Some residents sat down to block the entrance to the courtyard. She was carried away by the police Photo: Private
By Danilo Gladow
Will refugee accommodation in Berlin have to be built under police protection in the future?
On Wednesday, the dispute over the planned two residential units for refugees in the Pankow Schlossparkkiez escalated. 66 trees have to be felled for this.
Shortly before 8 a.m., when workers arrived in the inner courtyards of the residential complex on Ossietzkystrasse/Am Schlosspark to build fences around the green area, a spontaneous protest broke out. Residents blocked an access road to prevent preparations for the construction of the accommodation.
After the police cleared the driveway, the fence was put up around the trees Photo: Christian Lohse / Image
The security forces cleared the way and also carried away demonstrators. According to police, the meeting was broken up around 10:30 a.m. 21 people were temporarily arrested and their personal details were checked.
A security company commissioned by Gesobau secured the area with attack dogs Photo: Private
The residents want to preserve the green spaces and the trees – but the state-owned Gesobau is planning two new buildings on the green courtyards with space for 422 refugees. Originally, three blocks of flats were to be built there. The neighborhood fought back. After a participation process with the residents, Gesobau presented a new plan: only two buildings. But the district did not give permission for this either.
Resident Axel Keller (52): “The construction project is too big. The effect is far too overwhelming because all the green disappears. Gesobau simply thwarted the negotiated plans Photo: Christian Lohse / Image
In December 2022, Gesobau finally applied for 99 apartments for refugees instead of living space – which the Building Senate approved last February.
Resident Viola Woik: “It’s always said that we have a climate emergency in Berlin – and now all the trees here are being cut down. I’m horrified” Photo: Christian Lohse / Image
Residents feel tricked: “Democratically negotiated processes were trampled on here,” says parish priest Michael Hufen (53). And further: “Gesobau wants to brutally enforce its original development plan.”
The construction fences are already in place after the disbanded protest – and the chainsaws will soon follow.