Approval granted for development on Biefangstraße, yet opposition persists against the addition of Shaft IV in Sterkrade.

Approval granted for development on Biefangstraße, yet opposition persists against the addition of Shaft IV in Sterkrade.

In Sterkrade, a 3,500 square meter area on Biefangstraße is undergoing a significant development project. The development includes the construction of multi-family, semi-detached, and row houses, as well as senior apartments, a playground, and bike sheds.

However, the Biefangstraße area has been classified as a high-risk flood zone, presenting several challenges for future homeowners. Ulrich Real, the district mayor of Sterkrade and planning spokesman of the SPD city council faction, acknowledges these potential challenges.

Potential Challenges for Future Homeowners

1. Flood Risk Impact on Property and Safety
2. Homes in high-risk flood zones face a higher likelihood of flooding, which can cause significant damage to buildings, personal property, and infrastructure.
3. Flood events can also pose direct safety risks to residents, requiring enhanced emergency preparedness and potentially higher insurance premiums.
4. Insurance and Financial Considerations
5. Insurance companies may either refuse coverage, charge higher premiums, or require specific flood mitigation measures for homes in these zones.
6. Financing for construction or mortgages might be more stringent or costly due to increased risks.
7. Property Value and Marketability
8. Properties in flood-prone areas often face depreciation or slower appreciation, impacting resale prospects.
9. Potential buyers may be hesitant to invest in areas with known flood risks.
10. Environmental and Health Concerns from Historical Pollutants
11. Areas like Biefangstraße may have legacy contamination from industrial or other activities, introducing pollutants into soil and groundwater.
12. This can result in long-term health risks, the need for soil remediation, or restrictions on land use.
13. Construction and Maintenance Costs
14. Building in flood zones typically requires elevated structures, flood-resistant materials, and drainage systems, increasing upfront and ongoing costs.
15. Regular maintenance to mitigate flood damage is often necessary.

City Measures Ensuring Transparency and Safety

1. Comprehensive Environmental Assessments
2. The city conducts thorough soil and water testing to identify levels of historical pollutants before approving new housing projects.
3. These assessments are often made publicly available to inform potential buyers and developers.
4. Clear Communication and Public Access to Information
5. Authorities maintain accessible records on flood risk zones and contamination history through official websites, public meetings, and urban planning documents.
6. Residents and developers are informed about risks and necessary precautions before construction or purchase.
7. Strict Building Codes and Zoning Regulations
8. Construction standards for flood-resilience are enforced, including requirements for raised foundations, waterproofing, and proper drainage systems.
9. Zoning restrictions may limit the type and density of development to reduce risk exposure.
10. Remediation and Risk Mitigation Programs
11. The city may implement pollutant cleanup programs or require developers to remediate contaminated sites prior to construction.
12. Flood defenses such as levees, retention basins, or improved drainage infrastructure are developed to mitigate flooding.
13. Engagement with Residents and Stakeholders
14. Public consultations and forums encourage community input and keep residents informed about ongoing risk management efforts.
15. The city may provide guidance on insurance options and emergency preparedness for homeowners.

Ulrich Real emphasizes the importance of transparency for potential buyers, stating that only those who are comprehensively informed can make a well-founded decision. The administration is responsible for ensuring the seller of the plots informs future buyers about potential complications.

The potential risks of the Biefangstraße development site, particularly the high-risk flood zone status, must be communicated to interested buyers to prevent a situation similar to Schacht IV in Sterkrade, a major construction scandal that caused financial ruin for many Oberhausen residents. The Zeche Osterfeld building project, a reference to Schacht IV, serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with inadequate information flow to buyers.

The SPD city council faction has approved the amended building plan, and old pollutants in the soil from the previous industrial use of the Biefangstraße land need to be removed before construction begins.

1. Increased Insurance Premiums and Limited Coverage Due to the high-risk flood zone classification, insurance companies may charge higher premiums or deny coverage for homes in the Biefangstraße area, thereby making investing in real-estate here more costly.
2. Impact on Property Value and Marketability Prospective buyers may be reluctant to invest in properties in flood-prone areas like Biefangstraße, affecting the marketability and potential value appreciation of real-estate investments.

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