Yesterday I requested the resignation of the chief architect of Sofia Municipality.
From the beginning of the mandate, it was clear that Sofia needs a new approach to urban planning - long-term planning, better coordination and a modern structure that works with clear priorities and results.
In the course of the work, it became clear that with arch. Panayotova and I have different views on what this organization should look like and what the role of the chief architect in it should be.
This was published on his Facebook page by the mayor of Sofia, Vasil Terziev. Here are some more of his words:
My belief is that the future of Sofia requires a Deputy Mayor for Urban Planning with a visionary mindset, supported by a compact, technically focused administration, serving a broader vision and providing scope for strategic planning, innovation and investment.
The reform we are starting aims to do just that –
take urban planning to the next level,
make planning predictable, integrated and sustainable,
and establish clear order and responsibility in the management of processes.
This is a difficult but necessary step that I am taking after exhausting the opportunities for dialogue.
The next stage in the development of the urban planning process will be dedicated to:
- the development of a task for the update of the General Development Plan;
- transition to comprehensive and resource-secured territorial planning;
- expansion and implementation of urban environment standards for a more beautiful and better functioning city;
- timely and transparent construction control and measures against overdevelopment;
- systematic and targeted care for cultural heritage;
- focused work on key urban projects;
- transparency of procedures and the final result.
In order for these things to happen at the pace that we all expect, I will propose a new, much more logical and effective distribution in the new structure of the Sofia Municipality, where urban planning will have an important place with clearly defined responsibilities, a strong deputy mayor for each area and united technical units that work in sync. We will present the structure by the end of this week.
In government, sometimes there are moments when difficult decisions are not a choice, but an obligation.
The city cannot wait while we hesitate.
Sofia needs drive, vision and discipline in implementation and I will always do my best to meet the needs of the city.