Alexandras complex safe for the time being
Until Greece’s highest administrative court hears an appeal against the planned demolition of the historic refugee housing complex on Alexandras Avenue in central Athens, no action can be taken to knock down any of the buildings, the government has confirmed. In response to a question in Parliament by Synaspismos Left Coalition MP Alekos Alavanos, Public Works Minister Giorgos Souflias clarified that a temporary order by a senior Council of State judge forbids any intervention in the eight-building 1930s block, Synaspismos said yesterday. The previous, Socialist government had planned to demolish all but two of the elegant, three-story buildings and create a park in their place. Athenians fought the decision at the Council of State, and gained a stay of execution pending hearing of a main appeal against the project. The government has not clarified its stance on the matter.
