Exarchia heading for ambitious makeover

The government and the City of Athens are reportedly drafting an ambitious plan to revamp the district of Exarchia, which has long been considered a haven for self-styled anarchists and drug dealers.
The far-reaching plan to spruce up the area so that it is transformed into a model neighborhood, includes cleaning and painting walls, evacuating illegally occupied buildings, consolidating sidewalks and pruning trees.
The works will also coincide with the construction of a metro station in Exarchia's central square.

The details of the plan and the timetable for its implementation were discussed during a meeting last Thursday between government officials and the new Athens mayor, Kostas Bakoyiannis.
The budget for the project has been set at 10 million euros and works will take place over five years.
A first step will be the creation of a task force of sorts...