Controversial Multi-Million-Dollar Agreement at Hollerweg: Regensburg City Dismisses Criticism as Unfounded
In the summer of 2022, the city of Regensburg expanded its urban footprint with the purchase of a 2.2 hectare area on Hollerweg. This acquisition nearly doubled the scope of the city's ongoing building planning procedure.
The purchase occurred without any negotiations with external interested parties, as confirmed by the city. The field numbers 1446 and 1446/3 were purchased in 2020, while the areas with field numbers 1446/1 and 1466/2 were added to the city's possession in July 2022. Field numbers 1436, 1437, and 1438, however, belong to a private investor.
The city's purchase has raised concerns about the conservation of the area's unique ecosystem, particularly its sand-poor grassland. Upon inspection, nine plant species indicative of this rare habitat were identified, including the heather bell, a species protected under federal nature conservation law. Additionally, conversations with residents revealed the presence of a grass snake and the white forest porcupine.
The city's response to the criticism is that sand-poor grassland is inconspicuous at first glance, and the value-determining species are usually small plants. This statement is disputed by experts, who argue that the determination of these species is a compelling indication that it is indeed sand-poor grassland.
Before the purchase, the Liegenschaftsamt, Bauordnungsamt (Umlegungsstelle), and Stadtplanungsamt conducted inspections of the area. These departments typically evaluate land for suitability, environmental impact, legal status, and planning requirements. Mapping of the area's species is usually done during the growing period from mid-April to mid-October, with the flowering time of the value-determining species or mapping before mowing being preferred.
A comprehensive mapping of the biotopes has already taken place, and the results are expected to be presented to the public after the summer break. The departments specifically involved in the inspection of the 2.2 hectare area on Hollerweg typically include the city's Urban Planning or Development Department, the Environmental or Building Inspection Department, and possibly the Legal or Property Management Department.
For precise details, consulting the official city documents, meeting records, or contacting the Regensburg city administration directly would provide definitive information. The mapping, once presented, will offer a clearer understanding of the area's unique ecosystem and the city's plans for its future.
The city's future plans for the newly acquired 2.2 hectare area on Hollerweg may include real-estate developing, as sessions with the Urban Planning or Development Department will provide insights. Meanwhile, the city's finance department might need to consider potential investments in conserving the unique sand-poor grassland ecosystem, as nine rare plant species and protected species like the heather bell and grass snake were found.
