Houses to be demolished for “Old Yerevan” project (video)
70-year-old Gagik Ghazaryan still cannot believe that due to the state needs he will be evicted from his house on 10 Buzand, where he has lived his whole life. “It is very difficult that I am given money and told to leave. If you want to preserve Old Yerevan, preserve old buildings, there was an old house here, why did they demolish it?” says Gagik Ghazaryan. According to the decision of the Government the territory enclosed in Abovyan, Pavstos Buzand, Yeznik Koghbatsi and Arami Streets has been recognized an eminent domain. The process of the eviction must be over in a year. “Old Yerevan” project must be realized in this territory. “Those who have taste understand that between those high-rise buildings this “Old Yerevan” will be something like props, it won’t be serious, the environment won’t be preserved,” says Vardan Geravetyan, member of “Our city” initiative. The residents think that they are being evicted not for the state needs but for business of some people. “If they want to build a hotel, I also can build a hotel, a restaurant, I am ready for everything, if they want a statue, we will put up a statue,” adds Babken Ghazaryan, resident of Buzand Street. Harutyun Minasyan adds that they were told that there will be one developer and it will a project worth hundreds of dollars. “EMC” corporation, which has acquired the territory, noted in its application that at present the territory is old and dilapidated with separate houses and buildings, which don’t correspond to fire protection, sanitary and hygienic, urban development norms and may result in emergency situations. “It isn’t run-down, it is a normal stone house. Under this house there are some lines and tunnels.” According to the decision of the Government Armen Hasratyan will also be deprived of his personal business and territory. Still according to the decision made in 2013, the triangle territory of “Abovyan-Pushkin-Sakharov” square was recognized an eminent domain and “Local Developers” company belonging to Samvel Mayrapetyan is the acquirer. “It is more like a business interest. Why should I pass my business to another person?” said Armen Hasratyan. The resident of the eminent domain was offered 41 million 600 thousand drams for 61 sq/m area, “The market analyses showed that you cannot acquire a social facility at that money in the Small Center of Yerevan, the prices are three-four times higher.” Armen Hasratyan has made a decision, no way will he leave the area.
