Burgenland Takes Zoning Law Steps Following Friedrichshof Debate

According to information from Thursday, the creation of two new special zoning categories was established, requiring projects in the area of enforcement measures or psychiatric care to have their own land zoning in the future.

This ensures that projects like the one in Zurndorf can no longer be planned behind the back of the state and the population, emphasized Governor Hans Peter Doskozil (SPÖ) in a statement. In zoning law, "a safety net is built in." The involvement of the state in such sensitive topics is thus guaranteed. Such a project will not exist in Burgenland "against the will of the state in the future - not in Zurndorf and not in any other place," explained Doskozil. A similar zoning law instrument has already been used by the state to prevent a federal initial reception center in Eberau (district of Güssing).

Two New Special Areas Defined

In response to the plans at Friedrichshof, two new special areas were defined. "Facilities for enforcement measures" (inpatient or outpatient care of persons in or after enforcement measures) and "Accommodation for psychiatric care" (inpatient or semi-inpatient care of persons with psychiatric support needs). "This Burgenland-wide regulation ensures that facilities of this kind may only be established with the consent of the state government," it was announced on Thursday from the state house in Eisenstadt. "With this measure, we protect our communities and our population from unannounced large projects that can have significant impacts on the social fabric and security," Doskozil was quoted as saying.

The organization Agora had planned to provide follow-up care for mentally ill offenders at the former Hotel-Restaurant Friedrichshof starting October 1. There was widespread opposition to the project for the reintegration of up to 30 people in state politics, the municipality of Zurndorf, and among local residents.

(APA/Red)

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