Planned Development Causes Controversy

The Independence Party of Reykjavík city council has proposed building a development of a residential community on the island of Geldinganes, just north of Reykjavík peninsula. Construction could begin as early as 2007. The city council minority has harshly criticised the decision. Svandís Svavarsdóttir, representing the Leftist-Green Party, told Vísir, "This is focussing a population increase on out-lying areas, rather than focussing on increasing density, and we wonder whether or not this is the right step to take." Dagur B. Eggertsson, of the Social Democrats, told reporters that it was odd to begin work on building up a peripheral area such as Geldinanes before construction of apartment buildings on downtown's Sundarbraut had been completed. Hanna Birna Kristjánsdóttir, chairperson of the city council planning committee, responded by saying that it was natural to have several projects in several different areas continuing at once. - pfn