A significant controversy has erupted in Odesa regarding the construction of the M1 Club Apartments residential complex near Glory Alley. The towering structure has obscured part of the seaside landscape, resulting in an almost complete blockage of the sea view from the Unknown Sailor monument. Relevant photos and videos are being widely shared on social media. Local residents are outraged, stating: «they have stolen the view, destroyed the atmosphere, distorted one of the most symbolic places in the city».

According to official documents, the construction was labeled as a «reconstruction of non-residential premises into a health center for water sports», but in reality, a multi-story residential building is being erected. The permit was issued by the Department of Architectural and Construction Control of the Odesa City Council.

What the residents demand and how the authorities are responding. The public organization «Common Goal» is demanding:

• the immediate halt of construction;
• an architectural examination of the object;
• verification of the legality of permits;
• to hold officials and developers accountable.

Odesa's mayor, Gennady Trukhanov, confirmed that the construction is illegal and violates the city's architectural appearance. According to him, the city authorities granted permission for an eight-story building. However, the developer exceeded these parameters.

«We see how some companies try to bypass the rules by changing permits and exploiting legal loopholes, which harms our infrastructure and the vision of the city’s development,» he wrote on Telegram.

Trukhanov promised that if the developer does not rectify the violations and return to the initial agreements, a decision on forced demolition would be made.

He also reminded about other controversial constructions — near the Art Museum and in the Starobazar Square — and promised that new projects would no longer be approved without public discussion.