Trouble to densify in Kaufbeuren: Who really decides here?

Trouble to densify in Kaufbeuren: Who really decides here?

Kaufbeuren, Deutschland - in Kaufbeuren it is bubbling! The densification of living space ensures massive tensions between builders and residents. The SPD parliamentary group calls for a round table to clarify the interests of everyone involved, but Mayor Stefan Bosse waves: Not feasible! After 20 years of experience, he knows that conflicts are inevitable in such projects. The reason for the excitement? Two construction projects that drive the neighbors onto the barricades and have an ongoing legal dispute.

In the latest building committee, city planner Theresa Bartl presented a controversial project in Volkmarstrasse. The first draft has already been discussed violently, and after revision the project was approved. But the neighbors are anything but satisfied! "200 citizens do not have the feeling that the common good is taken into account here," says a resident. The approval was granted without sufficient inclusion of the neighbors, which was legally questionable. Building department head Helge Carl countered that the neighbors could be informed and could legally act against the project - but that has not happened.

Litigation and resistance in Oberbeuren

Another replica project in Alpenblickstrasse ensures even more zoff! Here the neighbors defend themselves and have already initiated an administrative procedure. Two apartment buildings with 15 residential units and an underground car park are planned. The problem? A third floor, partly in the ground, causes displeasure. Here, too, an urban development plan is missing, which makes the approval complicated. However, the city sees no objections while the neighbors go to the barricades.

The SPD parliamentary group is clearly on the side of the residents and calls for a development plan for the Kesselberg. But the city administration has to struggle with personnel bottlenecks and cannot act quickly enough. The majority in the building committee rejects a change lock that could temporarily stop construction. The concerns about environmental protection and possible damage by construction projects are expressed, but the city does not see itself as responsibility. The situation remains tense and the neighbors feel abandoned!