Basketball Court Disappearance: Explained

The alleged developments that took place in a park area in Gazipaşa’s Esentepe District caused a reaction from the residents of the neighborhood. Allegedly, the basketball court, located in an area stated to belong to the public, was eliminated after the 2019 local elections. A large park area was created in Esentepe District by Gazipaşa Municipality in 2010. Over the years, the area in question has become an important social area where the people of the neighborhood hold events such as weddings, engagements, Mawlid and military entertainment.

THERE WAS ALSO A BASKETBALL COURT

It was stated that a basketball court for children and young people was built in the lower part of the same park area during the term of former mayor Cemburak Özgenç. Neighborhood residents stated that the basketball court in this area, which was stated to be abandoned to the public free of charge as a park and road, has been used actively for many years.

THE CLAIM THAT THE FIELD WAS REMOVED AFTER 2019

Allegedly, after the 2019 local elections, the basketball court was suddenly eliminated. It was claimed that the concrete floor, crucibles and surrounding protective wires were removed, leaving the area dysfunctional. Citizens stated that they did not know who or with whose knowledge and instructions this action was carried out.

ZONING CHANGE INITIATIVE CLAIM

Some citizens living in the neighborhood claimed that a person or persons, whom they did not want to name, applied to the municipality to turn the area where the basketball court is located and which is stated to be related to the Esentepe District 111 island 465 and 378 parcels into a residential area. Allegedly, the basketball court was hastily removed before this process was completed.

CADASTRE RECORDS SHOW THE PUBLIC

According to the citizens’ statements, when the cadastral maps are examined, it is stated that the area in question still appears to belong to the public as a park and road area. In the face of this situation, the question of why a service that was stated to be provided with public resources was eliminated was brought to the agenda by the residents of the neighborhood.

SATELLITE IMAGES STRENGTHEN THE CLAIMS

Residents of the neighborhood claimed that the basketball court was clearly visible in satellite images from previous years from 2010 until the 2019 local elections, and that the area remained empty after this date. This has raised questions about what happened to the field.

CALL FROM NEIGHBORHOOD RESIDENTS

The people of the neighborhood stated that the area in question should be protected for the public by at least afforestation, and that there is no other park area in the Esentepe District. Citizens also stated that they expect the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office and competent institutions to examine the issue in order for the allegations to be clarified, and that they expect the necessary steps to be taken regarding the situations where public harm is alleged to have been caused.