Dilapidated building on Shakhtyor transformed into a "children's playground" in Krasnoyarsk
Rewritten Article:
Abandoned buildings in Krasnoyarsk, Russia have become popular hangout spots for local teenagers, regularly hosting gatherings in an unguarded federal property. The building in question, situated at ul. Shahtyerov, 25 k2, is a half-built structure owned by the Federal Research Center "Krasnoyarsk Scientific Center of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences."
Locals are growing concerned as the building serves as a gathering spot for vandalism, including smashing windows and graffiti spraying on the roof and facade. Despite reaching out to the Administration of Krasnoyarsk, no significant improvements have been noticed. One resident expresses their belief that this isn't an isolated issue in the city.
"Every day, groups of kids gather on the roof and surrounding area of this half-constructed building," commented a concerned citizen to DELA. "They break windows, spray graffiti, and cause all sorts of trouble. I hope that bringing this public attention will prompt the appropriate authorities to take action."
Officials in the Ministry of the Krasnoyarsk Krai and the Department of Urban Planning of the Krasnoyarsk City Mayor's Office confirmed that neither the region nor the city can influence the situation as the property is in federal ownership, and responsibility for security lies with the property owner.
Social media users have complained about the influx of teenagers to the abandoned building near the Arctic Medical Problems Institute of Northern Siberia before. However, no changes have taken place.
Krasnoyarsk is not alone in grappling with neglected buildings. Some have been completed, while others have been slated for demolition; however, many remain in limbo.
For instance, one such building is a hotel on ul. Surikov, 18-20, which was being developed by OOO "Torgovyi Kompleks El Dorado." According to city records, the decision for its construction was revoked. Currently, the Department of Municipal Asset and Land Relations is in a legal dispute with the construction company to seize the hotel and sell it through public auction.
Another object – the "Trade-Office Center" with parking lots and service stations on ul. Shahtyerov and Karaulnaya – had its construction permit expire in 2020. The property is currently leased by OOO "Kremen" until June 2027. Meanwhile, the city reported that the construction company has yet to outline plans for project documentation, timeline, and purpose of the building.
Lastly, the most prominent construction project in Krasnoyarsk – the blue tower on the "Strelka" – remains unchanged, although hope for change has arisen. As city officials explained, the construction of the building cannot be completed due to height restrictions imposed on the area. However, current efforts aim to amend these restrictions to allow for an increase in building height. The developer plans to redefine the building's purpose as an administrative building.
When addressing vandalism and neglect of abandoned buildings within federal ownership like Krasnoyarsk, it is essential to have a different strategy due to the U.S. federal government not managing properties in Russia. However, here are some general strategies that can be tailored to similar contexts:
Dealing with Vandalism and Neglect
- Criminal Penalties and Enforcement: Implement and enforce local laws that penalize vandalism and criminal activities in abandoned buildings. This can also involve increased surveillance, community policing, and security measures.
- Community Engagement and Education: Encourage residents to take part in community clean-ups, neighborhood watch programs, and educational initiatives to raise awareness about the importance of preserving historical or cultural buildings.
- Restoration and Repurposing: Use municipal grants and international funding for the restoration of significant abandoned buildings, converting them into community centers, cultural landmarks, or even eco-friendly parks. Cultivate partnerships between private developers and local governments to renovate and utilize these buildings for economic or cultural purposes.
- Legal Compliance and Zoning: Ensure that all federally owned properties comply with local building codes, safety standards, and zoning regulations to prevent hazards and maintain property integrity.
- International Cooperation: Collaborate with international organizations that focus on cultural preservation and urban renewal to seek assistance, funding, and best practices for similar projects worldwide.
Implementing these strategies would require the cooperation between local communities, government agencies, and potentially international partners to effectively address the issue of vandalized and neglected federal buildings in cities like Krasnoyarsk. The challenges include navigating complex political and legal landscapes, as well as securing funding in an economically challenging environment.
- As the city grapples with vandalized and neglected federal buildings, a potential solution lies in investing in real-estate projects that repurpose abandoned structures. For instance, neglected buildings in Krasnoyarsk could be renovated and converted into community centers or cultural landmarks.
- Another strategy for dealing with real-estate neglect involves engaging the finance sector. Local governments can look to partnerships with private developers for renovation projects, bringing potential revenue streams through economic or cultural purposes while improving property values in the city.
