Changes to Leningrad Bridge Threaten City's Historical Landscape (According to Natalia Lapayeva)
Sound the Alarm for Tabaga!
YAKUTIA.INFO. A somber wave is shaking Old Tabaga today. The construction of the Lena Bridge might lead to the destruction of almost every house, including historical ones, in this area. This alarming revelation unfolded during a meeting between the Yakutsk mayor and the Tabagans last weekend.
Tabaga activist Natalia Lapayeva voiced her concern to the public, stating that buildings on 158 plots, including historical ones, are at risk of being bulldozed.
"Last year, they promised the bridge would bypass Tabaga. But yesterday, they announced that out of six options, they chose the one where the road will run through Tabaga instead. Only a handful of houses behind the bridge will remain... It's heart-wrenching! They're annihilating history...", her speech reads.
We reached out to Natalia Lapayeva for comments.
- Natalia, they mentioned the bridge would bypass Tabaga last year.
Initially, they discussed demolishing houses along the river. Everyone was relieved by that decision last year. But when the plot boundaries were determined, we realized it wasn't only the riverbank, but also the neighboring buildings - even those across the street, and Lesnaya Street. If we hadn't managed to get hold of the Bridge Construction company this year, they would have told us nothing. They only casually informed us that our plots were being seized. Most of it will be demolished - people are still reeling from the shock - we can't even process it. I merely said at the meeting: 'You're erasing Tabaga's history.'
- Are these objects included in the list of historical monuments?
Most of our properties fail to meet the criteria to be labeled historical monuments. Only our museum is vying for inclusion this year. But we've worked relentlessly to preserve historical memories. Our museum houses the first post station house, the first reading room, and the first horse-drawn carriage post. Historical figures such as Kalantariishvili used to pass through here during the Civil War. Many exiles traveled this route too. However, since funds were scarce, only schoolchildren tried to preserve something. Our only recognized historical sites are the obelisks commemorating the 64 men who went to the front and the 33 who returned alive. Everything else will be wiped out - all that'll remain is the bridge.
- Are you specifically targeted?
My apartment is indeed on the chopping block. But I'm not homeless - I've served at this school for 45 years. Yet the memories are the most precious - it's not just about where you reside, but also about preserving those memories.*
In response to this emergency, the residents of Tabagino have rallied, forming an activist group and scheduling a public meeting, inviting representatives of the developer "VIS." The meeting is set for this coming Sunday.
Tags:* Tabaga* Lena Bridge* Natalia Lapayeva* Tabagino* historical preservation
As the destruction of Tabaga's homes and historical buildings looms due to the construction of the Lena Bridge, the residents have united to form an activist group. Their lives, homes, and the preservation of Tabaga's history are at stake, and they will gather for a public meeting this Sunday.
The group's efforts to save their community extend beyond their homes themselves, as they seek to protect symbols of Tabaga's past, such as the first post station house, the first reading room, and the first horse-drawn carriage post, that are part of their home-and-garden lifestyle.
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