News Summary
Novi Sad is currently facing a construction crisis that is causing significant disruption for its residents. Many are dealing with relentless noise and ongoing issues related to construction activities. Promises from developers remain unfulfilled, and concerns are rising about the future of local neighborhoods. The rapid urbanization is raising alarms over potential environmental impacts, leading to a divide in community sentiment surrounding real estate development and its effects on daily life.
Residents of Novi Sad Grapple with Construction Chaos
Novi Sad, a city known for its vibrant culture and history, is currently facing a construction crisis that has left many residents feeling frustrated and concerned. Take Hana, for example, who has been living in her apartment for two years. She, along with her boyfriend, is dealing with an ongoing battle against the cacophony of construction noise that often stretches late into the night, sometimes until after midnight. Despite her numerous calls to the police about the disruptive noise, there seems to be no end in sight for these bothersome troubles.
The plight of Hana isn’t unique. Many of her neighbors in their apartment building share her woes, venting about their experiences in a Viber group chat. Complaints range from the incessant clamor of heavy machinery to less desirable surprises like an ant infestation that Hana attributes to the nearby construction sites. She spent an entire summer dealing with this issue, and despite her best cleaning efforts, dust continues to gather on her balcony, proving to be another headache to manage.
Impact of Widespread Construction
The current construction frenzy in Novi Sad is affecting numerous neighborhoods, with plans underway for a new bridge in an area known as Depresija. This bridge aims to connect Novi Sad with the nearby Sremska Kamenica, but for longtime residents like Savka Miladic, this prospect raises deep anxiety. Having lived in Depresija for 50 years, Miladic fears that upcoming construction could lead to demolitions or changes that disrupt her community. She recalls promises of being offered a “proper apartment” by construction company Neimar, but those promises haven’t come to fruition, leading to uncertainties about her future living situation.
Neimar, which dates back to 1865, boasts a legacy of building significant landmarks across Novi Sad and has hired large numbers of women in various roles throughout its history. However, the rapid construction in areas such as the Liman district is now pushing forward at an alarming rate, with new housing complexes popping up regularly.
Controversial Urban Development
One of the main players contributing to this construction boom is Galens Invest, which has been involved in projects near the new bridge site. A number of residents and local activists are rallying against the extensive General Urban Plan that supports this rapid urbanization. They believe that such aggressive development threatens local ecosystems and wildlife, particularly in areas like Sodros, renowned for its rich natural habitat.
Local architecture experts, such as the president of the Society of Architects, have taken a stand against unchecked urbanization, arguing it leads to privacy issues, increased traffic congestion, and possible flooding scenarios. Community sentiment is varied; while some see the necessity for development, others express dissatisfaction over the potential drawbacks.
Real Estate Boom and Economic Concerns
The real estate market in Novi Sad is booming like never before. The city has witnessed a staggering increase in new apartments, with availability jumping from around 2,500 in 2018 to an impressive nearly 5,000 in just a few short years. Factors contributing to this growth include favorable loan conditions and an influx of newcomers, prompting many to dive into the real estate market.
However, the rapid surge in property values has raised flags among residents. The average price per square meter has skyrocketed, eclipsing prices in neighboring capitals. Concerns about money laundering loom large as a notable portion of real estate transactions, especially in Novi Sad, is conducted in cash, hinting at possible corrupt practices linked to land use and permitted developments.
Despite the promise of progress, residents like Hana feel utterly helpless in the face of ongoing construction noise and eco-concerns. The vast influence of the real estate business in their community seems to overshadow their voices, leaving many to wonder what the future will hold for Novi Sad in light of these developments.
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Additional Resources
- Balkan Insight: Residents of Novi Sad Grapple with Construction Chaos
- Wikipedia: Novi Sad
- The Construction Index: Why There Is a Property Boom in Serbia
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Novi Sad
- Reuters: Serbia’s Real Estate Market Booms Amid Inflation and War Outlook
