Luxury Haredi neighborhood in works
Ultra-Orthodox businessman from Bnei Brak plans new neighborhood near Kibbutz Gaash, intended for wealthy observant American Jews who want to live 'in luxury apartments in unpopulated areas' in Israel
"God willing, we will build a second Arsuf here," he told Ynet, referring to the high-end Israeli community in the Sharon region. But meanwhile, Pearl's vision will have to overcome numerous hurdles. His plan faces a complicated bureaucratic process, as the land is currently licensed for agriculture use, and is not intended for habitation.
However, Pearl asserts, "We'll do it quickly. Dominant parties from abroad are behind me on this." Regarding the new neighborhood's municipal ascription, he said the entrepreneurs were aiming to have it attached to the jurisdiction of one of the nearby towns; either Bnei Zion or Rishpon.
According to Pearl's attorney, Moshe Lin, 18% of the land is part of a national nature reserve, but the acquisitioning parties maintain that the reserve will be safeguarded and that the construction will not harm the wildlife.
"We did a lot of homework when we purchased the property," said Pearl. "There are almost no private property owners in the Sharon area willing to sell, because most of the land belongs to the Israel Land Administration. Our aim as property owners is to prepare the land for the construction of neighborhoods, including commercial and entertainment centers. The environmentalists, of course, are opposed, but we will incorporate them in the plan."
Lin said, "We don't want to get rid of the nature reserves, but to preserve them. The neighborhood's combination of low structures with a village-like atmosphere, which will conserve the nature reserves nearby, is very special."
When asked who his residents of preference would be, Pearl said he hoped an ultra-Orthodox community would be established there. "There are large groups of Jews in the US and Canada that would like to live in Israel, in luxury apartments. This is a wealthy population that doesn't want to live in populated areas."
Despite the lengthy bureaucratic process in store, Pearl believes he will receive the permits he needs quite soon. "The property owners are interested in upgrading their land by preparing it for construction, which will increase its value," he said. "I hope we will be able to obtain a few hundred acres for construction." He predicts his plan will be approved in under five years.
