Duns 100’s annual forum for senior legal figures in the field of urban renewal

Adv. Avi Ben Yaakov, Head of our Real Estate Department, took part in the annual Duns 100 forum for senior legal figures in the field of urban renewal in Israel, and discussed changes and developments in the industry:

“It seems that the proprietary and tax barriers in the world of urban renewal have been resolved over the years, and we are seeing progress in this matter in recent legislation as well.

The main barrier that needs significant improvement is the planning barrier. Currently, Pinui-Binui plans produce most of the new apartments in the field of urban renewal. In practice, the pace of approval of the plans is slow and the approval procedures take many years. It also slows down the pace of tenant signings, whose dream of replacing a dilapidated apartment with a new one seems distant and intangible.

Part of the solution lies in transferring planning to the local level, both through approval of comprehensive plans and through independent local committees.

At the same time, stability and uniformity must be created in the increasing demands of municipalities and local committees regarding public tasks and betterment levies.

The local authorities and their leaders have a clear and direct interest in promoting programs aimed at improving the lives of the city’s residents, improving the city’s appearance and shortening the timetables for arriving at the new apartment. For this they are put to the test of the public that elected them. I note that there are municipalities that are already operating in this manner and the results will be felt on the ground.”