Poiana Brasov Risks a Deterioration of Attractiveness Due to New Constructions
Hundreds of apartments under construction could change the face of the country’s most sought-after mountain resort. Hotel owners in Poiana Brașov fear that with the emergence of new residential buildings, their businesses will suffer. However, the City Hall reassures them: building permits for apartment blocks are reportedly not being issued in Poiana.
Roxana Cojocea, Poiana Brașov Employers’ Organization: “There are already two massive projects being worked on intensively. They have completion deadlines in May this year and July next year, and hotel owners fear that their problems could begin then. Investors will lose the most, and, of course, at a national level, Romanians will no longer be able to enjoy a mountain resort that stands out from the rest. Constructions that do not include a tourism component should not be authorized. Poiana Brașov must be preserved and not exploited to the maximum; it cannot support a larger number of tourists or residents than it currently has.”
“If we build too much in this area, many hoteliers will certainly go bankrupt because demand is not that high. Let’s keep Poiana Brașov as it is, for the sake of tourism,” urges Gabriel Roșca, hotel director.
Sorin Toarcea, Brașov City Hall: “Everything that can be built means hotels, guesthouses, or holiday homes; it is not legal to build apartments or residential blocks for those who want to establish their domicile there. The only ones living there are those in the old blocks of Poiana Brașov.”
Lucian Păltânea, urban architect: “Poiana Brașov should have its own identity as a mountain resort, and we should not confuse the buildings here with those built in other seaside resorts or other areas. As can be seen, the old mountain constructions follow this rule and are unmistakable and recognized by anyone who arrives here.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main concerns regarding new constructions in Poiana Brașov?
Hotel owners fear that massive residential projects will lead to over-exploitation, loss of resort identity, and potential bankruptcy for existing businesses due to an oversupply of accommodation.
What is the City Hall’s official stance on residential permits?
The Brașov City Hall states that it is illegal to build permanent residential blocks in the resort, only allowing permits for hotels, guesthouses, and holiday homes.
Why is architectural identity important for the resort?
Architects argue that Poiana Brașov needs to maintain its specific mountain character to remain attractive and distinct from other types of resorts, such as those on the coast.