From Hildburg Bruns
Offices without appointments, questionable fine notices, grievances discovered: the Petitions Committee of the Berlin Parliament received 1,417 submissions last year.
The MPs also looked around on site – for example, at a subway near the zoo that was perceived to be too loud or at the working conditions in the open prison. The MPs were able to help with 31 percent of the complaints and at least provide information with a further 42 percent.
Read what was annoying Berliners!
EATING BAN: One week a fifth grader was locked out of lunch because he misbehaved in the cafeteria. According to the after-school care director, this is now a common punishment at the school. The mother was outraged and complained to the deputies.
Solution: The management of the elementary school had to apologize and immediately ensure the entitlement to the hot free meal. New practice: Recalcitrant students eat in a separate room.
MODIFICATION REFUSED: After a cycling accident, a teacher was denied the opportunity to convert his home to make it handicapped accessible. Reason: Not refundable for civil servants. Very comfortable in Hesse, the wife found out.
Solution: Berlin regulation changed.
NO SOLAR ROOF: In Wartenberg, the district banned a homeowner from having a photovoltaic system on the roof. Timely in the face of climate change? asked the owner. The office refused because of the urban development characteristics of the village.
Solution: Solar tiles are more compatible.
MÜGGELSEE SPORT: A piece of land was sold on the eastern shore, which previously provided access to the lake for surfers and sailors. 6,000 water sports enthusiasts signed an online petition for its preservation.
Solution: In connection with the new operating concept for the lido, the district secured both a sailing school and access to the lake.
BVG CABLE CAR: Many Berliners wanted the cable car to be preserved in the Gardens of the World (Marzahn). Politicians also want to integrate the 1.5 km route (currently 6.50 euros return trip) into public transport.
Solution: It can “hopefully be used with a BVG ticket this year”
BOLT PLACE NOISE: Loud amateur soccer players annoyed a resident during rest periods. A background noise must be accepted within limits, but not at night. Checks by the police and public order office were of no use.
Solution: The Mitte district hired a night-time locking service.
GRAVE DECORATIONS GONE: A grieving daughter was annoyed that mourning containers were removed from her mother’s urn grave without warning. She wanted compensation.
Solution: If there is a tight communal burial site, flowers and wreaths usually only stay for a week. Flowers in a grave vase or a grave candle are then possible.
DOG RUN: A woman from Charlottenburg wanted fenced dog exercise areas in Lietzensee Park. The district office rejected the proposal because of the listed public park – which the MPs accepted.
Solution: Just send a list of existing exit areas.
DOG TAX: Pensioners in Berlin no longer have to pay dog tax (120 euros/year) since 2021 – no matter how high their pension is. On the other hand, two civil servants with mini-pensions who were forced into early retirement after accidents have to pay, which annoys them.
Solution: Parliamentary groups should examine changes to the law.
NO INHERITANCE CERTIFICATE: A man asked the Lichtenberg district court for a certificate of inheritance. In June last year he was told there was no appointment for the remainder of 2022. He should submit the application to a notary’s office, where, however, VAT would be added to the fee.
Solution: A reprimand from the district court president for the processors! The certificate of inheritance is one of the legal obligations. An appointment must be offered within three months.
CITYWIDE SPACE 30: Several Berliners wanted a speed limit throughout the city.
Solution: Cannot be implemented according to the legal requirements of the road traffic regulations. Only occasionally in a particularly dangerous situation. It is examined whether current accidents could have been reduced by reducing the speed.
WALKWAY CROSSING: A couple filed an objection against a 7,000 euro fee for a sidewalk crossing. Because it wasn’t about manufacturing, but rather maintenance.
Solution: The district office revoked the fee notice. However, the advance payment of 4,500 euros was not initially repaid – only after further protests.
BASIC SECURITY: A legal guardian had applied to the district office to continue paying basic security for his client. The application was not processed for months.
Solution: The zip code was incorrect. The notice was returned and filed – the error went unnoticed. Employees were warned that they must be reachable by telephone.
SYRIAN STAY: An elderly couple from Syria (92, 77) applied for permanent residence. It was refused because the two of them were unable to support themselves due to illness/care. That’s why the immigration office refused.
Solution: The Interior Senate disputed this legal opinion. Due to the old age, the need to secure a living can be waived.
RAT INfestation: A Berlin woman complained to her district’s health department about a massive rat infestation in her residential area. She received neither a confirmation of receipt nor an indication of measures taken.
Solution: The responsible city councilor was questioned and assured that measures had been taken immediately.