Every summer there is now a wonderful tradition that the 3001 organizes an open-air cinema in the Millerntor on the south stand. Yesterday the film nights, which were very short because of the World Cup but were all the more interesting, started. The You can find the full program here.
At the start there was a rough cut of a documentary about the Essohäuser on the Reeperbahn. The demolition of these houses is certainly one of the most dramatic events for the residents of St. Pauli at the moment. It is all the more remarkable that many hundreds of people came to one strip without a happy ending to see.
The minds behind the film have started with “Empire St. Pauli“ has already produced another moving documentary about the reconstruction of the district. Since film production always costs money, the makers are also happy about Donate. Anyone who sees the limited technical means with which some scenes were captured knows that the money was well spent. But that's not the only reason...
In the film it is mainly the residents who have their say. First of all, the wonderfully and endearingly furnished apartments are impressively shown. People talk about being on the Reeperbahn for over 50 years.
As the film progresses, it becomes clear that politics is only made for the people who have money. On federal political issues such as: TTIP That's bad enough, but very abstract. This approach is directly noticeable at the district level in Hamburg. This is particularly shameful due to the scenes with district office manager Andy Grote. Due to his inability to even think about alternative design options, he acts as Bavarian's vicarious agent RobberyHouse construction. The impression is reinforced by Grote's lack of ability to show empathy with the residents of the Esso houses.
Fortunately, the film uses an example in Paris to show that this doesn't have to be the case. There may well be alternatives to demolition. However, this comes at the expense of the rent. However, why Bayerische Hausbau should be able to recoup the purchase price through rent after just one year according to its construction planning is only understood by heartless investors.
The viewer of the film should also bear in mind that the city will be collecting quite large sums of money from the businesses based in St. Pauli in the coming years in order to "revitalize the Reeperbahn". In my opinion, the first signs of what the city of Hamburg means by "revitalize" make it clear that the neighborhood is to become the city's next rounded glass-facade district. It is precisely the individuality and the small-scale detail that have defined the neighborhood in recent years. Or as one of the former Essohaus residents so aptly put it: "What does that guy want here? He should stay on Sylt!"
Of course, nothing should be rejected just because something is new. Just like not everything that is old is worth preserving. Nevertheless, people should be included in development, asked, and involved. One of the main tasks of politics is to be there for the people. Not just for capital. At least in a democracy...
<3
Great post. Thank you!
Lg,
Werner