- Topic: Vote on community center
- Location: Jena-Winzerla
- Result: 6 to 2 votes against new construction
- Proposal: Examination of existing buildings (e.g., Goetheschule)
Jena-Winzerla. In a landmark meeting, the Ortsteilrat Winzerla has taken a clear stance: the committee voted by a majority against the plans for a new construction of the planned community center (Bürgerbegegnungszentrum). The decision, which was made on Thursday evening, could fundamentally change the urban planning in the district once again.
Clear Vote Against New Concrete
With six to two votes, the result of the ballot was decisive. The Ortsteilrat is thus sending a strong signal to the city administration and the Jenaer Stadtrat. Instead of building on greenfield sites or open spaces, the committee is calling for a rethink towards the use of existing resources. The official recommendation is now that the Stadtrat must address the issue again, but under different premises.
Focus on Existing Structures: The Goetheschule as an Alternative
The center of the discussions was not the question of whether Winzerla needs a meeting place – the necessity of social meeting points in the district is undisputed – but where and how it should be realized. The Ortsteilrat specifically brought the use of existing properties into play. In particular, the Goetheschule was highlighted as a potential alternative to a new building.
The repurposing of existing buildings is often considered a more sustainable solution in urban planning, as no new surfaces need to be sealed and historical or identity-forming building fabric is preserved. However, renovations and conversions to meet modern usage requirements are often complex and cost-intensive. It must now be examined whether the premises of the Goetheschule can meet the requirements for a modern, barrier-free, and multifunctional community center.
What Happens Next
Although the decision of the Ortsteilrat is of an advisory nature, it carries high political weight, as the district councils function as a direct link to the local citizenry. The Stadtrat of Jena is now responsible for evaluating this recommendation. It is expected that the discussions regarding costs, feasibility, and the schedule for the urgently needed center will enter a new round. For the residents of Winzerla, this initially means that the groundbreaking for a new building has moved into the distant future, but the chance for an integrated solution within the existing building stock has increased.
We will continue to report as soon as the Stadtrat positions itself regarding this new resolution.
Sources:
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