Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality is re-planning the center of Maltepe.

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) has initiated an urban transformation project in the central district of Maltepe. Maltepe Mayor Esin Köymen stated, “We are planning a new strategy for the center of our district. Urban transformation requires a scientific approach. Simply demolishing and rebuilding buildings is not urban transformation. We can build a district that we will live in together. While defining the model of participatory local governance, we must also share our responsibilities towards the place we live in and take steps accordingly.”

The neighborhood meetings launched by Maltepe Municipality with the slogan “Urban rights for the people of Maltepe” continued in Altayçeşme Neighborhood on the 10th day. During the meeting held at the Yaşar Kemal Cultural Center, chaired by Mayor Esin Köymen, urban transformation was discussed. At the meeting, where Altayçeşme Neighborhood Headman Arzu Toker welcomed Esin Köymen by saying “Welcome to your home” since they live in the same neighborhood, it was announced that IMM had initiated work for the neighborhoods of Altayçeşme, Bağlarbaşı, and Feyzullah, which form the center of the district.

Mayor Köymen stated, “The main purpose of these meetings is to identify problems together and produce solution proposals collaboratively. I am very aware of the issues as your neighborhood is also my neighborhood. We are walking this path together with you. We are planning a new strategy for the center of our district.”

“Simply demolishing and rebuilding buildings is not urban transformation”

Providing information regarding the urban transformation and tram project, Köymen continued:
“Urban transformation is a scientific study. Simply demolishing and rebuilding buildings is not urban transformation. We need to discuss urban transformation from this perspective. Solutions are necessary, but it is wrong to achieve this by providing two additional floors. The issue is this; first, it is not possible to solve urban transformation solely with local governments. If we can address housing as a right to live in safe buildings and a healthy environment, removing it from the property ownership issue, we will solve the problems. Additionally, there are many improvement aspects in the planning notes beyond the additional two floors. For example, parcels can be combined to increase the area. Permits are not granted for areas without parking. If you are going to increase the coefficient, you must first ensure the provision of social facilities. We should stop discussing the issue as simply adding two floors. Population projection is included in the zoning plans. All studies are carried out accordingly.”

During the meeting, questions were raised on topics such as urban transformation, transportation, cleanliness, parks and green areas, parking, market areas, and street animals. Pelin Süygen, City Planner and Chief of the IMM City Planning Department, provided a brief update regarding the plan that will change the center and face of the district, which includes the neighborhoods of Altayçeşme, Bağlarbaşı, and Feyzullah.

In addition to Altayçeşme Neighborhood Headman Arzu Toker, the meeting was attended by deputy mayors, department heads, council members, and citizens.