City authorities will consult with public about the Uzhgorod master plan?

Today, the Mayor signed the order on public consultations.  

The document approved a tentative plan for public consultation in 2013.According to the plan, a public hearing on the City Master Plan will be held in the first quarter of 2012, and on historical and architectural key plan of Uzhgorod – in the second quarter.

Also the city government declared intent to hold "public consultations" on "Report on the implementation of the program for economic and social development of Uzhgorod for 2012 and the main directions of development for 2013-2014". However, as it is stated in the document – "by publishing on the City Council website and in the newspaper of Uzhgorod." Neither public hearings are provided on the Draft program for social and economic development of Uzhgorod for 2014 and main directions of development for 2015 and 2016.

It is evident that the authorities expect the problem with vaccines for children – on March 1st they planned a "speech in the media" on "Discussion of the lack of vaccine for immunization of children." Well, at least, we can be pleased with the fact that the municipality will bring to the public hearing two such important "architectural" topics, or at least they declared such intent. But whether this hearing will be really "public" and really open or, as it often happens in Uzhgorod city council, behind the scenes and just for show – we will see. And will control.

Now let’s hope that with the adoption of the document on "public consultations" city officials will also adopt an understanding of the word "transparency."