Please Recognize the Seriousness of the Moment: Viktor Mnatsakanyan

Former district head Viktor Mnatsakanyan writes on his Facebook page: "Dear friends, I would like to draw your attention to a few very important issues. I have tried to refrain from focusing on urban planning problems for several months, but nevertheless, I have identified two critical issues that can be fateful for the identity of Yerevan and its infrastructure.

The first is that I have learned that a project has recently entered the Yerevan City Hall, which seems to be the final nail in the coffin regarding the long-troubled issue of Kond. Specifically, the developer has applied for construction permission in a unique natural area on Saryan Street (attached photos). Let me explain why I am particularly against this.

First, having closely followed the issues in Kond for a long time, I have tried to understand why this most central, elevated, and attractive area of Yerevan has, at different times (both during Soviet times and after independence), been associated with problems by the authorities. We all know that there are many issues, but I assure you, it’s DISTRESSING; but first, let’s understand the diagnosis. Based on my modest research, as someone engaged in urbanism and with a year of practical experience leading that administrative district, I will share my perspective. By studying the problem of Kond from different angles, I can only focus on one issue today. I call it the 'Entrance Problem of Kond.' This means that if we ask most citizens where they can enter Kond for various purposes, about ninety percent will likely show confused faces. It is precisely because of this seemingly simple and clear problem that we have what we have, or rather (I won’t hesitate to use that word) a 'Territorial Ghetto.'

Now, regarding the construction permit issue: if you take a day to examine the streets from Saryan to Leo, Paronyan, Puroshyan, and Frik, you will see that only that particular area has remained 'sacral,' where unique houses for both Yerevan and Kond have been preserved, along with a very unique landscape for the Center and the essential view from Kond to Yerevan and from the Center to Kond.

I would also like to mention that since the early 90s, there have already been six buildings in that area, mostly unrefined and unsuitable for the location. The new project mentioned differs in quality from the others with more taste and modern urban planning solutions, but I still believe that construction there is unacceptable.

The second problem concerns the construction being carried out in front of the tunnels leading to Kond or the Hrazdan gorge in the middle section of Saryan-Buyzand-Aram Street, which already has a construction permit for a new power substation. Now, where do I see the issue? Naturally, I am not against ongoing construction and investments, and I understand how important it is to develop the city’s infrastructure, but I ask that this be done wisely and with less painful outcomes for Yerevan. That area is also unique; along the entire stretch from Saryan to Tumanyan, it is possible to construct an underground parking lot for approximately two hundred or more cars.

Let us jointly request the city authorities to long-term grant that entire area (on a free basis), and let’s suggest to investors, who are among the best builders and developers from Yerevan, Russia, and Lebanon and I assume have rich experience, to implement their projects later in the first case in the higher part of Kond, and in the second case at least on a 2-3 story underground parking lot. The city authorities just need to be consistent and demand the construction of an underground parking lot, and whatever they want above that can be constructed, whether it’s a substation, restaurant, or other entertainment venue...

Dear Committee of Urban Development, Yerevan City Hall, Ministry of Culture, council members, urbanists, architectural friends, caring citizens, in a densely populated area of Yerevan, where there are dozens of new high-rise buildings, many hotels, and restaurants, a public park has opened with a significant human flow, there are no adequately marked and sufficient parking spaces. I ask you to recognize the seriousness of the moment and focus on solving the aforementioned issues and announce a moratorium on construction in Kond and its adjacent areas (until the government announces discussions on the development projects for Kond), as this is exclusively in the interests of Yerevan. Thank you for your attention."