Discussion Continues Over Nightlife in Tallinn's Old Town
The ongoing battle between Tallinn Old Town's party scene and annoyed local residents was the subject of an ETV program last night.
Architect Ülar Mark said the answer to balancing Old Town as a center of cultural heritage, nightlife and residential space lies in zoning.
"It's a matter of balance and in the broad scheme of things these decisions have been neglected in my opinion. When people look at Old Town they see old buildings and think there isn't anything else to plan there, but actually Old Town and the surrounding greenery lacks planning completely, and surely half of the greenery is currently unused," Mark said.
"It is essential that there is a long-term decision because people who come to live there can't but an apartment if the following year a major partying establishment opens directly below them. It's a matter of zoning, so that those who buy a place above an entertainment establishment are doing it knowingly," Mark said.
Historian and active Old Town resident Jüri Kuuskemaa also appeared on the ETV show. He has been outspoken on community issues, calling pubs and clubs to task for public nuisances.
"They should be fined and brought to order. The city center government should have more leverage. For example, if one 'nameless' bar is discredited and residents have made dozens of police calls, their license should be revoked or initially hours of operation could be reduced," Kuuskemaa said.