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. “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 are being considered to address the concerns raised by historical organizations regarding the land’s significance in the recent real estate sale?
**Interview with Mayor Andreas Ramharter Regarding the Recent Real Estate Controversy**
**Editor:** Good day, Mayor Ramharter. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent sale of the property by your company and the surrounding controversy. To start, can you explain the rationale behind the sale of the land for 15.25 million euros and the additional 1.34 million received through reallocations?
**Mayor Ramharter:** Thank you for having me. The sale was part of a strategic decision to develop land that was already largely designated for construction. The intent was to optimize its use while ensuring that we adhered to all legal requirements. I stand by the notion that there was no bias, as all decisions were made transparently and with the local council’s approval.
**Editor:** There have been criticisms from various organizations, including the Mauthausen Memorial, expressing concern over the historical significance of the land. They feel that repurposing this area for commercial use shows a lack of respect for its history. How do you respond to those concerns?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I understand the sensitivity surrounding this issue. We have proactively engaged with the Mauthausen Memorial and conducted studies, including ground radar surveys, to assess the land’s historical context. Our agreements also include stipulations to build without basements to preserve any existing foundations. We’re committed to respecting history while also progressing with necessary development.
**Editor:** Critics from the SPÖ and the Green Party have voiced that this project is reflective of a worrying trend in spatial planning, especially with economic interests overshadowing historical responsibilities. What measures are you planning to take to address these concerns?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I appreciate feedback from all parties and take their concerns seriously. We’ve always aimed for dialogue and cooperation with stakeholders. The Federal Monuments Office confirmed that while the area is not under monument protection, we have made efforts to engage in preservation wherever possible. I’m open to discussions on refining our local planning processes.
**Editor:** There are calls from NEOS and others for stronger control mechanisms to prevent potential conflicts of interest for mayors involved in real estate. What is your stance on this?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I believe transparency and strict adherence to regulations are paramount. While my company has been involved in real estate, I ensure a clear separation between my official duties and business operations. I welcome any discussions on improving oversight and ensuring that local governance operates with integrity.
**Editor:** Thank you, Mayor Ramharter, for your insights. It’s clear that this issue has significant implications for the community, and we appreciate your commitment to addressing these concerns as the local elections approach.
**Mayor Ramharter:** Thank you. I am dedicated to ensuring that Leobersdorf continues to thrive while respecting its past. I look forward to further engagement with the community on this matter.