Vladimir Yurgievich held a reception of citizens in Vitebsk
The personal reception of citizens at the regional executive committee was held by the assistant to the President – inspector for the Vitebsk region Vladimir Yurgevich.
The issues under consideration cover a wide range of topics. Among them is the dissatisfaction of citizens with the placement of a public catering facility on the first floor of a residential building in Vitebsk.
An 83-year-old pensioner from the Gorodok district sought help. The man reported that he had already gone through several instances requesting the installation of a pedestrian crossing on the Gorodok-Vitebsk road near the "Bataly" bus stop, leading to the village and the gardening association.
– Help us solve this life issue, – he began. – We use public transport – some go to Gorodok, some to Vitebsk. We do not stay at home. Local residents, including schoolchildren and summer residents, desperately need a pedestrian crossing across the road. But we are told that this is impossible.
The deputy chairman of the Gorodok district executive committee, Valery Zhdan, explained that technically a pedestrian crossing could be installed, but it would contradict the Traffic Rules. On one side there is a turn, and on the other – an ascent, which limits visibility for drivers. Here, the question concerns safety.
Vladimir Yurgevich promised to go to the site together with the interested services to investigate the situation in more detail.
Among those who sought help from the assistant to the President is a group of citizens from Vitebsk who oppose the opening of a public catering facility on the first floor of a residential building on Lenin Street.
– We have an old house, – the applicant said. – Nearby there used to be a bookstore, but it closed. Now a Japanese cuisine restaurant is planned to open in its place. We are firmly against this, as we understand that there will be noise, including in the evenings and on weekends, smells, and a buildup of cars. There are many vacant lots in the area where a restaurant could be organized, as well as an entire food court. Moreover, there are already many catering points in the vicinity without this establishment. There should be other solutions. We understand that the law does not require our opinion to be taken into account, but it does not prohibit it either.
By the way, the day before, Vladimir Yurgevich visited the site and spoke with the tenant of the premises.
– I was shown where the entrance will be and where the equipment, including refrigerators, will be located. This will not bother you, – noted the assistant to the President. – The tenant has taken into account the creation of comfortable conditions for residents, including sound insulation.
The chairman of the city executive committee, Alexey Heroev, added that there are indeed enough places in the city for doing business. However, this facility was put up for auction. The procedures were followed. And to date, there is no possibility to terminate the deal in accordance with the legislation, except in cases where the tenant decides to refuse the lease themselves.
– We are interested in the tenant fulfilling all the terms of the contract and the residents feeling comfortable. Vitebsk is a festival city, today the northern capital of the country is considered as a venue for large international events. For this, a developed infrastructure is necessary, including in the field of public catering, – stated Alexey Heroev. – We will establish strict requirements for the arrangement of the restaurant, check the technical condition of the house, including the electrical system, sewage, and other aspects.
– I understand those who come to me for help. Everyone strives to live in comfortable conditions, and this is quite natural, – summarized Vladimir Yurgevich. – For example, the issue of organizing a public catering point in a residential building, it is difficult to say what the optimal solution will be. If you put yourself in the residents' shoes, proximity to a restaurant can sometimes cause certain inconveniences. However, it is also necessary to consider the possibility of using vacant premises. This entails a whole range of activities, including the creation of new jobs, tax revenues to the budget.
The assistant to the President is convinced that personal receptions of citizens are of great importance. Local authorities sometimes, relying on legislative acts and resolutions, refuse people, and this may seem fair. Nevertheless, in some cases, it is necessary to meet the applicants and seek ways to address their requests. Citizen receptions encourage authorities to find ways to help resolve their issues.