Home Check 2025: Residents demand better cycle paths and more safety!

Home Check 2025: Residents demand better cycle paths and more safety!

The opinions of the people in the region are the focus because the editorial team has launched its resident survey called “Heimatcheck”. The survey runs until June 22nd and covers a total of 15 topic areas, including wind turbines, which repeatedly refer to quality of life. In Bützow in particular, the construction of age-appropriate apartments is criticized, and the population is demanding more cycle paths - not only in the city, but also in the surrounding communities. These concerns are important because the well-being of residents is essential.

The change is being observed in the city center of Schwaan: The participants in the survey report that things are dying out, while in Laage the few shopping options - apart from discounters and restaurants - are criticized. Noise from vehicles and aircraft also contributes to dissatisfaction. At the same time, residents express a desire for more safety and cleanliness as well as improved medical care, especially from specialists. At least positive feedback is also cited, for example on the cultural offerings, which many residents find enriching. This positive feedback in particular should be emphasized more strongly in the future.

Wind turbines and their challenges

It is clear that wind turbines are a controversial topic. An international team from ETH Zurich has dedicated itself to this topic and carried out a comprehensive analysis of 400 studies on wind power. The aim of the research is to increase the acceptance of wind power and to find possible solutions to the associated challenges. According to the analysis, there are numerous questions about the impact on the environment, society and health. For example, wind turbines can endanger birds and bats, while offshore systems can disrupt marine life with underwater noise. Targeted location selection and innovative technologies are discussed as possible solutions.

The aspect of social acceptance is particularly important. In order to improve the conditions for wind power projects, financial citizen participation is an important step. The eueco association has recently published updated guidelines that are intended to support project sponsors and municipalities in taking the needs of the population into account during planning. This is about the design and legal framework of participation models that give citizens real rights to have a say.

Demand for security and participation

Citizens in the region want more security, both in everyday life and in relation to the new infrastructure projects. There are great demands for the safe expansion of cycle paths, particularly in Bützow and Laage. Medical care is also often described as inadequate, which has a major impact on the quality of life of the residents. Leisure opportunities for children and young people are another topic that the survey identified as essential.

Overall, the homeland survey is an important step in hearing the voices of citizens and responding to their needs. The survey only takes five minutes, remains anonymous and also includes a competition in which 25 cash prizes of 200 euros each will be drawn. Citizens' feedback is a valuable basis for future planning and development in the region.

The dialogue about wind power is getting stronger. It makes it clear that innovative solutions and involving citizens in the planning processes are crucial to sustainably expanding wind energy in Germany.