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Yerevan City Hall is continuing its demolition of shops and kiosks on Shirak Street, despite tenants holding property ownership certificates. Edik Fahradian, one of the affected tenants, stated that their requests for a delay until the end of the year to sell their goods and find new premises have been rejected. Fahradian also mentioned that attempts to arrange a meeting with the mayor have been unsuccessful.
Tenants’ Pleas Ignored by City Hall
According to Fahradian, the tenants appealed to the district administration, asking them to mediate with City Hall to postpone the demolitions. “We prepare for the season several months in advance. Our purchases for this season are already on their way. This concerns a clothing store. Even yesterday, we appealed to the district administration and said, ‘Since we cannot arrange a meeting with the mayor, you are in direct contact with the mayor, please ask them to at least postpone it until the end of the year, so we can find a store for ourselves and settle in. We have already prepared for the winter season; let us sell these goods and find a new store after the New Year.’ They said no,” Fahradian recounted.
City Hall Cites ‘Public Interest’ for Demolitions
When asked for a reason, Fahradian received vague answers from the district administration, citing “public interest” as the justification for the demolitions. “They did not give such an answer that I would present. They say that it is a public interest, the City Hall must demolish them. We work, we pay taxes, we support employees, and those employees support families. Can they at least accommodate us for a few months? We did not go with fire and sword, nor with posters; we civilly went to the district administration to present it to their superiors, and if possible, their superiors would accept us and resolve the issue. They neither give a solution to our problem nor mediate for us to meet. I ask, how do I find a place for myself, he says, ‘I don’t understand you at all, you will go from here to there,'” he added, expressing his frustration.
Concerns Over Property Rights and Lack of Dialogue
The situation highlights a growing concern among residents and business owners regarding the city’s urban development policies and the perceived disregard for established property rights. The lack of open dialogue and the rejection of reasonable requests for accommodation have led to significant distress among those affected. Many fear that similar actions could be taken against other legal establishments in the future, creating an unstable environment for local businesses.
Future Implications for Yerevan Businesses
The ongoing demolitions raise questions about the transparency and fairness of City Hall’s decisions, especially when they impact livelihoods and property ownership. The incident may set a precedent for how the city handles future development projects, potentially affecting investor confidence and the overall business climate in Yerevan. Local entrepreneurs are now left to grapple with immediate financial losses and an uncertain future, emphasizing the need for clearer regulations and more respectful engagement from municipal authorities.
Source: https://www.pastinfo.am/hy/news/2026/10/09/01201000/1983407
