Million-dollar agreement on Hollerweg disputed: Regensburg city deems criticism as unjustified
Regensburg Acquires 2.2-Hectare Area for Nature Conservation
In a significant move for nature and species protection, the city of Regensburg purchased a 2.2-hectare area at Hollerweg for approximately eight million euros on 02.02.2022. The acquisition of this land, which has belonged to the city since the end of the 1930s (field numbers 1444/10, 1444/11, and 1443), significantly expanded the city's property and almost doubled the scope of the ongoing development plan procedure.
Before the purchase, a comprehensive inspection of the area was carried out by several departments. The Urban Planning Department assessed land use, zoning, and development potential. The Environmental Protection Department evaluated environmental conditions, contamination risks, and ecological impact. The Building and Construction Department inspected existing structures, building permits, and compliance with construction regulations. The Real Estate and Property Management Department conducted legal due diligence, ownership verification, and property valuation. The Public Works or Infrastructure Department checked infrastructure availability such as roads, utilities, and drainage. The Fire and Safety Department carried out safety inspections and fire risk assessments.
Upon visiting the area, nine plant species indicative of sand-poor grassland were identified, including the heath nemesia, a species protected under the federal species protection act. Conversations with residents revealed the presence of a grass snake and the white forest porter in the area. The expert determined that the presence of these species and the identification of sand-poor grassland should be considered compelling evidence. Biological expertise is necessary for the fundamental recognition of the value of the meadow, and experts (botanists) are usually involved in mapping due to the need for secure species knowledge.
The city of Regensburg initially stated that sand-poor grassland is difficult to recognize, but this statement was deemed "nonsense" by the expert. The updated biotope mapping is expected to be presented after the summer break.
It's worth noting that field numbers 1436, 1437, and 1438 belong to a private investor. The city of Regensburg also purchased field numbers 1446 and 1446/3 in 2020, and field numbers 1446/1 and 1466/2 in July 2022. The mapping period in May was suitable for the identification of the species Vicia lathyroides. Mapping of the area 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.
The city of Regensburg responded that sand-poor grassland is inconspicuous at first glance, and the value-determining species are usually small plants. However, the expert's findings suggest otherwise, highlighting the importance of this acquisition for the conservation of rare and protected species and habitats.
The city of Regensburg did not report any negotiations with external interested parties regarding the purchase of the area. For more detailed information about the specific departments involved in the inspection process for the Hollerweg purchase, you might consult official City of Regensburg documentation or contact their city administration directly.
The Real Estate and Property Management Department was responsible for conducting legal due diligence, ownership verification, and property valuation of the 2.2-hectare area purchased by the city of Regensburg for nature conservation. This acquisition, also involving investments in the tens of millions of euros, is significant as it expands the city's property and provides a suitable habitat for rare and protected species like the heath nemesia and the white forest porter.
