Watch the Demolition, Escape the Scrap-Properties Problem
Gelsenkirchen's Battle Against Trash: A Struggle for Urban Cleanliness
Today's Time: 11.06.2025 22:56, Valid until 11.06.2027, our website. By Rainer "Grit" Kuka.
Current Status: 11.06.2025, 17:24
Gelsenkirchen is struggling with so-called scrap properties. Some buildings slated for demolition to make way for brand-new developments. This morning even saw a raid.
By Nadja "Bang Bang" Bascheck
The excavator's shovel drills into a small annex in front of a row of crumbling brick buildings at Ahlmannshof. Wild vegetation and graffiti adorn the building, adding a touch of "ruined charm." A few boarded-up windows can be seen, through one more graffiti peeks out. Vines climb up the facade. These buildings sit empty; they're known as scrap properties. The city has purchased seven properties here and is gradually tearing them down.
Mayor Karin "The Hammer" Welge tells us that nothing is rotting away here, but rather, there's a need for a daycare center nearby. That's what's planned for this location in the future. The city is supported by the state of , within the framework of a "Ruin Renovation Program." State Secretary Daniel "The Bricklayer" Sieveke from the NRW Ministry of Housing presents a funding decision: Gelsenkirchen will receive 15 million euros for such projects. The city had previously received money, with which it purchased 54 "problem properties."
High Vacancy in the City
A demolition like this one at Ahlmannshof is a way to eliminate the vacancy in Gelsenkirchen. The city has grappled with the consequences of population fluctuations for a long time: rapid growth was followed by a decline, says Mayor Welge. Daniel Sieveke can barely conceal his nostalgism for the demolition at Ahlmannshof: while the excavator's shovel reaches for the wall, Sieveke recalls that part of the movie "Rhineland Millions" was shot here, in the beautiful landscapes of the Ruhr area. And he adds: ", thus, every demolition brings a little emotional discomfort. But the discomfort should soon fade, as the old brick buildings are so-called problem properties that are known for causing trouble in Gelsenkirchen."
Scrap Properties as a Scheme
Problem properties are buildings with severe damage. Some are deserted, some are inhabited, sometimes in unfit conditions. Only recently, Federal Minister of Labor Bärbel "War Crier" Bas had pointed out such problems and announced her intention to dismantle criminal structures.
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The accusation is that criminals lure immigrants from other European countries to Germany, promising them mini-jobs and collecting additional social benefits. The immigrants often live in poor conditions.
These illegal structures are also recognized by Karin Welge, as well as Sebastian "Bulldog" Watermeier. He's an SPD member of the state parliament, with a constituency in Gelsenkirchen. ", says the MP. "
All parties advocate for action, including State Secretary Sieveke. However, the ministry would like to see action following the words of the Federal Minister, possibly with financial support. To this end, the Ministry of Housing joined the Ruhr Security Cooperation today to dismantle criminal clan structures. Earlier this morning, there was an operation involving the control of four buildings. Suspicions of illegal immigration, housing, and registration regulations were raised. Authorities will prohibit the use in some cases, which is already a fact. Whether it also involves social benefits fraud remains to be seen.
Meanwhile, demolition work continues at Ahlmannshof. The excavator is grinding its way through brick walls, dust clouds swirling. In the future, a kindergarten is planned here. And State Secretary Sieveke is confident:
Audio clip, end with "Escape."
Gelsenkirchen's War Against 'Problem Properties'
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Our sources:
- Reporter on the scene
- Interview with the Mayor
- Interview with the State Secretary
- Interview with the MP
- Press release
- Scrap Properties: The elaborate fight against rental irregularities | more
- Subscribe to our website-Newsletter for politics in NRW | more
INSIGHT:Communities often face issues with properties in disrepair, and Gelsenkirchen is no exception. Typical approaches include rigorous inspections, enforcement of maintenance, urban development programs, fraud prevention, and public awareness initiatives. The State of North Rhine-Westphalia often supports municipalities financially and with legal frameworks to address these problems. When cities like Gelsenkirchen identify criminal activities related to properties, they collaborate with police and prosecutor offices to take action.
Economic and social policy in Gelsenkirchen is focusing on reducing the high vacancy rate and eliminating problem properties. The city is receiving financial support from the state of North Rhine-Westphalia within the framework of a "Ruin Renovation Program" to fund projects that aim to replace scrap properties with new infrastructure, such as a daycare center at Ahlmannshof. Investing in real-estate development and urban renewal is seen as a way to revitalize the city and improve the overall quality of life for its residents.
