The Housing Cabinet headed by Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon on Monday, 11 Sivan, approved 12,000 new apartments in Kfar Sirkin near Petach Tikvah towards increasing the number of apartments in the center of the country. This is part of the overall plan addressing overcrowding in the center, including the relocation of IDF bases.

Stage one is planned for a 900 duman area (225 acres) and it will include 4,000 units near Kfar Sirkin and near Shechunas Amishav. There will also be a commercial center and public areas. The area south of Kfar Sirkin between Highway 6 east of Shechunas Amishav in Petach Tikvah West. Most of the area is the Drom HaSharon Regional Council and the permits include this area and Petach Tikvah.

Stage two is a 2,100 dunam area for 8,000 units including businesses and public areas as well as parks along Nachal Shilo and Nachal Mazor. The area is found in eastern Petach Tikvah. Most of this area is in Petach Tikvah while some is in the Drom HaSharon Regional Council. The area is now being used by the security establishment. In line with agreements, the first stage of evacuation will be by the end of 2018.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)