Dispute over Augustuspark: Scharbeutzer biotope before breakdown?

Dispute over Augustuspark: Scharbeutzer biotope before breakdown?

Scharbeutz is back in the headlines, and this time it is about a violent argument that has relaxed around the 8,000 square meter area of the Augustus Park. The park, which is characterized by high trees, bushes and many animal species, was shown in the past as a private park to protect the trees. This decision was made when the foreclosure of the property threatened. The municipality wanted to prevent potential investors from uprooting the valuable biotope and converting them into building land. However, this measure met with resistance, since many Citizens of Scharbeutzer are demanding the conservation of the green space.

In September 2021 the property was then auctioned for 580,000 euros. Buyers were only little -known bidders from Hamburg. Since then, there has been concern that the pond in the park could dry out, which led to another debate about the future use of the site. The WUB and FBB, together with the FDP, submitted the application to show the Augustuspark as a protected landscape stock. The entire park, not only the prestigious trees, should be protected. Both the environmental and the construction committee of the community voted for this proposal.

The administration refuses the "double protection"

Contrary to these efforts, the Scharbeutzer administration expressed significant concerns about this so-called "double" protection for the area. A spokesman for the administration said that legal questions could arise about possible compensation should the protection status be tightened. Because there would be an obligation to buy the area back to the market value, which could bring considerable financial risks for the community.

Another key point in this event is the accusation of bias against Henning Nitz, member of FBB and the building committee. Nitz, partner of Renate Sonntag - who is also in the building committee and whose property is in the immediate vicinity of the Augustus Park - took part in the votes to improve protection status. This led to a complete processing of the bias questions by the local supervision. Mayor Bettina Schäfer (independent) reports that the supervision has confirmed the bias in Nitz twice. In the counterpoint, Nitz insists that there is no conflict of interest.

Criticism and wait for the nature conservation authority

The process of bias has led to intensive discussions and the administration, local authorities and lawyers have to deal with the topic. "The question arises as to what speaks against a stronger protection position of the park," says Nitz, who sees itself as wrongly attacked. Gabriele Jungk, the chairwoman of the environmental committee, is upset about the debate and emphasizes that this discussion is distracted by the actual goal, the protection and maintenance of the biotope.

The municipality is currently expecting a statement by the nature conservation authority, which may influence the further procedure. Until then, the resolutions for "double protection" remain valid for the Augustus Park, which will continue to complicate the situation and continue to move the various interest groups in Scharbeutz. The mixture remains tense, and the citizens can continue to look forward to the next steps in the dispute over the future of the Augustus Park.