Renovation Policy
bricks and on their removal than to continue work on the square which will not satisfy the residents’ needs. Perhaps it would be worthwhile to do it only to say “no” to municipal investments planned and executed without the residents’ actual involvement. Perhaps this would be very much in order, yet we should not be surprised that the protesters simply got scared. Sick and tired of the months of composing their positions and holding debates, they got scared that in the summer they might have nowhere to go with their kids. It dawned on them that the decision makers will argue and blame one another while they will need to explain to their neighbours that the renovation of the square was discontinued not because of the protest but because of insufficient funds. Ultimately, then, a compromise was reached. The construction team agreed among others to remove some of the concrete blocks, add some playing facilities, benches, and a sandbox. The protesting residents quickly sent a drawing that summed up the arrangements to the media, wishing to secure the implementation of the hew plan. They have seen the square covered with concrete blocks for too long to be duped again. Renovations are prone to get out of hand. Mutual accusations are rife. All would star things differently if they could. It is a good thing that in this case the renovation was again linked with a political agenda and its succes-
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