete.”
The head of the City of Ceramics said that those opposing the project should contact either Robert Rzepnicki or Urszula Bober, head of the Public Procurement and Municipal Investments Department. (The latter declared that she would attend a meeting with residents who had concerns).
What next? Time will tell. We will return to the subject.
(Header photo: archive).