Mobile homes for refugees: Schmallenberg starts controversial construction project!

Mobile homes for refugees: Schmallenberg starts controversial construction project!

The city of Schmallenberg is pursuing a new project to accommodate refugees, which is to be implemented in the coming months. The construction of mobile residential buildings "on the cattle railway" is planned, with the first steps already being planned for spring 2025. This step is followed by a decision by the city council from June 2024, which approved the construction of five "Tiny houses" in a green area above the new building area "on the cattle railway" and near the street "Hünegräben" in the Lake industrial area. Originally, the construction of refugee accommodation was planned for autumn 2024, but was delayed due to residents' complaints and municipal supervisory complaints that were submitted against the project.

like the Sauerlandkurier has reported, the secondary of the city Schmallenberg, announced that the preparatory civil engineering work has been commissioned and the beginning of which depends on the weather conditions. The Zimmermann-Haus from Schmallenberg received the order for the construction of the mobile residential units. The border distances to the adjacent new development area are increased; Specifically, the distance in the "Am Lenninghof" area is enlarged by two meters to a total of seven meters in order to take into account the concerns of the residents.

refugee accommodation as a municipal challenge

The need to accommodate refugees in the city is undisputed. The City Schmallenberg informs that the city has a total of 25 buildings available that offer space for around 470 people. In view of the lack of available private apartments, the city pursues a strategy of decentralized distribution of refugees in small units. This is intended to ensure that families with children live in suitable living conditions, which is not possible in traditional collective accommodation with community facilities.

The new mobile houses each have a floor area of ​​about 50 m² and include three bedrooms, a bathroom and a kitchen. Five of these units are to be set up both on urban land above the new building area and at the end of the turning system in the Lake industrial estate. The building applications based on the manufacturing plans have already started and the city administration was commissioned to implement the project. This shows the determined will of the city to adapt to further growing refugee numbers without having to fall back on provisional accommodations such as gyms.

legal framework and allegations

The concerns of the neighbors are recognized, but it is emphasized that refugees are generally not dangerous. In addition, alternative locations such as "Hahnenborn" or "Old Field" were examined, which resulted from existing development plans and longer infrastructure requirements. Defects in communication with the residents were expressed, but there have already been citizens' collections and numerous information offers to involve the citizens and to inform about the project.