The city council is debating what was archived in Potsdam in the last 30 years and what the future could look like. Especially the CDU party is ripping everything apart. The CDU comes to the conclusion that the reconstruction downtown could have been much faster and better. Or so they think. But at least it`s consensus among our council now to streamline the process, learn from the past. The target is to start a new wave of reconstructions and to create better newbuilds in between.
The liberal side of the spectrum is criticized for social financial experiments preventing better newbuilds and reconstructions. In this the city did not allow private builders but forced for example the city own "Pro Potsdam" housing to build against their will. Only benefit is that private and gov. housing associations learn how to build. LOL
The other parties on the more conservative side are also criticized for not caring and most important for never showing up voting. The only exception is the very small political party is "Die Linke," aka the former communists. Die Linke always shows up in complete team during a vote on a subject. Other parties don`t show up at all. For the reconstruction projects, this is a disaster. It`s not so that most politicians are against reconstructions per se. It`s more that some political parties put up rules and regulations for other purposes that hinder reconstructions as a side note. As for example preventing "rich" people from coming in and reconstructing. Or denying "rich" people from donating directly to the housing associations.
The CDU is now spreading this flyer. It shows important and less important reconstructions and newbuilds among with future contenders:
Now you all wonder what does this mean? Here a little summery. It`s important. That is why I am posting this. Let`s hope this debate in city council comes to success.
The CDU is doing a change of tactics. No blame game, only three minor changes:
O The city owned housing companies could do more reconstructions. This could open the door to at least three new reconstructions elsewhere in town. Should be easy, since "Gasthof Ploeger" is already an association built. Although private association.
O The city owned housing companies should be open to "historical donations" during renovations.
this means that newbuilds from the 1950`s and 60`s could see donations during normal maintenance renovations. Those donations could pay for facade reconstructions. There are some spectacular projects possible if this works out. We could see after war buildings replaced.
O The CDU wants the "financial logic" behind forcing associations to rebuild questioned. Building at the Stern Center area could produce 6 Euro par sq Meter units. Building downtown produces 11 Euro par sq Meter units. Private investors charge 25 - 27 Euro par sq Meter for newbuilds downtown. Either the associations charge normal rates, can easy make more by reconstructing something and use that money for more affordable units out of town. Or we leave it to the private hand and make reconstruction mandatory. Private investors have repeatedly stated that the profit margin would allow them to do so. Money is not the problem. Demand for luxury is very high. Reconstructions actually pay better.
- The current system is not helping poor people. The housing associations are charging double here that in the suburbs. But the profit is not double. The next problem is that the rental fixing will last only 20 years. It is fixed for 20 years. The associations will make a ton of mony down 20 years from now, but neither poor people nor the association makes anything for 20 years. Plus, gentrification will happen anyway, just 20 years from now.
Solutions? Either charge low rent like in the suburbs. But that would be illegal. After the spectacular bankruptcy of the DDR, everyone understands the need for profits. Save in good times for the bad times. The associations are not allowed to lose money. The alternative would be to make market rates and invest the surplus in the suburbs. But why not go all the way, reconstruct and charge big time. Experts calculated that most full reconstructions would have cost only 5% more, but the owners can charge 20% more. A no brainer. But we deal here with voters.
I am planning to post here some possible reconstructions, if the city council goes for it.
