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No trespassing

The pedestrianization of the Old Center

Posted in Services on Monday, March 7, 2005

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It’s over! I was secretly hoping and plotting to get my paws on some piece of real estate on either Selari, Sepcari, Lipscani, Gabroveni, Smardan, or maybe even Covaci. The much talked about revitalization of the Old Center has begun without me, on the bandwagon of those who were visionary enough to foresee the immense profitability of investing there.

Anyway, not that the grapes are sour or anything, but now that I think about it, maybe it would have been too much of a headache; imagine having to research and triple check the building’s history, its real and/or imaginary owners, and having to deal with the lost souls who find a home in some of the apparently abandoned houses. Nevertheless, I still wish I owned property in the Sector 3 area, as now there is clear light at the end of the tunnel.

Well, good for those who lead the pack in being part of the scenery in the Old Center! I love to spend time around there. I think one should overlook and get over the ugly parts of the picture; it won’t last for much longer. The numerous articles, radio announcements and public campaigns have worked.

It started a while ago, although we might have not paid attention to it. Just think of the many buildings that became real architectural marvels, after having undergone major facelifts; they’re now squirming with people and tourists (i.e. Grand Café Amsterdam, Smardan 30, yet-to-be-launched Market 8 Café, European Heritage Furniture Shop, the new Rembrandt Hotel, et cetera).

The itching of the investors (foreign and local alike), combined with the Romanian Government’s attempts to preserve, recreate and modernize the Old Center will produce wonders in the next 18 months. The 57 hectares, covered by the 28 million Euro budget allotted to the project, will undergo changes for the better; the area will gain the look and feel of a promenade with chic bars, restaurants and shops, and the herds of locals and guide bearing tourists will liven the picture.

But for this ambitious dream to be made possible, stuff, spastic drivers and people need to be out of the way. Therefore, starting this past weekend, the following perimeters are closed to traffic:

-the area between Calea Victoriei - Doamnei - Carada - Lipscani - Smardan - Bratianu - Halelor - Splaiul Independentei;

-the perimeter bordered by Bratianu Blvd. – Coltei Street - General Florescu Street - Calea Mosilor - Sf. Vineri Street – Coposu Blvd.

The traffic enforcers are unusually agile and unusually high in number. If you circle around too much or attempt to bribe any, your troubles might be bigger than what you might have thought, so no cheating.
In closing, we remind you of a large parking lot behind the Unirea Shopping Center, which can serve as the little light bulb that turns on inside your head when you’re desperately seeking parking on your way to Cabaret.

PS-Please read beyond my frustrations of not being the proud owner of some real estate in the Old Center, and do focus on the useful information that I so generously made available for you. We’re all allowed to have our moments sometimes…:)


Click here for more information in Romanian.

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