Goran Gerasimovski demands public apology from Shansa za Centar over Barutana presentation
Gerasimovski called the group’s behaviour insulting and said the municipality must proceed after a court annulled the previous plan.
Centar Mayor Goran Gerasimovski demanded a public apology from the council group "Shansa za Centar" after what he called an "insulting and insolent" attitude toward Council President Violeta Velkovska and municipal staff during the public presentation of the Draft Detailed Urban Plan (DUP) for the J-05 — Barutana neighbourhood.
"At the public debate there were individuals who were clearly infiltrated with the purpose of creating a spectacle, filming with mobile phones and then selectively transmitting only what suits them. Therefore, I demand a public apology from the council group 'Shansa za Centar' for their insulting and insolent attitude toward Council President Violeta Velkovska and the administration that explained the Draft DUP," Gerasimovski said.
Public hearing grew tense as safety demands were raised
The presentation in Centar unfolded in a tense atmosphere after members of Shansa za Centar pressed municipal officials to guarantee that the new plan would not endanger residents. Biljana Ivanovska of Shansa za Centar addressed the council directly.
"What do we need to experience, for Vodno to come to the Square. How many times have you been to the site — if you've been there 20 times, now I ask you to sign a statement that people's lives will not be in danger," Ivanovska said, asking the council president to sign a declaration ensuring citizens' safety.
Gerasimovski acknowledged that criticism and differing opinions are part of democratic debate, but argued they do not justify insults or disrespect toward people representing the institution.
The proposed Barutana plan envisions construction of 25 new buildings with permitted development up to two floors plus ground level, across an area of 29,000 square meters. Gerasimovski noted that the previous DUP was annulled by a court decision and that the municipality is legally obliged to start drafting a new plan.
The Draft DUP for Barutana is on public consultation until September 14.
Photo: press material from the event
