The mayor of Sofia, Vasil Terziev, said that he supports the idea of having a "red zone" for parking in Sofia. However, he does not yet know how much it would cost. "A report is being prepared for the SOS to propose changes," said Vasil Terziev on the show "Wake Up". He believes that there should be adjustments to the prices for paid parking, since they have not been touched for years.
„When will it happen, will there be political will, will there be a "yellow zone" for areas like Bankya, "red" - in the center, what the price will be, will be the subject of discussions in the Municipal Council”, said Terziev.
“There is a need to think about where additional zones should be introduced in the city”, the mayor also commented.
There are plans for a future expansion of the metro, he also confirmed. “The two metro stations along “Tsaritsa Yoana” Blvd. are in the most advanced phase, there will be a huge buffer parking lot. A contractor should be selected in the fall. We are also working on the five sections to “Studentski Grad” and for the possible expansion to the future starting station of the lift”, said Terziev.
Places in kindergartens and nurseries?
591 new places in kindergartens will be announced tomorrow. But no matter how much they are announced, they are always small compared to how big the problem is, the mayor commented.
Currently, kindergartens and nurseries are being built and expanded, which will be able to accommodate 4,500 children in the coming years. However, the problem remains and if quick measures are not taken, within 2-3 years there will be a shortage of about 8,000-9,000 places again. And currently the shortage of places is about 10,000.
“We are working on a program for which we will seek funding at the national level in the order of 450-500 million leva, so that these kindergartens and nurseries can be built in the coming years”, said Vasil Terziev.
After the protest by “Vazrazhdane”, the renovation of the EC building will be shared between the commission and the Sofia Municipality. They have already received a bill of 180,000 euros from the municipality, the mayor said.
The mayor explained that a conceptual project has been submitted, but it has not been approved and there is no permit. “As of today, it will not be built. For the moment, however, we are in a position of delay. We live in a country governed by the rule of law, there is legislation. What I think, what I want is one thing, what are the tools we have is another. Since there are already approved development plans in the SOS, our tools are fewer. For each such object, we examine all the options we have - some will be stopped, others not”, said the mayor.
”It is easiest as a populist to say what everyone wants to hear. And then it turns out that the court returns my decision and this building will be built, but with money from our pocket”, said Terziev. “Tall buildings are beautiful, they have a place in our city, but it would be nice if they were all in one place”, the mayor believes.