High price for coolness: people are fined for conditioners installation in the historic centre of Uzhgorod

Today, in the historic center of Transcarpathian capital one may can count a hundred of facades perverted by conditioners, as at Korzo 4 for instance. Satellite dishes, antennas and plastic windows complement this "wonderful" ensemble.

"Staryj Zamok" inquired the chief specialist of the cultural heritage protection body at Uzhgorod City Council Marianne Sobran about the limits of the protection area for this cultural heritage, where people must reconcile the benefits of civilization with the relevant authorities, and about that the fate of "decorations" that already existed.

"This area includes the territory around castle, Petofi square, Fedyntsya, Koryatovycha and downtown streets, where the valuable stucco had been preserved. In these areas not only any change of facade configuration or roof must be approved, but also their color, replacement of windows, doors, installation of air conditioners or satellite dishes," - said the expert. - "Any restoration works should necessarily agreed with the executive authority."

According to the improvement rules, the owners should dismantle inappropriate "accessories" by themselves. They have to take care about the correction of any unauthorized construction and refurbishment of balconies, installation of satellite dishes, signs, replacement of woodwork, and everything that may cause the loss of the authentic look to the building. If we do not do that, the competent authority shall establish a fine of 340 to 1700 hryvnias. However, the monetary penalty does not relieve responsibility.