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.
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What measures is Mayor Andreas Ramharter taking to address community concerns about the historical significance of the land sold from the Hirtenberg concentration camp subcamp?
**Interview with Mayor Andreas Ramharter of Leobersdorf**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Mayor Ramharter. The recent sale of the land that includes the site of the Hirtenberg concentration camp subcamp has sparked significant controversy. Can you explain your rationale behind this transaction?
**Mayor Ramharter:** Thank you for having me. The decision to sell the land was based on long-standing designations for operating sites and the economic needs of our community. The area has not been under monument protection, and we believe that our actions were in line with existing regulations.
**Interviewer:** Critics, including cultural remembrance advocates and environmental groups, have expressed concerns that this project represents an “unbearable forgetfulness of history.” How do you respond to those accusations?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I understand the concerns surrounding this sensitive historical context. However, we handled the process properly, ensuring that we conducted ground radar surveys and sought cooperation with relevant bodies like the Mauthausen Memorial and the Federal Monuments Office. We are committed to preserving any significant findings and maintaining respect for the area’s history.
**Interviewer:** There are claims that economic interests are being prioritized over historical responsibility. What steps have you taken to ensure that the historical significance of this site is acknowledged and respected?
**Mayor Ramharter:** We took measures to ensure that the development does not undermine historical significance. For instance, we agreed not to build basements to preserve any existing foundations. Additionally, we have engaged in discussions with stakeholders to navigate this complex situation carefully.
**Interviewer:** Critics point out potential conflicts of interest given your role as mayor and the financial gains related to these property deals. How do you address these concerns regarding transparency and governance?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I want to emphasize that we have consistently sought transparency in our dealings and adhered strictly to legal requirements. There’s a robust process in place for local council decisions, and I can assure you that bias has been mitigated effectively.
**Interviewer:** Several representatives from different political parties have called for stricter regulations to prevent similar situations in the future. Do you support any changes to legislation concerning historical sites and municipal governance?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I’m open to discussions about improving governance and transparency within spatial planning. If there are valid concerns and viable solutions suggested by stakeholders, I am always willing to engage constructively to address those issues.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, with local council elections approaching in January 2025, what message do you want to convey to the residents of Leobersdorf regarding your leadership and the ongoing concerns about this development?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I want the residents to know that my priority has always been and will continue to be the well-being of our community. I am dedicated to approaching these sensitive issues with respect and care. I believe it’s essential we balance economic development with the historical significance of our sites. Thank you for the opportunity to share my perspective.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Mayor Ramharter. We appreciate you taking the time to discuss these important issues.
**Mayor Ramharter:** Thank you for having me.