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. 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.
How does the mayor plan to balance economic development with the preservation of historical sites in Leobersdorf?
**Interview with Mayor Andreas Ramharter about Real Estate Controversy in Leobersdorf**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Mayor Ramharter. Recently, your real estate company sold a significant piece of land for 15.25 million euros, along with an additional 1.34 million in reallocation fees. Can you tell us what motivated this sale?
**Ramharter:** Thank you for having me. The sale was part of our long-term vision for Leobersdorf, aimed at boosting economic development while adhering to legal standards. We acquired the land in 2021, and our goal has always been to engage in responsible development that benefits the community.
**Editor:** There has been criticism regarding potential bias, especially considering your position as mayor. What is your response to those concerns?
**Ramharter:** I can understand why some might raise those questions, but I assure you there has been no bias. We have conducted everything in compliance with legal requirements, and the local council has been involved in every aspect of this process. It’s essential to keep the lines of communication open, and we’ve done our best to address any concerns.
**Editor:** The Mauthausen Memorial has expressed concern about the site’s historical significance and the development’s implications. What steps did your company take to mitigate concerns about preserving the historical context of the area?
**Ramharter:** We reached out to the Mauthausen Memorial and the Federal Monuments Office to ensure transparency. We conducted ground radar surveys to assess the area and made agreements to avoid building basements so as to preserve foundational remnants of the past. Our commitment to cooperation has been unwavering throughout this process.
**Editor:** Various political figures and groups have criticized the project, describing it as a form of “unbearable forgetfulness of history.” What are your thoughts on this criticism?
**Ramharter:** I respect their opinions, but I believe it’s important to find a balance between respecting history and fostering economic growth. Our community deserves development opportunities, and we must also engage in preserving our history responsibly. It is possible to honor our past while looking toward the future.
**Editor:** Some are calling for changes in zoning laws and stricter regulations regarding how historical sites are developed. Do you think there is a need for policy reform in this area?
**Ramharter:** Policy discussions are always important, and I am open to dialogue about best practices in spatial planning. Our local government will continue to prioritize transparency and community involvement in these processes. It’s essential to ensure that development takes into account our history while also addressing contemporary needs.
**Editor:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Mayor Ramharter. We appreciate your time.
**Ramharter:** Thank you. It’s crucial to engage in these discussions and ensure that all voices in our community are heard.