Almost a month after the groundbreaking ceremony for the Grand Elisabeth, sparks are now flying in Bad Ischl for the first time. The construction of the hotel, which cost almost 38 million euros, not only required the demolition of a parking lot for 200 cars. In the spa park, 17 trees from the imperial period have also been cut down.
Heated emotions in Bad Ischl! The reason is the deforestation in the spa park. Chestnuts, lime trees and cypresses with a trunk size of 300 centimeters were felled so that the construction of Hotel Grand Elisabeth could continue. Some of the 17 trees are 150 years old and are therefore a natural monument for many in Ischl.
Processed into wood chips
“Now, as I hear, they have been processed into wood chips,” says resident Hans Wabnig in bewilderment. Eight trees have been proven to date back to the 19th century. They were permanent fixtures in the villa district of the imperial city and gave the area around the spa gardens the flair of the past. “They were natural monuments. Therefore, I do not understand why this was not discussed in the construction contract and there is no question of replacement. Instead, the city rents the property to investors for 4,200 euros per year, a gift,” says Wabnig angrily.
Green councilor as scapegoat
This time it was mainly Climate City Councilor Martin Schott who ended up in the crossfire of criticism. Residents had hoped for more commitment from the Green politician to preserve the trees, as the Greens are strongly committed to protecting trees at state level.
For Schott, the criticism is far-fetched, part of Ischl’s political games: “Of course I also think it is a shame that the trees had to be removed. But all the decisions for the hotel were made before the 2021 elections, when I was not yet a city councilor.”
No understanding for the criticism from local residents
Philipp Zauner, one of the hotel investors, cannot understand the residents’ criticism. “They did not respond to numerous invitations for meetings. We could have explained the situation to them and made some adjustments if necessary.” Zauner defends councilor Schott: “He really stood up for the trees.”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
