Adam Teva V’Din recently (January 2023) filed an objection against the latest plans for reconstruction for Atarim Square, the beachfront open space that has been a ‘love it or hate it’ landmark on the Tel Aviv townscape. The proposed plan would turn a public thoroughfare into a private area and limit the public’s access to the beach.
Atarim Square in Tel Aviv is an open, public square offering easy access to the beach from the city and connecting Ben Gurion Boulevard with HaYarkon Street. The City of Tel Aviv is seeking approval to demolish the long-neglected site in favor of construction of two 25-floor towers and a third 6-floor building with 220 apartments and 300 hotel rooms. The proposed plan also includes some commercial space.
Ortal Sanker, attorney at Adam Teva V’Din, points out that the plans disregard the municipality’s planning principles that require specific allocations of open space for the public – already in short supply and high demand for Tel Aviv. This plan is also in contradiction to the decision of the Protection of the Coastal Environmental Committee, which limits residential living or private use of the seashore.
“In our objection,” says Attorney Sanker, “we recommend reducing construction in order to preserve the public nature and functioning of the square.” The formal objections stage is scheduled to begin soon.
