--- title: "Sports facility or paid parking? A scandal erupts in Odesa over land on Novoberegovaya" description: "🚨 A scandal is erupting in Odesa over land at 94 Novoberegovaya St. The territory intended for a free sports facility for students is turning into paid courts and a parking lot. Veterans are demanding an investigation into officials and a halt to illegal construction. 🏗️🚫 #Odesa #Corruption #Sports" date: 2026-08-15T09:02:01.000Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/sports-facility-or-paid-parking-a-scandal-erupts-in-odesa-over-land-on-novoberegovaya tags: [odessa, corruption, land-use, sports-infrastructure, ukraine-politics] publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Sports facility or paid parking? A scandal erupts in Odesa over land on Novoberegovaya ![Park with fountain and red flowers in Odesa against historic building backdrop — site of controversy over land at Novoberehova](https://xab.info/media/2026/08/15/skandal-v-odesse-territoriya-dlya-sporta-prevrashchaetsya-v-platnuyu-parkovku/skandal-v-odesse-territoriya-dlya-sporta-prevrashchaetsya-v-platnuyu-parkovku-1.webp) ## 🎯 Key Points - The territory at 94 Novoberegovaya St., intended for free sports, is being used for paid courts and a parking lot. - Activists report illegal earthworks and the destruction of greenery without permits. - The veterans' community is demanding an investigation into the actions of officials, including First Deputy Mayor Alexander Filatov. - There are risks to the ecology and slope stability due to the dismantling of the drainage system. A new conflict is brewing in Odesa regarding the use of municipal land in a prestigious district. The territory at 94 Novoberegovaya Street, which was designated over a decade ago as a sports and health facility for students and city residents, is reportedly being turned into a commercial project by activists. Instead of free access to sports and the sea, citizens are seeing the construction of paid courts and a parking lot. ### History of the issue: from student sports to commerce According to data provided by the veterans' community, the history of this plot has a long and controversial background. As early as 2009, the Odesa City Council decided to create a sports and health complex on this territory. The initial concept implied free and open access for students and the general public, which was intended to become an important element of the city's infrastructure. However, the situation changed in 2020. The plot was leased for recreational facilities. During this same period, the International Humanitarian University (IHU), which was linked to the project, was exempted from paying land tax. The official justification for the tax break was the use of the land for educational purposes. This specific moment became the trigger for the current investigation by activists. ### Actual use: paid courts instead of public benefit Activists from the Telegram channel "Voice of the Veteran" claim that the current state of the site diverges radically from the stated goals. According to their data, on municipal land that was supposed to serve the city, six paid courts and a commercial parking lot are now operating. This effectively turns public property into a source of profit for private investors. During a session of the Odesa City Council, a serviceman, speaking on behalf of the veterans' community, emphasized that the actual use of the territory does not meet the original intent. "Instead of an accessible sports and health facility for students and citizens, paid facilities have appeared here," he stated, drawing the attention of deputies to the discrepancy between the documents and reality. ### Questions of legality and environmental risks Particular concern is caused not only by the change in land designation but also by the methods of construction. Activists report that heavy machinery without license plates is being used on the site, and, in their opinion, work is being carried out without the necessary permits from the State Architectural and Construction Inspection (GASK) and orders for earthworks. Furthermore, the cutting down of greenery without coordination is noted. The environmental aspect of the problem is also acute. According to activists, during the site preparation, part of the vegetation was destroyed and the drainage system was dismantled. Given the complex terrain and proximity to the sea, this creates serious risks for slope stability and could lead to landslides or flooding in the future. ### Public demands and political resonance In connection with the identified violations, representatives of the veterans' community have appealed to local authorities with strict demands. They are calling for an investigation into the legality of the land use and demanding that the developer restore the drainage system and carry out reclamation of the green zone. Furthermore, activists are demanding consideration of the termination of the lease agreement in the event that non-target use of the land is confirmed. High-ranking officials have been suspected of involvement in the violations, in particular the First Deputy Mayor, Alexander Filatov, who is linked to the issuance of permits, as well as the name of Serhiy Kyvalov. ### Contradictory data There is a discrepancy in versions regarding the status of the land user. On the one hand, activists point to the commercial nature of the activity (paid courts, parking). On the other hand, formally, the plot was leased for recreational facilities, and the university associated with the project enjoyed tax breaks as an educational institution. It is currently unclear whether commercial exploitation is a direct violation of the lease agreement or if it is an acceptable model for managing recreational facilities, which requires a detailed audit by independent experts. ## ❓ FAQ ### Q: What was planned to be built on Novoberegovaya Street, 94? **A:** In 2009, the creation of a sports and health complex for students with free access was planned. ### Q: What is on this plot now? **A:** According to activists, six paid courts and a commercial parking lot have been set up there. ### Q: Who is being accused of violations? **A:** Activists are demanding an investigation into the actions of the First Deputy Mayor Alexander Filatov and mention Serhiy Kyvalov.