Review of the need: New youth center for Liesing in planning?
Review of the need: New youth center for Liesing in planning?
In Liesing, a new youth center is currently being examined to meet the needs of the young population. This investigation is carried out as part of an extensive social space study, which makes an inventory of the existing offers in the area of open child and youth work. However, the ÖVP Liesing expresses sharp criticism of the long duration of this process and demands urgent measures to improve security in the district.
The first step in this direction was initiated in autumn 2023 when the proposal to check the need for a new youth center was unanimously decided in the district council meeting. The ÖVP and the SPÖ support this application, but the ÖVP is of the opinion that progress is too slow. They emphasize that in view of an observed increase in youth crime, it is urgently necessary to find faster solutions.
The process of the social space study
The FOCUS team was commissioned to carry out the social space study in spring. First of all, it should be recorded which offers are already available. Experts also examine aspects such as the growth of the population and the specific needs of young people. The results of this investigation, which are developed in collaboration with actors of the youth area in the 23rd district, are expected to be available before the summer of 2025. Deputy Deputy Patrick Gasselich and ÖVP district councilor Georg Akgül have expressed their concerns that the security in the district is not taken seriously and require a rapid establishment of a youth center that is directly related to the development of crime.
The two politicians argue that the increasing risk of youth crime should also be collected by preventive measures such as the installation of security cameras to certain focal points, especially on Liesinger Platz. At the same time, the importance of a new youth center, which could also arise in this central location.
The different perspectives
Despite the pressing claims, the ÖVP not only criticizes the long waiting time between the decision and the beginning of the study. They doubt the need for the social space study and advocate an immediate construction of the youth center instead of waiting for a long study process. Slogans like "Act quickly, don't wait!" can be heard in the calls of the opposition representatives.
Wolfgang Ermischer from the SPÖ, however, contrasts that it is of crucial importance to make well -informed decisions instead of hastily acting. His argument is that not only a new youth center is needed, but also additional youth work measures, for example in the form of streetwork, to act effectively.
The debate about the necessary measures for the youth in Liesing has sobited. While the ÖVP urges fast solutions, the SPÖ pleads for a well -founded approach. It remains to be seen which steps will ultimately be taken to meet the needs of the young people in the district.
Further information about the developments related to the social space study and the plans for the youth center are to find here .