Mayor and Nabu leader express remorse
In a recent development, Mayor Christian Walter of Böblingen's district, Weil der Stadt, and Johannes Enssle, the chairman of Nabu (Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union), have resumed a constructive dialogue following a dispute over a planned residential area.
The dispute, which centred around the construction project in Weil der Stadt, was ignited by an article published by SWR, suggesting that the clearing was not lawful. The article, available for subscription on the Staatsanzeiger, was penned by journalist Philipp Rudolf.
The controversy arose when 120 fruit trees were felled on a Monday morning as part of the construction project. This act was met with sharp criticism from Nabu, who accused the city of breaching promises not to fell trees before the urgent proceedings before the Administrative Court of Appeal (VGH) were concluded.
However, the felling of the trees was found to be legally permissible according to a resolution of the Administrative Court of Stuttgart. The VGH made this determination in February during the urgent proceedings.
Despite the court's decision, Mayor Walter took legal action against individual statements made by Nabu, while publicly accusing them of "lies," "fake news," and "disinformation." In a recent turn of events, Walter has apologized to the Nabu state chairman.
The location of the orchard meadow, where the trees were felled, is in Weil der Stadt. The deadline set by the district administration for the clearing was by the end of 2024. It's important to note that the details regarding when the Stuttgart Administrative Court (Verwaltungsgerichtshof Stuttgart) decided on the legality of the clearing are not currently available.
Enssle had demanded the resignation of the mayor in the context of the dispute. However, it seems that both parties have now moved past this disagreement, with a renewed commitment to open and constructive dialogue.
The article by SWR, which initially triggered the legal action, can be shared via various platforms, including email, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Xing, and LinkedIn. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the dispute and its resolution, offering readers a clear understanding of the events that transpired.
