Conflict of Interest Delays Approval of 9,000-Unit Housing Plan in Hod Hasharon

The "Nof Yarkon" urban development plan in southern Hod Hasharon, which has been in progress for nearly 30 years, faces another delay after the objections investigator, Adib Nakash, resigned due to a conflict of interest. The regional planning and building committee for the central district must now appoint a new investigator to restart the objection hearing phase. The plan, formerly known as "Hod HaYarkon," covers about 2,232 dunams and proposes 9,000 new housing units, alongside 432,000 square meters for public buildings, 145,000 square meters for employment areas, and 35,250 square meters for commercial spaces.

The objection hearing phase began roughly two weeks ago and was scheduled to last about a month, including four days of hearings. A total of 137 objections were submitted, including from the Hod Hasharon municipality and the South Sharon Regional Council, both longstanding opponents of the plan. However, after the first hearing day, Nakash announced his resignation upon discovering that one objection included an appraisal report from a professional appraiser with whom he has ongoing professional ties. The committee stated it would appoint a new investigator and reschedule the hearings.

Market sources warn this development will significantly disrupt the timeline, causing further delays as the new investigator must review all materials before setting new hearing dates. Hod Hasharon Mayor and local planning committee chair Amir Kochavi criticized the process, calling it a serious failure by the housing company "Dira LeHashkir" and the regional committee for not thoroughly vetting conflicts of interest earlier. The housing company, which submitted the plan, clarified it is not responsible for selecting the investigator and emphasized its commitment to advancing the project responsibly.

The regional planning committee noted that no conflict was initially detected and praised Nakash's resignation as an act of integrity to avoid any suspicion. The committee also criticized the local authority for attempts to delay the planning process. It pledged to appoint a new investigator promptly to continue the plan's advancement.