New citizens’ initiative against the planned IT:U location

The initiative of the citizens of Linz, which was founded a few weeks ago and invited people to a press conference yesterday, is dedicated to “saving the green belt”. She speaks out against the planned location of the new digital university – between Johannes Kepler University and the A7 – and is thus continuing the criticism of the construction project that has been ongoing since the beginning.

• Also read with OÖNPlus: The “construction sites” of the new Linz Digital University

It is feared that the building could, among other things, have a negative impact on the cold air currents that cool the city due to the Bohemian wind. “There were no measurements of the extent to which the project changed the wind conditions,” says Alexander Jäger, former professor of biological and environmental engineering and spokesman for the citizens’ initiative. Studies on biodiversity, light pollution and noise pollution have also not been carried out so far. An alternative location – for example on the “Post City” site – is more suitable for the project. “A green roof there would actually increase biodiversity and improve the climate,” says Jäger.

The citizens’ initiative is currently collecting signatures of support. So far (as of Thursday) more than 2,200 people have signed the petition. During the local council meeting next Thursday, May 23rd, the citizens’ initiative will meet at the old town hall. “We form a human chain, but we don’t attach ourselves to anything. We won’t block the tram either,” says the spokesman.

Commitment to sustainability

Since joining the Climate Alliance in 1990, the city of Linz has officially been committed to sustainable urban development. The goal is to become “Climate Capital of Europe” by 2025. However, the local council’s previous resolutions regarding nature conservation would be “counteracted” by the current plans, says Friedrich Schwarz, deputy chairman of the Upper Austria Nature Conservation Association. It is also problematic that of the ten hectares of grassland that are to be repurposed, only around 50 percent goes to IT:U. The second half is intended for the construction of companies that would seal a corresponding amount of area.

“Away from party politics”

Although the initiative sees itself as decidedly non-partisan, Daria Danner from the Green Youth Linz also spoke out against “concreting in” at the press conference.

Climate councilor for the city of Linz, Eva Schobesberger (Greens), also pledged her support in a broadcast from the citizens’ initiative.