Resistance to the proposed parking garage in Kaarster City
In the heart of Kaarst, Germany, a heated debate is unfolding over the proposed construction of a parking garage on Pestalozzistraße. A citizens' initiative, spearheaded by local residents and environmental advocates, is actively challenging this plan, citing potential negative impacts on traffic, the environment, and the character of the neighbourhood.
The citizens' initiative, named "Stop the Pestalozzistraße Parking Garage," requires 2,449 signatures to allow Kaarster citizens to vote on its construction through a citizens' vote. As of mid-2025, this initiative remains actively engaged in opposing the project.
Marcel Schulze Bomke-Vossschulte, the former chairman of the urban development, planning, and traffic committee in Kaarst, has expressed concerns about the current plans for the city centre. He supports Sandra Pauen's project and promotes the initiative, encouraging Kaarst citizens to sign the petition and learn more about the plans for the New Kaarst Centre.
Sandra Pauen, the driving force behind the initiative, loves her hometown and wants to prevent the construction of a "senseless" parking garage. She has launched an open petition to gather support and has been actively engaging with local authorities, presenting petitions and alternative proposals.
The construction of the House of Possibilities, a private business and residential building, will eliminate all current public and private parking spaces on both sides of Am Maubishof street. All pedestrian, cyclist, e-scooter, rollator, and public transport bus traffic will take place on a "Shared Space" area on the current Am Maubishof street.
In addition to the proposed parking garage, political and administrative actors are considering an alternative plan that includes the construction of a parking garage on Pestalozzistraße, along with a future sports field elevated above a future underground garage behind the multi-purpose hall.
The topic has been a subject of ongoing debate at city council sessions, where concerns from the initiative have been acknowledged, although no final cancellation of the project has been recorded yet. Local media outlets have covered the initiative's actions, helping to keep public attention on the issue.
As construction has not commenced, and the project remains in a planning or approval phase, the city council is reviewing environmental assessments and community feedback. For the very latest updates, it is recommended to check recent announcements from the Kaarst city council, local news in Kaarst, or the initiative’s own communications channels if available.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story in Kaarst.
The "Stop the Pestalozzistraße Parking Garage" initiative, led by Sandra Pauen, is actively gathering signatures, aiming to give Kaarst citizens a chance to vote on the proposed parking garage construction. Meanwhile, the political and administrative actors are exploring alternative plans, including the construction of a parking garage on Pestalozzistraße.
