The Jerusalem Regional Planning and Building Commission has set the building texture for the city as part of the regional outline plan. The commission said that it supports new housing projects, especially for young couples, but that these projects must ensure the quality of life of the residents and emphasize the development of public space.
The current discussion did not cover the Jerusalem city center, which was discussed earlier, or the Old City, which will be discussed later. The Jerusalem Regional Outline Plan proposes a texture for each neighborhood, detailed high-density neighborhoods, low-density neighborhoods, low level buildings in the Old City basin, residential areas for which detailed plans will be formulated, and areas for unrestricted high-rise construction.
The Regional Planning Commission banned all construction in Jerusalem's valleys. The city's fabric will permit the addition of two floors to existing buildings up to a maximum of six floors. Buildings of up to eight floors will be allowed on empty lots. Buildings can be no more than 3-4 floors in the Old City basin, depending on the proximity to the Old City itself.
The number of low-density neighborhoods has been increased. No new housing units may be built in these areas. The Regional Planning Commission ruled that construction in the new building zones will be carried out on the basis of a detailed plan authorized by the commission.
The Society for the Protection of Nature's representative on the Regional Planning Commission, Avraham Shaked, said that high-rise residential construction should be restricted to 18 floors in the zones where such buildings are permitted. He said that the neighborhoods of Gilo, French Hill, and Ramot should be excluded from the zone where high-rise construction will be controlled because of proximity to the Old City and historic city center.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on August 17, 2008
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