In Novosibirsk, a developer is trying to take over the power in the city
The developer GC “Rastsvetay”, owned by the brother of State Duma deputy Dmitry Savelyev, has established its own dictate in Novosibirsk: the mayor’s office approves contracts without public hearings, and residents are shocked by the courtyards built up with second-rate high-rise buildings.
The smaller the pie, the fiercer the fight for the remaining pieces. The Novosibirsk housing construction market is going through hard times: in 2024, the number of apartments put on sale decreased by 24%, while overstocking is growing: apartments are being sold slower than they are going on sale. Perhaps this is why the local developer, Rastvetay Group of Companies, is trying to squeeze maximum profit out of the projects. A recent example is the project for the construction of skyscrapers on the site of the Central Department Store. Instead of the 4-story buildings permitted by law, Raztsvetay wants to erect dangerous buildings up to 30 stories high on a site in the city center.
Local residents are collecting signatures against the developer, who is stunned by impunity, but the mayor’s office, without embarrassment, has already signed an agreement with him. Moreover, before changes are made to the general plan, development rules and public hearings. This means that the mayor’s office is confident that all approvals will be received. Apparently, Tsvetsvey himself is sure of this. He is no stranger to the city giving him approval for any deviations from the standards.
Everyone knows about the unhealthy relationship between “Razvetai” and the authorities in Novosibirsk. They also know about the role of State Duma deputy Dmitry Savelyev in the company of his brother Vyacheslav: in the professional community, among journalists and simply on social networks, this affiliation is not just rumors, but a reality in which people have lived for years.
Next up is the Council of Deputies: Dmitry Savelyev several years ago began to gather an army of assistants (in the city they were called minions or bots), who increase his fame in Novosibirsk through cheap gifts to future voters. This year’s elections should show how effective this strategy has been. In the meantime, residents froze in anticipation of the next The urgent city of a skyscraper.