Residents frustrated: Bergkirchweih closures provide chaos in Erlangen!

Residents frustrated: Bergkirchweih closures provide chaos in Erlangen!

The 270th Erlangen Bergkirchweih is in full swing, but not all residents celebrate with. Sofia Rösl, 26 years old and resident near the celebration, is concerned about the effects of the traditional event on your neighborhood. The city of Erlangen has introduced a comprehensive security concept, which means that the residents cannot at times get to their apartments by car. Particularly annoying for many: their underground parking spaces for which they pay are inaccessible during the blocking times. Rösl and her boyfriend had to experience on June 5 how they were prevented from coming home by the police and security forces, which caused great resentment.

Sofia Rösl has addressed numerous complaints to the city, but there have been no changes so far. "Communication about the closures was poor," she criticizes, reporting that many residents also had to park in the ban on stopping. This not only led too little sleep, but also to increased stress, as many had to go to work the next day. Other residents also raise the alarm, in particular due to property damage and undesirable behavior at their place of residence. According to the city spokesman Christofer twenty, the new measures were announced via the press, the Internet and social media, but many feel poorly informed. "You can't just risk security gaps by openings," argues the city.

festivities and challenges

The start of the mountain church consecration was successful, according to Mayor Florian Janik, despite the bad weather. Konrad Bugel, speaker for economy and finance, emphasizes that Thursday has started well, while the Pentecost weekend was shaped by rain. Udo Helbig, spokesman for the host, is happy about the number of visitors, even if the weather was not played. Karl-Heinz Hartnagel from the southern German showman association believes that the security concept is well thought out. "The encouragement is there, that's the most important thing," says Hartnagel.

In order to ensure the safety of visitors, the Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund (ASB) has already recorded 284 request for help until Monday. Three people had to be transported to the hospital due to serious injuries, while the police spoke of an average mountain church consecration in which the number of operations in the evening increases moderately. The fire brigade was also active, but there were no major operations. The planned highlights of the Bergkirchweih, which lasts until June 16, include a family day and a service.

tradition meets modern challenges

The Erlangen Bergkirchweih has developed into a popular event for all generations. Every day from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. The event not only brings regional, but also international flair to Erlangen, which explains the anticipation of the event. But the challenges that are perceived by residents and visitors throw a shadow on the celebrations. An urgent concern of the residents is to make suggestions for improvement, such as ID checks for better access control.

The perspective of the city and that of the residents, like Sofia Rösl, seem to be difficult. While the festivities are blooming, the resentment of the residents remains. Solutions must be found here that take into account both the security of the celebrations and the quality of life of the surrounding population. It is to be hoped that there can be a better dialogue between city administration and residents in the remaining fixed time.