- Start date for fencing at Görlitzer Park unclear
Nearly a year after a security summit held by the Berlin Senate, it remains unclear when construction for the planned fence at the Görlitzer Park in Kreuzberg can begin. Until the Higher Administrative Court of Berlin-Brandenburg (OVG) decides on an appeal by the district office of Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, the Senate's Department for Mobility, Transport, Climate Protection and Environment sees no legal basis to initiate the construction. "We cannot create facts in advance," said spokeswoman Petra Nelken. Previously, the "Berliner Morgenpost" had reported.
District opposes Senate plans in court
The Senate aims to curb drug crime and disputes by installing entrance gates and closing the park at night. The district of Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg is opposing these plans in court - so far without success. The Berlin Administrative Court ruled in an expedited procedure that the district, led by the Greens, had "no right to object" to the Senate's intervention and decision. It is not an independent municipality, but performs tasks as a subordinate part of the unitary municipality of Berlin.
The district office is not satisfied with this decision and has filed an appeal with the OVG. The reasoning for this is currently being drafted, as a district spokeswoman announced. The deadline for this is August 12, 2024. When the OVG will address the matter is still open, according to a court spokeswoman.
Costs for fencing around 1.2 million euros
According to the Senate's plans, barrier-free turnstiles are to be erected at the Görlitzer Park, which will either be integrated into the existing wall or the new fence. On the Görlitzer Straße, a part of the wall will be removed and replaced by "high-quality fence elements". The costs for this are still estimated at 1.2 million euros. Additionally, 900,000 euros are planned for new lighting and at least 800,000 euros per year for personnel to implement the night closure. The project is being implemented by the state-owned Grün Berlin GmbH.
The district office's appeal against the Senate's plans to install fences and gates in Görlitzer Park aims to challenge the curb on crime and disputes. The installation is intended to reduce drug-related crimes and conflicts in the park.
