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 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. 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. “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 improve communication with residents about sensitive developments as local council elections approach?
**Interview with Mayor Andreas Ramharter Regarding Recent Controversies in Leobersdorf**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Mayor Ramharter. Let’s address the significant concerns raised regarding the recent sale of property where the Hirtenberg concentration camp subcamp once stood. Many have criticized the plans for redeveloping this historically sensitive area as an “unbearable forgetfulness of history.” How do you respond to these accusations?
**Mayor Ramharter:** Thank you for having me. I want to clarify that the designation as an operating area has existed for a long time. We have ensured that all legal requirements were followed and that there was no bias in the property deals. We are committed to balancing economic development while respecting our historical responsibilities.
**Interviewer:** There are claims that the local council and your office failed to communicate adequately about the implications of this redevelopment. Can you elaborate on the discussions that took place with stakeholders such as the Mauthausen Memorial?
**Mayor Ramharter:** We did engage with the Mauthausen Memorial and the Federal Monuments Office. We conducted ground radar surveys and agreed not to build basements to preserve the site’s foundations. We acted transparently, and I believe those who question our actions might not be aware of the detailed consultations we undertook.
**Interviewer:** Critics argue that profit motives appeared to overshadow the historical significance of the site. What measures do you believe should be taken to ensure this does not happen again in the future?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I understand the concerns, and I think it’s vital to create better frameworks for control mechanisms within municipalities. It’s essential that we maintain a dialog with all stakeholders and remain vigilant about historical responsibilities. I welcome constructive feedback on how to improve our processes.
**Interviewer:** Several political figures have called for a ban on development on historically contaminated properties. Do you see merit in these calls, and would you support such measures?
**Mayor Ramharter:** While I recognize the importance of protecting historically significant sites, we must also consider economic development. Each case should be examined individually, weighing historical significance against community needs. I am open to discussions on how we can do both effectively while safeguarding our history.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, with local council elections on the horizon in January 2025 and your party holding a majority, how will you ensure that residents’ voices are heard regarding developments like this?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I believe in active community engagement. We will continue to hold public forums and consultations to listen to residents’ concerns and insights. My aim is to uphold transparency and integrity in every decision made, ensuring that citizens feel included in shaping our community’s future.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mayor Ramharter, for your insights.
**Mayor Ramharter:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these important issues.