Mayor Andreas Ramharter’s real estate company (List Zukunft Leobersdorf) sold the property for 15.25 million euros and received an extra 1.34 million through reallocation, reported “WZ”, “Falter” and ORF. When asked, Ramharter defended the deal and saw no bias. Criticism came from several quarters.
According to reports, Ramharter’s holding company acquired the land in 2021 and sold it to a building contractor in two tranches over the following two years. The contracts contained two so-called purchase price improvements in connection with reallocations until the end of 2024 on the meadow – most of which was already dedicated to building land. A strip along the federal highway dedicated to public traffic should become a building site for the operating area, and a second public traffic area should become a private road. Ramharter’s company committed to “actively pursue these rezonings in good faith and to support them in the best possible way,” as it was stated in both purchase agreements, according to the reports.
“Attempts to bring about dialogue failed”
The reallocations were carried out with local council resolutions in 2023 and this year in September, and the mayor himself also agreed. “As the market town of Leobersdorf, we have dealt with the issue of bias on several occasions and also pay very close attention to compliance with the relevant legal requirements,” said Ramharter, according to the reports. The mayor confirmed on Wednesday when asked that there was no bias. He did not comment on purchase prices.
According to the media, the Mauthausen Memorial emphasized in a written statement: “Immediately after the planned use of the area for commercial purposes became known, the Mauthausen Memorial drew attention to the problem of commercial development.” But “repeated attempts to bring about a dialogue failed.”
“We handled it cleanly”
Ramharter, on the other hand, spoke of contact with the Mauthausen Memorial and the Federal Monuments Office: “We worked through it properly and always sought cooperation.” For example, ground radar surveys and explorations were carried out in the area. It was agreed not to build basements in order to preserve the foundations, said Ramharter. The designation as an operating area has existed for a long time. He also noted that several areas that served as camps during wartime had already been repurposed.
According to the reports, the Federal Monuments Office confirmed that it had held “discussions with stakeholders”. We have no influence on zoning. The area is not under monument protection. There are, among other things, the foundations of barracks on the grounds in Leobersdorf where the Hirtenberg concentration camp subcamp stood. “From the current perspective, these remains – even in comparison with other former, archaeologically identifiable camps that are under monument protection – are not sufficient within the meaning of the Monument Protection Act to place them under monument protection,” said the Federal Monuments Office, according to reports.
“Unbearable oblivion of history”
The SPÖ spokeswoman for the culture of remembrance, Sabine Schatz, described the construction plans on Wednesday as an “unbearable forgetfulness of history” and called for the project to be stopped. “The historical responsibility towards the victims of the Nazi era requires that these places be treated with respect,” said the National Council member in a broadcast. “The fact that profits were made by repurposing these areas has a very pale aftertaste.” She called for federal intervention to secure the site as a memorial site in the long term. SPÖ Federal Women’s Chairwoman Eva-Maria Holzleitner believes it is important to “carry on the memory of the fate of women under National Socialism.”
“What we are observing here is a frightening example of how historically sensitive land is dealt with when economic interests are in the foreground,” criticized Helga Krismer, club leader of the Lower Austria Green Party, in a press release. The planned construction project is “an example of the worrying development of spatial planning” in the state: “It is particularly worrying that there are always people profiting from this development in the mayor’s environment.” Krismer announced an application to amend the Lower Austrian Spatial Planning Act, which provides for a ban on development on historically contaminated properties.
“Need for action regarding control mechanisms”
NEOS state party leader Indra Collini saw “an enormous need for action in the control mechanisms within municipalities” as well as the need to think about a stricter values compass for mayors. “In the case of the Leobersdorf case, it will be necessary to examine exactly what the local council knew in this complex rezoning vote and what perhaps it did not,” she said in a broadcast.
“The questionable property deals show once again that there are massive structural problems in spatial planning,” WWF soil protection spokesman Simon Pories called for competence reforms as well as stricter laws and controls in a broadcast. In addition, it must be ruled out that mayors are allowed to work in the real estate or construction industry at the same time, because this opens the door to potential incompatibilities when rezoning.
The Future Leobersdorf list holds the absolute majority in the local council. In 2020, 53.30 percent was achieved. Local council elections will take place in Lower Austria in January 2025, and Ramharter will be the top candidate for the Future Leobersdorf list.
What specific measures has Mayor Ramharter taken to ensure transparency in the real estate deal amid criticism?
**Interview with Mayor Andreas Ramharter: Defending the Real Estate Deal Amid Criticism**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Mayor Ramharter. Recent reports have drawn attention to the sale of property by your real estate company for 15.25 million euros, along with an additional 1.34 million from reallocations. Can you clarify the circumstances surrounding this deal?
**Mayor Ramharter:** Thank you for having me. The deal to sell the land was executed in accordance with legal requirements and was thoroughly vetted. We acquired the property in 2021 and sold it to a building contractor over two tranches. Our agreements were structured to ensure that all relevant regulations were followed, including commitments to pursue necessary rezonings in good faith.
**Editor:** There has been criticism regarding potential bias given your dual role as mayor and a real estate owner. How do you respond to these concerns?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I understand the concerns, but I firmly believe there is no bias in this case. As a market town, we have reviewed this matter several times, keeping transparency and compliance at the forefront. I can assure you that the local council and I have acted within the legal framework every step of the way.
**Editor:** The Mauthausen Memorial raised objections to the commercial development, indicating that attempts to engage in dialogue have failed. What is your response to that?
**Mayor Ramharter:** We have made genuine efforts to collaborate with the Mauthausen Memorial and the Federal Monuments Office. We conducted ground radar surveys and agreed to provisions against building basements to protect existing foundations. Our intention has always been to balance the historical significance of the site with its development potential while being respectful towards its past.
**Editor:** Critics from various parties, including the SPÖ and the Greens, have called this construction plan an “unbearable forgetfulness of history.” They advocate for securing the site as a memorial. What are your thoughts on this?
**Mayor Ramharter:** History is indeed important, and we must remember it respectfully. However, this site is not under monument protection as confirmed by the Federal Monuments Office. There are many already repurposed areas from wartime, and we would like to see progress that acknowledges history without stifling development that can benefit our community.
**Editor:** There are calls for reforms regarding control mechanisms for mayors involved in real estate. Do you think changes are necessary?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I believe in the importance of effective governance and oversight. Our town has a system that ensures checks and balances, but it’s always worthwhile to evaluate if local governments can improve their processes. I’m open to discussions on this topic.
**Editor:** what would you like to say to your constituents regarding this situation?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I appreciate the concerns from our community and assure them that we are committed to transparency, legality, and responsible development. My door is always open for dialogue, and I urge everyone to engage with us constructively as we navigate these crucial issues for our town. Thank you.