Somehow the worm is in the Kroatengasse. Why? Because the announced pilot project of the “1000 Trees for Linz” initiative has still not left any visible traces. And that despite the fact that the 50 trees announced for there were originally supposed to have been planted from September 2021.
But even before the elections in autumn, Deputy Mayor Bernhard Baier (VP), who was still responsible at the time, announced that it would not be until October at the earliest. As is well known, nothing came of it either, the renewed postponement of the ultimately 49 tree plantings had to be announced by the Environmental Councilor Eva Schobesberger (Greens), who was newly responsible for these agendas with the election. Work is now scheduled to start at the end of April – but the concept originally designed by 3:0 Landschaftsarchitektur can only be implemented in a reduced form.
Planned start at the end of April
The reason for this is four 10 kV lines that were not included in the plans and over which no trees can be planted. “I’ve literally taken over a huge construction site here. I’m trying desperately to get the best out of it,” says Schobesberger in the OÖN interview. Relocating the lines (they are not currently in need of renovation) would “not be justifiable” in the current situation given the high costs involved, she says.
The fact that the lines were “discovered” and taken into account so late is rooted in voting difficulties in the past legislative period. As reported, Baier and the Deputy Mayor responsible for traffic at the time, Markus Hein (FP) – who denounced a lack of involvement in the planning – were anything but “green” in the project.
The fact is now that the concept cannot be implemented as planned. In a first step, only the west side of Kroatengasse (that’s the left side looking towards the Danube) can be planted with 25 trees. Because of the slimmed-down variant, fewer parking spaces than previously planned will initially disappear. After the overall conversion, as reported, only 70 parking spaces will be available instead of around 90. Schobesberger has not yet completely written off the other side of the street, it is to be greened when the lines have to be renewed or other construction work is pending in the area. However, it is unclear when that will be.
The question of how much the project will ultimately cost is just as open. Originally, around 750,000 euros were estimated for the concept, which was not undisputed among residents. What is certain, however, is that there will be additional costs of around 14,600 euros for road construction planning that has also become necessary in a section – these were already decided in yesterday’s city senate meeting.
In any case, Schobesberger does not want to experience any more such surprises, which is why a project group will be set up for future projects. With the aim “that all players involved are involved as soon as possible”. (jp)
Source: Nachrichten
