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. 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 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. “Historical responsibility towards the victims of the Nazi era demands 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.
What measures is Mayor Ramharter proposing to balance economic development with the preservation of historical sites in Leobersdorf, particularly regarding the remnants of the Hirtenberg concentration camp subcamp?
**Interview with Mayor Andreas Ramharter: Addressing Controversial Property Development in Leobersdorf**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Mayor Ramharter. Recently, the sale of land in Leobersdorf that includes remnants from the Hirtenberg concentration camp subcamp has raised significant concerns. Can you explain the rationale behind the decision to sell this property for commercial development?
**Mayor Ramharter:** Thank you for having me. The designation of this area as an operating zone has existed for a long time. Our focus is on economic development and ensuring that our municipality can thrive while respecting our historical context. We carried out thorough evaluations, including consultations with the Federal Monuments Office and conducting ground radar surveys to ensure that any sensitive historical remains would be preserved.
**Interviewer:** Some local leaders and cultural organizations, including the Mauthausen Memorial, have criticized the project, citing an “unbearable forgetfulness of history.” How do you address these criticisms?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I understand the concerns raised. However, I believe we handled the process cleanly and transparently. We did our due diligence and are committed to honoring the historical significance of the site. We agreed not to build basements to preserve the foundations of the barracks. Our approach is one of cooperation, not conflict.
**Interviewer:** Critics claim that the potential profits from this development have overshadowed the historical importance of the site. How do you respond to those allegations of bias?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I maintain that there is no bias involved. Financial prudence is necessary for any municipality, and the sale was conducted with full adherence to legal requirements. Moreover, it’s essential to balance economic growth with historical remembrance. This site, unfortunately, is not under monument protection according to current law, which limits what can be done in terms of preservation.
**Interviewer:** There are calls for federal intervention to secure the land as a memorial site. What is your stance on this?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I appreciate the input from various stakeholders and recognise the significance of memorializing this place. However, it’s vital to respect local governance and procedures. If there should be changes to how such sites are protected, I would support discussions on reforming laws and ensuring historical sites are treated with the care they deserve.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, as local elections approach in January 2025, how do you plan to address these ongoing concerns to reassure your constituents?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I plan to engage more with the community, hold open forums, and increase transparency in our decision-making processes. It’s crucial that we work together to honor our past while building for the future. My commitment is to ensure that our municipal development respects both our economic needs and our historical memory. Thank you for having this important conversation today.
