Munich — this decision was brewing: Munich Lord Mayor Dieter Reiter (SPD) announced the completion of urban development measures (SEM) in the northeast and north of Munich — and this is despite the fact that his party colleagues in their program for the communal elections firmly intended to adhere to this measure.
The SEM mechanism in the north and northeast of Munich has failed: Dieter Reiter plans to develop areas differently
After 15 years since the start of preparatory studies for the northeast of Munich and six years after the start of studies for the north, this tool has not led to obtaining the right to build, let alone the construction of even one apartment, the head of the city hall conveyed through the press service. On the contrary, the situation on the ground has reached a deadlock, the positions of the parties have hardened. Therefore, we must recognize the fact: with the help of the SEM tool, urban development will not be possible in the future either. At the same time, Reiter still insists on the need to develop housing construction in these territories.
Such development, however, can be successful only by reaching a consensus and in cooperation with land plot owners. From my point of view, a new approach is necessary. I consider it expedient to create a common organization that will act constructively both in the interests of landowners and for the purpose of creating new living space.
Completion of SEM in the north and northeast: the creation of a new structure is expected
Reiter allowed, for example, the creation of a cooperative or a society of all landowners, which will promote urban development. The state capital Munich with its areas would also become a part of this newly created urban development society. Transparent calculations of costs and obligations should become the basis, on the basis of which both the increase in the value of plots and the necessary contribution to infrastructure will be fairly and clearly determined.
This should occur on the basis of economic efficiency calculations — without the threat of an expropriation scenario, but with recognition of the necessary expenses for infrastructure. In connection with this, I have instructed my administration to develop a corresponding model and present it for decision to the city council simultaneously with the cancellation of urban development measures for development in the northeast and north of Munich. The existing spatial planning plans for these territories should serve as a base for starting a dialogue with all plot owners, including adjacent ones. At the same time, individual solutions and modifications remains possible.
End of SEM in the north and northeast of Munich: the CSU leader welcomed Reiter’s decision
To closely accompany the development and accelerate decision-making, this topic in the future will be supervised directly in the office of the Lord Mayor. Thus, for me, SEM is history: no threat of expropriation, only negotiations on equal terms and voluntariness.
The CSU party expressed deep satisfaction with the termination of SEM: Finally, the Lord Mayor has recognized reality, commented the head of the faction Manuel Pretzl. SEM so far has not brought a single new apartment and will not bring them in the future. Many valuable years for Munich housing construction have been wasted.
The CSU had long demanded a restart of planning for the territories in the north and northeast. The completion of SEM is called a step as correct as it is belated. Now it is important not to repeat the mistakes of the past: negotiations on equal terms with land plot owners and all significant participants must take place, and even before decisions are made on further actions.
The head of the SPD understands the criticism from the Lord Mayor
The Lord Mayor’s criticism regarding the duration of procedures is quite justified, noted the head of the SPD Anna Hübner. However, another thing is also clear: social, cultural, and transport infrastructure cost a lot of money. New schools must be built. Therefore, according to her, a fair distribution of obligations accompanying the development of such large territories is important. We would welcome a new model that, in the interests of all participants, will ensure the fast and fair mobilization of land for construction, create affordable housing, prevent speculation, and allow the development of high-quality new quarters.
Criticism came from the Greens, Lord Mayor candidate Dominik Krause expressed indignation: Dieter Reiter is bending before large landowners in the north and shifting to the side of the CSU. In his opinion, without SEM, the doors for land speculation are wide open.
The fact that the implementation of SEM so far has moved slowly was primarily a consequence of Reiter’s inaction and the lack of will for dialogue with owners on the spot. In the north of Munich are the last large areas for creating affordable housing in large volumes. SEM allows freezing prices and thereby building cheap apartments in the future. Turning away from this course would be a historic socio-political mistake.
I hope the SPD remembers its own pre-election promises and keeps its Lord Mayor from this step.
Source: TZ
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