The heating network route in Teremky may be changed following protests
In Kyiv’s Teremky neighborhood, an agreement was reached to evaluate an alternative route for the backup heating network that could help preserve the green space. Experts are to assess the option proposed by residents and other possible routes within two weeks. Meanwhile, work on the disputed site has been suspended.
A meeting between local residents and city officials took place in the Teremky neighborhood. About 100 people attended, including Petro Panteleev, deputy head of the Kyiv City State Administration; representatives of the Holosiivskyi District Administration; as well as engineers and project designers. The main issue discussed at the meeting was the route of the backup heating network, which is planned to be laid through a green area.
Residents are not opposed to the heating network itself. They want the city to find a way to lay the pipes without cutting down trees. People also demanded to see the project and permitting documentation and asked for an explanation of why this particular plot was chosen for construction. According to residents, they have not yet been provided with documents that sufficiently explain the choice of route and the need to cut down trees. During the meeting, a community representative showed the experts a possible alternative route. Now the engineers must verify whether the heating pipeline can be routed along it.
The City Will Review an Alternative Route
Petro Panteleev stated that city authorities are ready to consider an alternative. Within two weeks, experts are to study the option proposed by the community and other possible routes. At the same time, the Kyiv City State Administration has not yet confirmed that the alternative route is technically feasible. The previously approved heating network project remains in effect for now. “We are trying to find a solution that will allow us to prepare for the heating season while preserving as much green space as possible,” Panteleev said.
According to him, Kyiv needs a backup heating network to prepare for potential emergencies in the heating system. The current route, as explained by the Kyiv City State Administration, was chosen with underground utilities in mind. Previously, city officials stated that it was impossible to lay pipes along Teremkivska Street due to sewer and water mains, as well as electrical cables. There is currently no other approved project. That is why the city must now verify whether the option proposed by residents could indeed serve as an alternative.
What will happen to the trees that have already been cut down
Work on the site has been suspended for now. According to Panteleev, the trees that have already been cut down are being transported to the premises of the Holosiivskyi District municipal enterprise. The Kyiv City State Administration states that once construction is complete, it plans to restore the area’s landscaping. Specifically, the city promises to plant new trees and shrubs. However, residents insist that the main priority now is to prevent further tree cutting if the heating network can be routed elsewhere.
How the Conflict Began
Kyivteploenergo planned to lay a heating pipeline between the “Respublika” residential complex and the older buildings on Teremkivska Street in the Holosiivskyi District. To do this, they began cutting down trees on the site. According to data provided by local residents and the media, more than 600 trees were involved. Teremky residents opposed the destruction of the green space. They stated that an alternative route had been proposed as early as June 2023, but it was not considered during the implementation of the current project.
On August 8, a protest took place in Teremky. About 300 people attended. Following this, Petro Panteleev, deputy head of the Kyiv City State Administration, visited the community and expressed his willingness to engage in dialogue. After the protest, the tree cutting was suspended.
The city now has two weeks to determine whether the heating network can be routed along a different path. Residents, for their part, are calling for a moratorium on construction work until the route is finalized. No final decision has been made yet. Whether a technical solution can be found that would allow for the construction of a backup heating network while preserving the trees will become clear after experts complete their assessment. This was reported by Suspilne.
Construction of a new heating network under Teremkivska Street in Kyiv’s Holosiivskyi District is currently technically impossible, so the city has been forced to consider the option of cutting down the trees.
