Police Look Into the Cutting Down of Cypress Trees on Beogradska Street
A gathering of residents from nearby buildings along Beogradska Street, Photo: Nikola Saveljić
The Podgorica police, following an order from the Basic State Prosecutor’s Office (ODT), are investigating the illegal cutting down of a 24-year-old cypress tree on Saturday, May 70th at 7:00 AM on Beogradska Street in Podgorica, as reported by the Police Directorate to “Vijesti”.
According to the officials, officers from the Security Department arrived at the scene and, in coordination with the Municipal Police Service and inspectors, carried out an on-site investigation.
“The police gathered relevant information and reported the incident to the prosecutor at the Basic State Prosecutor’s Office in Podgorica, who ordered further measures and actions to clarify all facts and circumstances,” stated the Police Directorate.
Prior to the tree’s felling, there was an unofficial announcement indicating that the owner of the land, the Danilovgrad-based construction company “Eurozox”, intended to develop a residential and commercial building, which triggered public protests from the residents of the surrounding buildings.
After a decades-old cypress tree was cut down under the cover of night, residents of Beogradska Street organized nightly watches to safeguard the remaining trees.
The Capital City administration also addressed the issue, expressing support for the citizens, which led to a meeting yesterday with representatives of “Eurozox”. During the meeting, the possibility of halting construction on the green space on Beogradska Street was discussed.
Željko Šljivančanin, the company’s commercial director, mentioned that a verbal agreement was reached with Podgorica Mayor Saša Mujović yesterday, although “nothing is finalized yet, as an alternative solution is still being sought.”
He added that “the disputed location will not be compromised, but a new site needs to be identified for the proposed facility.”
The residents expressed satisfaction with the outcome of yesterday’s discussions.
“For now, we are pleased with the talks. However, we will truly celebrate only when this plot is designated as green space in the new detailed urban plan,” the residents told “Vijesti” yesterday.
They previously reported that the company “Eurozox” began excavation on the plot on Beogradska Street on May 13th without the necessary permits and requested the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Urbanism, and State Property to review the “Nova Varoš 2” DUP.
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