Approval granted, Gilo gets 1,200 new housing units

Despite int’l criticism, new building plans in Gilo, Jerusalem’s southern neighborhood, just beyond ‘Green Line’ approved.

Interior and Housing ministries ready to offer construction tenders.

By Noam (Dabul) Dvir

 

The Interior Ministry announced Monday that the Jerusalem District Zoning Committee has decided to promote the construction of 1,200 housing units in the capital’s Gilo neighborhood.

Gilo is located in south Jerusalem, beyond the Green Line.

The decision followed a hearing on several objections filed against the plan – some by Gilo residents.

The Interior and Housing ministries said that once the final approval is given, construction tenders for the area will be issued.

Gilo’s planned expansion spans 66 acres. The housing units will be built on privately-owned and City-owned land in its southern slopes.

The decision to expand Gilo follows other announcements by the government about various building ventures in east Jerusalem.

Last week, the Jerusalem District Zoning Committee approved plans for 1,500 new housing units in the city’s Ramat Shlomo neighborhood and 2,600 housing units in Givat Hamatos neighborhood.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s plan to pursue construction plans in the contested E1 area – which includes east Jerusalem and the West Bank – has met astringent international backlash.

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View original Ynet publication at: http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4324117,00.html