Neighborhood of 1,830 homes in high rises on 63 acres of land featuring affordable units for young families to be built in capital.
By DANIEL K. EISENBUDAn artist's rendering of Jerusalem’s planned community Arnona Slopes.(photo credit: ISRAEL LANDS ADMINISTRATION)
The Jerusalem District Planning and Building Committee earlier this month approved plans to construct 1,830 apartments in a large new neighborhood to be called Arnona Slopes, located east of Arnona and Talpiot.According to the Israel Lands Administration, the complex will feature highrise buildings with terraced apartments, on approximately 63 acres. The plans call for the integration of an ancient aqueduct into the neighborhood’s landscaping.Sixty percent of the apartments will be no more than 45 sq.m., while 25% of the units will be no larger than 75 sq.m, the ILA said. Additionally, the neighborhood will house 38,600 sq.m.and 5,200 sq.m. of public and commercial buildings respectively.High-rises will be limited to 21-floors, and due to the area’s hilly terrain the majority of buildings limited to nine floors, the administration said.ILA director Benzi Lieberman lauded the development as a practical solution to Jerusalem’s ongoing housing crisis.“The Arnona Slopes plan is another example of the efforts the ILA is investing in solving the housing crisis,” he said. “Even in Israel’s capital with limited land reserves we are making efforts to promote and market land that will influence supply, and consequently home prices.”Moreover, Lieberman noted that the less expensive smaller units would assist young families who have previously been unable to afford housing in the capital.“In Arnona Slopes we have also planned small apartments that will be a solution for young couples who cannot afford larger apartments,” he said.Construction is expected to begin later this year.Globes contribute to this report.
