Senate Seeks to Utilize Tempelhofer Field for Refugee Aid, Facing Opposition
Berlin, Germany - In the midst of the ongoing refugee crisis, the Senate in Berlin is considering utilizing two areas at Tempelhofer Field for temporary refugee accommodation using mobile buildings. This move, however, has sparked controversy amidst the strict protection of the field as an open space since a referendum in 2008.
The Controversial Plan
The initial plan, revealed on Tuesday, proposed exempting two areas from the ban on building structures for a total of 20.5 hectares, which equates to 6.75% of the airport area. This strategy, however, met strong opposition from SPD representatives, who questioned the feasibility of the second area due to upcoming events such as concerts and the Formula E car race.
Environment Senator Manja Schreiner (CDU) suggested using an area south of the concrete apron, which would expand the existing container area for refugees and offer space for mobile rooms for educational activities, social care, and meetings. The area east of the concrete apron was intended for limited use by refugees for a period of five years.
Staunch Opposition
Environment Senator Manja Schreiner's plans faced fierce opposition, particularly concerning the second area. Building Senator Christian Gaebler (SPD) argued against occupying an area situated far away from other facilities, as it would block one of the main access points from Tempelhofer Damm. As a result, his plan involves expanding the existing container area in Area A and adding parking lot P3 in front of the building, effectively reducing the area to be utilized on Tempelhofer Damm.
The Bottom Line
Regardless of the opposition, 1378 spaces in three hangars on Tempelhof currently house refugees, with parking lot P3 already in use. Last week alone, around 400 new asylum seekers arrived at the Reinickendorf arrival center. The ongoing negotiations highlight the complexities involved in balancing the need for refugee accommodation with preserving several contested areas in Berlin, particularly in relation to the planned use of Tempelhofer Field.
Source: www.bild.de
Additional Insights
Despite public opposition to utilizing Tempelhofer Field for refugee accommodation, alternative plans are being considered. The CDU is advocating for planting a climate forest on Tempelhofer Field to promote ecological conservation and provide recreational opportunities for residents. The proposal, however, has not gained widespread support, and the primary focus remains on accommodating the influx of refugees in Berlin.
Moreover, the Integration Senator, Cansel Kiziltepe (SPD), has expressed the intention to reduce the size of the large Tegel emergency shelter and transition to more integrated and less expensive accommodation options. The negotiations regarding the future of the Tegel Refugee Centre indicate that the Senate is actively seeking alternative options for refugee accommodation.
The ongoing refugee crisis in Berlin and the political dynamics surrounding the use of contested areas provide a complex landscape for decision-makers. Efforts to balance the need for refugee accommodation with the preservation of historical and recreational spaces will continue to shape Berlin's urban landscape.
