Article from A&B issue 05|2023
Housing policy vs. spatial policy
In recent years we have created a good climate for housing investment in the municipality. As a result, more than 200 new apartments have been completed in Chrzanów in recent months, and another 300 are under construction. These are ownership apartments, all located in the immediate vicinity of full social infrastructure. Chrzanów is an ideal example of a fifteen-minute city, where every resident has the opportunity to fulfill all basic needs close to home. Here, on foot, we can walk our child to the nursery, kindergarten or elementary school, do shopping or use a wide range of public services.
A block of flats on Koscielna Street
© archives of the Chrzanów Municipal Office
Practically from each housing estate we can reach a health clinic, Social Security Office, tax office or district court in a quarter of an hour. What's more, thanks to a great location—between two agglomerations—and a very good transport infrastructure, including roads, railroads and a highway, we can reach Krakow or Katowice in half an hour. The success of apartment sales has only reinforced my conviction that we have taken the right direction. This year we also want to start building social housing, with affordable rent and an option to come to ownership. We already have a building permit for the first block with 66 apartments and an underground garage.
New blocks under construction on Lesna Street
© archives of the Chrzanów Municipal Office
The investment will be carried out by our company—SIM Zagłębie. We are also waiting for a construction permit for a municipal building with 40 apartments. Both investments are located in an area with full social infrastructure. We have also introduced tax incentives for private investors. Anyone who builds a house in our municipality or buys an apartment from the primary market can count on a ten-year property tax exemption.
SIM block (Green Street)
© Chrzanów Municipal Office archives
Robert Maciaszek
Mayor of Chrzanów since 2018. Lawyer and manager with many years of experience in business and local government.