ΤΠΣ ΔΗΜΟΥ ΙΘΑΚΗΣ

COMMENTS PROPOSED URBAN PLAN ITHACA

Official Submission: Comments on the Proposed Urban Plan for Ithaca

To: The General Secretariat of Spatial Planning & Urban Environment
Subject: Formal Comments and Critical Review of the Proposed Urban Plan for the Island of Ithaca

1. Procedural and Consultative Deficiencies
● Insufficient Review Period: The allocated five (5) working days for public and concerned party review of a comprehensive proposal that took months to prepare is deemed grossly inadequate. Given the high strategic importance and long-term consequences of this document, a minimum of thirty (30) days must be provided to allow ordinary citizens, local stakeholders, and the Municipal Authority to conduct a thorough and meaningful review.
● Lack of On-the-Ground Consultation: The preparation process appears to lack essential on-the-ground validation and local community engagement. We strongly advocate that the consultants conduct a full tour and comprehensive physical assessment of the island, coupled with a formal consultation process involving the Municipality of Ithaca and active participation from the local community. The current proposal raises concerns that it may be a "paper exercise" aimed solely at fulfilling minimum regulatory requirements.
2. Substantive Concerns and Strategic Misalignment
● Fisheries Zone Justification (Case Example): The designation of a new fisheries zone on the east coast appears to be a formality intended to "tick a box" rather than a viable, sustainable decision. This is especially concerning given the five-year remediation effort required to clean the foreshore of Kaminia Beach due to pollution from previous, now-closed fisheries facilities. Any proposed new zone must be supported by a robust Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) that guarantees zero impact on the local marine environment and coastal areas including the Echinades Island region.
● Strategic Vision and Economic Viability: The final plan must be more than a regulatory map; it must be a high-level Strategic Document that simultaneously encompasses local community needs and provides a sustainable and viable economic platform to ensure employment and growth for future generations.
3. Tourism Strategy and Infrastructure Requirements
● Foresight in Tourism Development: As tourism is the current economic bedrock, its development must be tailored to the island's potential while respecting its inherent limitations. The plan must move beyond current operations and emphasize crucial infrastructure works.
● Prioritization of Networks: There is an urgent need to register and officially identify the entire network of existing road pathways and local infrastructure that are critical for the efficient and sustainable operation of the island's tourism product.

4. Maritime Operations and Safety (Vathy Harbor)
● Cruise Ship and Seaplane Conflicts: The Vathy main harbor currently lacks the required capacity and facilities for large cruise liner operations. The planned influx of motor yachts and leisure craft in the operating marina will lead to chaotic conditions. Furthermore, establishing a seaplane runway in this busy harbor is strongly discouraged due to the critical paramount need for maritime safety.
● Alternative Location Requirement: We urge the Ministry to investigate and mandate the consideration of alternative, suitable locations for handling larger maritime traffic and for any potential seaplane operations, moving them away from the highly congested Vathy harbor.
5. Future Transport Infrastructure (Airport Feasibility)
● Integration of New Technology: While the 2000 feasibility study for a conventional airport is noted, its recommendations must be reviewed in light of significant technological advancements. The Plan must incorporate forward-looking solutions.
● Recommendation for Vertiport: With the emergence of technologies like electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, which can complete a flight from Kefalonia to Ithaca in under 10 minutes, the proposal should prioritize the designation of a Vertiport area (approximately the size of a standard Heliport).
6. Implementation of Land Use Changes
● Clarification on Forested Areas (FEK Status): We require immediate clarification on the legal and procedural mechanisms for incorporating areas designated as 'cleared' or 'non-forested' into the new Land Usage Plan once it is published in the Government Gazette (FEK).
● Process for Landowners: Does the publication of the FEK automatically implement this change, or must the landowner wait for a subsequent revision, which could be up to 15 years away? The final document must provide a clear, defined, and immediate implementation path for these crucial land use changes.