"Hold Fast to Our Homes and Neighborhood!"
The intense atmosphere is palpable as demonstrators rally outside Moslehner's home, their signs declaring "Solidarity with Manne," and "Manne stays!" Residents are frayed, tired, and agitated; sleep has eluded Moslehner, and without his neighbors, he may not stay in his beloved home.
"I can't imagine living here without them. Then I might leave," Moslehner muses. This historic estate, teeming with small houses and sprawling gardens, was constructed in 1920 as a social housing project. And the neighbors have united to protect it from the encroaching "Stonehill Gardens."
A decade ago, real estate investors purchased the property, planting the seeds of conflict. Now, compelled by a desire to maintain their home and its neighborly spirit, these 34 residents have undertaken a formidable struggle against luxury apartments and gentrification.
"I don't think any of us know the exact number of times we've sued, been threatened with eviction or appeared in court," Jeany Zeglin (49) speaks candidly, reflecting her deeply rooted connection to "Klekleckersdorf."
"Manne is just the tip of the iceberg"
"Manne is just the tip of the iceberg. He's the weakest link. If they succeed with him, they'll target the rest of us," Hans-Hartmund Lenz (71) ponders, now fully invested in the fight against Stonehill Gardens. The tenacious group of neighbors erects banners and maintains their informational stand each morning, diligently dismantling them each evening.
The investors have thus far shied away from engaging personally with the estate's tenants, opting instead to communicate through their legal representatives. No concessions have been made, and only the "legally binding eviction action" is mentioned by "Wertconcept" when questioned. The residents insist that even the eviction order is not wholly uncontested.
What constitutes right and what is legal are becoming increasingly blurred as the conflict drags on. One thing remains uncontested:
"I've lived here for 84 years and I won't leave my home, even if they force me out," Moslehner resolutely declares as he waits yet again for the impending eviction team.
The Battle for Wittenau
Local news outlets have been saturated with updates on the conflict, often focusing on Moslehner's unwavering opposition to redevelopment. The neighboring residents, including Moslehner, refuse to budge as they confront the proposed Stonehill Gardens development.
To uncover more about the ongoing struggle between the tenants and the developers, delve into local sources like Berliner Zeitung, Tagesspiegel, or Der Tagesspiegel. Additionally, consider community news platforms, social media outlets, and local forums, which may provide invaluable insights into the matter.
