Moscow authorities have promised to avoid a third wave of nighttime demolitions of illegally constructed kiosks and stores. Instead, owners of the illegal buildings will deconstruct and demolish the structures themselves, the State Inspectorate for Real Estate’s press service told the Interfax news agency.
Out of 43 structures listed as “especially dangerous” in the Moscow government’s 3rd demolition list, 39 will be voluntarily disassembled by their owners.
The remaining structures will be demolished on Dec. 5. All work will be carried out in the daytime, as the structures in question are located in residential areas.
In February and August 2016, city authorities carried out two mass demolitions of illegal kiosks and commercial structures built in the 2000s without legal permission. The demolitions have proven controversial since they often target small businesses.
The fact that over 90 percent of owners whose structures have been included in the third list are willing to voluntarily demolish should not be surprising. The first two demolitions have shown that the city government is serious about removing illegal structures.
Additionally, kiosk owners who voluntarily demolish their own structures qualify for compensation of 55.5 thousand rubles per square meter.
Since January 2016, Moscow has demolished over 200 unauthorized structures
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
