ראשון לציון Mayor Extends New Year Wishes, Outlines Ambitious City Plans

Raz Kinestlich, the mayor of Rishon LeZion, has extended his New Year greetings, reflecting on the past challenging year and outlining a vision for the city's future. He acknowledged the complex security situation that required simultaneous management of the city's growth and development.

Looking ahead, Kinestlich emphasized accelerating major projects to shape Rishon LeZion for decades to come. These include hundreds of millions of shekels in investments for new schools and kindergartens, aiming to attract quality educators. Urban renewal projects are planned to enhance quality of life and security, alongside an expanded city security system incorporating advanced monitoring technologies.

Significant infrastructure development is also on the agenda, with plans for light rail, a subway, and bus rapid transit systems to accommodate a doubling of the population, alleviate traffic, and ensure swift movement. The mayor also highlighted the planned relocation of a firing range, "Matach 24," which will free up hundreds of dunams for public use, including tripling the city's coastline, establishing a nature reserve, and building the "Park Yam" residential neighborhood.

Further development includes expanding the "Park Ha'elef" with a large green space, new residential areas, and advanced employment centers to attract major companies. Rishon LeZion also aims to become Israel's culinary capital by attracting more leading restaurants. Kinestlich stressed the importance of maintaining the city's diverse and cohesive community spirit throughout this growth.

He concluded by wishing everyone a sweet and good year, filled with security, tranquility, growth, renewal, and good news, pledging continued hard work, listening to residents, and being present on the ground to build a better city for living, raising families, and aging.