Berlin Senate under scrutiny as Greens allege using housing debate at Tempelhof as a diversion tactic
In the heart of Berlin, the housing debate has once again taken centre stage, this time revolving around the potential development of Tempelhofer Feld, a historically significant open space. However, the Greens in Berlin's parliament have expressed their concern that this debate may be a distraction from the real issues at hand.
Werner Graf, the head of the Greens, argues that Berlin does not have a land shortage but rather an "implementation problem." He points to delays in projects like Schumacherquartier (Tegel), Molkenmarkt (Mitte), and Güterbahnhof (Köpenick) as evidence of the coalition's failure to deliver on housing initiatives.
The Greens believe that the CDU-SPD coalition's fixation on Tempelhofer Feld is misguided, diverting public and political attention from the tangible shortcomings in executing housing projects already planned or underway. This critical view of the coalition's priorities emphasizes that meaningful progress lies in delivering existing projects rather than on continued discussion over Tempelhofer Feld's future.
Graf values Tempelhofer Feld for its use in sports, kite-surfing, theatre classes, biodiversity, and its role in cooling the city after hot days. However, he is concerned that Berlin might miss out on acts like Taylor Swift and Adele if it doesn't sort out its venue problem.
The debate over Tempelhofer Feld is a recurring one, initiated by the Berlin Senate. On August 8, there was a renewed debate about building on Tempelhofer Feld. However, Graf disputes this debate due to its perceived purpose of diverting attention from housing project failures.
The Greens expect the Senate to respect the will of the people, as a 2014 referendum still stands, banning construction on Tempelhofer Feld. Graf argues that apartments built on Tempelhofer Feld would not be affordable, with prices estimated at €25 to €30 per square metre.
Despite the debate, Graf would like to see more major concerts at Tempelhofer Feld, citing the Ärzte gig as "fantastic and climate neutral." He believes that Tempelhofer Feld, a former airport in Berlin, has the potential to serve as a unique and sustainable venue for such events.
In conclusion, the Greens in Berlin's parliament are calling for a refocus on the implementation of existing housing projects, rather than the debate over Tempelhofer Feld. They believe that meaningful progress can be made by addressing the delays in projects like Schumacherquartier, Molkenmarkt, and Güterbahnhof, rather than engaging in a debate perceived as a distraction.
- The ongoing political debate surrounding Tempelhofer Feld, amidst concerns about potential development, should not distract from addressing the issues of implementing previously planned or underway housing projects in Berlin, such as Schumacherquartier, Molkenmarkt, and Güterbahnhof.
- The Greens' priority in policy-and-legislation lies not in the future of Tempelhofer Feld but in the execution of existing housing projects and addressing the delays that have hindered their delivery, while maintaining Tempelhofer Feld's use for general-news purposes like sports, kite-surfing, theatre classes, biodiversity, and its potential as a sustainable concert venue.
