MEMORANDUM

We declare our agreement with the initiative of the committee of residents, professionals, the Athens Association and friends of Panormo, to convene up to now two popular assemblies in the Carob mill (Charoupomilos, the cultural center of Panormo), aiming at briefing public over the problem that resulted with regard to the creation of a piscatorial shelter in Panormo with a budget of seven million Euros, undertaken by the Municipality of Geropotamos. In July 6th 2008, the Mayor of Geropotamos publicly attending an invitation from the committee for the first and only time, reported in his plans for the creation of a piscatorial shelter in the area, which will result in cementing the only beach that has remained in the village. The reactions caused by his statements forced him to commit that in this matter he will respect the popular will. On August 9th 2008, the initiative committee in the second popular assembly, given the occasion, through the proposals of specialized speakers (Vangelis Rompogiannakis – sea port specialist, Jacobos Klerk – tourist agent, Giorgos Oikonomou – topographical engineer, Johan Bendz – economist of the European Union, Vangelis Moundrianakis – lawyer, Giorgos Klados – former mayor of Anogeia), substantially informed the public for the devastating consequences that will result from the execution of these plans. Specifically, apart from the non-reversible destruction of natural environment, also threatened with complete devaluation is the qualitative tourism, which with so much labour up to today we try to attract, as well as the quality of life of all-year residents. Besides, such a work should be the result of demand of the fishermen – but granted professional licenses for the area however amount to only four, according to the Fishery authorities of Rethimno. Additionally, the effects of such a worksite spread over the beach for a lengthy period, is enough by itself to cause the interruption of smooth operations for enterprises and the virtual disappearance of all visitors. Panormo, up to now, has succeeded in maintaining its natural landscape intact as has kept its character and we express our opposition in the creation of a piscatorial shelter. This work condemns and irreparably destroys each prospect of sustainable and viable growth for the area, as well as the survival of its residents and for this we declare our determination to defend united Panormo’s special physiognomy, that is to say the natural landscape, the history and the architectural heritage. We propose that the Municipality instead of devastating and unnecessary works, satisfy the real needs of the village, as are the network segregation of rain waters and sewerage, the aesthetic upgrade of building facades, the underlying of electric cables, the lighting throughout the village, the sanitary services and its participation in the effort that overwhelm other municipalities for the creation of an association of “The Most Beautiful Villages of Crete”, according to the European models.

People have signed at panormo.com

People have signed at gopetition.com