Upgrade initiatives in the public space of Kifissia

The phenomenon of suburban municipalities of Attica, with thousands of residents each, commercial traffic and a multitude of activities within their boundaries, taking serious initiatives to upgrade the quality of life is spreading. THE new building regulation (NOK) already caused serious objections and reactions from municipal authorities (Alimos, Varis – Voulas – Vouliagmenis, Kifissia, Glyfada etc.) giving rise to a well-intentioned guerrilla in favor of the citizens and the future of the suburbs.

THE Municipality of Kifissiawith a new municipal authority (mayor has taken over Vassilis Xypolytas), has already reacted to the phenomenon of mass demolitions of single-family houses and their replacement by high-rise apartment buildings, and it seems that there is a will for the historic suburb to regain its glory.

The day before yesterday, the Municipality of Kifissia proceeded to clean and beautify public spaces. “We have already cleaned Kassaveti and Levidou streets and yesterday the precinct of Agios Dimitrios”, informs us the general secretary of the municipality and political scientist George Kokkolis. Young and dynamic, with experience in public affairs (his previous term in the Municipality of Rafina – Pikermio, where he was deputy mayor, had left very positive impressions). “At the same time, we also cleaned the grove and our goal is to initially cover the entire shopping center of Kifissia,” he says. The cleaning of the graffiti, which has spread in many parts of Kifissia, was undertaken by the company Booka Chemicals Hellas IKE, which had also recently cleaned the vandalized facades of the historical building of the National Library.

Interventions in the public space of Kifissia continue with an additional contract for the maintenance of urban equipment (poles, lampposts), while old KAFAO and payphones have already been removed. “Mayor Vassilis Xipolytas’ goal in the first 120 days of administration was to reorganize the center of Kifissia,” says Giorgos Kokkolis. “In general, we aim to restore the city’s prestige and highlight its classicist aesthetics. In addition to our action for the NOK, we are preparing regulations for the shape of the sidewalks, for the greenery and also for the outdoor areas of the stores.”

The recent intervention to clean up the graffiti left the surrounding area of ​​the historical church of Agios Dimitrios with the double spire, a space connected to the social life of Kifissia, spotlessly clean.

The cleaning extended to the adjacent post-Byzantine area small church of Saints Sarandawhich had gained publicity more than 30 years ago when, for reasons of traffic relief, it was moved from the center of Kifissia to its new location.