PROBLEMS OF SOCIAL ASSESSMENT OF IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS (USING THE EXAMPLE OF THE BEACH IN STROGIN)

Abstract

The social impact of urban improvement projects under national projects, the Housing and Urban Environment, and Tourism and Recreation Development programs, as well as municipal programs for cities, districts, and towns, are currently being discussed in the professional community. This article examines the methodology for social assessment of improvement projects using the example of a project to improve a large swimming beach for 1,500 vacationers in Moscow's Strogino municipal district. The beach was established in the 1980s in Strogino Park on the shore of Strogino Bay during the area's massive development; no improvements have been made since. The article examines the project's socio-ecological and environmental aspects, as well as environmental measures related to its location within the boundaries of the Moskvoretsky Natural and Historical Park, a regional protected area with a 4th-level land use regime. The project was designed and implemented between 2012 and 2014 by decision of the Moscow Mayor in response to numerous requests from residents. The improvement of this inner-city area, designated for mass recreation, affected the interests of thousands of Muscovites and can be considered as an example and object of study of the key stages of developing socially oriented design solutions and the resulting social assessment of the project, taking into account the public consultations. This article presents data on socially significant design solutions and project indicators, as well as factors and criteria for social assessment, taking into account the specifics of the facility type and its conservation status. It also examines the expanded scope and composition of the project and specific pre-project justifications for environmental protection. The results of the public consultations are assessed, and the feasibility of sociological support for improvement projects in special-status areas designated for mass recreation is substantiated. This proactive study utilizes materials from IGBI LLC and Alfamik LLC from various years.