Researchers say the number of residents in the Old Town has not been this low since the Great Northern War (1700–1721). Now, the capital is setting an ambitious goal to double the number of people living in the UNESCO World Heritage site and attract Estonians to spend time in the city center.
Mati Kaal has lived in the Old Town for over 30 years. When he first bought his home it was in a quiet area, but today his building has essentially become a hotel – five out of eight apartments are rented out to tourists.
“Residents of the Old Town should have more rights and opportunities than a passersby when it comes to traffic, parking, and all other services. Otherwise, the upper hand belongs to those who just drive through and party at night,” he told Thursday’s “Aktuaalne kaamera.”
The new development plan, introduced to Old Town residents on Thursday, aims to turn the “tourist ghetto” back into an attractive place for living and leisure.
Currently, approximately 2,200 people live in the Old Town, and the goal is to double that number in the coming years.
More read: ERR.EE