Crisis in Haselhorst: rising rents and quality of life in danger!

Crisis in Haselhorst: rising rents and quality of life in danger!

In the Haselhorst district in Berlin-Spandau, the living space becomes scarce, while rents are steadily increasing. Many residents feel the effects of new and conversion projects that are supposed to bring a breath of fresh air, but are often more perceived as a burden. The quality of life in the area suffers from broken heating, increasing garbage and rat plagues. The hope of the citizens that the situation improves is increasingly disappearing.

Stephan Machulik, State Secretary for Housing and Tax Protection and Member of the SPD, said during a discussion event that despite the many construction projects in Haselhorst, such as the storage ballet, many people long for a return to a livable neighborhood. He emphasizes that changes can cause fears, and it was precisely these fears that became clear at the event on October 10, 2024. Here residents had the opportunity to share their concerns and experiences.

change in the quality of life in Haselhorst

Around 15 residents took part in the discussion round. The main topics were the rising rents, the changes in the population structure and inadequate waste disposal. Roland Knödler, a resident, expression of his concern that the community is pushed in a negative direction through the influx of certain groups of people. "If we go on like this, we will slip into a ghetto," he warns. The current rent increase is incomprehensible for many tenants. Knödler notes that he could only understand rent increases if something positive for the residents were associated with it - but he does not see that. The residents miss appealing shops and meeting points.

also Andreas H., another resident, warns of the "downward spiral", which he has been observing for 60 years. For him, the visible increase in rats is another sign of the grievances in the district. Despite repeated reports of defects in his apartment management, nothing has changed so far. The resentment of the privatization of cleaning and caretaker services is noticeable, since the performance of these external service providers is perceived as inadequate.

social mix and new construction projects

machulik is aware of the challenges in the district. "We do not want a ghetto or only transfer performance recipients in Haselhorst, and we are working on it," he said and said that social mixing is part of the overall planning. Mixed residential projects are intended to meet the corresponding quotas in order to compensate. This also includes private initiatives such as the condominiums on the island of Eiswerder and the storage ballet that should contribute to an upgrading of the neighborhood.

The State Secretary emphasizes that affordable rents are not equally cheap. It is important that the residents are able to wear their rents. If the net rental increase by more than 27 percent of the budget budget, those affected should be allowed to contact their administration in order to receive support. Machulik announced that changes in the services of the state -owned housing companies are sought because the citizens again need a contact person on site.

Nevertheless, the question of quality of life remains central. District prescribed Miloslava Büger underlined the importance of citizen participation. It sees the active participation of the residents of planning processes and initiatives a chance of change. "The tenants are demotivated. They don't want to talk anymore," concludes Andreas Knödler frustrated and thus shows the urgency of the situation.

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OrtHaselhorst, Berlin, Deutschland

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