Kaunas City Municipality has been planning a new street in Žemieji Šančiai, along the Nemunas riverbank, for several years. The project has sparked significant controversy, with divided opinions among the municipality, urban planners, and local residents.
The initial proposal, introduced in 2019, was part of a beach development project that included street construction. However, it faced strong opposition from the local community, which expressed concerns over its potential impact on the natural landscape.
In 2024, the fourth revision of the project was presented, incorporating previous feedback. Despite adjustments, local residents remained opposed to any asphalting or modifications to the riverbank’s surface, prioritizing the preservation of natural and recreational spaces.
The municipality, however, maintains that the new street is not intended for heavy traffic but will primarily serve pedestrians and cyclists, enhancing urban mobility and accessibility.
Since 2019, residents have organized multiple protests, arguing that the project threatens natural ecosystems and reduces public recreational areas. Šančiai community, in collaboration with other partners, launched the “Genius Loci: Urbanization and Civic Community” project.
While the municipality project is currently in the coordination phase, the ongoing conflict between urban development and environmental preservation remains a key challenge in achieving a mutually acceptable solution.
