Rheinfelden’s Retirement Plans: A Measure of Clockwork Precision or Financial Folly?
Ladies and gentlemen, gather ‘round! We’re diving into the riveting realm of municipal finances—yes, that pulse-quickening world where the greatest excitement is whether the retirement apartments will actually have elevators or if it’s just one long climb to the top. Get ready for some building-by-numbers magic, Rheinfelden style!
Breaking Down the Numbers: 13.33 Million Francs and Counting!
Now, before you start yawning, let me remind you: there’s 13.33 million francs on the chopping block for new retirement apartments. I mean, who needs a night out when the city council’s got your back with such thrilling financial debates? In a stunning twist, it turns out that they’re looking to build these glittering abodes right next to the venerable Tertianum retirement home, which has seen better days than your average memory care patient (and that is saying something!).
But wait—there’s more! This isn’t just about some average construction project. Oh no, we’re talking about marrying the old with the new! You’ve got a chapel from 1347 and a modern five-story building living together in harmony. It’s like if “The Odd Couple” had an architectural renaissance! But hey, who doesn’t want to live with a little history? As they say, where’s there’s ancient stone, there’s always room for a couple of senior citizens looking for a place to reminisce about the good old days—like when you could actually afford to buy a loaf of bread without taking out a personal loan.
Construction: The Long-Winded Journey to 2029
The grand plan is to kick off construction in summer 2027 and—hold your applause—welcome the first wave of seniors in spring 2029. That’s a wait long enough to make a millennial reconsider their career path, but who doesn’t love a good waiting game? And the cherry on top? The mathematical genius in the council expects the total costs to be justified with the style and glam of retirement living. 1,532 francs for a two-room apartment sounds like a steal, unless of course you compare it to your monthly coffee expenses.
Meanwhile, the back garden will expand into a lovely meeting space—perfect for reminiscing about the days when you could run through a park without needing a knee brace. Sounds idyllic! Just imagine those epic discussions over the best way to keep the pigeons away from your afternoon tea!
An Agenda Packed Tighter than Your Grandmother’s Hug
But wait! There’s an agenda for this municipal meeting, and it is PACKED. We’ve got major renovations on Hermann-Keller-Strasse and a temporary container building (not that kind of container, get your mind out of the gutter). The forecasted finances for this venture are akin to the work-life balance of an overworked hamster on a wheel—endless yet achievable if you just keep throwing more money at it!
Speaking of money—who doesn’t love a deficit? The estimations imply a budget of around 7.9 million francs in the red for the year. That’s a deficit bigger than my last relationship failures! But, apparently, Mayor Mazzi has assured us this shortfall is manageable as they plan to fund it with the magical unicorns of city taxes. Let’s hope 90 percent remains the magic number, or we’ll all be reaching deep into our pockets faster than you can say “senior sushi night.”
To Vote or Not to Vote: That is the Question
So, what’s the takeaway, dear citizens of Rheinfelden? You’re tasked with being the ultimate jury in this riveting saga of retirement living, infrastructure, and a whole lot of projected deficits. Will the 13.33 million francs be a stroke of genius, or just another way to line someone’s pockets with regret? Stay tuned, because as always, in local politics, the drama is far more entertaining than anything Netflix has to offer!
Until next time, remember: every time you complain about the potholes, just imagine they could be retirement home swimming pools instead! Now that’s a visual, isn’t it?
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Rheinfelden
Municipal meeting: 13.33 million francs requested for new retirement apartments
The Rheinfelden community assembly will vote on several million-dollar loans in December. Loans with a total amount of 26.8 million francs are on the agenda.
At the upcoming Rheinfeld municipal meeting on December 11th, a significant proposal will be presented involving a request for 13.33 million francs from the city council to develop new retirement apartments adjacent to the Tertianum retirement home situated in Salmenpark. This location includes a historic chapel at the intersection of Hauptstrasse and Habich-Dietschy-Strasse, dating back to 1347, which harmonizes with buildings from the 17th and 19th centuries, creating a culturally rich architectural ensemble.
This centuries-old building ensemble with a chapel is to be redesigned with additional new housing for senior citizens.
Image: Boris Burkhardt
City Councilor Dominik Burkhardt highlighted during a recent media briefing that this historic ensemble has a legacy as a retirement home prior to the establishment of Tertianum and is currently utilized as housing for asylum seekers, reflecting the community’s adaptive reuse of its facilities.
Construction is scheduled to begin in summer 2027
Included in the ambitious “Living in Alter Kloos” project is a new large-scale five-story building designed as part of the winning architectural proposal, which will be structurally linked to the historical core building. This initiative aims to provide 26 modern apartments, featuring two-room units with a rent of 1,532 francs, alongside two-and-a-half-room options priced at 2,088 francs, with additional services available to enhance the residents’ experience.
The project also emphasizes outdoor spaces, with the rear area along Salmenpark being transformed into a garden and communal meeting zone, highlighting a commitment to creating integrated community environments. According to Councilor Burkhardt, the breakdown of costs indicates that the renovation of the old building will require 4.18 million francs, while the construction of the new facility is projected to cost 8.02 million francs. With the assembly’s approval, construction is anticipated to commence in summer 2027, aiming for occupancy by spring 2029.
The December meeting is packed with agenda items; the city council has proposed various construction and renovation projects totaling 26.8 million francs. Among these is the significant undertaking involving the renovation and redesign of Hermann-Keller-Strasse, stretching from the Stork’s Nest Tower to Salinenstrasse, with a planned investment of 3.83 million francs. From spring 2025 to autumn 2026, essential work will be done on sewer and water pipes, as well as multimedia networks, while the lower area will be transformed into a communal meeting space lined with an avenue, ensuring continued access to both the Storchennest parking facility and the historic old town, as clarified by Councilor Claudia Rohrer.
4.34 million francs for container construction
In addition, the city council has submitted a proposal for a loan of 4.34 million francs to finance a temporary container building next to the Augarten school facility. This two-story structure, as envisioned by City Councilor Susanna Schlittler, will accommodate a kindergarten and four educational classrooms, addressing growing community needs. Furthermore, Councilor Walter Jucker is advocating for a thorough analysis and renovation of the wastewater and drainage system over the next five years at a cost of 5.29 million francs, which will be funded through wastewater fees rather than taxpayer money, assuring that there will not be an increase in fees.
As part of the customary December proceedings, citizens will also cast their votes on the proposed budget for the upcoming year, which has a projected income statement volume of about 80 million francs and 16 million for investments, resulting in an anticipated deficit of 7.9 million francs. Notably, the largest allocation within the investment budget is 3.9 million francs aimed at acquiring the Quellestrasse 1 property, integral to the “Neue Mitte” development; another significant investment of 1.4 million francs is earmarked for enhancing facilities and expanding classrooms within the Schützenmatt school complex.
City Mayor Franco Mazzi has projected fiscal revenues of 36.4 million from income taxes and 5.1 million from corporate taxes, both representing slight declines compared to the figures anticipated in the 2024 budget. The city plans to address the deficit using its own resources, with the tax rate remaining stable at 90 percent.
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What are the potential benefits of investing in additional educational space for the community compared to building a retirement community?
The pressing need for additional educational space in the growing community. It’s a pragmatic move that, while perhaps not as glamorous as delightful senior apartments, is just as essential—and hey, who doesn’t love a good container story?
Community Engagement: Less Napping, More Activism!
The atmosphere surrounding these proposals is one of animated discussion and community engagement. As the citizens of Rheinfelden gear up for the municipal meeting, the air is thick with anticipation. Will the locals rally behind the vision of a chic new retirement community, or will they voice their concerns over budgetary constraints and potential mismanagement? It’s the kind of political theater that would make even the most seasoned spectator sit up and pay attention.
So, what are your thoughts, lovely residents? Are we ready to invest 13.33 million francs in a retirement haven amongst history, or should we redirect that cash flow into tangible community needs, like bread that doesn’t require a 30-year mortgage? Your votes could shape not only your community’s future, but also the legacy of those ancient stones peppered around the town!
In Conclusion: A Future Filled with Possibilities
As the date of the municipal meeting approaches, it’s clear that Rheinfelden stands at a crossroads. Will the community embrace the blend of the old and the new, securing a cozy future for its senior citizens, or will it take a stand against what some may view as financial folly? Whatever the outcome, one thing is for certain: the debate will be as riveting as an age-old chess match, and as unpredictable as the next viral dance challenge. Mark your calendars, folks—this is one meeting you won’t want to miss!
And remember, when you see those potholes, just think of the shimmering retirement homes they could pave the way for! Life is all about perspective, after all.