ANEL hosted the first Community Breakfast, organised within the framework of the Streets for Citizens project, on February 27th, 2025, in Latsia – Geri Municipality. The event gathered key stakeholders, including the Mayor, municipal workers, NGO representatives, local residents, youth representatives and municipal council members. The meeting focused on presenting the pilot project, discussing its progress, and introducing planned interventions in Geri and Latsia. Participants also provided feedback, shared concerns and contributed ideas that will influence the project’s development.
During the discussion, the pilot was outlined as a project set for completion by December 2025, with exact dates still to be determined.
Geri intervention
The intervention in Geri will enhance the newly established park and transform it into a more accessible community space for families, children and the elderly, as it is located in a residential area near schools. This could be achieved either by upgrading sports equipment to promote athletic activities or by adding benches and tables to create a space for social gatherings.
Latsia intervention
In Latsia, the intervention will focus on improving public spaces and especially locations that are highly frequented but lack seating and modern amenities. The introduction of smart benches with charging stations and possible Wi-Fi access was proposed to make these spaces more welcoming and practical.
Feedback
Community feedback highlighted the importance of ensuring that the intervention benefits both municipal districts, as participants included residents from both Geri and Latsia. Those from Geri pointed out that while the new park is modern, it still requires significant improvements in infrastructure and amenities to better serve the community. Residents from Latsia emphasized the need for more pedestrian-friendly public spaces and gathering areas, especially as public spaces have become busier following the local government reform. Concerns were also raised about the cost of the interventions, the timeline for completion and the potential risk of vandalism, which has been an issue in both municipality quarters.
Next steps
As a follow-up to these discussions, it was suggested that local residents should be more involved in the planning process through on-site visits and further engagement activities. The idea of collaborating with universities and students was also brought forward, as their involvement could bring fresh ideas and help address the needs of younger generations. Additionally, participants stressed the importance of working closely with the Municipality of Latsia – Geri to ensure that interventions align with local priorities and existing technical infrastructure.
The feedback and suggestions gathered during this first Community Breakfast will play a crucial role in shaping the project moving forward. As the community engagement process continues, further input from residents will be integrated to refine and adapt the interventions to best meet local needs.
