Alcohol and anger: Martha-Weinheimer-Platz in Sachsenhausen

Alcohol and anger: Martha-Weinheimer-Platz in Sachsenhausen

The Martha-Weinheimer-Platz in the Sachsenhausen district in Frankfurt am Main has developed into a focal point for alcohol-related disorders, which is becoming increasingly annoying for the residents living there. While the place is revived by passers -by during the day, it turns into a place of noise and uncertainty during the evening.

During the day you can see people sitting on the benches, enjoying a quick lunch or drinking coffee. But the atmospheric setting is deceptive; The evenings are a completely different story. More and more alcoholic people gather on the pitch, and this increasingly leads to an uncomfortable feeling in the district. A resident who regularly goes for a walk with his dog reports: "Nobody can sit on the square in the evening." Another resident adds that she avoids walking nearby because she is often mobbed loudly.

from young people to alcoholized groups

The problem is not new. A few years ago, there were mainly disorders from groups of young people who populated the space in the late evening. They had often made sure that the residents could not find their sleep. About five years ago, the members of the local advisory board decided to remove some of the benches to defuse the situation. But two years later, they were re -established, in the hope of being able to return the space for the community to the функциониeren.

In the current situation, however, the audience has changed. Instead of young drinkers, adults now often gather who are obviously under the influence of alcohol and often show unfriendly behavior. Margit Grohmann, the senior representative for the south of Frankfurt, emphasizes that many older people feel threatened by this situation.

An incident that attracted residents' attention in spring was the loud appearance of an alcoholic man during a political event. At a celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Basic Law, he downheld his pants and caused a sensation. In another incident, the police had to be called when a man with the Hitler salute drew attention.

city administration sees no problem

The city of Frankfurt itself does not see any serious problems on the pitch. In a statement, the city administration declares that no striking behaviors such as mobbing have been found. Although social work regularly visits the place, according to those responsible, no homeless people or people could be identified with a visible need for help. It is a right of people to gather in public spaces as long as they do not violate laws.

This view of the city is strongly contrast to the experiences of the residents. The continuing complaints and the resigned tone, in which many of them report on their experiences, illustrate that the different perception between the city authorities and the affected citizens leads to a growing gap. A clear strategy for solving the problem does not seem in sight so far.