In the middle of July the first meeting of the new city government and the most active city dwellers – the members of communities and public movements – took place in Vilnius.

 

For the meantime, the newly elected city mayor Juozas Imbrasas and other officials are willingly communicating with the representatives of the public organizations. They are discussing how to cope with the problems, which people living in Vilnius are facing, in order to improve their welfare.

 

On the 12th of July the chairman of the Health and Environmental Security Committee of the municipality Audrius Butkevicius invited NGO’s representatives, entitled to be the public experts, and discussed the main environmental issues of the city.

 

First of all, the suggestion to draw the attention to the summer topic – the city beaches, was made. The beach near Pilaite district, which is in the lack for garbage containers and bio-WC’s, was recalled.

 

An expert representing UNESCO ICOMOS Jurate Markeviciene has submitted an idea to establish a park in the valley of the river Neris. “We are watching the investors perpetually encroaching on the banks of the river, which are not totally built up yet. It was not always this way. As far back as in the beginning of the last century the conservation area of the slope of Neris existed. It preserved the larger part of the valley, which has also the value of historical monumental”, - J.Markeviciene said.

 

Furthermore, the participants of the meeting pointed out that the western wind domination makes the air flow in to the city centre along the river Neris. Thus, if the banks of Neris will be used for recreation purposes, but not built up, the better air quality will be ensured together with the good looking.

 

A baseball stadium on one side and various buildings on the other side of Neris valley was meant to be developed. Because the Zirmunai residents resisted the territory was preserved then. Unfortunately, the investors, not satisfied with what they have, are trying again to build the terrain up. Therefore, it is once again very important to discuss the preservation of the territory, which is essential for the river.

 

The authorities of the city suggested drawing attention to the general city plan. The fact, that only the detailed plans are submitted for public discussion was noticed by politicians. In the meantime, the majority of planning maladies are reflected in the documents, which are not weighted publicly.

 

The brief and concrete discussion showed that the new city council is willing to define the problems and to solve them together with the most active part of the society. It was agreed upon the continuous and more active cooperation between the committee and the representatives of various communities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Will the city face change? Will Vilnius become greener? Will the historical heritage be preserved? These questions ought to be answered by the present Vilnius city council. And the society watching the steps reserves the right to criticize and admonish, or struggle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Green Lithuania

Janina Gadliauskienė