A new law granting Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Sevastopol authorities the power to decide relocation locations for residents under the Comprehensive Territory Development (CRT) program has sparked mixed reactions among Muscovites. The State Duma recently approved this law, which affects residents of Khrushchev-era buildings.

Several residents expressed concerns about the potential for relocation to distant areas. Some feared being moved far from their workplaces, established social connections, and familiar surroundings. One Muscovite questioned why someone who has lived near the Vodny Stadium their whole life might be relocated to New Moscow. The importance of staying within the same district was a recurring theme, with residents emphasizing the significance of established logistics and personal connections.

Experiences with previous relocation programs, including the Luzhkov resettlement, highlighted both positive and negative aspects. While some residents, like Marina, were satisfied with their relocation within a reasonable distance, others shared stories of being moved to less desirable areas. Maxim, a resident affected by renovation in Lyublino, recounted being relocated to a “ghetto” called “Lyublinsky Park” and experiencing issues with heating. Elena recalled a previous practice of demolishing buildings closer to the center and offering apartments in more distant areas.

Some individuals raised concerns about the lack of choice in relocation locations. Nina stated that people should have the right to stay in their area and that deciding for people where they should live is unfair. One reader recounted their family’s experience in Soviet times when they were relocated from near the Kremlin to Kapotnya, emphasizing that they had no options.

The Moscow housing renovation program, active since 2017, has already relocated residents from 954 buildings, with over 5,000 houses included in the program.