The courtyard on Maximov Street in Tula is undergoing a remarkable transformation as part of the municipality's program "Our City," which is dedicated to enhancing local neighborhoods. This initiative that started two years ago aims to revamp public spaces and foster a sense of community.
Initially, residents of Maximov Street sought to improve the area themselves, hoping to beautify their courtyard without relying on city assistance. However, as they gathered estimates, they discovered that the cost of merely landscaping the front garden alone would amount to around 240,000 rubles. Faced with financial hurdles, they decided to take part in the municipal program, paving the way for a collaborative approach to neighborhood improvement.
Participation in the "Our City" program involves collecting signatures from apartment owners, drawing up a protocol, and submitting the necessary documents to the city authorities. This administrative process is supported by deputies from the Tula City Duma, who guide residents through the bureaucratic tangles.
The "Our City" program has been operational for five years and has successfully facilitated the enhancement of approximately 1200 locations throughout the regional capital. Each initiative reflects the community's desires and actively engages residents in making decisions about their public spaces.
In addition to the improvements on Maximov Street, the program has also extended its benefits to other neighborhoods in Tula. For instance, the house on Maxim Gorky Street previously benefited from the initiative when it installed parking facilities. Following that success, a playground and fencing were subsequently included in the renovations, indicating a multi-stage approach to urban development.
But the improvements aren’t limited to courtyards alone. The program also focuses on internal common areas. One striking example is in the building at 19B Richard Sorge Street, where last year, the garbage chutes were replaced, leading to safer and more pleasant living conditions. This year, another enhancement has been made with the installation of tiles at each entrance, further rejuvenating the building's common spaces.
As this momentum builds, local officials report that the applications to join the program have been rising sharply year after year; this trend highlights the community's trust in and support of the program. During a meeting with the mayor, residents began outlining plans for the next year, displaying a proactive approach to their communal environment.
Looking ahead to 2025, a solid work plan has already been established under the "Our City" program. Future projects are slated to occur on 295 different objects around the city, backed by a substantial budget of approximately 140 million rubles sourced from the municipal budget. This ambitious plan demonstrates the city's commitment to improving living conditions and fostering community engagement.
The ongoing success of the "Our City" program illustrates how local governance can effectively collaborate with citizens to create a tangible impact in their neighborhoods. By addressing both the immediate problems and the aspirations of the community, Tula is setting a shining example of civic participation and urban development.
The story of the courtyard on Maximov Street is just one of many examples reflecting the broader success of community-driven improvement programs. Residents not only play a crucial role in fostering a better living environment; they become part of a transformative narrative shaping the future of Tula.
