Examples of concreting in Polish cities, and the problems resulting from them, are springing up like mushrooms after the rain. We recently wrote about the concreting of a square in Janów Podlaski, where during its official opening, visitors had nowhere to hide from the scorching sun. Residents of Zywiec also complain about the lack of shade and vegetation. As a result of the revitalization of the market square, all the large trees there were cut down. However, the mayor found a "solution" to the problem. He ordered that colorful flower pots and young trees be placed in the market - they are supposed to create a relaxation zone and provide shade. However, this is not a solution, but only a poor imitation.
The infamous list of Polish cities - examples of concretization and revitalization of public spaces ignoring public consultations and the climate crisis - is gradually growing. Admittedly, the revitalization of the Zywiec market square with concrete in the lead role is not the most recent example - as it was completed several years ago - but its negative effects are very annoying and very timely.
Żywiec market square before revitalization (2014)
© UM Żywiec
effect of concrete revitalization - residents need trees and shade
There has been a lot of buzz in recent days about a gesture made by the mayor of Zywiec, which he claimed was in response to requests from residents who complained about the lack of shade in the market and relaxation zones where greenery would dominate. The large trees disappeared from the Żywiec town square as a result of the revitalization project launched in 2015 as part of the task "Modern tourist zone for cultural and sports events in the center of Żywiec."
Admittedly, the revitalization project, carried out by Service and Commercial Company Maciej Dobosz, included the planting of new trees around the market square, but so far they have appeared in negligible numbers. Besides, to young trees - they will not provide as much shade as actually needed. The effect of the revitalization of the market square in Zywiec is that residents are missing greenery, shade and a rest area in the company of trees, which they permanently emphasize, if only on social media. This information finally reached the mayor of Zywiec, Antoni Szlagor, who decided to counteract the problem....
Listening to your many voices that our beautiful Żywiec market square should have more greenery and be more colorful, we have decided - following the example of other Polish cities - to create a Relax Zone in the square, " Antoni Szlagor wrote on his Facebook profile last week , adding photos of flower pots and small trees.
At the same time, he suggested to residents that this is a new relaxation zone in the market, where one will be able to find some shade.
An avalanche of comments, mostly critical, started under the mayor's post. Many of their authors assessed the idea as kitsch and unsuccessful.
Nightmarish kitsch, waste of money, zero shade, boiling rachitic trees, washing concrete with drinking water that needs to be saved, instead of thinking, flashiness, " wrote Ania Datko.
Potted trees. Zywiec do not go in this direction!!! - commented Magda Przygodzka.
There were many more similar reactions.
The mayor, admittedly, defended himself by pointing out that young maple trees are planted around the market, but to no avail.
Young maples around the market
© UM Żywiec
Flowers and trees in pots are no substitute for large trees that provide shade and exhibit pollution-absorbing qualities. And pots, even if they are stylish, designer and modern, will not make residents feel like they are in a relaxation zone.
"Mayor Szlagor's solution" is a poor and ineffective response to the real needs of residents. It is also an example of the avalanche of negative effects that come with revitalizing public spaces at the expense of greenery. The question is: in the name of what?
