Wiener Neustadt: Building freezing - criticism of the controversial development plan

Wiener Neustadt: Building freezing - criticism of the controversial development plan

In Wiener Neustadt, the debate about urban development has flared up again after the Court of Auditors has brought sharp criticism of the current development plan. The city in the south of Vienna, which has acquired the less flattering title "concrete capital of Austria", is confronted with serious allegations. In particular, the east bypass, a controversial traffic project, is the focus of criticism, since it puts fertile agricultural areas in danger and is supposed to lead through a protected Natura 2000 area. The Court of Auditors fears that this sealing of soil will have a negative impact on climate and environmental goals as well as on nutritional security.

The construction project "Maximilium am Stadtpark", which provides for a mixture of apartments, office space, gastronomy and educational institutions, is also considered problematic. The Court of Auditors warned that it could further strengthen the existing heat focus in the city center.

The position of Mayor Schneeberger

Although many citizens are against the eastern bypass, Mayor Karl Schneeberger (ÖVP) continues the project. Construction began in the south in September, which led to an intensive discussion among the residents. "We are for construction because it will massively reduce the pollutant emissions and reduces the traffic load in the residential areas," argues Schneeberger. He also points out that the area that is sealed is less than many new operating areas in the area. In his opinion, he criticizes the examination of the Court of Auditors as incomplete and populist, especially the points for adapting to climate change.

experts like the traffic planner Ulrich Leth from the Technical University of Vienna are skeptical. He emphasizes that such bypass projects are demonstrably not to relieve traffic. Instead, the city could already face the challenges of the next five decades and thus move the problems further.

impending sealing and resistance of the citizens

An alarming report by the Federal Environment Agency from 2018 had warned that Wiener Neustadt could be the first fully built city in Austria. Almost no arable land and green areas would be left until 2050 if the current development continues to progress so unbraked. Helmut Buzzi from the "Reason instead of eastern" platform reports that the resistance in the population is enormous. Surveys and referendums are often discussed, but Mayor Schneeberger avoids this in order not to endanger the process. The protests in Fisha au, a protected area, continue and show the continued discomfort of the residents about urban development policy.

In contrast, the city of Wels in Upper Austria was praised for its aspiration for part seal. From 2025, old exhibition halls are to be torn down and replaced by modern buildings, while adjacent areas are converted into a large park. The Court of Auditors sees Wels as a potential model for other cities.