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 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. 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. “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 your administration plan to engage with the community to address concerns about development on historically significant sites?
**Interview with Mayor Andreas Ramharter: Defending Real Estate Deal Amid Controversy**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Mayor Ramharter. Recently, the sale of property by your real estate company, List Zukunft Leobersdorf, for 15.25 million euros has sparked significant controversy. How do you respond to accusations of bias in this deal?
**Mayor Ramharter:** Thank you for having me. I want to be clear: there was no bias in this transaction. We have been transparent in our dealings and have adhered strictly to all legal requirements. The sale followed a process that was subject to local council oversight.
**Interviewer:** Critics have pointed to the fact that the land was already largely designated for building, yet there were further reallocations agreed upon. Can you explain the need for these reallocations?
**Mayor Ramharter:** The reallocations were necessary to facilitate infrastructure improvements and create a more efficient layout for public and private spaces. We committed to pursue these rezonings in good faith to optimize land use for the community’s benefit.
**Interviewer:** The Mauthausen Memorial has expressed concerns regarding the commercial development and the historical significance of the land. What dialogue have you had with them?
**Mayor Ramharter:** We have reached out to the Mauthausen Memorial and the Federal Monuments Office to ensure we address their concerns. We’re committed to preserving the history of the site, conducting ground surveys, and ensuring that construction is handled respectfully. We agreed not to build basements to preserve any existing foundations.
**Interviewer:** Some local leaders have called the construction plans an “unbearable forgetfulness of history.” How do you respond to such accusations?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I understand the sensitivity around this issue. However, it’s important to highlight that we have been responsible in managing these discussions and proposals. The area is not under monument protection, and we have made efforts to respect the site’s historical context while allowing for development that serves the community’s needs.
**Interviewer:** There are suggestions for stricter regulations regarding mayors working in real estate. What is your stance on this?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I believe in rigorous oversight and accountability. If there are concerns about conflicts of interest, we should consider reviewing existing regulations to ensure transparency and public trust are upheld. I am always open to constructive discussions on improving governance.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mayor Ramharter, for sharing your insights. This topic clearly raises important questions about balancing development with historical preservation in the community.
**Mayor Ramharter:** Thank you for having me. I appreciate the opportunity to clarify our position and emphasize our commitment to the community’s welfare.