The long arm of the "Committee for the Protection of Muscovites" has finally reached even Ulyanov, a People's Artist of the USSR (an honorary Soviet title). The artistic director of the Vakhtangov Theatre has decided to throw together a small stage for the theater on Arbat Street—and, along with it, a modest shopping center. A small one. 28,000 square meters. November 28, 2006 Moscow press release THE COMMITTEE FOR THE PROTECTION OF MUSCOVITES WILL SUE THE VAKHTANGOV THEATRE At the request of Arbat residents, the Committee for the Protection of Muscovites (KZM) will attempt to block the construction of the Vakhtangov Theatre's Small Stage through the courts. As a reminder, the Vakhtangov Theatre announced the start of construction of a new stage (7,000 sq. m), which residents do not oppose. However, it has emerged that, "in addition" to the stage, the theater plans to build a giant shopping center with an area of 27,000 sq. m. As a result, the surrounding residential buildings will lose their adjacent yard space. Construction is to be carried out by a company called TRUST-OIL CJSC. The construction violates every conceivable urban planning regulation, first and foremost the building density standard. As a result of the project, density will reach 28,800 sq. m per hectare (the maximum permitted is 25,000 sq. m per hectare). This violation is precisely what prompted the court filing. A preliminary court hearing took place on November 27, during which the Presnensky District Court decided to begin legal proceedings. The first substantive hearing is scheduled for December 25. Going forward, the construction of the Small Stage will also be challenged on other grounds: violations of transport regulations and irregularities in the processing of construction documentation. "The residents' position, like that of the Committee for the Protection of Muscovites in this conflict, is balanced and constructive: we do not object to the construction of the Small Stage. But we do not believe anyone has the right to lobby for an illegal commercial project under the cover of the 'interests of culture.' We demand that the construction permit be revoked," said Alexei Navalny, representing the interests of Arbat residents. The Committee for the Protection of Muscovites is providing legal defense of the Arbat residents' interests free of charge.