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.
What measures will the local government take to ensure historical sites like the Hirtenberg concentration camp subcamp are preserved in future development plans?
**Interview with mayor Andreas Ramharter on the Leobersdorf land development controversy**
**Interviewer:** Mayor Ramharter, thank you for joining us today. There has been considerable criticism regarding the recent plans to develop the land in Leobersdorf, particularly concerning its historical significance as the site of the Hirtenberg concentration camp subcamp. How do you respond to the concerns that this development represents an “unbearable forgetfulness of history”?
**Mayor Ramharter:** Thank you for having me. I understand the concerns raised about this site. However, as I’ve stated, the designation of the area as an operating site has existed for quite some time, and we have followed all legal protocols throughout the development process. Additionally, we conducted ground radar surveys and agreed not to build basements to preserve any important structures that may remain.
**Interviewer:** Critics like SPÖ’s Sabine Schatz have suggested that repurposing this land for economic gain is disrespectful to the victims of the Nazi era. How do you justify the financial aspects of this deal, especially as your real estate company was involved in the property transactions?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I believe it’s essential to differentiate between economic activity and historical respect. My company has adhered to all regulations, and the financial gains are secondary to our commitment to treating this area with dignity. We have sought collaboration with organizations, including the Mauthausen Memorial and the Federal Monuments Office, to ensure that we manage these sensitivities appropriately.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned discussions with the Federal Monuments Office. Given the area’s historical significance, why wasn’t it designated for monument protection?
**Mayor Ramharter:** The Federal Monuments Office assessed the site and determined that, while the remains are historically important, they do not currently meet the criteria for monument protection under the Monument Protection Act. We complied with their regulations, which is why the development plans are in place.
**Interviewer:** There have been calls for legislative changes to prevent developments on historically significant properties. What is your stance on that?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I appreciate the dialog surrounding this issue. It’s crucial to balance development needs with historical preservation. Any changes to the spatial planning laws should be carefully considered, taking into account the broader implications for land use in our communities.
**Interviewer:** Some have accused local councils of having conflicts of interest, especially concerning financial transactions related to property. How can you assure the public that the local council acted in the community’s best interest throughout this rezoning process?
**Mayor Ramharter:** Transparency has been a cornerstone of our approach. We have documented all resolutions and actions taken by the local council regarding this matter. I welcome scrutiny and believe it’s vital for the community to understand the efforts we made to comply with all legal standards and community interests.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mayor Ramharter, for your insights. It’s clear this situation holds significant emotional weight for many, and we appreciate your time in discussing these complex issues.
**Mayor Ramharter:** Thank you for the opportunity to clarify our position. It’s essential to keep these discussions open and constructive as we navigate the challenges of balancing history and progress.
