Scouts Face Eviction: A Battle for the Quirlsberg
Preservation and Renovation of Q1 Building Urged by Scouts
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The Scout Troop Folke Bernadotte of Bergisch Gladbach is standing their ground against their eviction from a run-down building in need of major renovations. The young scouts are urging Mayor Frank Stein and the city council to take action and preserve this vital youth center. In an exclusive interview, Mayor Stein shared his thoughts on the issue.
Scouts Launch a "Save Our Home" Petition
Determined to save their beloved Scout Home, the members of the Folke Bernadotte Troop have started a petition to rally support for their cause. The petition's central demand is for the city to save and renovate the building on the Quirlsberg, ensuring future generations can benefit from this valuable youth facility.
In the petition titled "Preserve the Scout Home—the Heart of Bergisch Gladbach Youth," the scouts describe this location as a crucial place where kids and teenagers can grow and develop. The Scout Home has become a second home for many, and its loss would be a devastating blow to the local youth community.
Rallying the Troops
On a chilly evening last week, the scouts congregated on the market square, spreading flyers and posters about their impending eviction and collecting signatures for their petition.
The Folke Bernadotte Troop, with over 100 members, has called Quirlsberg their home for over 40 years. The building and its land are owned by the city, and management is the responsibility of the church as the tenant. Despite the church's lease termination in October 2024, the city administration only informed the public and politics in the youth welfare committee about the eviction in May, with a possible deadline extension to the end of the year.
Lack of Communication Sparks Outrage
The scouts are upset about the lack of transparency in this situation. They were not consulted before the decision to evict them was made, and they believe that they could have offered financial and practical support for renovations. The petition condemns this lack of communication: "Regrettably, we have not been informed about this at all until now—neither by the city nor the church. All information was only provided upon request."
Questions Remain
The scouts are also curious about the estimated renovation costs and the details of any planned renovation projects. As of now, the city administration has not released any detailed information about the scope or costs of any planned renovations.
Last Wednesday, a spontaneous meeting was held at the town hall between Mayor Frank Stein, Scout Leader Janis Reinhold, and members of the administration, originated by the scouts. Afterward, Reinhold expressed cautious optimism that a solution will be found.
Progress and Next Steps
Mayor Stein wrote a letter to the scouts, which the city forwarded to the citizen portal upon request. "We all share the common goal of enabling your work in the future," Stein stated. The city is prepared to enter into a lease agreement with the scouts on the same terms as with the evangelical church.
However, it must be ensured that the building is safe for use. Stein suggested a joint inspection and assessment of the building by the administration’s experts and the scouts to form a unified opinion. If the building is deemed safe, a lease agreement can be signed. If there are unacceptable risks, a follow-up meeting will be held to discuss the best course of action.
The city has yet to estimate any potential renovation costs, according to a spokesperson. The exact condition of the building remains unknown, making it impossible to accurately assess the scope of any renovation work.
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Further Reading
Further Exploration
The situation surrounding the eviction of Scout Troop Folke Bernadotte from their home on the Quirlsberg is an ongoing issue. To stay informed about the latest developments, check local news sources like Bergisch Gladbach Aktuell or Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger – Bergisch Gladbach. You can also reach out to Scouts Troop Folke Bernadotte or the city’s building department for more specific information.
Enrichment Insights
- Eviction protests by youth organizations like Scout Troop Folke Bernadbach can occur when properties are facing redevelopment, safety concerns, or municipal decisions.
- Renovation costs for properties like the Scout Home in Bergisch Gladbach can range from tens of thousands to several hundred thousand euros, depending on the scope of work needed.
- Information about municipal property renovations can often be accessed via Freedom of Information requests, municipal websites, or direct inquiries to the city’s building or cultural departments in Germany.
- The Scouts' petition titled "Preserve the Scout Home—the Heart of Bergisch Gladbach Youth" is a reflection of the crucial role the Scout Home plays in the lives of many kids and teenagers as a space for learning, growth, and development.
In the aftermath of the eviction threat, the Folke Bernadotte Scouts have taken action to save their home, launching a "Save Our Home" petition to rally support for preserving the Scout Home on the Quirlsberg. Moreover, the scouts hope to transform their love for their shelter into a lifestyle that fosters home-and-garden values, as they work tirelessly to maintain and revitalize their cherished youth center.