Virtual residents' meeting on 16 April 2021

The jubilation in October in the Stadthalle and other places in the city was loud and full of joy. Where are we today, six months after winning the title?

Mr Burghart: The euphoria of winning the title has been transformed into energy to prepare the measures for the Capital of Culture. The basis for this is the application book. This book describes our idea and is a kind of contract with the European Union, a commitment to realise around 80% of the ideas mentioned there. The Capital of Culture organisation is now being founded and set up for this implementation, which will take place this year. The General Director Dr Dietrich has been recruited for this.


We know that corona is putting a spanner in the works for many things, but what else can we look forward to this year?

Mr Burghart: We are of course hoping for further easing of restrictions so that we can get together with people. We are already starting to plant the apple trees for the European Apple Tree Parade this year. All the apple varieties that are available, which is around 2,000, will be planted in pairs in the city. This will result in around 4,000 trees. We look forward to your interest, tree sponsorships, apple festivals, etc.

As in the previous year, the hat festival will take place as a Corona version in the local neighbourhoods. This will hopefully be in September 2021.

The Fete de la musique is to take place in June 2021, but here too we have to wait and see whether this will be possible.

Culture is also sport. There will be a test for the international peace ride with the Czech partner from Chemnitz to Prague.


One word that also came up for me in the application process is intervention areas: what are intervention areas and what exactly is supposed to happen there in Chemnitz?

Mr Burghart: An intervention area is an area in our city that we have identified with creative minds and cultural professionals in order to discover things there, to intervene and create something new. One intervention area, for example, is Stadt am Fluss. The aim there is to create new spaces, make new places accessible and revitalise them. Other examples are the Stadtwirtschaft and the garage campus.

The Capital of Culture year presents us with transport challenges. Are there already plans to guide our visitors to the city centre via sustainable main routes (pedestrian and cycle traffic)? Are further cycle lanes planned, such as on Reichenhainer Straße?

Mr Stötzer: We are of course hoping for many visitors. The infrastructure needs to be checked in this respect. To this end, a plan will be drawn up that is tailored to the cultural programme, as this will determine where many visitors can be expected. Coordination with the transport partners will also take place. This plan is to be developed this year and next year and will ultimately be presented to the city council for a decision.

Waste disposal

Zero waste is a good approach. Basically, waste avoidance takes precedence over waste disposal. Examples include the use of reusable crockery and environmentally friendly packaging instead of plastic bags at the Christmas market. The separation and recycling of organic waste is also not a matter of course everywhere in Germany. Chemnitz is also already well positioned with the separation of paper, glass, electronic waste and much more.

Protection of protected landscape areas

Increasingly, I am experiencing motorised use in the form of wild caravans in the Pfarrhübel-Alte Harth-Berbisdorfer Flur landscape conservation area. The prohibition signs on the access roads are a waste of time, motorbikes, cars and quad bikes drive recklessly across meadows and fields. What can be done?

Mr Runkel: The problem is known and exists in various places (e.g. also in Euba and Rabenstein). The city itself has no authority to control the flow of traffic. Only the state police can do that. Unfortunately, the city of Chemnitz is therefore unable to intervene. However, we have repeatedly suggested to the police that this should be changed in the Police Act and in the Ordinance on the Enforcement Service. We hope that the city will also be authorised to control moving traffic in the future.

Climate crisis

How does the City of Chemnitz intend to do its part to fulfil the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement?

Mr Runkel: The City of Chemnitz cannot comply with the agreement on its own, but can contribute to Germany achieving the targets. The climate protection concept was adopted by the city council back in 2012. Many measures have already been implemented. The City of Chemnitz has been a certified European climate protection municipality since 2011. The city administration of Chemnitz only contributes 2% of the city's CO² emissions. Nevertheless, it has succeeded in reducing CO² emissions since the beginning of the 1990s from approx. 12 tonnes per inhabitant per year to currently approx. 5.8 tonnes per inhabitant per year. Innovative projects are being promoted, energy consultations are being organised and a solar roof register is being drawn up. The clean air plan and the noise action plan also support these goals.


When is the coal-fired power station in the centre of the city to be shut down?

Mr Runkel: This is not a city decision. Eins will shut down Block B in the northern heating plant in 2023. Further shutdowns are economically difficult. There is currently no funding for the coal phase-out. It is important to safeguard the city of Chemnitz's heating and energy concept. A short-term shutdown would jeopardise the city of Chemnitz's heat and energy supply. However, work is underway to create climate-friendly and climate-neutral replacement plants. For example, the district heating in the Brühl area is being reheated using solar thermal energy and used to heat the Brühl.

ZOB book bus

Secondary school and grammar school in the west of Chemnitz

When I registered my son for school, I realised that there are hardly any secondary schools in the west and that they are all overcrowded. From next school year, I will have to send my child across the city. Why are schools being built everywhere, but not where they are needed?

Mr Burghart: There is a city-wide school network plan. The principle of primary schools: short legs - short distances. This works very well for 39 primary schools, and further new builds are currently underway. The consideration of new buildings such as the secondary school on Hartmannstraße is made under various aspects. The new secondary school is very centrally located and is easily accessible by public transport.

Chemnitz youth emergency service

How did the emergency child and youth services centre on Augsburger Straße come to be located? Communication did not go well.

Mr Burghart: The concept has already been approved by the city council and is now being implemented. The previous contact point is not suitable for meeting the different needs of different age groups, for example. This is why the new concept was developed. It was important to create smaller, different locations. When choosing the location, the requirements of the state youth welfare office were also taken into account so as not to jeopardise subsequent approval. As a result, the locations on Reichenhainer Straße and Chopinstraße were chosen. Communication was improved, e.g. with an online discussion round, and the offers are still ongoing.

Emergency shelter for children and young people

What is the next step in the project to set up an emergency shelter for children and young people in Chemnitz?

Mr Burghart: This is the sleep-in centre. This is also part of the concept for improving the youth emergency service. For the realisation of the project, we still need to check whether and which funding opportunities are available. The implementation of this topic will then be discussed again.

Indoor swimming pools in Chemnitz

When will the indoor swimming pool currently under construction in Bernsdorf be completed? What size pool will it have? Is a sauna integrated? Will part of it remain as a summer pool?

Mr Burghart: The new swimming pool complex in Bernsdorf is scheduled for completion at the end of 2022. The new indoor swimming pool will be built on the site of the Bernsdorf outdoor pool and the main features of the outdoor pool will be retained. The aim is also to redevelop these areas in order to develop the entire site into a modern combined swimming pool. The new indoor swimming pool will have a 25 metre hall (6 lanes), a diving pool with a 3 metre platform and a 1 metre diving board, a teaching pool and a children's paddling area will round off the future water facilities. The new swimming complex will not have any sauna areas, as these would not be eligible for funding. The entire construction project is being funded with 11.4 million euros via the Saxon Investment Strengthening Act "Bridges to the Future" funding programme. In this context, reference is made to the newly built municipal sauna "Golfbadsauna" in Chemnitz, Rabenstein district, which is operated by the wholly owned municipal subsidiary, EFC GmbH Chemnitz. Construction of the indoor swimming pool will be completed at the end of 2022. The swimming complex will then consist of an outdoor and indoor pool. Funding has been obtained for this. The pool will have six 25 metre lanes, as well as a 3 metre diving tower and 1 metre diving board, a toddlers' area and a non-swimmers' pool. In 2023, the entire operation should then also be possible in the outdoor pool.


Chemnitz needs more swimming pools in residential areas (short distances), not fun pools, but pools with several 25m lanes. Are there any concrete plans for this?

Mr Burghart: The sports development plan shows what water space is available for the population. The swimming complex in Bernsdorf will be a pool for sports use with additional facilities. In principle, the construction of indoor swimming pools is very cost-intensive and their operation also requires additional staff and maintenance costs. Chemnitz is well positioned with the provision of swimming pools. The regular refurbishment of existing pools is also important.

Former cycling track at the sports centre

Are there plans to restore the cycling track in the sports stadium and bring more cycling to Chemnitz?

Mr Burghart: Chemnitz is a cycling city with a great history. The sports forum with the boarding school and the sports school already represents an exceptional situation in a nationwide comparison. The cycling track has been renovated and small spectator areas have been made accessible. Training rides and competitions now take place there. Further improvements are of course possible, and these can and should follow.

Refurbishment of the speed skating rink

When will the renovation of the speed skating rink be completed? Will we be able to skate outdoors again in autumn 2021 if Corona permits?

Mr Burghart: Everyone is looking forward to the opening in autumn 2021. The rink is ready and has already been tested in winter.

City council decision on the roller and fun sports centre

The city council decision was a much-discussed decision at the city council's budget meeting. What is your opinion on it and what happens now?

Mr Schulze: I personally and a large part of the city council support the project and the site is considered very suitable for such a project. The various designs cost between €8 million and €22 million. In the current situation, the project cannot be included in the budget. But we want the project and are committed to it. Therefore, the approach is to invite expressions of interest and have the construction realised by a private investor. Subsequently, it would be possible for the city to lease the building for 20 years, for example. The aim must be to ensure that private users do not have to pay high fees. This will ultimately be decided by the city council.

Road planning in Chemnitz

South ring extension in the west

Can the extension in the direction of Zwickauer Str. be stopped and the money saved invested in necessary projects? In my opinion, further construction of the southern ring road is completely unnecessary!

Mr Stötzer: The same as for the city centre ring road also applies to the possible extension of the southern ring road in the direction of Zwickauer Strasse. The extension to Zwickauer Str. has already been planned and approved, but has not yet been realised for cost reasons. It still has to be weighed up whether this extension can be financed. The city council will also decide on this.

Free/reduced-price local transport

As in the cities of Prague and the twin city of Usti nad Labem, citizens aged 70 and over should be able to use the city's public transport system free of charge - the biggest advantage would be a reduction in traffic and less use of municipal car parks. Citizens aged 65 or 60 and over should pay a lower local transport fare. What do you think?

Mr Stötzer: Public transport is a service that represents a high value. A lot of money has to be raised for it, and users should pay a share. Discounts already exist, e.g. the senior citizens' ticket. There should also be discounts in the future, for example the Central Saxony Transport Association will offer senior citizens the option of travelling with a second person.

Noise on the A72 Stelzendorf motorway

The noise pollution in Stelzendorf caused by motorway traffic is very high and the A72 is being used more and more, especially by lorries without end. Even at night there is no peace and quiet, the traffic is always moving. Noise makes you ill in the long term. Unfortunately, the protective measures only begin at Neefepark. Please campaign for the noise barriers to be extended in the direction of Stollberg! We Stelzendorf residents want to stay healthy. Thank you!

Mr Stötzer: The motorway is operated by the federal government. Therefore, the federal government, or more precisely Autobahn GmbH, is also responsible for the noise protection measures. These were also implemented in accordance with the regulations at the time. Nevertheless, you can contact Autobahn GmbH and submit your concerns(https://www.autobahn.de/kontakt). Mr Runkel adds that further measures have already been obtained at other locations (e.g. in the Glösa/Auerswalde area).

Environment /Climate/ Building

The building boom in Chemnitz continues. The losers are trees, shrubs and green islands, which have a decisive influence on the climate of a city. Other losers are birds and insects.

How does the city intend to compensate for the loss of green spaces?

Is there a scientifically recommended guideline value for the sealing of areas that should not be exceeded?

Mr Stötzer: There is no such guideline value for sealing, but the aim is to minimise sealing. The German government has set itself the goal of reducing the value of new sealed surfaces. For this reason, particular attention is being paid to the development and reactivation of brownfield sites. These are not always owned by the city, so we need to approach the owners. New buildings cannot always be built on greenfield sites on the outskirts of the city. In some cases, the city has already bought up brownfield sites and activated green spaces, e.g. Konkordiaplatz. But many other inner-city areas have also already been renaturalised, such as the Uferpark and the area around the Pleißenbach, which is currently being developed.

Street lighting Switching off the traffic lights

Why is the street lighting on Kalkstraße between Am Weideweg and Oberfrohnaer Straße switched off from 11 pm?

Why does a traffic light system in the Kalkstraße industrial estate have to work at night and a traffic light system at the intersection of Limbacher Straße and Kalkstraße have to be switched off?

Mr Stötzer: Traffic light circuits are always considered individually and the danger is taken into account. For example, turning onto four-lane roads is more dangerous than turning onto two-lane roads. This is particularly the case on Kalkstraße, where slow-moving lorries have to change to a four-lane road even at night. This cannot be done safely without traffic lights.

Car sharing scheme in Gablenz and the Yorck area

What will/can the city do to promote a car-sharing scheme in Gablenz and the Yorck area? Unfortunately, I am not yet aware of any offer in these two neighbourhoods.

Mr Stötzer: The locations are selected by the providers on the basis of private-sector criteria. The city is happy to support such offers by providing space. In Gablenz, there has been a first parking space at Carl-von-Ossietzky-Str. 166a since 15.04.2021.

Oberrabenstein local recreation area

The Oberrabenstein recreation area is a popular excursion destination for everyone in Chemnitz and beyond. Many day-trippers park their vehicles in the large Am Weißen Stein car park. To get to Rabenstein Castle on foot from there, for example, you have to walk along Grünaer Straße between Burgstraße and Oberfrohnaer Straße. Unfortunately, there is no footpath on this section of Grünaer Straße. This is very dangerous, especially with children. When are you planning to build a footpath there?

Mr Stötzer: This is a narrow one-way street where a footpath could only be built if the parking spaces were removed. The issue will be discussed again with the citizens' initiative in Rabenstein. However, there are still alternative routes, e.g. from the Weißer Weg car park via the viaduct to get to Rabenstein Castle.

Cultural quarter

What about the development of this cultural quarter? Will Chemnitz utilise this opportunity for further development in the city centre, will the city administration continue to pursue it or have the plans been put on hold for the time being? What will happen next in this area?

Mr Stötzer: The city of Chemnitz has made the necessary preparations. The city council has decided to develop the theatre quarter. The theatre has drawn up a concept for this. According to this, all concert halls, rehearsal rooms and technical rooms are to be concentrated around the theatre. The building authorities have then drawn up two design variants that could be realised. As soon as the funds are available, the project can be started.

Citizen participation

Citizens' initiatives and citizens' platforms are a good way forward. However, suggestions and comments often come to nothing. How can co-operation with the city and politicians be improved?

Mr Schulze: The city administration and city council have secured the financing of the citizens' platforms in the budget, so the citizens' budget contained therein is available. Citizens are welcome to use these services even more. Civic engagement is important and we want to support it. There is security for the continued operation of the citizens' platforms, but also for the support of the localities.

Chemnitz as a business location

Mr Schulze, I understand that you recently set up a business advisory board. What are your plans to strengthen Chemnitz as a business location so that it is no longer dependent on Dresden and Leipzig?

Mr Schulze: Chemnitz is a city of business, technology, industry and innovation. This should remain the foundation of the city of Chemnitz. That is why we have the Economic Advisory Council and the CWE. The aim is to further raise Chemnitz's profile in this respect. Small and medium-sized businesses are important for Chemnitz and not a large investor on whose welfare we are then dependent.

Attracting skilled labour

How can Chemnitz, together with the local companies, attract more well-trained specialists in all areas and retain them in the region? We need the influx.

Mr Uhle: In the pandemic, it is a priority to retain and secure the workforce. Short-time working allowance is an important tool here. The "Chemnitz attracts" network with over 100 employers is an important portal for attracting staff to Chemnitz. The economy also sees the Capital of Culture as having great potential. Of course, the cultural and creative industries, as well as retail and catering, cannot grow at the moment. But companies that are technology-orientated are currently experiencing good growth. Chemnitz is able to compete nationally and at European level to fill important vacancies.

Will Chemnitz's popular Klapperbrunnen fountain return to the current bus station before 2025?

Yes, according to current plans, the Klapperbrunnen fountain will be renovated and reinstalled by 2025.


Why is an ugly fountain being built in the centre of the market for a lot of money? We could use the money better elsewhere!

The construction of a market fountain was already part of the winning competition design by WES at the beginning of the 2000s. The current winning design by Widrig was chosen in a separate competition. The decision to build a new fountain was taken by the city council with the intention of making the city centre more attractive and thus revitalising it. The new fountain on Jacobikirchplatz shows that these decisions are bearing fruit.


Why a new fountain on the market square and then have to make savings on the other side? Why not an "artist" from the region? In recent years, there has often been a lack of money to operate the existing fountains and the hinged fountain at the bus station has been left to rot, now the renovation is expensive!

The decision to build a fountain on the market square was made by the city council in 2016. It was certainly guided by the fact that the city centre of Chemnitz would be upgraded and revitalised with art.
The fountain on Jacobi Church Square shows that such new offerings are also accepted and thus revitalise the city centre.
Why not an artist from the region?
For art, as for planning and construction work, there are criteria according to which the selection has to take place. In the case of art, this is the guideline "Kunst am Bau" (Art in Construction) issued by the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community. According to this, for art in public spaces
- an artistic competition must be held,
- in which the artists apply anonymously with their artistic idea and
- a jury then selects suitable candidates.

We organised such a competition in 2018/2019 and explicitly invited regional artists to apply. However, as such competitions have to be held anonymously, it is not possible for the jury to specifically select regional artists.

Funds have been made available for the Klapperbrunnen. It is therefore already undergoing restoration.


What measures are planned in 2021 and the following years to revitalise the ponds in Küchwald?

The Parks Department submitted an application for funding "Adaptation of urban spaces to climate change" in mid-March 2021; the next steps depend on the provision of funding.


The pond in Schönherrpark has been silting up for years, as there appears to be no continuous water supply. Last year, the Chemnitz fire brigade had to take action to save the amphibians living in the pond from death. What measures are being considered to find a permanent solution to this problem?

The Schönherrteich is a listed artificial body of water without a natural inlet. In 2020, the pump was defective, which is why the fire brigade was called in.
It is filled in the summer months (from around Easter) using a pump and well from the bank filtrate of the Chemnitz. The artificial spring is located on the west bank of the small bay. This technical solution was installed around 15 years ago, thus fulfilling the intention of the question. The pump was defective in spring 2020, but was quickly repaired so that the fire brigade did not need to be called out again. The pond is currently full.

Why is there no complaints procedure at the Immigration Office or the Social Welfare Office, as there is at the Youth Welfare Office?

Citizens can contact the Foreigners' Registration Office or the management of the Citizens' Office directly with complaints. Of course, it is also possible to submit a complaint by telephone or email to the city's service centre on (0371) 115 or d115(at)stadt-chemnitz.de.

What's next for the "City of Modernity" slogan?

The slogan "City of Modernism" has been in existence for many years (2007) and was an expression of the city's architectural development in particular. Winning the title of European Capital of Culture should be presented and disseminated accordingly with the revised logo. The new logo will be introduced gradually so that publications already printed with the original logo can continue to be used.


How does the city administration plan to improve cooperation with Chemnitz University of Technology? In the recent past, there have been frequent accusations of very "unfavourable" cooperation.

There is constructive cooperation between Chemnitz University of Technology and the City of Chemnitz. Chemnitz University of Technology is an important partner for the further development of the city, particularly in the fields of technology and research. This is why, for example, a joint application for the development of the HIC - Hydrogen and Mobility Innovation Centre in Chemnitz was submitted under the umbrella of the HZwo e. V. innovation cluster. Research into hydrogen promises carbon dioxide-free mobility and a sustainable industrial upturn. To support industry and society in the transition to this new energy source, the German government has announced a location competition for a "Technology and Innovation Centre for Hydrogen Technology for Mobility Applications".


For only 37 years of Chemnitz's history, which dates back to the 12th century, the city bore the name Karl-Marx-Stadt. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the "Nischel". It is shocking how strongly this name still characterises the identity of our city today, even though the city actually had nothing to do with Karl Marx. To make matters worse, there is clear evidence of Marx's racism and anti-Semitism. When will the city finally rid itself of this identity and tear down the Nischel?

The monument is a listed building. According to the Saxon Monument Protection Act, the object must be preserved and maintained.


Especially in Corona times, you realise that there are too few public toilets in Chemnitz. What is the city doing?

There are 12 public toilets from the Stroer company.


Chemnitz is dependent on the influx of young, committed people, but has shown its darkest side in 2018. The people who have come to us since 2015 will probably not want to stay. What will the city do to keep them?

Local authorities are facing tough competition to attract new companies and compete for skilled labour. They have to work harder than ever before. It's not just about attractive jobs or favourable locations for a company. It is also, or above all, about creating a socially liveable environment with attractive and affordable housing options, a dense kindergarten and school network, leisure and recreational facilities, good transport links and much more. These "soft skills" signalise: you can live well here, you are welcome here, you can stay here, you are at home here. Family and friends, large communities but also attractive job offers are a great attraction. The city of Chemnitz is making great efforts to offer people here an environment worth living in and a financial livelihood so that young people in particular can decide to stay.
Chemnitz compares favourably with other Saxon municipalities and also nationwide. While other large cities complain about a lack of housing, Chemnitz still has good quality flats at reasonable rent levels. Measures to rejuvenate the overall population are taken into account in urban development planning (e.g. expansion of the daycare centre and school network, construction of new playgrounds, infrastructure, etc.).
The comparatively high number of foreign students at our university (fourth place in the category "proportion of international students" and second place in the category "proportion of international students taking final examinations in the Master's programme" compared to the other 14 technical universities in Germany) shows that Chemnitz has a lot to offer. To ensure that students stay here after their studies, various support programmes such as the CHEMNITZ ZIEHT AN (Chemnitzer Wirtschaftsförderungs- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH/CWE) skilled labour initiative help them find qualified jobs.
The city would also like to send out these and other positive signals with its activities and endeavours in connection with the title of European Capital of Culture. As a municipality, we are using the opportunity offered by the title of European Capital of Culture to incentivise many people to get to know and appreciate our city from a positive perspective. Young people in particular - regardless of their background - will be involved and motivated to participate.
Interlinked thinking and action in dimensions, equality and anti-racism are important for every municipality of any size. This is why the city has been supporting programmes and projects aimed at diversity for many years - and not just since 2018. Examples include the Intercultural Weeks, Days of Jewish Culture, International Children's Day, Fete de la musique, etc. Projects and organisations that campaign against racism and for democracy are also supported, sometimes through the provision of funds via the Local Action Plan. The importance of these and similar projects should be maintained or even increased in the future.


The question is why many terms are published or publicised in English and not in German. Examples include "Click & Meet" and "Click & Collect". This is particularly difficult for older people to understand what is meant by these or English terms in general, as they were unable to learn English during their schooling. It is suggested to translate the meaning barrier-free.

Many of the terms have been introduced by federal and state regulations. The questioner is right to criticise this. The city administration will endeavour to translate these terms into German in the future.


For older citizens, it is important that information from the city is not only increasingly disseminated digitally. Not all citizens have access to the internet and can view information online. For example, many older residents did not feel sufficiently informed about the evacuation in Markersdorf due to the bomb discovery last year or only became aware of it through relatives. Not only communicate such information digitally & receive the official gazette in printed form.

The official gazette will continue to be a reliable companion for Chemnitz residents. However, there is also an increased demand for information on the internet and on social media. The city administration is active in all of these communication channels. In the case of the Markersdorf bomb, we received the information at 11.00 pm that it would have to be defused or detonated the following day. The city could only inform the media (especially the radio stations) and share the information via the internet and social media. Information was also passed on from door to door via local council employees.


Why do residents have to wait months and years for decisions from individual authorities? Objections and applications to the social welfare office/foreigners authority are often only processed after more than 6 months, some only after 2-3 years, even though all the necessary documents are available.

Answer to the social welfare office:
If all the documents required for a decision are available, the processing of applications for social assistance or asylum seeker benefits usually takes 2 weeks. In the area of residential care, processing times are around 4 weeks, which is due to the increasing number of social welfare applications in this area. The processing time for applications for housing benefit is approx. 6 weeks.
In cases where comprehensive needs assessments (e.g. observations, on-site appointments/meetings) and clarification of the facts are required or medical reports have to be obtained or other authorities/institutions have to be involved, the processing time is extended accordingly. Reasons for supposedly longer processing times are often beyond the control of the social welfare office. This is the case, for example, if application documents are submitted incompletely and application forms are not filled out properly or if the applicant does not or only partially fulfils the statutory obligation to cooperate in accordance with Sections 60 ff. of the German Social Code (SGB I).
The processing of appeals is subject to the provisions of the Social Court Act (§ 85 SGG). If the initial authority (the authority that decided on the application) cannot remedy the objection, the objection authority decides. Who is the appeal authority in each case is also prescribed by law. In addition to the City of Chemnitz within the framework of local self-government, this can be, for example, the Saxony State Directorate or the Saxony Municipal Social Association (KSV). The processing time of other authorities cannot be influenced by the Social Welfare Office either.

Answer to the Foreigners and Citizenship Office:
In the Foreigners and Citizenship Authority, the cases and the services requested (e.g. naturalisation, residence permits, identity documents, etc.) are very complex, so that there are actually a large number of different individual cases. There are several reasons for the long duration of the procedure for those affected: in many cases, the documents required by law are not available in full - contrary to what the applicants assume. In such cases, the necessary additional documents and evidence often have to be requested and, if necessary, documents from other (possibly foreign) authorities must first be obtained by the person concerned. In other cases, the foreigners authority itself is obliged to request and check documents from a third party. These processing times cannot be influenced by the authority. However, it does not take several years to process the application if all legally required documents are actually available.

What about the further development of the Smart Systems Campus?

Over the past 18 years, a high-tech location for micro and nano systems has developed on the 6.5-hectare site between Reichenhainer Straße, Fraunhofer Straße and Technologie-Campus Straße, with a direct connection to the campus of Chemnitz University of Technology.
The following research facilities are located on this "Smart Systems Campus":

• the Institute of Physics and Centre for Microtechnologies at Chemnitz University of Technology,
• TU Chemnitz Lightweight Structures,
• the Fraunhofer Institute ENAS,
• the Centre for Microtechnologies,

the companies and university spin-offs:

• EDC Electronic Design GmbH,
• the 3D Micromac AG,
• the microflex Centre Chemnitz
• Villa Rosenberg | Business Centre in Chemnitz
• BASELABS GmbH

and the "Start up" start-up centre, which currently offers 23 technology-driven, young companies the best conditions for cooperation over short distances for their development. The site provides its users with 1,000 square metres of office space and 1,500 square metres of technically developed laboratory space.

A final commercial space of approx. 4,300 square metres is currently being reserved for a company expansion. In addition, further commercial space has been developed in the southern part of the Technology Campus on Lisa-Meitner-Strasse. Since autumn 2020, 8 hectares of commercial space have been available on the Technology Campus South site created there for technology and research-oriented commercial and service companies as well as research facilities for the development of new technologies through to small-scale production.


Businesses are important for supplying the population not only in the city centre, but also locally in the "outlying areas" such as Chemnitz-Süd, Sonnenberg, etc. It would be desirable for the city to promote and maintain businesses outside the city centre and put an end to their current disadvantage. Especially in the lockdown, it is important to have a local supply, which is jeopardised by the Corona policy (insolvencies) and must be curbed.

KU funding (support for small businesses) from European funds is only possible in the defined funding area "ERDF-Chemnitz city centre" (European Regional Development Fund). According to the city's integrated action plan, there are many known problems in this area that are to be improved through a number of measures, including the promotion of local business among small companies. The Sonnenberg is also part of the subsidised area. The KU fund from ERDF resources is not a corona aid programme but is intended to promote new investments, not loss of sales. This is what the federal government's coronavirus aid packages are for. The CWE and SAB or the chambers of crafts and trades can provide comprehensive advice.


Has the city of Chemnitz already applied for a VW battery factory?

The city is keeping a very close eye on developments relating to electromobility and is also actively involved in this topic itself. Maintaining and expanding the city's economic performance is one of the key concerns of Lord Mayor Sven Schulze. To this end, the Lord Mayor is in regular contact with the Economic Advisory Board, which was founded in January 2021, the newly created Business and Digitalisation Unit and the Chemnitz Economic Promotion and Development Company (CWE).
According to VW, it is planning to build six battery plants in Europe by 2030, with two locations already confirmed. In addition to Salzgitter, the VW Works Council is calling for a further site in Germany. There is (so far) no concrete possibility for a municipality to apply for a site. However, the city will use its existing contacts at VW to actively discuss all potential projects.
In general, the city endeavours to position itself as far as possible when it comes to major economic projects. This is to be further expanded in future with the resources created.

Do we citizens have to fear that other projects that have been planned/announced for many years will now be cancelled in the blink of an eye, just like the bus station? How can such a thing be justified to the people of Chemnitz - how can there be any trust in the town hall after such actions?

Stopping the bus station project does not affect the implementation of the planned Capital of Culture programme, e.g. with regard to the plans for the cultural quarter.


Where do you turn if you have project or event ideas for 2025 or the time before that for the Capital of Culture programme?

On the one hand, micro-project funding has been available for project or event ideas since the start of the European Capital of Culture bid. In the current 8th round, citizens were able to send their applications digitally to the KHS office by 15 April 2021 (over 100 applications). A further round of funding is currently planned for this year, but has not yet been finalised. The newly founded C2025 GmbH, which is expected to start work at the turn of the year, will endeavour to continue this funding for micro-projects.

On the other hand, the aforementioned GmbH will launch an open call next year for new, larger project and event ideas up to the year 2025. The organisation and implementation will then be entirely the responsibility of the GmbH and will no longer be in the hands of Chemnitz City Council.

What can Chemnitz residents expect in 2025? And above all: what can those who are not pure culture fans expect?

Citizens and our national and international guests can expect a "firework display" of events, events, exhibitions with a European flavour and much more in 2025. In addition to formats such as the opening event and the many events in the city's art institutions, the focus will be on the realisation of participatory projects such as the Apple Tree Parade or our 3000 Garage Project for those who are not "pure culture fans" (see our second application book online at chemnitz2025.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/BidBook-deutsch.pdf). Further ideas for participatory projects of all kinds, i.e. everything that has to do with art or culture in the broader sense (from sport to allotment gardening) are welcome on the road to 2025 and can still emerge (e.g. through an open call by C2025 GmbH planned for 2022). In the long term, the Capital of Culture also means an urban development process that democratises urban society and also positively changes the cityscape in terms of infrastructure, e.g. intervention areas/construction measures. The region and the city of Chemnitz will grow closer together and be culturally and economically stronger (e.g. more job opportunities). Ultimately, people who are not interested in culture will also feel these changes in their everyday lives.


What happened to the city council's decision to recreate the former mural in the main railway station "Chemnitz the gateway to the Silver Ore Mountains"? It would fit in well with the Ore Mountains World Heritage Site and the Capital of Culture.

The pictures were removed in the mid-1960s because Chemnitz was there and we were just called Karl-Marx-Stadt. The "comrades" send their regards.

In principle, the wall design could be considered together with DB as part of the Capital of Culture process.

Why doesn't the city try new ideas to solve the traffic problem on the Kaßberg? e.g. a discounted CVAG ticket on a trial basis, a neighbourhood bus route for a test period, bike and cargo bike hire, incentives to do without a car, etc.

The traffic problem in Kaßberg (and other parts of the city) can only be alleviated, or at best solved, by a comprehensive package of measures in which the focus must be on the users of the means of transport. Such approaches are proposed in the Mobility Plan 2040 (draft). Contrary to popular opinion, reduced-price public transport tickets do not lead to an increase in passenger numbers, as it is primarily existing customers who switch to these tickets. More promising are service expansions, information about mobility alternatives, reduction of access barriers, etc. However, it should also be noted that there are currently already 5 public transport routes.


Why have the bus connections been thinned out more and more for around 20 years? It would be nice if there was a ring bus (06:00-23:00) via Augustusburger Straße and Südring to all the tram terminuses. If I travelled from Niederhermersdorfer Weg to Glösaer Straße by public transport, it would take at least 1.5 hours. And that in Chemnitz.

The criticism is justified. Chemnitz's local transport network is traditionally centred on the central station. Connections between neighbouring districts have been less of a focus. With the OL 82 (ring bus route), a service was created that enables cross-connections. This route is to be continued in the coming years. Concrete ideas for a new route network are not yet available.


Which section of the Erzgebirge railway will be put back into operation and when?

It can be assumed that this refers to the section towards Thalheim / Aue. This should be structurally completed and put into operation at the end of 2021. Specific information can be obtained from the VMS.


What is the current status of the Chemnitz model to Limbach-Oberfrohna? Will at least the city centre ring road be completed by the Capital of Culture 2025?

No, the structural realisation can in all likelihood only take place after the Capital of Culture year. The planning preparations, including the planning approval decision, should be completed before 2025. Construction is still dependent on the provision of funding. This is not yet available.


Apart from the planned route towards Limbach-Oberfrohna, where does the city currently see opportunities and possibilities to expand the tram network and by when would implementation be possible in each case?

Urban development goals for the Zwickauer Str. area are currently being developed in a framework plan and further elaborated in preparatory studies for a future redevelopment area. The Schönau-Reichenbrand extension and the northern Sonnenberg are currently being analysed. It is not yet possible to provide any information on implementation.


Hello City of Chemnitz, my questions relate to public transport:
1.) How long will the Variobahn continue to be part of the Chemnitz cityscape?
2.) When is the construction of Chemnitz Model Stage 4 Section 1 expected to begin? Will it be completed before 2025?

The Variobahn trams are not intended to be decommissioned.
The implementation of the first construction phase of CM4, planning approval section (PFA) 1 (Theaterstraße, Brückenstraße, Hartmannstraße) is planned before 2025. The remaining construction phases will be planned in accordance with KHS 2025. You can find the latest information at: www.chemnitzer-modell.de


There are fast rail connections from Chemnitz to all neighbouring cities and municipalities. When will an environmentally friendly tram connection finally be built to the west of Chemnitz, also to relieve the pressure on Zwickauer Str.?

Such considerations and plans are in preparation, but must be technically (completed), financially (under review) and politically (open) realisable. We assume that a reliable statement can be made in mid / late 2022.


1. will the city of Chemnitz lobby the VMS and the Free State to extend the RE1 from Göttingen to C. again and not let it end somewhere in nowhere (Glauchau)?
2. the Berlin Brandenburg Transport Association and the MV transport company are financing a RE from Rostock via Berlin to Elsterwerda. Should the VMS endeavour to extend this line to Chemnitz (possibly wings to DD) in the next tender (linking RB 45)?

Re 1: The organisation / ordering of local rail passenger transport services (SPNV) is the responsibility of the VMS by law. The City of Chemnitz has no authority to organise this. Re 2: It is the aim of those involved in politics, administration, business and transport to bring long-distance rail transport back to Chemnitz. A long-running local railway to Berlin, whose annual costs are in the double-digit million range, is not part of this (answer by VMS).


From April 2022, a night train of the VU "European Sleeper" will run in cooperation with RegioJet from Prague via Bad Schandau, Dresden, Berlin, Amsterdam to Brussels. This would be a great opportunity for the city of Chemnitz to be connected to international train networks and also support a re-emerging trend in the spirit of the Capital of Culture. Will you be contacting the transport company?

According to reports, the transport service is provided by the Regiojet company on its own account, i.e. without state co-financing. The route via Chemnitz was not a viable option from a business perspective.


If CVAG were to offer standardised, interconnected WiFi at all stops and in all scheduled vehicles, Chemnitz would be a great deal further forward on a digital level and would offer tourists a good opportunity to be connected in 2025. Has something like this been considered or how possible is it to implement?

WLAN is offered in the Skoda trains. The expansion of this service to all vehicles is proposed in the Mobility Plan 2040 (draft). Stops are not the focus of the considerations.


Lines 32/22 currently run on the Zöllnerstr. - Zentralhaltestelle section, often at the same time and one behind the other. Would it not be possible for one of the two lines to run from the bus station via StraNa and Roter Turm to the central bus stop in order to offer people more direct connections?

The route corresponds to the current decision on the NVP and cannot currently be changed. The chosen route is influenced by many aspects. The platform capacity and the possible turning relationships at the central stop are also decisive factors here.


It would be important for the Erzgebirgsbahn trains to stop at Hilbersdorf station again. A transport connection with a reverse journey to the main station or a change in Niederwiesa is unacceptable.

The Verkehrsverbund Mittelsachsen (VMS) is responsible for local rail passenger transport.


From April 2022, a night train of the VU "European Sleeper" will run in cooperation with RegioJet from Prague via Bad Schandau, Dresden, Berlin, Amsterdam to Brussels. This would be a great opportunity for the city of Chemnitz to be connected to international train networks and also support a re-emerging trend in terms of the cultural haptic city. Will you be contacting the transport company?

The transport service is reportedly provided by the Regiojet company on its own account, i.e. without state co-financing. The route via Chemnitz was not an option from a business perspective.

How does the city of Chemnitz want to become more environmentally friendly and animal-friendly? For example, by mowing fewer lawns/meadows, creating sustainable bee buffets and the like.

The green spaces are already largely maintained ecologically (no glyphosate, no salt). Mechanised lawn mowing is the most cost-effective form of maintenance; flower meadows are unfortunately also more cost-intensive (manual labour, different mowing technique). Omitting mowing does not automatically lead to a flower meadow.
Over the next two years, Chemnitz will become more environmentally friendly in the "Chemnitz blossoms" project with the environmental centre, the seed garden and a "flower scout". Citizens, property owners and the city itself want to create more flowering meadows and also maintain them with citizens.


On the major streets and in many places, rubbish bins are regularly overflowing, rubbish lies randomly on the ground, glass bottles lie broken - a danger for children, animals, bicycles, unsightly and disgusting. Why is so little being done about littering in Chemnitz? It's a disgrace as a cultural capital.

The cleaning of public roads, pavements and pedestrian zones in the city centre is carried out 5 times a week in accordance with the Chemnitz street cleaning statutes. In addition, the "pollution hotspots" in the city centre are cleaned on Saturdays and Sundays. In principle, waste bins at public transport stops are emptied on a weekly basis - in public street areas (pedestrian zones and pavements) in the city centre, however, they are usually emptied three times a day. The volume of waste bins available at the individual locations has already been optimised, i.e. assuming normal user behaviour, this is sufficient. Glass bottles do not belong in waste bins, nor do large-volume packaging and cardboard packaging. The cleaning of pavements - even if there is a public transport stop on them - is generally assigned to residents by statute (except in the city centre) - including the removal of broken glass or litter lying around.

Individual "problem situations" must therefore be assessed individually in order to derive any necessary measures. The contact for citizens is the citizens' hotline 115 - or the ASR Customer Service Centre on 4095-777.


In mid-April, it will be high time for the city to ensure that the grit is finally cleared from many pavements. This affects both municipal and state properties as well as private property owners. On the TU campus, for example, most paths have still not been cleared. How and when will the city ensure that the statutory clearance is carried out? How is it intended to carry out a basic cleaning of the parking bays? The street cleaning statutes stipulate that the person responsible for or carrying out the winter service must also remove the grit. This is part of the winter service tasks.

For reasons of safety and cost, it makes sense to leave gritting materials on areas used by pedestrians for as long as winter conditions - including the freezing of residual moisture, the formation of hoar frost, black ice or freezing rain - can be expected. According to forecasts from the meteorological service, there may be icy conditions in the morning even at the beginning of next week. However, the ASR assumes that the gritting materials it has applied will have been removed from pavements by the end of the 20th week.

Why doesn't the city manage to clean roadsides and gullies regularly? The dirt and leaves must have been lying around for years. What is the plan to tackle the problem? Other cities also manage to keep their streets clean!

Parked vehicles hinder mechanical road cleaning, especially in the city's residential areas. At the same time, the available parking space is often limited. In order to be able to regularly remove the dirt that has accumulated on the verges of the carriageways, the cars would have to be removed. This can only be realised through officially approved stopping bans that are set up in accordance with regulations. However, there are restrictive traffic law conditions for these, there is often a lack of alternative parking spaces or there is a lack of driver acceptance for temporary stopping bans.
This experience was gathered during a total of around 14 months of pilot testing on 11 carriageway sections in various districts in 2019 and 2020.
Alternatively, the only remaining option would be to increase the manpower available for cleaning the carriageway in order to manually sweep up the dirt from parked roadside areas when cleaning the carriageway mechanically.
The resulting costs would have to be refinanced via the cleaning fee. These fees would have to be confirmed by a city council resolution. So far, however, there has been no political majority in favour of such a step.


Lorry parking spaces have been created from Spedition/Siemens to the junction with Obere Hauptstraße, but there are no rubbish bins. Most drivers dispose of their rubbish such as plastic bottles full of urine, bags full of faeces, tins, food packaging and the contents of their ashtrays along the pavements and neighbouring fields. This attracts other rubbish such as tyres, building rubble and paint buckets. But we all want clean food from clean fields. When will the city finally do something?

Urine bottles, faeces bags etc. are not rubbish but waste. There is no waste disposal concept for all locations in the public street space (installation of different waste containers if necessary (e.g. yellow, grey), collection logs, etc.). yellow, grey), collection logistics) where lorry drivers spend their prescribed rest period when the motorway service areas are overcrowded. We have comparable situations in the south-west quadrant and on Ch.Wehner-Straße. Complaints have also come from there. The community of fee payers of household waste fees or street cleaning fees would have to pay for these costs. This is considered to be factually incorrect.


At present, pavements are cleaned by the individual homeowners in accordance with the city's instructions. "Everyone sweeps their own front door with a broom." But: the effort is high. Unfortunately, not everyone sweeps. Suggestion: important, heavily used pavements should be cleaned regularly by the city using machines. This is appropriate for an urban residential area such as the Sonnenberg district with over 6,500 inhabitants per square kilometre.

Fee-financed pavement cleaning would have to be evaluated, calculated and approved by the city council as part of an amendment to the street cleaning statutes in order to ensure equal treatment of other comparable residential areas in the city.
However, implementation in the area would require a longer lead time, as technical, personnel and spatial capacities would have to be optimised and in all likelihood expanded.


Various amusement centres, brothels and residential prostitution are prohibited on Kaßberg. Residential prostitution is nevertheless advertised online.
1.) How, for example, is unauthorised residential prostitution controlled in the area?
2.) How can the city administration prevent these businesses from establishing themselves directly adjacent to the area, e.g. Limbacher Str.?

The ban on prostitution in Chemnitz exists within the boundaries defined by the Chemnitz Restricted Area Ordinance of 16 July 2019. Kaßberg largely extends beyond these boundaries.
1. as a result of online searches and after making an appointment by telephone to use the sexual service, checks are carried out on site. As a rule, no addresses are given in the adverts offering prostitution. These are only disclosed after an appointment has been made by telephone to use the sexual service. Following indications of illegal prostitution, inspections of certain premises are also carried out.
2 The city administration cannot exert any influence on this.

The stone litter bins are often overflowing, especially in the vicinity of the kiosk at the open-air theatre. The kiosk's customers tend to use the bins near the seating areas in the area, even though the operator has a 240-litre bin. Raccoons and co. rummage through the bins and clean them out. To-go cups, paper plates, plastic bags and plastic bowls lie around and get caught in the bushes. Suggestion: replace the containers with modern ones throughout the Küchwald.

It is true that the opening of the bistro on the stage has contributed to a higher volume of waste because customers do not dispose of the packaging on site, but take it into the depths of the park and dispose of it there. The problem is just as annoying for the Parks Department.


The Küchwald is a favourite destination for dog owners. Other parks have special bins for dogs. I notice that many dog owners simply throw the poo bags somewhere. But the plastic bags don't decompose and where there is one, a second and third is quickly added. Even if the bags are thrown into existing litter bins, they may be emptied again by raccoons and the like as they rummage through the contents.

The numerous litter bins in Küchwaldpark are also intended for dog waste bags. The installation of separate bins is neither necessary nor economical. For reasons of nature conservation, there is also no dog meadow in Küchwaldpark (disturbance of forest animals, trampling of valuable meadow biotopes).


The market gets a strange new fountain. It won't do much for the city centre climate. I have been walking through the city centre for years and see very few or no permanent trees in it. Cutting down the Getreidemarkt for a new unnecessary building was done quickly. But new planting? The market area burns, especially in summer. When will there be trees on the market? A sustainable start would be to plant a spruce for the Christmas market.

Locations for trees in the Markt/Neumarkt area have been investigated on various occasions on behalf of the city council. In the end, the city council decided against this and did not pursue the issue any further.


The Parks Department facilitates tree sponsorships for empty tree discs. Unfortunately, we learnt that you have to pay 2,000 euros for this. It may well be that it costs that much. But how many tree sponsorships have been obtained in this way? Wouldn't it be possible to collect smaller donations? How many orphaned tree discs are there in Chemnitz? And how are these to be revitalised?

The statement is not correct. Replanting costs around 2,000 euros. Donations can be accepted from 20 euros. However, it is not possible to plant all empty tree discs promptly for the cost reasons mentioned above. With today's knowledge of climate protection, civil engineering requirements for promising replanting and a permanent price spiral in the area of tree planting, it is difficult to carry out the replacement planting 1:1 on site.
Nevertheless, protected trees are always replanted. In recent years, a significantly higher number of trees have had to be felled due to climate damage. This has led to a certain backlog of replacement planting. It should be noted that the tree nurseries are not able to realise every order promptly and in accordance with the desired tree species or quality, as there is a generally high level of purchase throughout Germany.
Nevertheless, the planting period from autumn 2020 to spring 2021 can show a positive balance with a total of 327 trees. A total of 149 street trees in traffic green areas and 119 trees in public areas, including listed buildings, are planned.
In addition, 59 trees will be planted in the outdoor areas of municipal facilities (schools, daycare centres, swimming pools, etc.).
In connection with further construction measures by the City of Chemnitz, this number will increase in the course of 2021. This number is to be gradually increased (also through donations).


What does the city intend to do about the consequences of climate change, especially drought and heat? Many older people live here who (will) suffer massively from the heat. What about creating shady areas in neighbourhoods, public drinking water points or the urgent replanting of trees?

A heat action plan (i.e. protection from the heat) is currently being drawn up that will cover all areas of public life and construction in the city. It will cover all areas of public life and construction in the city. A Healthy Chemnitz working group is also working on this.


Why are fewer and fewer trees being replanted that are not there due to (public) construction projects, damage or violence? There are more and more empty tree discs. Are there opportunities to donate trees privately or through associations, companies, etc.? donate trees? Wouldn't it be good publicity to plant a tree for every child born, as in Nuremberg, for example?

More trees are currently dying or having to be felled due to extreme climatic conditions. Tree planting requires extensive planning coordination and it is not possible to increase the number of trees planted in the short term. Priority is given to securing the existing trees. Tree donations are possible at any time. With today's knowledge of climate protection, civil engineering requirements for promising replanting and a permanent price spiral in the area of tree planting, it is difficult to carry out replacement planting 1:1 on site.
Nevertheless, protected trees are always replanted. In recent years, a significantly higher number of trees have had to be felled due to climate damage. This has led to a certain backlog of replacement planting. It should be noted that the tree nurseries are not able to realise every order promptly and in accordance with the desired tree species or quality, as there is a generally high level of purchase throughout Germany.
Nevertheless, the planting period from autumn 2020 to spring 2021 can show a positive balance with a total of 327 trees. A total of 149 street trees in traffic green areas and 119 trees in public areas, including listed buildings, are planned.
In addition, 59 trees will be planted in the outdoor areas of municipal facilities (schools, daycare centres, swimming pools, etc.).
In connection with further construction measures by the City of Chemnitz, this number will increase in the course of 2021.


The existing neighbourhood construction in the city of Chemnitz (e.g. Kaßberg, Sonnenberg, Schloßchemnitz) makes an important contribution to increasing the quality of life and securing habitats for animals with the green spaces available inside. There is also a positive effect on the microclimate in the city. Will the City of Chemnitz campaign against (unnecessary, profit-driven) densification through the development of these inner areas? What measures/instruments are planned here?

Development in inner-city areas - if it is permitted under Section 34 BauGB - can be controlled by development plans (e.g. Kaßberg, Altendorf) or by redevelopment law (e.g. Sonnenberg). For Kaßberg, development plans have become legally binding that ensure extensive protection of the green inner courtyards. A further development plan is being drawn up for Altendorf. Depending on the administration's capacity, more will follow.


What will be done in 2021 to reduce the five clear-cutting mowings as recommended by the UNB? Although the flowering meadows provide cosmetic splashes of colour, the large lawns are not sustainably transformed into species-rich meadows. In my opinion, a leap in quality is possible with the available resources (AK, technology).

There is no mowing 5 times a year, not even on sports turf. The majority of the public green space is maintained as a species-rich, partially protected meadow. Omitting mowing does NOT lead to flowering meadows, long grass mowing must be distinguished technologically from grass mowing (haymaking) and is NOT possible on intensively used areas (lawns, barbecue or dog meadows).


Are there plans to replace the missing street trees on Schmidt-Rottluff-Straße?

There is no major shortage of trees on this street. In addition, tree planting requires extensive planning coordination and it is not possible to increase the number of trees planted in the short term. The priority is to safeguard the existing trees. Tree donations and sponsorships are possible at any time; more information and contact details can be found at https://www.chemnitz.de/chemnitz/de/unsere-stadt/gruenes-chemnitz/baumpatenschaften_spenden/index.html.
In recent years, a significant increase in tree felling has been necessary due to climate damage. This has led to a certain backlog of replacement planting. It should be noted that the tree nurseries are not able to fulfil every order promptly and in accordance with the desired tree species and quality, as there is a generally high level of purchase nationwide. Nevertheless, the planting period from autumn 2020 to spring 2021 can show a positive balance with a total of 327 trees. A total of 149 street trees in traffic green areas and 119 trees in public areas, including listed buildings, are firmly planned.

The former Wüstenbrand-Küchwald railway line is to be converted into a cycle path. This is very welcome. According to current plans, the cycle path is to be 4 metres wide (5 metres including verge). This also applies to areas in Rabensteiner Wald and Küchwald. Is such a width through the Chemnitz forests necessary? What additional construction and maintenance costs does the City of Chemnitz expect compared to a 3 metre wide section, for example?

A standard width of 4.0 metres is also planned in the areas of the Rabenstein forest and the Küchwald forest. These are the minimum requirements for a fast cycle route or "premium cycle route". Further planning will involve nature conservation studies and the creation of an accompanying landscape conservation plan, which will determine the necessary compensatory measures.


The recently published "ADFC - Cycling Climate Test 2020" gives the city of Chemnitz a school grade of 4.2 - "poor". The result: many cyclists mistakenly use the footpath and endanger pedestrians. Yet all people should be able to get around in their everyday lives and reach their destinations unharmed! What concrete solutions is the city administration pursuing to improve the safety perception of cyclists?

The criticism is justified and well known. With the Mobility Plan 2040 (draft), a multi-layered approach is being developed:
(1) Separation of traffic types, i.e. pedestrian and cycle traffic should each take place on their own traffic facilities.
(2) Strengthening respectful coexistence in road traffic by all road users towards all road users.
(3) Strengthening traffic monitoring by expanding the resources of the police and public order office.


Why has there been no reporting on the implementation of the "Chemnitz Cycling Concept" since 2017? Annual reporting would make it easier to track the implementation of the concept adopted by the city council and make adjustments where necessary.

Reporting cannot (or can no longer) be carried out due to a lack of the necessary personnel resources and as a result of numerous projects with points of contact to cycling. The Transport Planning Department currently has 0.5 FTE available for cycling planning. The next report will be submitted with the evaluation for the update of the cycling concept in 2021.

Important transport policy goals from the City of Chemnitz's cycling concept were (quote)

• Doubling the cycling mode share to 12% of all daily journeys by 2020
• Establishment of the model of a "bicycle-friendly city of Chemnitz"
• Hierarchised cycle network with rings close to the city centre in connection with the radial roads leading to the centre

Do you think these goals have been achieved? Please explain here in particular about the three transport policy objectives.

No, the goals have not been achieved, but important steps have been taken "in the right direction" (various new cycling facilities, contribution to the RadSN). These will be continued and deepened in the Mobility Plan 2040 (draft) and in the cycling concept (update in progress).


Why is the administration implementing the cycling concept adopted by the city council in 2013 so slowly and only partially? Among other things, the following Among other things, the following stipulations were not or only partially realised: F 4.1.4 Implementation of measures by 2018, F 4.1.9 East-west axis Kaßberg, Fürstenstraße-Frankenberger, F 4.2.2 D4 route, F 4.2.6 Kappelbach route, F 4.4.1 Cycle network as a decision criterion, F 4.4.2 Prioritisation, ...

The implementation of the RVK requires sufficient resources (personnel and money), neither of which could be secured to an extent that would ensure faster or extensive implementation.
With the Mobility Plan 2040 (draft), this situation is to be discussed again and, at best, changed.


I am aware that there is a development plan that envisages a cycle path extension on the right-hand side of the Chemnitz River from Heinrich-Lorenz-Straße to Florian-Geyer-Straße. What is the current status?

The B-plan exists (Stadtpark, part 1). The realisation of the cycle route is currently being examined as part of a Capital of Culture project (Station 3 Stadt am Fluss "Sachses Ruh"). There is as yet no binding schedule or financing plan.


Premium cycle paths and cycle lanes are all well and good. But this does not improve everyday traffic. Chemnitz has been at the bottom of tests and surveys for years when it comes to bicycle friendliness and safety for cyclists. What is planned to sustainably improve this and eliminate known danger spots?

The opinion is not shared. Every measure to create or convert transport infrastructure for cycling also strengthens it. The Mobility Plan 2040 (draft) contains numerous approaches for strengthening cycling. Among other things, a continuous cycling network is to be created and separation from pedestrian traffic is to take place in order to increase road safety for both modes of transport. Further opportunities for use can be created by means of safety-compatible mixed cycling and car traffic (30 km/h zones, cycle lanes, etc.).


The roads are currently dangerous for cyclists: poorly designed roadworks, ankle-deep potholes, narrow roads, parked-up cycle paths. When will this finally improve?

The criticism of the condition of some roads and other transport infrastructure is justified. Funding (investment and especially maintenance) has been inadequate for many decades. A fundamental change in this situation can only be expected once other funding priorities (schools, daycare centres, etc.) have been completed and more funding is made available.


How can it be that, despite extensive city-wide construction measures, there are still neighbourhoods such as Sonnenberg where there is not a single cycle path?

Although the statement is correct, it only does limited justice to reality. The Sonnenberg is organised almost everywhere with 30 km/h zones in which cycle traffic is safely routed in mixed traffic. In this respect, good cycle traffic guidance does not always (necessarily) require separate cycle traffic facilities.


You often read that cars should give way in favour of cyclists. I do not see this happening in the near future. You can harass a city that has been tailored to cars for decades with bans. Happy are those who live in the city and have a job there. This is not the case for many working people, who are dependent on their cars to feed their families and pay taxes to the state. Cyclists should demonstrate knowledge of the road traffic regulations in order to protect their lives.

The city of Chemnitz is not pursuing the goal of reducing car traffic with bans. Although this objective is unavoidable in terms of sustainability, environmental and climate protection, better alternative options, more information on the effects of transport modes, greater cost transparency in transport and better access to alternative transport options should contribute to shifting users from cars to other modes of transport. This process will take many years.


The condition of the Leipziger Straße cycle and pedestrian path (crossing over and under the motorway) leaves a lot to be desired: no lighting in the tunnels and along the path, steps in the pavement, lack of winter maintenance. As the only possible route for pedestrians and cyclists, this is an imposition.

Retrofitting public lighting is not economically feasible. Reflective warning markings were installed in particularly sensitive areas to improve road safety. Winter road maintenance and damaged areas are being checked.

The majority of cyclists use the footpath heading towards the city centre on the right-hand side of Nation Street in both directions from Georgstraße to Neumarkt. Signposting and, if necessary, marking on the footpath would establish legitimacy, especially as use in the more frequented area along Stadthallenpark has already been a reality for years. Road use in this area is dangerous, especially due to vehicles parking across the road.

The City of Chemnitz is examining possible options for the legal and safe routing of cycle traffic in this area. Due to the spatial connection with other projects (CM4, main railway station, ZOB), no conclusive result has yet been achieved.


The crossing of Zwickauer Straße with an intermediate stop in the centre of the carriageway for more than 4 cyclists is a traffic hazard due to the lack of space (tram behind and left turners in front). The only solution is to change the traffic lights.

Presumably this refers to the traffic lights at Falkeplatz. The existing structural deficits cannot be solved by changing the traffic lights. The junction and, of course, the traffic lights will be completely redesigned in line with the Chemnitz Model Stage 4 (CM4, PFA 1) and will probably be rebuilt. This will result in significant improvements.


For cyclists, the crossing of Bahnhofstrasse at Zschopauer Strasse is unreasonable with up to 4 stops to cross a road. (2x Bahnhofstrasse, bus lane and tram).

It is planned to rebuild this junction. This will also affect the traffic lights. The aim is to improve the crossing of Bahnhofstrasse for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly on the side of the new administration building. On the other side (towards ZH), it will probably be difficult to offer pedestrians and cyclists the opportunity to cross Bahnhofstrasse without stopping. However, the planning of the traffic lights has not yet been finalised.


One of the main reasons for not cycling into the city is the length of time I have to park my e-bike. Longer journeys such as attending a VHS are therefore out of the question. Secure storage in bike boxes would be the solution. When will these bike boxes be installed in the city?

The criticism is justified. However, this does not mean that the city of Chemnitz alone is responsible. Basically, all institutions / landlords should provide adequate bicycle parking facilities for their employees, customers and guests.


What is being done to improve the cycle path network in Chemnitz/surroundings?
1. Example: Dresdner Str. from Dresdner Platz ... landwards to Sachsen-Allee left/right side ... Is a cycle path being considered here?
2. What plans are there to ensure that cyclists and pedestrians can cross the road safely at Fritz-Heckert-Platz, for example? This already exists in other cities!

Re (1): There are initial ideas for this, but they have not yet been finalised with politicians and the public.
Re (2): The criticism of Falkeplatz is justified. The junction will be completely redesigned using the Chemnitz Model Stage 4 and will probably be rebuilt in accordance with the regulations.


Other cities work much more closely with the ADFC and are therefore much more successful in increasing the proportion of cyclists. Can this also be realised in Chemnitz?

The City of Chemnitz is a member of the RadSN initiated by the ADFC and is in regular contact with local stakeholders.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, swimming lessons will be completely cancelled for many primary school children in Year 2 (2020/2021). The cancellation of swimming lessons without replacement cannot and will not be in the interests of the city of Chemnitz. Has the city already developed a concept for making up for this as part of school sports? If 'yes', what does this concept look like? If 'no', when will such a concept be developed/presented/adopted?

Unfortunately, making up for cancelled swimming lessons in the current school year 2020/2021 is unrealistic. Due to the continuing high incidence, it is still completely unclear when and how regular swimming lessons can be resumed. As soon as the regulations allow, the concept currently being developed can be implemented. The SVC and the State Office for Schools and Education (Chemnitz site) are working together on this concept.


1. does the city of Chemnitz, as the responsible authority, offer schools the opportunity to use Microsoft Office?
2. how many tablets and notebooks have been purchased since last year?
3. what options can the city offer pupils who do not have an internet connection at home?
4. is the city involved in the issue of teacher devices?

1. the standardised system solution for Chemnitz schools (SyS-C) promotes the use of open source software, for which LibreOffice is installed as standard software on every school PC. It is also possible to use OnlyOffice in Lernsax in compliance with data protection regulations. However, it is possible to install MS Office, but at the expense of the school's own resources. The use of an Office 365 variant is currently out of the question for technical and data protection reasons.

2) As part of the implementation of the Digital School Directive (RL) and the Mobile End Devices Funding Ordinance (MobilEndFöVO), around 2,300 iPads and 1,100 notebooks have been purchased since last year.

3 The federal and state governments already wanted to provide all pupils with access to the internet last year. Due to the mandatory compliance with net neutrality with regard to network providers, a final solution has not yet been found.

The City of Chemnitz is unable to provide pupils with the opportunity to use an internet connection. It is technically and legally impossible to ensure that an internet connection at home is used exclusively for lessons and not also for private or business purposes.

4. we are currently awaiting the release of the Teachers' Terminal Equipment Funding Ordinance (LehrEndFöVO) and, in this context, a handout for the school authorities with equipment recommendations for these teacher loan devices from the state. Procurement and delivery is planned via the education authority and the devices will be operated by SyS-C.


The school computer centre is overloaded, will there be an increase soon? We need a lot of staff, especially at the moment, and it certainly won't get any better in the future with more electronic devices in lessons.

The Free State of Bavaria is currently working on a corresponding funding guideline for administration (for funding over the next three years). In this context, it is planned to finance additional IT administrators.


Is the City of Chemnitz interested in committing itself to sustainability and what specific plans are there to increase the proportion of regional and organic food in daycare centres, schools and municipal communal catering in the coming years? In this context, is there usable space for cultivation right on the doorstep of
?

In 2020, the tender for school lunches was issued. One of the requirements for the catering in the specifications was that typical regional and seasonal dishes and meals must be offered regularly. Genetically modified foods, moulded meat, vitamin-enriched products and products with added glutamate and/or artificial flavourings are to be avoided as far as possible. The maximum holding time for meals of two hours is intended to ensure that no long transport routes are involved, thereby improving the carbon footprint. The framework agreement for school meals ends on 31 July 2026. The extent to which fruit, vegetables or herbs are actually grown is ultimately up to the schools themselves and would at least be conceivable in the school gardens. It should be noted here that only primary and special schools can, but do not have to, provide such gardens due to the curriculum. This is currently practised very differently in Chemnitz schools.

The children in the day-care centres receive their meals from caterers or, in the case of independent providers, sometimes from the provider itself. In many day-care centres, the children have the opportunity to tend small beds or raised beds and to grow, tend and harvest fruit or vegetables on a small scale.
The possibility of a large-scale supply of home-grown fruit or vegetables does not exist due to the lack of basic conditions (cultivation area in front of the daycare centre).

What will happen to the site on Pappelstrasse? Is it possible for a football pitch to be built there again? There is not a single freely accessible football pitch in Bernsdorf.

The football pitch is currently closed because the ball catch fence has rotted/is no longer stable. Above all, however, the pitch is too close to residential buildings according to current case law, so that there is no prospect of a licence for recreational sports under immission control law.

The Mitte railway station is an eyesore on the Kappellenberg. What exactly is planned? All previous information is invalid.

The city of Chemnitz does not own the railway stations. Deutsche Bahn AG has sold the station buildings to private owners in recent years. A conversion must be financially viable and profitable for them. Unfortunately, it is not possible for the City of Chemnitz to exert any influence in this regard. The Chemnitz railway arch is currently being renovated by DB AG. The aim is to renovate the central station building in accordance with the preservation order and to sell an area of approx. 1,093 m² of municipal property (in the forecourt area) to the investor (earmarked for car parking in future). The start of construction has not yet been reported to the planning permission office.


Are there efforts to prioritise the redevelopment of brownfield sites and vacant buildings before the city approves building applications for new buildings?

The brownfield sites and vacant buildings are all privately owned. The decision on redevelopment is made by the respective owner. The city can only provide an impetus for redevelopment in individual cases by means of urban development and monument preservation subsidies. It is not possible to refuse planning permission for other building projects due to existing vacancies.

In urban development areas, subsidies for the renovation of buildings or the revitalisation of inner-city brownfield sites are also used in accordance with the adopted urban redevelopment concept and the city's brownfield concept, depending on the availability of funds.


I would like to know when this ugly tower block at the "gateway" to the city centre will finally disappear/be demolished? Next door, the GGG is renovating the apartment blocks and the broken tower block is still standing? That cannot and must not be the case.

The building is not owned by the City of Chemnitz. The owner has submitted a complete building application for conversion to a residential building / office units / new top floor. The building inspection revealed considerable fire protection and structural problems. The building project is therefore not eligible for approval. The client has announced a change in planning, but this has not yet materialised.


What is the current status regarding the utilisation of the Wandererwerke? What is the current plan to bring life back into the buildings?

The owner has ideas for utilisation, but no potential tenants yet. Discussions with the CWE have also been inconclusive so far. The lower monument protection authority carries out regular inspections and, if necessary, asks the owner to take safety measures.


Why are so many new office buildings being built in the city centre in these times of home office? For me, this does not make sense. Much better would be affordable housing for our students, clubs, beer gardens and a free car park (Johannisplatz). We can't attract visitors with the long-distance transport connections at the moment!

A very large proportion of the current and upcoming construction projects in the city centre are residential buildings. They are all private construction projects. Here, the investor decides what he builds and at what cost he rents or sells it. With an average asking rent of just over €5/m² and a certain amount of vacant space, Chemnitz has sufficient affordable housing for students compared to other major cities in Germany.


For which streets and areas are the broadband subsidies intended, see Official Gazette 13/2021? Which underserved areas are to be developed?

The current broadband expansion will be largely completed by the fourth quarter. Only the area around Walter-Klippel-Straße will not be completed until the end of the current road construction project. Depending on the completion of individual network distribution areas, these will be put into operation and activated for use, so that the network will not only be usable upon completion of the overall project.

The further broadband expansion is currently in preparation and, following the corresponding planning phase, is scheduled to begin in September 2022 and be completed by the end of 2024.


The ruins of the former office centre opposite the junction of Clausstraße and Zschopauer Str. have stood in this prominent location for years and are visible from afar. In the meantime, all the surrounding buildings have been reconstructed, most recently the Lindenhof building complex directly opposite. What has the city done in recent years to persuade the owner to demolish the building? What will the city do now, also with a view to 2025, to bring about the demolition quickly and finally remove this eyesore?

The property in question is Zschopauer Straße 174 and is privately owned. Building inspectorate intervention is only possible if a threat to public safety and order is identified. At present, this is not the case. Nevertheless, the planning permission office has endeavoured to persuade the owner to demolish the ruins. In 2020, talks were held with the owner and a prospective buyer. The prospective buyer intended to demolish the building and construct a residential development. This was supported positively by the building department. All that is required for demolition is a demolition notice and notification of the start of construction. A demolition notice has been available since summer 2020; no start of construction has been reported to date. An enquiry to the prospective buyer in February 2021 revealed that they were in the final coordination phase for the purchase and that they still intended to realise a residential development at the site. A further enquiry about the status on 13 April 2021 remained unanswered.

When will the renovation of the viaduct in Oberrabenstein begin?

The renovation has been underway since 12 April 2021 and should be completed by 29 July 2022.

Both fountains at the Pelzmühle tourist attraction invite you to take a seat and linger. This is particularly noticeable at the fountain opposite the Pelzmühle. The owner of the Pelzmühle has declared his willingness to operate the fountain after its renovation. It is worth providing the funds for the renovation (160TEuro per fountain) for this project. The sustainability of this measure is obvious: both fountains will become favourite places for the people of Chemnitz.

The large fountain, which is located in front of the former Palace of Culture, was already "secured" in the 1990s due to poor building fabric in coordination with the monument protection authorities, i.e. the fountain basin was covered with earth and planted. After another 30 years, the fountain will have to be completely renovated if it is to be put back into operation. Calculated costs for this are not available, but due to the dimensions of the system, at least 500,000 euros must be expected. The Parks Department is not currently pursuing such plans.

The fountain in the Staudengarten was in operation until the 2000s, a repair was cancelled after the fountain house was renovated, since then the Parks Department and individual city council factions have been trying to include the renovation costs (currently estimated at 200,000 euros) in the budget. The operation of this fountain would be sponsored by the operator of the Pelzmühle restaurant once it has been completely renovated by the city.

It is still to be decided when the next edition of the "Take a seat!" competition will take place and, as part of this, proposals could again be presented to citizens in online voting and put to the vote. However, the estimated cost of renovating the fountains is significantly higher than the amount of funding for previous "Nimm Platz! projects.


Is resource-saving R-concrete currently or in future being taken into account in municipal construction? (See administrative building of the German Federal Environmental Foundation - 2001). If "no", why not?

Concrete recycling has been used for years as a replacement material for natural aggregates (e.g. frost protection material). Its use as structural concrete is difficult due to the high demands on the consistent quality of the aggregates and is still in the research phase.


In GDR times, asphalted roads were regularly coated with a so-called bitumen emulsion after a few years and sprinkled with chippings.
This was used to rehabilitate all asphalt roads with large cracks and leaching in order to seal and waterproof them.
The service life can be extended by years, it improves grip and, above all, cracks are bridged. Why is this money-saving method (almost) no longer used?

During the most recent construction projects, there were repeated complaints from local residents. For this reason, further renovations using this technology have been abandoned.


The combined sewer in Buchenwaldstrasse and Albert-Schweitzer-Str. will be renewed in 2023, after which many residents and settlers of the Chemnitz - Altendorf settlers' association hope that the road will finally be renovated. Why is the combined sewer in Karl-August-Str. not being renewed at the same time? Or will that happen in the following years? Another problem is the large fir trees whose roots are now growing into the road and raising the surface.

The drinking water pipe in Buchenwalstrasse and Albert-Schweitzer-Strasse will be renewed at the same time as the sewer construction work. In this context, the area of the service trenches will be restored on the surface. The civil engineering department is not currently planning to renovate the surface across the entire width of the road, but ESC, inetz and the civil engineering department are in dialogue to determine the extent to which funds could be made available for this.


A lot has been done, everyone knows positive examples. But the decay of many historically valuable buildings is progressing: what will become of the Kulturpalast in Siegmar, for example (there was a concept there), the former hospital on Scheffel-Straße (lack of hospital capacity! Suitability as a hospital, retirement home?), the 'Fritz-Heckert' clubhouse (suitable as a meeting place for young people, including a dance school?), to name just three outstanding examples?

The Kulturpalast in Niederrabenstein will soon be renovated and converted into a residential complex. The building application has been submitted. The current owners are still looking for a sensible and profitable conversion for the other two properties.


What is the future of the AJZ building playground on the Sonnenberg? With the extension of the ESF funding, it can still be operated this year, after which everything is unfortunately open. For children and young people, this is an important place in their lives where and with which they can grow. It is important for the kids and the ongoing work with them to find a solution as soon as possible.

The continuation is also seen as necessary by the city. The ESF funding runs until 31.12.2021, the provider AJZ will apply for a further 2 years of funding from the "Youth, Social Affairs, Health" funding programme.


How is the city planning and how will it support the urgently needed positive development of Sonnenberg?

Sonnenberg has been a focus of urban development funding in various programmes since the early 1990s. This is being maintained because there is still a need for support. Local neighbourhood management supports the implementation. In recent years, the Sonnenberg has developed well compared to its original state around 25 years ago.

Will the city of Chemnitz apply for a continuation of the Urbact programme (old/building project) in order to remain in contact with other European cities, or will the city forego further European funding and European know-how transfer in this area? As a future European Capital of Culture, can the city afford to forego this?

The city has very successfully led the Urbact project ALT/BAU as "lead partner" for 2.5 years and has also been recognised for this work in Europe. The project ends in summer 2021. The Urbact project is not a funding programme, but an exchange between municipalities on possible approaches to the reactivation of old buildings. There is no waiver of funding. In order to create a follow-up programme i. The city will not be applying for a follow-up programme in the sense of the exchange of experience in Europe because this voluntary service cannot be provided in the course of the current budget consolidation. The results of the URBACT ALT/BAU project will flow directly into the ongoing activities of the StadtWohnen agency in the area of older buildings. StadtWohnen agency in the management of old buildings, which will be continued. Knowledge transfer is also accessible to interested parties who are not themselves members of a network via the EU's URBACT platforms. This will also continue to be utilised.


What's next - the framework concept for Zwickauer Strasse, Kappler Drehe and the revitalisation of the Altchemnitz commercial site? The city needs building land...

The framework plans are concepts for upgrading the locations, not primarily for making building land available. Building rights for building land are initially derived from the surrounding development or development plans. Whether a development is realised is a matter for the owner. Development plans are currently being drawn up for some areas. The framework concepts will be presented to the city council by the summer. Citizens and stakeholders are involved.


What is the status of the plans to renovate the so-called "Parteisäge" and redesign its surroundings (Karl Marx Monument)? The Free State wanted to publish initial plans for this at the end of 2020!

The building is a construction task of the Free State, the city cannot make any statements about the deadlines. The area around Brückenstraße is the responsibility of the local authority and will be redesigned when the tram is installed.


Why wasn't the construction of the new bus station already stopped as part of a feasibility study? Especially as the argument is currently being communicated that a move is not possible due to the space available? (There was a lack of space for bus drivers and parking facilities for buses)

The station forecourt would be large enough and the station building would still have plenty of space for staff and passengers. In addition, there were many arguments in favour of locating the bus station on the station forecourt, such as short distances for passengers to other transport services and the revitalisation of the forecourt and the station building. For this reason, the administration worked on this project in a targeted manner.


Will the pylon roof of the current bus station be retained due to the latest decision and will the surrounding area even be redesigned as part of the Capital of Culture?

The owner (not the city) is responsible for the preservation/renovation or possible relocation of the pylon roof. According to the latest decision, there will be no change in the next few years.


What is the current status of the city centre campus? What plans are there?

The concrete planning and realisation are the responsibility of the Free State together with the TU. The concepts known to the city envisage a long-term expansion of the city centre campus, i.e. the establishment of further institutes. A timetable cannot be specified. The construction sites for new buildings are also not yet available due to the bus station.

When will the ruined building on the corner of Zschopauer and Clausstrasse be removed?

The building is privately owned. A change of ownership and development by the new investor is planned. The administration is therefore not yet able to provide any information on the time frame.

The city owns the Siegmar, Mitte and Süd railway stations. Why are all three buildings such eyesores? What should people think when they see such railway stations in Chemnitz? And what is planned for Süd and Mitte when the construction site is over?

The city of Chemnitz does not own the railway stations. DB AG has sold the station buildings to private owners in recent years.
A conversion must be financially viable and profitable for them. Unfortunately, it is not possible for the City of Chemnitz to exert any influence in this regard.
The Chemnitz railway arch is currently being renovated by DB AG.

What is planned?
- Reconstruction of the stops (by owner DB AG) between the main station and Mitte station, barrier-free access to the platforms
- Siegmar station: building application on 11 February 2021 to set up a toy shop, application is still incomplete
- Mitte station: renovation of the station building in line with heritage requirements is being sought, the start of construction has not yet been reported to the building permit office
- South railway station: December 2020 Application submitted for fire safety upgrades and conversion to an event area as well as installation of commercial units; application is currently being processed.


The bridges were renovated at great expense and some of the stations and stops were rebuilt. Why is it not possible to transport heavy suitcases and pushchairs on the stairs? The condition of Siegmar station is a cultural shock for a future cultural capital. What is being done to make the city more citizen- and visitor-friendly?

All structural measures at the stops are the responsibility of the owner, DB AG. Barrier-free access to the platforms is being built as part of the remodelling of the stops between the main station and Mitte station. Siegmar station: On 11 February 2021, a building application was submitted to set up a toy shop. The application is still incomplete and therefore not verifiable.


Mitte station is an eyesore on the Kappellenberg. What is actually planned All previous information is invalid.

Amt 66: Expansion by DB AG as part of the redevelopment of the Chemnitz railway curve.
Amt 23: As part of the planned redevelopment of the station building, an area of approx. 1,093 m² of municipal property (in the forecourt area) was sold to the investor. These areas are to be used as car parks in the future.
Office 63: Planning permission for the conversion to a motorbike shop was granted in a decision dated 1 February 2021. The refurbishment is to be carried out in line with listed buildings. The start of construction has not yet been reported to the planning permission office.


Dear urban developers, the SEKO was drawn up in 2009 with a planning horizon for 2020. We are now in 2021. When and how long will the concept be updated? Will this be done together with the citizens? An important basis with a view to Capital of Culture 2025.

The Free State of Bavaria has asked local authorities to draw up an integrated urban development concept (INSEK). The prescribed structure is very much in line with the Chemnitz strategy, which was developed in a participatory process. This will be built upon and continued in 2021 and beyond.


Bornaer Straße is used intensively for through traffic to the Glösa junction and by a regional waste disposal company due to its location. Is the raising of road inlets (gullies), which cause an enormous noise level when driven over, an option with rapid implementation to reduce road-side noise for residents? The road has already been opened up several times in the upper section, for example, but without taking into account the very low inlets.

The implementation and financing of the individual measures will be examined as part of the road maintenance programme. Accident hazards will be eliminated promptly.

What is the current status of the development of the "Pleißenbachpark" at the former Altendorf railway station? When will the people of Chemnitz be able to use the new park?

In 2021, building permission will be granted via the development plan. This will be followed by the renaturalisation of the watercourse and the planting of the newly created open spaces.
Subject to the approval of the development plan, the facility will be built in the next few years.


What is the current planning status regarding the possible construction of a new bridge on Erzbergerstrasse? At the very least, a bridge for pedestrians and cyclists would be desirable in order to better link the Kaßberg and Altendorf districts. It would also create an attractive route for local residents.

The implementation and financing of individual measures will be examined as part of road maintenance. Accident hazards will be eliminated promptly.


There have been many concepts for Altchemnitz for years. No results have yet been seen. What is the city itself doing ACTIVELY to develop the brownfield sites in Altchemnitz? Will areas for small businesses be created there, as was originally planned on Dresdner Str. (Produktenbhf.)? When will the bridge connecting the city to the Technical University be built?

The city is in dialogue with the owners - also via an area manager - and provides support in a variety of ways. But this is always a matter of private property and therefore the co-operation of the owners is always required. Development plans are currently being drawn up to ensure that future building law promotes development. The city has also applied to the Free State for funding for the area. An energy refurbishment management programme is already actively supporting sensible energy projects for climate protection. The development of the spinning mill and the Wirkbau is progressing very positively and will have an impact on the area. Depending on the possibilities in the municipal budget, planning for the bridge may not begin until after 2025.


TU/ZOB:

1. what is the value of the city's agreements with the TU and the Free State?
2. is the city of Chemnitz no longer interested in a larger city centre campus following the recent budget debate?
3Will guests travelling by (long-distance) bus in 2025 be welcomed by an attractive central bus station?
4. Are plans to relocate the central bus station to the station forecourt continuing despite the latest budget debate?
5. Are plans for the long-distance bus terminal on Dresdner Straße continuing?

The city council has issued a development plan statute that provides for the relocation of the bus station in order to build a corresponding forecourt on the area in front of the TU library in the sense of a city centre campus, flanked by institute buildings. The development plan has been legally binding since the end of 2017 and is therefore the basis for action by the city council and administration. The only open question is when the development plan will be implemented and where the bus station will be relocated to.

The plan was to relocate the bus station in front of the main station, but the city council has now cancelled the decision (in order to spend the planned budget elsewhere). With which concept: How many bus platforms are needed? What is the frequency of arriving/departing buses? Were locations other than the square in front of the main station examined? What were the city's plans (together with the university) for the site of the current bus station? What were the arguments in favour of relocation? At the moment it takes 5-7 minutes to walk (with luggage) from the main station to the bus station.

This cannot be answered by the administration, as the decision was made by the city council.


Leave the bus station where it is. The location has proven itself for decades. Moreover, the short distance to the railway station is acceptable.

The current bus station is completely oversized and therefore sealed for twice as much parking space as would be required. Giving the areas a new quality of stay for citizens and students is therefore the better option. In addition to shorter distances for passengers, the relocation also serves to revitalise the station building.

What can we, as committed citizens of this city, do to reverse this irresponsible and incomprehensible decision by the city council?

The means of petitioning is available for citizen participation.


The future Hartmann secondary school is a positive example of the architecture of municipal buildings. My question is: Why is an architectural competition not held for all municipal and public building projects, including GGG building projects, especially in the city centre? If you cite financial reasons, perhaps the respective measure should be reconsidered.

When organising architectural competitions, a balance must always be struck between
> the gain in urban planning and architectural quality and
> the longer planning period, higher financial (for the implementation of the procedure itself) and personnel costs for the SVC offices involved.
Architectural competitions make sense for new construction projects that characterise the cityscape. The city will continue to organise competitions in this area.


These examples show that our city lacks design guidelines, from the variety of surface materials in public spaces to the panelling of commercial premises. The design manual is mentioned in the VEB 2040. When can this be expected?

Corresponding design guidelines (as in other cities) would be a good thing for Chemnitz - but it is a voluntary task and unfortunately not feasible at the moment in view of the staff cuts in the building department.

Why are different surface materials and designs being used in public spaces for almost simultaneous measures (1-3 years)? To what extent are these measures coordinated with the monument protection authority?
Z. E.g. stone carpet - lower section of Kochstr. versus Franz-Mehring-Str. or Hoffmannstr.
The issue of pavements - Horst-Menzel-Str. Use of small yellow-coloured concrete paving instead of granite encrusted slabs that characterise the residential area.

Question 2: In general, the heritage protection authority is involved within the scope of its remit. The example of Horst-Menzel-Strasse will be examined.
Granite encrusted slabs are historical building elements that are no longer available in sufficient quantities. In addition, the material thickness is no longer compatible with the roots of the street trees. The roots are often very close to the surface and would be damaged by thick and heavy slabs. In this respect, other materials often have to be used.


The connection between "Am Schösserholz" and "Goethering" is used as a school, hiking, cycling and bridle path. Walking along it is not without danger. The aim should be to develop the path to a near-natural width of approx. 2 metres. Taking into account the newly built playground at Goethering, a connection would appear to make sense. The financing and realisation can only be afforded by the city due to the requirements. So what is planned for the path connection and when is an extension realistic?

Such an extension is not planned due to insufficient financial resources.


Stefan-Heym-Platz: currently under construction, should it remain there at this 'corner' with tram tracks and a relatively high level of road noise? Wouldn't another square, e.g. in front of the new university library (if the bus station does move) or on Kaßberg be more worthy of our honorary citizen? Or what is planned after the current construction work in front of the SMAC?

It had to be done quickly to honour Stefan Heym and it had to be in a central location (not a new street in a business park or residential area) and - very importantly - it had to be something where citizens or companies would not have to change their address due to the renaming (e.g. Kaßberg, former Heym flat). And so the extra-wide pavement on the south side of Brückenstraße came into play. Only 1 vacant house was affected (former Schocken, Brückenstr. 9-11), which had to be re-addressed.


The fact that the car park in front of Tietz was rationalised away is sad enough. The car park is important for the library and the adult education centre. As a woman, I no longer take the bus into town in the evening. Now the excavation site resembles little Pompeii. When will the excavations be finished? Building a hotel on this site, when we don't need any more hotels in Chemnitz, is probably off the table. That's a good thing. I'm in favour of a small car park with lots of greenery around it.

The municipal site has been sold to an investor. The initial plan is to build a residential complex with commercial units and an underground car park. This can also be used by users of the car park to park their vehicles. Planning permission was granted in March 2021. A small square with restaurants and greenery will be created between the residential building and Tietz.


Are there any plans to build a solar installation on the current agricultural land between the residential development in Glösa (Am Berg Ammenstraße Schmidt-Rottluff-Straße) and the A4 motorway?

There has been an enquiry from an investor; the city has not yet been prepared to make agricultural land available for ground-level photovoltaic systems (possible exception to be examined: elevation to enable agro-photovoltaics underneath). For this reason, no planning (a VB plan would be required) has yet been initiated by the city council.


Tree discs on the Hohensteiner Str. footpath (between Heinrich-Bretschneider- and Wilhelmstr. on the landward right) are partially wider than the remaining footpath, heavily weedy during the vegetation period, trees diseased or no longer present, for pedestrians partially an obstacle course, 2015 (!) written criticism to the Parks Department, promise of inspection, nothing happens, presented again in person at the residents' meeting in the Haus des Gastes Reichenbrand in 2019, again promise that the catastrophic condition of the tree discs would be changed, nothing has happened to date, when will change happen?

The footpath would have to be completely rebuilt as it is too narrow. For this reason, no new trees are currently being planted. However, the tree discs are currently in a satisfactory condition (mostly green, mowed). The term "catastrophic condition" is therefore not justified. There are currently no funds available for the construction work.


I am against the further construction of the Südring in the direction of Dresdner Straße. How can further construction be prevented? No more land sealing in times of climate crisis! No further promotion of old mobility patterns.

The project is being implemented by Deutsche Einheit Fernstraßenplanungs- und -bau GmbH (DEGES) on behalf of the federal government on the basis of the Federal Transport Infrastructure Plan 2030. Its necessity has therefore been established. Concerns could or can be raised as part of the planning approval procedure.


In the inner-city road network, one damaged area follows another and the years of Ludwig's patchwork are taking their revenge. A 1/2 million euro is not even close to being enough. So in what time frame does C. intend to sustainably repair the current damage and create road conditions worthy of a cultural capital?

Funding for road construction (and the entire transport sector) has been inadequate for years. With the available budgets, all possibilities are being exhausted.


What is the current status of the demolition of the Majakowskistr./Dantestr. through road? The residents' enquiries to date have not yet been answered conclusively. No response has yet been given to the problems identified (noise pollution, danger spots, etc.). We have also not been informed of any results to the council enquiry. We are calling for the through road to be restored to the condition promised to us in 2018 (cycle/footpath with removable bollards).

The connection was created on the basis of the development plan. Reconstruction is not possible due to the different interests of residents in the residential area.


Despite the exclusion of amusement arcades in the Kaßberg development plans, among other things, a loss of quality is clearly recognisable due to the increasing concentration of cheap snack bars. These can trigger a destabilisation process. The windows, which are exclusively covered in bright colours, look like a foreign body. As a catalyst, this can accelerate the downward trend of the neighbourhood ("trading down effect") and lead to a decline in the level of the location. What can the city do to ward off this trend?

A concentration of low-cost snack bars on the Kaßberg is certainly in the eye of the beholder. However, not everything can be dictated by the city. In the case of listed buildings, it may be possible to influence the design - otherwise it is up to the (private) landlords to decide what they allow their tenants to do.


The city of Chemnitz has many beautiful peripheral areas that appear completely lifeless after the construction of large shopping centres, among other things. I would like to see the city develop long-term revitalisation concepts so that such areas do not just become residential districts. I am thinking, for example, of an integration within the framework of the Capital of Culture (programme in squares or historic buildings), a connected park-like green space through the city, e.g. along the old railway line and much more.

The aim of the comment is not entirely clear, which areas are meant? In the course of the Capital of Culture, places in the localities and the citizen platform areas that have crystallised in a participation process will be developed.


We acquired land in good faith on the basis of B-Plan 96/16 Arno-Holz-Siedl. of 09.03.2011. According to the development agreement of 16.10.2020, the form has now been completely changed in terms of drainage.
- On what legal basis/consideration was the plan change for the RRB in the Arno-Holz-Siedl. area made? (as of 09.10.2017 planned RRB3+4 and RRB53, now only massive extension RRB53)
- Why no information and integration?
- How is interference in biotope, removal of 60 trees and disadvantage to residents justified?

The final design of the rainwater retention in the public green spaces was the result of a drainage planning process lasting several years. Compensation is provided for the unavoidable interventions in green areas. The answers to Council enquiries RA-091/2021 and RA-096/2021 provide more detailed information.

I find it very difficult to walk. When I walk from the market to the 5 bus stop in the direction of Gablenz, I have to sit down or at least put my bag down from time to time, but this is not possible because there is no seating and some of the benches at the central bus stop are so bent (deep) that it is difficult to sit down. Please install more/different seats.

Another location for an additional bench is being considered.


Due to the application of the parking space ordinance, more and more backyards in Chemnitz are being converted into car parking spaces. Can the city suspend the application of this regulation and promote the preservation of green courtyards? Can bicycle parking spaces instead of car parking spaces be demanded as desirable by the city?

The existing buildings in the squares do not have to provide parking spaces (protection of existing buildings). In addition, development plans are legally valid on Kaßberg that exclude car parking spaces in inner courtyards. Such development plans are in progress or planned for other neighbourhoods.


A number of municipal construction projects are underway in Bernsdorf, which is very pleasing. However, things are not looking good in some of the areas surrounding these construction projects. How, when, to what extent and at what instigation are the building authorities monitoring the relevant requirements? Or is there an automatic mechanism derived from the building permit?

The problem has not been specifically named, so it is not possible to provide an answer.


Is there a plan for when the entire city centre is to be equipped with free WLAN? And are there plans to include Freifunk in this process? (definitely cheaper than Telekom)

After consultation with eins energie in sachsen GmbH & Co KG, there are currently no plans to expand the network further. Innere Klosterstraße was a pilot project. Freifunk e.V. has its own philosophy and is building a non-commercial network itself, based on individual, partly private nodes.
As a rule, it is not possible to support Freifunk e.V. with funding, as the permanent provision of certain network capacities would be a prerequisite for funding.


When will the construction of a shopping centre in the Neefestr./Goethestr. area begin? Planning has been underway on the internet since 2018. As the demand is very high, information should be somewhat specific.

A preliminary building enquiry for the expansion of the existing store on Neefestrasse/Kappler Drehe was approved. The further timeline for realisation by the investor is not known. A decision on the Goethestrasse development plan procedure will be made by the Committee for Urban Development and Mobility in early autumn 2021.


Dear urban developers, the process for developing the Chemnitz Strategy got off to a promising start in 2019. In many participation formats, we Chemnitz residents were asked how we envision our city in 2040. I haven't heard anything since 11/2019. What happens next?

The Chemnitz Strategy 2040 project produced an interim status report by the end of 2020. The project itself will not be continued in future. Some of the content and results developed so far will continue to be used and embedded in the Chemnitz 2035 integrated urban development concept (INSEK Chemnitz 2035). This concept will replace the urban development concept 2020 (SEKo 2020). The INSEK Chemnitz 2035 will incorporate important topics from the Chemnitz Strategy as cross-cutting issues and supplement them with specialised concepts and an implementation strategy. The participation of Chemnitz residents will also play an important role here.

Are further cycle lanes planned, like on Reichenhainer Straße? I could very well imagine a cycle lane on Adelsbergstrasse between Clausstrasse and Hegelstrasse, as there is a lot of cycle traffic there every day and (almost) only residents cycle through there.

Yes, the city administration is working on further cycle lanes (e.g. Schloßstraße). Adelsbergstraße is also one of the streets being analysed.


How can we prevent crossing areas and pavements on Kaßberg from being recklessly parked up every day after 5.00 pm? It is very difficult for people with wheelchairs or pushchairs to get around, it is a disaster for the visually impaired and it is annoying and inconvenient for everyone else. The hours of operation of the city's public order service and the public order office should be extended in the residential neighbourhoods.

The parking problems on the Kaßberg are well known. Kaßberg is part of the daily patrol area and there are regular checks on stationary traffic.
In the event of parking offences, the colleagues from the stationary traffic department initiate appropriate enforcement measures (e.g. warnings, owner investigations, towing measures) at their discretion. Checks are also carried out after 5.00 p.m., i.e. also in the evening.


There is an acute shortage of parking spaces for residents in the Matthesstraße area due to parked vehicles belonging to commuters and walkers. Added to this is the high density of roadworks and the resulting road closures. Perhaps parking for residents only should be considered here instead of permanently covering residents with parking tickets.

Residents' parking privileges are subject to conditions under the StVO, which unfortunately do not apply to Matthesstraße. If there are no parking spaces available on Matthesstraße, residents can park in the surrounding area (Kanalstraße, Limbacher Straße, Fritz-Matzschke-Straße etc.) within a reasonable walking distance.


During the Weststraße construction project between Kochstraße and Gustav-Adolf-Straße, parking spaces were reduced, but new illegal parking spaces were created by parking on the new wider pavements and NEW by removing the tree guards directly on the tree grates. Among other things, this prevents pedestrians (including people with disabilities) from crossing successfully and permanently damages the tree roots. What measures are being taken here? Unfortunately, the public order office is barely active here. As a result, the parking offenders stand undisturbed from Friday to Monday.

To improve the flow of bus traffic, the road space on Weststraße between Gustav-Adolf-Straße and Kochstraße was redesigned in 2019. The stationary traffic was thus reorganised. To allow pedestrians to cross safely, a protruding side area was created at Gustav-Adolf-Straße to ensure visibility when crossing the carriageway.

The public order office will follow up this information and carry out checks over the next few days. If an increase in parking offences is confirmed, we will set up permanent controls. In general, please refer to the possibility of reporting via the Operations Coordination Centre. A control order will be initiated on the basis of specific information from citizens about parking offences. The operations coordination centre is available Mon-Fri from 06:30 to 22:30 and on Sat from 14:00 to 22:30(einsatzkoordinierungsstelle(at)stadt-chemnitz.de or 0371 488-3274).


In view of the very poor results of the cycling climate test and the many questions already published here about the inadequate situation of cyclists, I would like to ask you whether you take such votes to heart and to what extent you want to bring about improvements here? Potholes at the side of the road, such as in front of the Hartmannstraße police station, are a major source of danger.

The (even) stronger development of cycling is a fundamental concern of the Mobility Plan 2040 (draft) and will also be further emphasised in the update of the cycling concept. Damage is being repaired on an ongoing basis, including in peripheral areas.


Autonomous shuttle buses could operate on the Flemmingstrasse/Küchwald hospital site, but also in neighbourhoods (e.g. Usti-nad-Labem Street, etc.). Are such forms of new mobility taken into account by the city?

Yes, such means of transport are considered in the Mobility Plan 2040 (draft). Their development is progressing, but their use as public transport with autonomous driving (without an operator) is not yet foreseeable, as the legal basis is lacking (adaptation of the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic required).


Since the end of 2020, the city of Chemnitz has imposed a one-sided stopping ban on Steinweg! Why was this measure taken? We are not aware of anyone being obstructed or endangered. Where should a large proportion of tenants be able to park in future? There are not enough parking spaces for tenants in the surrounding area.

Parking on Steinweg, from Dresdner Straße in the direction of Hohlweg, was on the right-hand side of the carriageway on forest land. In order to protect the forest, this parking had to be prohibited by ordering a stopping ban, also on the hard shoulder.


The signpost to the B95 is incorrectly positioned. Oversized vehicles such as articulated lorries and buses often stray into Dorotheenstrasse because the additional 100m sign is overlooked. In the residential area, it is impossible for these vehicles to turn round due to the narrow road conditions. It would be better if the sign was positioned after the junction.

The status is known. The signposting is currently being revised and is expected to be changed in the first half of 2021.


I would like to know if and when there will be traffic lights at the Yorckstr./Heinrich-Schütz-Str. junction. If you want to turn left from Yorckstr. into Heinrich-Schütz-Str., you sometimes have to wait a long time for the traffic to clear.

There are currently no plans for traffic lights at the Yorckstraße/Heinrich-Schütz-Straße junction.


When will the noise barrier along Neefestr. be repaired after the flyover? Can the speed restriction also be applied to Neefestr. out of town?

Maintenance work will be carried out as necessary and prioritised (wood protection, replacement of slats and closing of sound bridges).
The reduction of the speed limit in this section to 50 km/h has been examined and is currently being agreed with the higher traffic authority. This is intended to improve road safety on this accident blackspot.

It is a horror to drive through Chemnitz by car. There are roadworks everywhere. What's more, busy roads have only been patched up for years. When will you stop patching up the potholes every year? Start completely renovating the roads so that they last not just one year, but 20 years at best!

The criticism is justified. However, the civil engineering department's available budget is not sufficient to completely repair damaged road sections. The importance of this issue must be emphasised / brought about by federal, state and local politicians.

When will the exit from Neefepark onto Neefestraße towards the city centre finally be repaired? It is undisputed that this exit harbours a high risk of accidents. At least I and many others are of the opinion that this is more important than a fountain at the town hall.

The plans for this are available. In order to minimise the restrictions on Neefestraße, this measure should be carried out together with the road construction up to the flyover and the bridge construction work (bridge at Neefepark). An application for funding was submitted for this last year, but has not yet been approved. Therefore, the realisation is currently uncertain. As soon as funding and support from the Free State is possible, the project will be realised.


Problem at Fritz-Heckert-Platz. There is no continuous crossing from one side of the road to the other. This requires a change to the traffic lights. Safety for pedestrians and cyclists could be improved.

Fritz-Heckert-Platz = Falkeplatz. The criticism of Falkeplatz is justified; the situation for pedestrians and cyclists is in great need of improvement. As part of the Chemnitz Model Stage 4, planning approval section (PFA) 1 (Theaterstraße, Brückenstraße, Hartmannstraße), the junction will be completely redesigned in accordance with the regulations and probably rebuilt. This will result in significant improvements.


Why does the newly introduced speed limit on the Südring only apply from Helbersdorfer Straße and not from Markersdorfer Straße? (The questioner lives on Otto-Hofmann-Straße)

In 2015, a special noise study was carried out for the section of the southern ring road between Markersdorfer Straße and Usti nad Labem with the aim of determining the noise situation at all affected residential buildings and making proposals for technical improvements.The aim was to determine the noise situation at all affected residential buildings and to draw up proposals for technically possible, sensible and proportionate noise protection measures that would reduce the road traffic noise affecting the neighbourhood.

The acoustic study came to the conclusion that the most affected residents who are exposed to noise pollution are located in the area of Paul-Bertz-Straße and that a reduction of the maximum speed limit to 50 km/h should be part of the noise protection concept at the southern junction of the city of Chemnitz, provided that non-acoustic aspects do not speak against this measure.

Following a petition from the Wohnungsbaugenossenschaft Chemnitz-Helbersdorf eG housing association and affected residents of the Südring road section between Helbersdorfer Straße and Usti nad Labem Straße, the city council decided at its meeting on 10 February 2021 that noise protection measures should be examined. As a result of the review by the relevant specialist departments, taking into account the noise-reduced asphalt already applied in this section, the reduction of the speed limit to 50 km/h was approved.


The traffic lights within the urban area are unsatisfactory. Why is it not possible for traffic to flow? At the end of 2020, it took me 15 minutes by car from Heinrich Lorenz Straße to the Rosenhof multi-storey car park on Annaberger Straße at around 16:00. A modern city looks different!

The concept of a modern city has evolved considerably. Although the accessibility of important places (e.g. the city centre) should not be restricted, concerns about getting around quickly by car are increasingly taking up less space in (technical) discussions. The focus is much more on sustainability, urban design and quality of life. In addition, there is an efficient public transport connection (line 5, CM 11) between Heinrich-Lorenz-Straße - Annaberger Straße - Rosenhof. Its journey time is around five minutes.


Now that the speed limit on the Südring between Helbersdorfer Straße and Überflieger / Neefestraße has been reduced to 50 km/h throughout, the left turn from the Südring in the direction of the Winkelhoferstraße junction into Usti nab Labem can be reopened. This means that residents are no longer forced to take a diversion of at least 10 kilometres to reach the residential area on Dr. Salvador Allende Strasse.

Preventing left turns from Südring onto Usti nad Labem was an appropriate and necessary measure taken by the Traffic Accident Commission at the end of 2012 to alleviate the accident blackspot identified at this junction.
According to the regulations, the left turn should be signalled. The conversion of the junction with traffic lights is not currently planned, not even for financial reasons.


Some traffic lights in our city are truly astonishing (e.g. Fraunhofer-/Lutherstr.). This made the test phase of the CITRAM project all the more interesting.
Are there already any findings here or even a continuation with the aim of realising it at a later date?

The criticism of some "truly astonishing" traffic light circuits should be formulated in concrete terms so that the civil engineering office can respond. CITRAM project: Proof of the functionality of the so-called ECOMAT app (traffic light phase assistant) was provided in the Chemnitz test field. The City of Chemnitz is open to the use and further development of the ECOMAT app in a follow-up project. Initial discussions are currently underway with the developer and other potential project partners.

The residential areas around the city centre in particular are suffering from increasing slow-moving and through traffic. Motorised traffic causes noise, exhaust fumes and hazards and reduces the quality of life and amenities for the local population. Can residential neighbourhoods be calmed by blocking the passage of car traffic, e.g. in the form of bollards? Couldn't this be trialled for a temporary period in front of schools, kindergartens and parks and, if successful, made permanent?

The statement that slow-moving traffic is increasing in residential areas cannot be confirmed in absolute terms. In this case, a specific location would be required in order to be able to examine this in more detail. In principle, roads are for general use, i.e. anyone can use them. Residential areas are relieved of unwanted traffic through traffic calming measures (30 km/h, right-before-left, etc.).

For example, I cycle between Furth and Limbacher Straße every day. Would it be possible to optimise the traffic lights so that you don't have to stop at every red light? Even Limbacher Straße alone cannot be travelled quickly, as the traffic lights seem to follow a very secret plan and strangely do not harmonise.

The question is vague. It remains unclear what the route between Furth and Limbacher Straße is like. In principle, there are "green waves" in the urban area. However, the needs of buses and trains (public transport) as well as pedestrians and cyclists must also be taken into account. This means that not every traffic light is suitable for a "green wave". On Limbacher Straße, the traffic lights between Ernst-Heilmann-Straße and Kalkstraße are generally coordinated with each other.


Why are the short-term parking spaces at Markersdorfer Straße 59 to be removed? For the businesses located there, this could lead to further loss of profits, which they are already suffering as a result of the coronavirus measures and the lockdown. The car parks were previously permitted and are now to be demolished. I would like to know the reason for this and plead for the decision to be reversed by the relevant authority.

The car parks have to be removed because the existing pavement widths are not sufficient and this could cause disruption to pedestrian traffic. In the past, parking was ordered entirely on the pavement, but for the most part it is practised only halfway on the pavement, which in turn can and has already led to obstructions to flowing traffic.

In compliance with the applicable legal regulations, parking on the pavement can therefore not be maintained in this section. Parking on the pavement may only be permitted in exceptional cases and only if there is sufficient space for unhindered pedestrian traffic (minimum pavement width 2.50 m in accordance with the guidelines for the layout of urban roads) in accordance with the VwV-StVO for Section 42 on sign 315. In this case, the widest section of the pavement is 3 m, leaving only 1 m or less for pedestrians when the pavement is fully parked. In addition, there is only a one-sided pavement here.
In order to nevertheless provide short-term parking facilities for the affected businesses, the intention is to set up three alternative short-term parking spaces on the neighbouring Meinersdorfer Straße at the same time as the dismantling, which are within reasonable walking distance.