The real problem with this is the manner in which compensation is handled. Rather than doing "equal-value" exchange for new property for people who are affected, they're doing "equivalent" exchange. The former means that replacement has the same market value. The latter means that replacement has the same area and the same number of rooms - but it can be in a much nastier location, worse commute etc.<p>On top of that, they've passed some new laws specifically to accelerate this process, that skip some usual review stages before demolition, and curtail the ability of affected citizens to contest either the decision itself, or the amount of their compensation, in courts.<p>Simply put, as implemented, it's a blatant money grab. Many of these buildings are in areas where real estate is very expensive now, and their residents in many cases couldn't afford it if they were buying new; they own apartments there because they were living in them back in USSR, and could privatize them afterwards. Now these residents get kicked out, "compensated" with much cheaper apartments further away from downtown (and their jobs), while new expensive real estate development can be done in that place, and sold for full market price.