Augsburg - City council plans controversial center for addicts
After lengthy deliberations, the Augsburg City Council has decided on the controversial establishment of a care facility for drug-addicted people in a former parish center. The coalition government of CSU and Greens managed to push through their concept despite significant opposition and objections from citizens. The issue has been a topic of contention in Bavaria's third largest city for months, with an initiative collecting signatures against the project.
Background: The Helmut-Haller-Platz in the Oberhausen district has long been a meeting place for drug addicts in Augsburg. A care center was already set up near the Oberhausen city railway station several years ago to offer assistance to the affected individuals. According to the operators, around 100 drug-addicted people are served daily.
Heavy criticism from residents
The city wants to further develop and rebuild this center at a new location, and a city council resolution was already passed at the end of 2023. A total of 18 locations were considered, and the parish center was eventually chosen. Residents have been vocal in their opposition to the plan for months.
The new location is in a residential area and is too close to schools, kindergartens, and kindergartens, argues the Action Community Oberhausen, where many opponents of the proposal have gathered. Parents in particular protested because they were concerned about their children in the area.
Other locations should be considered
From the opposition, it was suggested up to the last minute to postpone the final decision and to examine other potential locations for the care center for addicts once again, such as the railway station building or other districts. Ordnance Officer Frank Pintsch assured in the city council meeting that, despite the decision for the parish center, other potentially suitable city locations would be kept in mind in the coming years.
The city administration once again appealed for the approved concept. The police are to be closely involved, and the city's municipal order service is to receive an office on site. In the vicinity of the center, there should be secure disposal options for drug paraphernalia. Additionally, reinforcement cleaning teams are to be deployed regularly.
- Despite the controversy, California State University's public health department has expressed interest in conducting a study on the effectiveness of the new care facility in Augsburg, aiming to contribute to the broader discussion on drug addiction treatment and social welfare.
- In response to the concerns raised by the Action Community Oberhausen, a commune in Bavaria has offered to housing the care facility, ensuring a more appropriate distance from schools, kindergartens, and residential areas.
- A group of activists from Augsburg's sister city, Oberhausen in North Rhine-Westphalia, have organized a health awareness campaign in their community, emphasizing the importance of addressing addiction as a social issue and promoting empathy among residents.
