Controversial zoning move by AKP municipality: Military areas opened for development

The Samsun Metropolitan Municipality (SBB) Council discussed and approved by majority vote a proposal to change the zoning status of two military areas located in the İlkadım district. With this decision, the lands in question have been designated for commercial, tourism, and residential use.

74 DECARES OF MILITARY LAND OPENED TO NEW ZONING

According to a report by Cemil Ciğerim from Cumhuriyet, a 47-decare military area in the Derecik neighborhood and a 27-decare area across from the Gökberk Barracks in the Kökçüoğlu neighborhood have been included in the new zoning regulation. Thus, a total of 74 decares of military land have been allocated for different purposes.

CHP REACTS TO LANDSLIDE RISK AND HIGH-RISE CONSTRUCTION

Taking the floor at the council, the CHP group pointed out that the area in the Kökçüoğlu neighborhood, in particular, is located in a landslide zone. It was emphasized that construction reaching 8 to 11 stories in the region could pose serious safety risks.

CHP Group Deputy Chairman Atila Tekcan stated that urban transformation is not just about building structures, saying, “If infrastructure, transportation, and social areas are not planned according to the population, these regions will become unlivable. This is not a transformation, it is just construction.” Tekcan also reminded that promises had previously been made that these areas would be utilized as parks and green spaces.

MUNICIPALITY DEFENDS MOVE AS “SAFE HOUSING”

Samsun Metropolitan Municipality Council Deputy Speaker Nihat Soğuk defended the regulation, stating that their goal is to provide citizens with healthier and safer housing. Soğuk expressed that with developing technology, geological and technical examinations will be conducted, and the areas will be utilized in the most appropriate way for the city.