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Future of the railway sleeper factory: Dispute over Kirchseeon's development plans!
Ebersberg: Dispute over the development plan in Kirchseeon - citizen protest against investor projects and search for solutions.
Future of the railway sleeper factory: Dispute over Kirchseeon's development plans!
Things are simmering in Kirchseeon, and not just since yesterday. Mayor Jan Paeplow from the CSU and his administration have presented the plans for a development planning process for the contaminated site of the former railway sleeper factory. But these projects are met with massive resistance. Ten opposition local councilors, consisting of the Greens, UWG and FDP, criticize the plans as premature and complain that they are being put under pressure. True to the motto: “It can’t go on like this”.
The site itself is an impressive size of around 16.5 hectares and was acquired by an investor at the beginning of 2022. What should be created in this area? A new town center with shops, offices and living space for up to 3,000 people, crowned by a charming historic water tower. But the people of Kirchseeon have different ideas. In a referendum in 2023, 60.3 percent spoke out against the development, which took place parallel to the state elections on October 8th. This means that these results are also legally binding for one year South Germans reported.
A referendum that is making waves
The referendum not only caused a stir, but also had a strong influence on further action. All preparations for possible development are now on hold for at least a year. The ECE Group could then resume its planning as the owner. However, this could become a hot potato because the local council is skeptical about the investor's plans and is demanding more time to think about the type and extent of the development.
Mayor Paeplow, surprised by the allegations, emphasizes that the problems and opportunities of the site have been known for a long time. A suggestion to reduce speed limits and traffic jams in the negotiations would be an ideas competition, for which 300,000 euros would have to be budgeted. Alternatively, a completely normal construction method could be chosen, which would make the landowner responsible.
The opposition is sounding the alarm
The opposition factions fear that the market town council could upgrade the property through a quick decision, which would mean that the investor could sell the area to third parties for good money. These concerns demonstrate the importance of transparent and careful planning. For the opposition it is clear: “There is still a lot of need for clarification here.”
The Citizens' Council, which was set up to develop proposals to improve the quality of life in Kirchseeon, also remains a crucial point. The railway sleeper factory site is a central topic on the agenda. This civic mobilization could ensure that the wishes and ideas of Kirchseeon residents are given greater consideration in the development of the area.
The ball is currently back in the local council's court and the next meeting could provide information about what happens next with the damaged railway sleeper factory. The decision as to whether the administration will pursue its plans or whether there will be a postponement is eagerly awaited.
Ultimately, this process could perhaps also mean a further step towards greater citizen participation, because direct democratic elements are becoming increasingly important in Germany. This is not only evident in Kirchseeon, but also far beyond, as a look at the political landscape in Germany shows kp-right documented.