Hesel in turmoil: residents defend themselves against high road construction contributions!
Hesel in turmoil: residents defend themselves against high road construction contributions!
In the small community of Hesel in Lower Saxony, the planned expansion of the village street ensures disputes and resentment among the residents. Around 1.5 million euros are estimated, but the financial consequences mainly affect the residents: many of them have to dig into their pockets for the renewal. The municipality of Hesel has decided to raise contributions that are calculated in percentage according to property size, and so high sums come together. NDR reports that as Gesine Brinkmann, which is supposed to pay almost 50,000 euros in their case, against this To take fees. The Citizens' Initiative Dorfstraße, under the direction of Irene Preyk, also sees itself as a person affected and plans legal steps.
The municipality of Hesel tries to make the decision tasty to the citizens. But that comes across massive criticism: According to residents, the financial emergency is exploited. "Who has so much money left for road construction contributions?" Irene Preyk, of all things, wonders, who lives in one of the more expensive quarters on the village street and does not want to accept her decision. Despite the possible resistance, the legal basis for the collection of these contributions in the Lower Saxony Local Tax Act (NKAG) is clearly defined. The possibility of deferral or retirement is also offered, but at an interest rate of 3 percent above the base rate, which is not exactly perceived as helpful.
Citizens' initiative in the uprising
The foundation of the citizens' initiative is a direct sign of the dismissal and an attempt to give residents a voice. Members such as Barbara Kriebel are amazed at the high costs and are actively involved in making a change. Last year a demo was held, in which 50 participants and numerous supporters took part with the aim of rejecting the high contributions. They collected around 1,000 signatures, although some of the attempts to initiate a citizens' request, were not recognized by formal errors in approval.
according to vssd.eu there are subsidies of up to 75 % for road construction, especially in financially weaker municipalities, and yet the remaining contribution remains a strong burden for residents. The mayor of the community is positive about the initiative, but many citizens still seem skeptical.
legal gray areas and planned changes
The discussion about road construction contributions is not new and is reflected in many parts of Lower Saxony. A look at Kommunalwiki.boell.de shows that the legal provisions are often in focus. Some municipalities have already reconsidered this practice and, in many cases, have even abolished. In Hesel, the municipal council recently decided with a narrow majority to abolish the road construction contributions, which comes into force on May 1, 2025. In order to close the financial gaps, however, the property tax is increased, which in turn creates other concerns.
The entire situation around the road expansion in Hesel clearly shows how complicated and stressful the financial regulations for citizens can be - both at local and an individual level. It remains to be seen whether the planned legal steps of the citizens' initiative will lead to the goal. However, one thing is certain: in the community there will continue to be hot discussions about the financing of the infrastructure.
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| Ort | Hesel, Deutschland |
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