Haaretz: April 11, 2016 Despite well-documented adverse affects reported on by Bimkom of the proposed plan to relocate the Abu Nuwar community to Al-Jabal, on the outskirts of Al-Azaria, government officials continue to argue that the plan represents a positive development for the current residents of Abu Nawar. Read the article here.
Haaretz: March 02, 2016 Planning authorities’ are moving forward with efforts to develop a landfill in the area where French Hill, Isawiya, and the Shuafat refugee camp meet. The plan has faced opposition from residents of all three communities due to concerns that the landfill would have adverse environmental and health affects to the area. … read more
An article published in Haaretz newspaper about Bimkom’s report on how to promote urban renewal which is responsible and takes into account the needs of current residents. The Bimkom report urges a change in policy with respect to urban renewal in the country, whereby its primary goal would become “to upgrade the living conditions of existing residents and to ensure the possibility that they will be able to enjoy the fruits of that upgrading.”
Of the Bedouin villages in the Negev, only 12 (one of them just recently in 2014) have been recognized by the government. The government planning process for the recognized villages has largely ignored their spatial reality and its logic. In practice, only 128 residential building permits were issued in only two villages.
In the Palestinian neighborhoods of East Jerusalem at least 20,000 housing units have been built without permits, making them vulnerable to demolition, while an estimated 10,000 more units are needed. Moreover, there is a serious shortage of schools and classrooms, health clinics, adequate roads, playgrounds and sports facilities, and areas zoned for business activity. Bimkom strives to promote appropriate plans that meet residents’ needs, … read more
