Lev Hacarmel building wins preservation

Residents have been fighting to preserve the historic character of their neighborhood for some years.

By MIRIAM BULWAR DAVID-HAY (TRANSLATED)
Residents of Carmeliya are claiming victory after winning the right to preserve the historic Lev Hacarmel building at the entrance to their neighborhood, reports Yediot Haifa. The residents had been opposed to a plan approved some months ago that would allow building contractors to tear down and replace the building in a planned redevelopment of the entire area. According to the report, residents have been fighting to preserve the peaceful and historic character of their neighborhood for some years, and asked the Council for Sites Preservation to declare the entire area around the Lev Hacarmel building worthy of preservation. As well as the building, the area includes the local water tower, a park, and surrounding widely spaced houses, interspersed with lavish greenery. The council agreed to preserve the area, but despite this, the municipal preservation committee decided some months ago that it would allow the building to be torn down and new buildings to be constructed in its place. "We support the demand by the Council for Sites Preservation not to take the Lev Hacarmel building off the list of preserved sites," a residents' committee spokesman said, adding that the city should work with the builders to find a solution for developing the area without harming its character.