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 and a business area, while 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 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 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 prompted Mayor Andreas Ramharter to sell the property associated with the Hirtenberg concentration camp subcamp, and how does he justify the decision against the backlash from critics?
**Interview with Mayor Andreas Ramharter regarding the Leobersdorf property sale and construction plans**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Mayor Ramharter. There has been significant backlash regarding the recent sale of the property formerly associated with the Hirtenberg concentration camp subcamp. Can you provide some context to the sale and your decision-making process behind it?
**Mayor Ramharter:** Thank you for having me. The property has been designated as an operating area for a long time. Our decision to sell it was based on the existing zoning and its potential for development. We acquired the land in 2021 and sold it to a contractor in line with our commitment to support economic growth in Leobersdorf.
**Interviewer:** Critics, including local political representatives and the Mauthausen Memorial, have described your actions as “unbearable forgetfulness of history.” How do you respond to these concerns?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I understand that emotions are high regarding this issue. However, we have been transparent in our dealings and have always sought to collaborate with the relevant stakeholders, including the Mauthausen Memorial and the Federal Monuments Office. We conducted ground radar surveys to ensure that we are handling the site respectfully. The remains on the property do not meet the criteria for monument protection, which is something the Federal Monuments Office has confirmed.
**Interviewer:** There are allegations of bias in your dealings, particularly since your real estate company stands to profit from these developments. Can you clarify your position on this?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I have always been committed to ensuring there is no bias in my role as mayor. We have carefully monitored compliance with legal requirements throughout this process. The claim of bias is unfounded; I prioritize the community’s well-being alongside adhering to the law.
**Interviewer:** Many local representatives are calling for a ban on development on historically contaminated lands. What are your thoughts on this initiative, and do you believe it would affect future planning?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I appreciate the perspectives of various parties on this matter. While it’s essential to honour our history, it’s also important to balance economic development and community needs. I believe any changes to zoning regulations must be carefully considered to not hinder local progress.
**Interviewer:** There’s also criticism regarding the transparency and mechanisms within the local councils that may lead to potential conflicts of interest. Do you see a need for reform in how local councils operate?
**Mayor Ramharter:** Transparency is indeed vital, and I am open to discussions on improving our processes. If this situation highlights areas where we can enhance our controls and ensure fairness in our planning decisions, I am 100% supportive of that dialog.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mayor Ramharter, for your insights and for taking the time to discuss these important issues with us today.
**Mayor Ramharter:** Thank you for having me; I appreciate the opportunity to clarify our position on these matters.