- Residential Area Preservation: Advocates persistently holding on
In the ongoing argument over erecting an emergency refuge center for displaced individuals, the Landscape Conservation Association Berlin-Brandenburg is mulling over additional judicial steps. As per the verdict of the Berlin-Brandenburg Higher Administrative Court, there exists no further judicial recourse in this legal safeguard system, reported the association's lawyer, Christoph Partsch. Other possibilities still lurk, such as a primary lawsuit.
However, this course could drag on, noted Partsch. Before the completion of such a legal battle, the environment itself would likely experience severe harm due to the emergency shelter construction. Such a lawsuit does not yield a delaying effect, Partsch pointed out.
Recently, the OVG upheld the Administrative Court of Potsdam's ruling and dismissed the association's urgent appeal against the emergency shelter building permit. According to OVG, the association failed to establish the permit violated relevant environmental statutes, as stated in their announcement.
Nearly a Year of Construction Delay
The Landscape Conservation Association raised environmental concerns, with the destruction of oak trees, where the endangered stag beetle inhabits, being a significant issue, mentioned Partsch. There exist superior, integration-harmonious locations for the emergency shelter, the lawyer explained. "OVG must accept this verdict now. Nature will be destroyed."
Post this judgment, the city is aiming to restart the project, following the construction halt enforced by the Administrative Court. Regarding the OVG decision, a city of Potsdam spokesperson stated, "With the decision in place, we can now proceed with implementing the construction project measures, after a ten-month pause." Initially, they aim to determine the project's ongoing schedule and construction plan layout.
The city of Potsdam aims to establish a temporary shelter in its northern region. Initially, plans suggest it would cater to a few hundred refugees for a few years. Built in a container style, the community refuge will house up to 500 displaced individuals.
The Landscape Conservation Association has expressed concerns about building the emergency shelter, as it may lead to the destruction of oak trees and harm to the endangered stag beetle. Despite the ongoing legal battle, construction of the emergency shelter could still proceed in the city of Potsdam, potentially requiring the use of an emergency shelter if judicial steps fail.
