The Marker, Adi Cohen, 18.10.2020

The dysfunction of the central government and the dilapidated political and economic situation have left a vacuum in the real estate market . : Contractors across the country are banding together to exert pressure and promote moves that oppose the mayors ' policies .

Similar organizations have recently been formed in Haifa, Ramat Hasharon and Petah Tikva. In Ramat Gan, contractors have been fighting for the past year, through the Contractors Association, against the decision of the mayor, Carmel Shama-Hacohen, not to grant any more building permits for TAMA 38 projects. Shama's policy was rejected by the district court.

In June, 55 active contractors in the field of urban renewal in Bat Yam were incorporated as an association. They are struggling with the municipality's decision to cancel the basket of incentives and rights granted so far for TAMA 38 projects in the city.

Last week, the association filed an administrative petition on the subject, claiming that the new policy would harm the economic feasibility of implementing TAMA projects in the city - and would in fact "completely thwart TAMA 38 projects in a strengthening track, which constitute about 80% of urban renewal in Bat Yam." It was further argued in the petition that according to the law, changing the planning situation requires a regulated statutory procedure to cancel the approved plans - while the policy in question "was raised for discussion in the local committee, off the agenda and without prior publication or notice".

A representative of the Contractors Association in Bat Yam told TheMarker that "as entrepreneurs, we are used to folding in our relationship with the municipalities. When one entrepreneur fights against the municipality it is not interesting or motivating anything. When we come as an association - it is a different world; not only do we save time, but "The whole process becomes more orderly, we work collaboratively, and we probably also have more power."