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 – which was largely 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. When asked on Wednesday, the mayor confirmed 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 storage 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 member of the National Council 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.
How does Mayor Ramharter plan to address community concerns regarding transparency and conflicts of interest in future land deals?
**Interview with Mayor Andreas Ramharter About the Recent Property Deal in Leobersdorf**
*Duration: 10 minutes*
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Mayor Ramharter. There’s been significant public interest in the recent property deal involving your real estate company. You sold a portion of land for 15.25 million euros. Can you explain the reasons behind this deal and how it aligns with local interests?
**Mayor Ramharter:** Thank you for having me. The land was acquired by my company back in 2021 with the intention of developing the area responsibly. The sale to a building contractor is part of a larger development plan that aims to fulfill local housing and economic needs. I believe the terms of the deal are fair, and I see no bias in the process.
**Interviewer:** Some critics argue that there are conflicts of interest and that decisions were made too hastily. How do you respond to those claims?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I understand the concerns, but I assure you that all decisions have been made in compliance with the relevant legal requirements and with the utmost transparency. The local council has reviewed the situation multiple times, and I have cooperated fully with all stakeholders, including the Mauthausen Memorial and the Federal Monuments Office.
**Interviewer:** The Mauthausen Memorial has expressed concerns regarding the historical significance of the site and potential disrespect towards the victims of the Nazi era. How do you address these historical sensitivities?
**Mayor Ramharter:** We are very conscious of the historical context of the area. We engaged in ground radar surveys and agreed not to build basements to preserve any significant remains. While the foundations from the Hirtenberg concentration camp subcamp are present, they have been determined not to meet the criteria for monument protection. Nonetheless, we are committed to respectful development.
**Interviewer:** SPÖ spokesperson Sabine Schatz has called these plans an “unbearable forgetfulness of history.” What are your thoughts on that perspective?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I respect different opinions on this matter, but I believe we must balance historical respect with current needs for development. I have always sought dialogue with those who have concerns, and I believe that our approach has been thorough and considerate.
**Interviewer:** There are calls for stricter control mechanisms and regulations regarding land development. Do you think these are necessary, and how might they affect future projects?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I believe in the importance of oversight in urban planning. However, I also think we must find a balance that allows for necessary development while respecting historical and community values. Any amendments to regulations should facilitate responsible growth rather than hinder it.
**Interviewer:** With local council elections coming in January 2025, how do you think this situation may impact your campaign?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I cannot predict the future, but I am committed to maintaining open lines of communication with our constituents. It’s vital that we address concerns head-on and continue to demonstrate our dedication to a thoughtful and inclusive development approach in Leobersdorf.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Mayor Ramharter. Your responses shed light on a complex issue many in the community are deeply invested in.
**Mayor Ramharter:** Thank you for having me. I appreciate the opportunity to clarify our position and listen to community voices.
