Riga City Council working on redevelopment plan for Dreilinkalns

RIGA - The Riga City Council is working on a plan for the redevelopment of Dreilinkalns, Viesturs Zeps (For Latvia's Development), chairman of the council's housing and environment committee, told LETA in an interview.

According to the politician, in this case it is not so much about money, but about the ability to implement the project, because it requires a special attitude. "This was once a landfill, even though it is well covered with a protective layer. While we and the State Environmental Service are thinking carefully about what can and cannot be done there, people are making their own choices and walking their own paths. Our job is to improve the infrastructure so that these choices lead people in the right direction," said Zeps.

He said that a ski slope can be built on the hill, but drilling and damage to the protective cover should not be allowed. The town budget includes funding for a cross-country ski slope with terrain, but there is no suitable weather for it this winter, the committee chairman explained.

In the summer, however, a downhill cycling track could be built there. The idea is to gradually revitalize Dreilinkalns, taking into account what should not be done there.

The most important thing is that the surface is not damaged and that no rain is allowed to fall underneath, which can then end up in the groundwater. Monitoring stations are therefore installed at the foot of the hill and the situation is monitored.

"They are also calculations on what the permissible loads are, for example how heavy and what kind of machinery can go up the hill to carry out landscaping work. So we are assessing all this because there are not many alternatives for outdoor recreation in the surrounding area, which is why this place is in high demand," said Zeps.

At the beginning of the year, it is planned to draw up a concept, in consultation with the surrounding residents and technical experts, of what could be installed in Dreilinkalns and the surrounding area. The next step will be a landscaping project.