Yerevan’s Municipality, perhaps in an attempt to deflect public criticism directed at local authorities over the recent spate of the demolishment of several ‘landmark’ structures in the Armenian capital, today issued a press release stating that it had demolished a number of illegal buildings in the neighborhood of Nor Nork.

The municipality claims that its inspectors have uncovered 26 cases of construction violations throughout Yerevan of late and that in 16 demolishment orders have been issued.

Those responsible have been fined a total of 2.5 million AMD (US$6,000).

While such actions are to be commended, the municipality should focus more on tightening standards for new construction in Yerevan and the issuance of building permits without proper oversight or public hearings.

Take for instance the mushrooming of advertising installations on Yerevan’s main downtown arteries, often at the expense of green space.

The downtown area is awash with such eyesores and their numbers are growing daily.

Why the need for so much “in your face” advertising? It’s becoming a real public nuisance.

Someone, somewhere, is selling the argument that more consumer advertising is a good thing and makes Yerevan appear more contemporary and cosmopolitan. 

It's a warped argument, sure, but it seems to have buyers in the municipal halls of power.