TOKI Process Accelerates on Gökçeada: Zoning Plans Approved

A concrete step forward has been taken in the long-awaited projects of the Housing Development Administration (TOKI) on Gökçeada (Imbros). While housing and land studies, which were suspended during the major earthquake period, have regained momentum, it has been learned that land title transfer procedures for properties belonging to the National Real Estate Directorate to TOKI have officially begun.

Zoning Plans Approved in Çınarlı Neighborhood

It has been reported that the zoning plans prepared for plots located in the Esentepe area of Çınarlı Neighborhood, within the city center of Gökçeada, have completed the approval process. This approval serves as official assurance that these parcels are now open for housing construction.

Following the zoning plan approval, AK Party Gökçeada District Chairman Abdullah Keleş, along with board members, conducted an on-site inspection in the area. The visit by Keleş and his team was seen as a concrete demonstration of their follow-up on the process.

Expected Contribution to Housing Needs and Planned Urbanization

While the housing shortage on the island has long been a pressing issue, this development is expected to address two fundamental problems simultaneously:

• Addressing the housing deficit: With TOKI stepping in, it is anticipated that the supply of affordable housing on the island will increase.
• Planned urbanization: Construction in areas with approved zoning plans will prevent irregular growth and pave the way for development that preserves the island's natural character.

How Did We Get Here?

The TOKI housing project on Gökçeada entered a period of uncertainty after the major earthquake that affected the entire country. Changes in resource planning and priority rankings forced the project to be put on hold. With the transfer of properties under the National Real Estate Directorate to TOKI, this period of uncertainty has effectively ended, and infrastructure preparations have been completed.

With the completion of this process, which has long been a focal point of public attention on Gökçeada, it is stated that significant contributions will be made to meeting the housing demand of both local residents and those wishing to settle on the island. At the same time, the goal is to implement a planned urbanization approach that will not disrupt the island's unique character, as closely observed by visitors.