Deputy Mayor Pantelios: We are trying to find new premises for The Ark
Ark
21 Feb 2019
/ 10:02
CORFU. There has been great concern in the local community about the eviction of the animal welfare organization The Ark which does such important volunteer work.
Deputy Mayor for Finace and Municipal Assets Giorgos Pantelios told Enimerosi, "The shop which is located next to the Municipal Theatre was given rent-free to the charity two years ago for their Christmas Bazaar. We did the same for The Smile of the Child at Christmas to show support for the work they do and give them the opportunity to make some money.
The Ark continues to use the premises but according to law the use of the shop must be put up for auction. We held three auctions with the rent set at 600€ but their was no interest so we reduced it to 400€. Four months ago a tenant was found and we informed the organization that they would have to leave the premises. We were unhappy to do this as the organization does great work but unfortunately, we cannot offer the shops adjoining the Municipal Theatre in the centre of town rent-free.
There are many charitable organizations and what criteria can we use to support one and exclude the others?
I know that the Mayor is making efforts to let them have premises belonging to the Brotherhood charity in Spilia for a very low rent. This is, of course, dependent on the agreement of the Brotherhood Board."
The Ark continues to use the premises but according to law the use of the shop must be put up for auction. We held three auctions with the rent set at 600€ but their was no interest so we reduced it to 400€. Four months ago a tenant was found and we informed the organization that they would have to leave the premises. We were unhappy to do this as the organization does great work but unfortunately, we cannot offer the shops adjoining the Municipal Theatre in the centre of town rent-free.
There are many charitable organizations and what criteria can we use to support one and exclude the others?
I know that the Mayor is making efforts to let them have premises belonging to the Brotherhood charity in Spilia for a very low rent. This is, of course, dependent on the agreement of the Brotherhood Board."
