Edmond Offermann, a famous philanthropist and one of the key investors for the reconstruction of the Sarajevo Cable Car, issued a letter to the City Council of the City of Sarajevo regarding a reconsideration of the proposed Detailed Plan “Quadrant C – Marijin Dvor.”
On behalf of the “Three Physicists” Foundation, Offermann reiterated that three months ago they had expressed a deep concern due to the danger that the University in Sarajevo could lose the opportunity to expand its infrastructure, which would directly jeopardize the development of this institution as a research center and initiator of the high-tech industry in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The letter emphasized the disappointment that city authorities did not organize an open forum or call on experts and the associations of architects to publicly discuss the complaints against the planned construction.
Offermann supposes that the Council will have the opportunity to conduct a detailed, profound analysis of investors’ plans in real estate, which would, according to him, strictly include proof of land ownership, especially paying attention to all transactions and ownership changes published after the collapse of the former Yugoslavia.
Then, a review of long-term lease agreements is required, namely the analysis of whether the investors even have pre-secured tenants for new office spaces, emphasizing that building commercial spaces blindly in the era of remote work is extremely risky.
He went a step further by offering councilors direct help from international law offices in a further investigation of these matters, with a serious warning.
“The unresolved matters could lead to personal and legal accountability for sole members of the city council if they vote without complete and clear information,” Offermann warned.
Considering that the City Council should vote on the amended plan at its final session before the summer break, for which Offermann claims it contains only a few cosmetic changes, a direct appeal was made to city delegates.
“I am aware that City Council is now burdened with making a decision which will have national consequences, while in this difficult situation the actors at the cantonal, federal, and state level remain silent. This is your moment, the moment to show the nation that you have conscience and a backbone, just like my city, New York,” Offermann concluded in his letter, Klix.ba writes.
