Jerusalem Housing Plan Threatens Beitar Jerusalem's Training Facilities
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
A new housing development plan in Jerusalem's Beit Vagan neighborhood threatens to reduce Beitar Jerusalem's football training grounds from three pitches to one. Deputy Mayor Yossi Havilio warned the plan, which includes 1,651 housing units, would "destroy" the club and urged its rejection. The Israel Land Authority is advancing the "Emek Zion New Quarter" project, which is set for committee discussion next week. Havilio stressed that Jerusalem has a shortage of football pitches and that money should not come before sport.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- A Jerusalem housing plan may eliminate most of Beitar Jerusalem's football training pitches.
- The proposal includes 1,651 housing units and commercial areas in Beit Vagan.
- Deputy Mayor Yossi Havilio called the plan detrimental to local football.
- Only one grass pitch would remain for Beitar Jerusalem's youth training.
- The plan is set for discussion by the District Planning Committee next week.
A proposed housing development in Jerusalem's Beit Vagan neighborhood could significantly reduce the training grounds available to the Beitar Jerusalem football club. The plan, known as "Emek Zion New Quarter," is being advanced by the Israel Land Authority and includes the construction of 1,651 housing units, commercial and employment areas, and additional construction space for Shaare Zedek Medical Center.
Currently, Beitar Jerusalem's training complex features three pitches used by the senior team, youth divisions, and for youth matches. The proposed plan would leave only one grass pitch for youth training, with an additional non-standard pitch planned on the roof of a commercial building half a kilometer away. Yossi Havilio, Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem and holder of the Sports portfolio, stated that approving the plan would be detrimental to Beitar Jerusalem and all football clubs in the city, emphasizing that "money must not be allowed to defeat sport."
Havilio further explained that the plan includes sports and recreation areas, but he believes these are insufficient and that the loss of the existing pitches would severely harm the club. He urged that the plan should not be advanced due to the existing shortage of football pitches in Jerusalem and the lack of suitable alternatives for Beitar's three current grounds. The plan is scheduled for discussion by the District Planning Committee next week.
