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News server Romea.cz. Everything about Roma in one place

Czech town may not build community center in Roma area after non-Roma uproar

22 October 2012
2 minute read

The planned construction of a community drop-in center at the Portyč housing estate in Písek, Czech Republic is now endangered. The building and sports ground for teenagers and youth was proposed as part of the town’s Integrated Development Programme and has bothered certain residents from the beginning. More than 3 000 people have signed a petition against the center. News server Regiony24.cz reports that it seems the town is starting to back away from the plan.

Many non-Roma residents of the Portyč housing estate are bothered by their troubled co-existence with the large Roma community living there. The center is intended for all children and youth, Roma included, and would not only prevent socially pathological phenomena but would offer counseling, education, recreation and sports. Town hall spokesperson Roman Ondřich previously said the town was envisioning also providing services to senior citizens through the center as well.

However, the town hall has now decided to separate the projects. “Originally the construction of a sports ground for adolescents and children was part of the community drop-in center, but now it’s not. We would like to present the sports ground as a separate project next year,” Ondřich said.

While the town is planning to building the sports ground next year, it is considering holding off on building the community drop-in center. The final decision will depend on public opinion. The town already has the architectonic study for the construction of the center ready. “The study will be sent to the public commenting process, followed by a survey of residents – in this case we will ask them several questions. After the results are evaluated they will be sent to the town council and the councilors will decide whether to go ahead,” Ondřich said, indicating this all should take place by September at the latest.

If the sports ground were to continue to be linked to the community center, discussion about the center and the revitalization of Portyč could block or delay its construction. The total construction costs for the center and sports ground are estimated at more than CZK 20 million, while five years of its operation will cost another CZK 25 million. The town was supposed to seek European Social Fund subsidies for the plan which could cover up to 100 % of the construction and operation costs.

According to the original plan, the center was to have been operated by the Naděje (Hope) civic association, which already serves socially excluded groups in the town. The aim of the project is to get troubled groups of young people off the street and offer them various options for recreation. Center staff would assist clients in looking for work or taking care of various bureaucratic matters.

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