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.
How does Mayor Ramharter plan to balance economic development with historical preservation in future projects?
**Interview with Mayor Andreas Ramharter: Addressing Concerns over Recent Real Estate Deal**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Mayor Ramharter. Your real estate company recently sold property for €15.25 million, receiving additional funds through reallocations. Can you explain the rationale behind this deal and assert there was no bias involved?
**Mayor Ramharter:** Thank you for having me. The rationale behind the sale was straightforward: we identified a unique opportunity to develop land that was already partially designated for building. The contracts included provisions for future rezonings, which we committed to pursue in good faith. Throughout this process, we adhered strictly to legal guidelines and transparency, and I stand by my belief that there has been no bias in our actions.
**Interviewer:** Critics, including the Mauthausen Memorial and political opponents, have raised concerns about the historical significance of the land, referring to it as an “unbearable forgetfulness of history.” How do you respond to these allegations?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I acknowledge the historical sensitivities involved and have made concerted efforts to engage with the Mauthausen Memorial and the Federal Monuments Office throughout this process. Our groundwork included studies to ensure respectful treatment of the site. It’s important to note that the foundations from the Hirtenberg concentration camp subcamp have been assessed and there currently isn’t enough to warrant monument protection under the law.
**Interviewer:** Some have called for stricter regulations regarding local governance and real estate dealings, particularly highlighting potential conflicts of interest. Does the lack of oversight expose gaps in our governance systems?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I believe it’s vital to maintain a balance between economic development and historical preservation. While I recognize the calls for stronger oversight, I must emphasize that our municipality has taken all necessary precautions to avoid conflicts of interest and maintain integrity. Our local council is committed to transparent governance.
**Interviewer:** With the next local council elections approaching in January 2025, how do you plan to address these criticisms and reassure the public that their concerns have been heard?
**Mayor Ramharter:** Moving forward, I am dedicated to facilitating more open dialogue with community members and all stakeholders. We will continue to emphasize compliance with legal frameworks while making decisions that benefit Leobersdorf as a whole. I welcome constructive criticism and believe that transparency will foster trust within our community.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mayor Ramharter, for your insights. It will be interesting to see how this situation develops leading up to the elections.
**Mayor Ramharter:** Thank you for having me. I appreciate the opportunity to clarify our position and look forward to addressing these important issues with our community.