Operating regulations for Garitsa Park approved by Local Council amid strong reactions

On Monday morning, the Local Council of the Municipality of Central Corfu convened at the Ionian Parliament to discuss issues related to the management and operational regulations of the Garitsa - Anemomylos Park.

It should be noted that Mayor Stefanos Poulimenos proposed more than doubling the square metres allocated to food and beverage establishments—from the 45 sq.m. set by relevant legislation, the Ministerial Decision, and the Management Study for the park's redevelopment via the 2014-2020 ESPA programme—to 100 sq.m. per establishment. This means that for 20 establishments, the total space allocated for tables and chairs will reach 2,000 sq.m.

Municipal Councillors Takis Metallinos and Giannis Borbotis were present at the meeting, along with the president of the Garitsa Park Association, Alexandros Vergis, and local residents. The council meeting was scheduled to take place at the Ionian Parliament so that members of the public could attend and participate in the discussions of the Local Council. However, the council's leadership did not allow any interventions.

Within minutes, a unanimous decision was made to expand the allocated space for each establishment from 45 sq.m. to 100 sq.m.

The president of Garitsa Park Cultural Association, Alexandros Vergis, expressed strong concern and frustration over the mayor's actions and statements. He objected to the decision, stressing that what matters are the Ministerial Decisions, laws, and regulations that protect parks and forests. As he stated:

"You are obligated to comply. This decision is illegal and will be challenged. The law explicitly states that the allocated space must strictly remain at 45 sq.m. The final decision will be made at the next Municipal Council meeting, where we will determine our next steps. We will take legal action."

ELENI KORONAKI