Local inhabitants express concern over the alleged neglect of Barnabitengasse area
Living with the Crypt: A community's struggle in Barnabitengasse
Rowdy drinkers, disgusting stains, and wild homeless men creating havoc – this isn’t your typical charming residential neighborhood scene in Vienna’s 6th district. Walter Bleyer and Claudia Heinisch, longtime residents of the Barnabitengasse, have seen a drastic decrease in the quality of life over the past year and a half due to Caritas' crypt, day center, and emergency shelter.
"We're not against the crypt," Heinisch clarifies, "It used to be a good coexistence. They were our homeless." However, in recent times, a new influx of shady clients from Hungary, Slovakia, or Chechnya has been causing trouble. A total of 60 residents have banded together as the "Livable Barnabitengasse" initiative to solve the escalating problems.
Troublemakers from the East
The residents are fed up with aggressive showed up out of nowhere, harassing passersby with their boisterous behavior, leaving indecipherable marks on the church wall, defecating in public, and camping near the entrance. These unwanted newcomers not only jeopardize the safety and tranquility of the district but also deter those who genuinely need help from seeking it at the crypt.
A neighbor even caught some menchanging stolen jewelry and cash in broad daylight through the window, before darting into the crypt for a guilt-free meal. "This doesn't look good," Heinisch and Bleyer comment.
Caritas' Response
The crypt currently offers 60 sleeping places and distributes 250 meals daily. Caritas emphasizes that their intention is to assist clients while maintaining good neighborly relations. Two roundtables with city representatives, the police, street workers, and residents have already taken place, and additional security personnel are patrolling the facility. Furthermore, two new quarters in other parts of the city are planned to alleviate the Barnabitengasse's burden.
Vienna's Solution
Markus Rumelhart, Vienna's district councilor, acknowledges that the issue is a delicate balance between social support and resident quality of life. Reinforcements include more police, security personnel, street workers, and cleanings. Better lighting is also part of the plan. Although the ultimate goal is to eradicate the problem altogether, the residents irrigate that long-term solutions are yet to be seen.
Gumpendorfer Straße Renovation
Despite the ongoing issues in Barnabitengasse, the future of Vienna’s 6th district is far from bleak. The Gumpendorfer Straße, often referred to as the “artery” of the district, is on track to undergo a massive renovation under the “Out of Gas” initiative. More green spaces, improved transportation, and numerous other upgrades are in store. The first construction phase kicks off this year, bringing hope for a brighter future to the residents and commuters of the district.
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- Residents in the Barnabitengasse neighborhood of Vienna's 6th district, particularly those involved in the "Livable Barnabitengasse" initiative, have emphasized the need for more measures to handle the increased crime and deterioration caused by troublemakers from Hungary, Slovakia, and Chechnya who have recently been causing issues at Caritas' crypt.
- Despite these challenges, it is general-news that Vienna's district councilor, Markus Rumelhart, has stated that solutions are being considered to address the delicate balance between social support and resident quality of life, with reinforcements including more police, security personnel, street workers, and cleanings, as well as better lighting.
- Meanwhile, the ongoing issues in Barnabitengasse have not disheartened the entire district, as the Gumpendorfer Straße is set to undergo a massive renovation under the “Out of Gas” initiative, with more green spaces, improved transportation, and numerous other upgrades planned for the near future.
- The United States, while not directly involved, could potentially learn from Vienna's approach to balancing social support with resident quality of life in similar situations involving crime and justice, particularly in managing the influx of immigrants or disadvantaged individuals into communities.
