Imagine a warm evening in the third-largest city in Slovakia. You go for a walk on the main street, but instead of a lively crowd and bright shop windows, you find silence and half-empty establishments. This is what the residents of Prešov are seeing more and more often, and they are sounding the alarm about the decline of their city.
The citizens' dissatisfaction has been building for years, and recently it has led to active discussions on social media. People complain that Prešov has lost its atmosphere, and the once busy main street Hlavná has turned into a "ghost town," especially in the evening.
A Dead Center: Where Did the Life Go?
The main complaint of the residents concerns the very heart of the city. According to them, the center of Prešov is no longer a place for relaxation and meeting. Many shops, cafes, and restaurants are closing, and those that remain are often empty.
"It used to be full of people, life was buzzing. And now what? After six in the evening, there's no one on the street," shares one commenter.
Residents recall that there used to be many more cultural events and fairs in the center, which attracted both locals and tourists. For comparison, they often mention neighboring Košice, where the central part of the city remains lively and attractive late into the evening. In Prešov, according to many, there is a lack of initiatives that could revive the historic center.
Problems Outside the Center: sídliská Need Attention
If the main problem in the center is the lack of life, then in the residential areas (sídliská), the situation is different, but not better. Residents are complaining en masse about neglected infrastructure that has not been repaired for years.
Among the most common problems:
- Broken sidewalks and roads. Walking, especially with a stroller, or cycling becomes a real challenge.
- Neglected green spaces. Parks and squares are overgrown with weeds, and playgrounds are often in a state of disrepair.
- Chaotic parking. A lack of parking spaces forces drivers to leave their cars on lawns, sidewalks, and other places not intended for parking.
This problem is particularly acute in large housing estates such as Sídlisko III and Sekčov. People feel that the city authorities have forgotten about them, focusing on small projects while ignoring the basic needs of the residents.
Is There a Way Out of the Situation?
The criticism from residents is mainly directed at the city administration, from which concrete actions are expected. People demand the development of a comprehensive city development strategy that would include both revitalizing the center and modernizing the residential areas.
So far, there has been no official reaction to the wave of dissatisfaction, but the discussion itself shows that the residents care about the fate of Prešov. Perhaps this public pressure will force the authorities to review their priorities and start systemic changes. In the meantime, residents continue to share ideas and hope that their city will once again become comfortable and attractive for living. Up-to-date information on development plans and the possibility to report problems can be found on the official city website.
