The Jerusalem municipality has announced its ‘Evacuate & Build’ program for Eretz Chafetz Street in the Shmuel HaNavi neighborhood. The new structure will include four 12-story buildings, 198 units, commercial space, a public area and private and public parking.

The local planning board, headed by Councilman Eliezer Ruchberger, recommended that the committee approve the project which is on Avnei Chafetz Street at the corner of Magen Aluf, close to the future light rail line. It entails demolition of three old buildings totaling 46 units, small apartments, to be replaced by four 12-story buildings totaling 198 apartments, a commercial center, public buildings like a shul, a library, kindergarten, and underground parking separating between parking for residents and visitors to the public areas.

In addition, the plan changes the designation of land from residential areas, public parking and paths – to residential and public spaces, private and public areas.

This is the first urban renewal plan for this neighborhood characterized by the construction of old neighborhoods, and the local committee sees great importance in approving the plan in this neighborhoods, and sees this as beginning of a move that will lead to additional plans and assist in rejuvenating the neighborhood.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem/Photo Credit: אדריכל אנדרס פרנקוס)