In a press event held on Sunday, Bet Shemesh Mayor Moshe Abutbul announced he hopes that in the near future, tenders for 5,000 housing units will be announced towards addressing the growing nationwide housing shortage that has resulted in a critical situation for young couples. The media event is part of his launching of Ramat Beit Shemesh Gimmel.

The mayor boasted Beit Shemesh is continuing to grow and will becomes a major player in alleviating the housing shortage, boasting the unity that prevails is a major factor, as was seen in the vote to accept the Beit Shemesh Gimmel project, approved in a 17-14 vote.

Abutbul also announced that City Hall is negotiating with banks and mortgage firms in the hope of offering especially attractive deals for prospective buyers. There are also efforts underway to attract philanthropists who may be willing to announce a gemach is available to further assist young couples, as well as holding talks with Housing Minister Ariel Atias to see what his ministry can do to sweeten the deal.

The first stage of construction, Ramat Beit Shemesh Gimmel 1 consists of 2,200 units and 1,600 of these units will be offered to the chareidi community.

City spokesman Matityahu Rosensweig stated, “While some cities are vying for the title ‘third largest city’ Beit Shemesh is working to become the second largest city”. He estimates that if the current trend continues, in five years, Beit Shemesh will boast 50,000 residents.

In yesterday’s media event, MKs from Yahadut HaTorah and Shas took part in on site tour of the construction areas.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)