Vladimir Yurgievich held a reception of citizens in Vitebsk
The personal reception of citizens at the regional executive committee was conducted by the President's Aide – Inspector for the Vitebsk Region, Vladimir Yurgevich.
The issues considered cover a wide range of topics. Among them is the citizens' dissatisfaction 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 Horadok district sought help. The man said that he had already been to several authorities with a request for the necessity of installing a pedestrian crossing on the Horadok-Vitebsk road near the "Batali" stop, leading to the village and a horticultural partnership.
"Help us solve this vital issue," he began. "We use public transport – some go to Horadok, some to Vitebsk. We don't stay at home. Local residents, including schoolchildren and summer residents, desperately need a pedestrian crossing across the road. But we are told that it is impossible."
The Deputy Chairman of the Horadok District Executive Committee, Valery Zhdan, explained that it is technically possible to install a pedestrian crossing, but it would contradict the Traffic Rules. On one side, there is a turn, and on the other, an incline, which limits visibility for drivers. This issue concerns safety.
Vladimir Yurgevich promised to visit the site together with the relevant services to investigate the situation in more detail.
Among those who sought help from the President's Aide is a group of citizens from Vitebsk who are against the opening of a public catering facility on the first floor of a residential building on Lenin Street.
– We have an old building, – the applicant said. – There used to be a bookstore nearby, but it closed. Now they plan to open a Japanese restaurant in its place. We are strongly against this, as we understand that there will be noise, including in the evenings and on weekends, smells, and a concentration of cars. There are many vacant areas in the district where not only a restaurant but also a whole food court could be organized. And in general, without this establishment, there are already many catering establishments in the district. There must 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.
Incidentally, the day before, Vladimir Yurgevich visited the site and spoke with the tenant of the premises.
– I was shown where the entrance would be and where the equipment, including refrigerators, would be located. This will not bother you, – noted the President's aide. – The tenant has taken into account the creation of comfortable conditions for residents, including sound insulation.
Chairman of the City Executive Committee Alexey Geroev 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 as of today, there is no possibility to terminate the deal in accordance with the law, except in cases where the tenant himself decides to abandon the lease.
– 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 a venue for major international events. This requires developed infrastructure, including in the field of public catering, – stated Alexey Geroev. – We will set strict requirements for the restaurant's arrangement, check the technical condition of the building, including the electrical system, sewage, and other aspects.
– I understand those who turn to me for help. Everyone strives to live in comfortable conditions, and this is quite natural, – Vladimir Yurgevich summed up. – For example, the issue of organizing a public catering facility in a residential building, it is difficult to say what the optimal solution would be. If you put yourself in the residents' shoes, living next 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 measures, including the creation of new jobs and tax revenues to the budget.
The President's Aide 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 halfway and look for ways to resolve their requests. Receptions of citizens encourage authorities to seek ways to help solve their issues.