March 2026: Housing, Fire Department, and Committee Restructuring in Buchholz

Urban Development and Climate Protection in Focus

Housing East-West: Western City Entrance Replanned

The city of Buchholz has taken decisive steps in the planning of the western city entrance along Bremen Street in March. The framework plan was unanimously adopted by the Committee for Urban Development, Environment, Climate Protection, and Mobility, with the planning committing to Variant 1. The goal is the development of a new residential district with up to 580 housing units, 350–400 of which will be located southwest of Bremen Street. Particular emphasis is placed on environmentally friendly access through pedestrian and cycling paths as well as public transport connections.

In addition to housing, community-owned spaces and a local supermarket are planned. However, the decision was made to forgo a primary school within the district. To implement the project, studies such as a traffic study, habitat type mapping, and faunistic analyses have been commissioned and are expected to be completed in the coming year.

The legal foundation of the planning includes, among others, the Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG) and the Lower Saxony Housing and Residential Area Promotion Act (NWoFG). The planning steps follow the provisions of the Municipal Code and local government laws.

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Climate Protection: "Abpflastern" Program Launched

In the field of climate protection and sustainability, the city has launched a new program: "Abpflastern". The goal is to remove sealed surfaces in order to absorb rainwater, promote biodiversity, and reduce the local heat island effect. The program is carried out in cooperation with initiatives and advisory services and includes action days, consultations, and the use of funding.

The administration will prepare a report on the implementation status by June 30, 2026. Citizens who wish to de-seal areas may contact the town hall or participate in action days.

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Fire Department: Staff Changes and New Structures

In the Volunteer Fire Department, there were personnel adjustments: Mr. Ron Ludwig was appointed acting deputy city fire chief, and new local fire chiefs were appointed in Trelde, Dibbersen, and Sprötze. At the same time, several positions were dissolved for Mr. Christian Matzat.

The personnel changes reflect the ongoing challenges in the capacity of care of the fire departments. The city is focusing on young recruits and is active in the area of youth events, where simplified approval procedures will apply in the future.

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Finance and Committees: Budget and Structural Changes

Budget Consolidation and Real Estate Transactions

The 2026 supplemental budget was adopted to advance budget consolidation, especially in relation to the eastern bypass (Ostring). In addition, the city has decided to sell real estate on Steinstrasse, Schierhorner Strasse, and Müllerstrasse.

Another project is the capital increase of the Municipal Housing Company (KWG) in the amount of 948,944,947 euros, which is intended to strengthen the stability and investment capacity of the housing company. For real estate transactions above 10,000 euros, approval by the Board of Directors will be required in the future.

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Committee Structure: New Distribution and New Fractions

In March, there was also a new distribution of committees and factions in the town hall. Two members of the Buchholzer Liste, Christoph Selke and Grit Weiland, together with Gudrun Eschment-Reichert, founded the new faction "WIR für Buchholz" (WfB). As a result, the Buchholzer Liste lost two seats, while the CDU gained additional seats in several committees.

The seat distribution in several committees was recalculated, and the rights of access to committee chairmanships were redistributed. The CDU received four rights of access, the Greens and the SPD/The Left group each received two, and the FDP one. In addition, Bernhard Unger left the CDU faction, which was also taken into account in the seat distribution.

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Citizens and Infrastructure: Local Supply and Lighting

Naming and Infrastructure Improvements

In March, several square names were decided: The railway station forecourt will be named after the twin city Brody in the future, and the Hindenburgweg will receive improved lighting. In addition, a new square will be named: "Janusz-Korczak-Platz", in honor of the Polish educator.

There were also improvements in infrastructure: It is being examined whether Litfaß column toilets in the city would be useful in order to optimize municipal sanitary facilities. In addition, a fee adjustment for parking meter machines (ParkGO) was adopted.

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Overview: What Was Important This Month

• New residential districts planned along Bremen Street (up to 580 housing units).
• "Abpflastern" program launched for de-sealing areas and climate protection.
• Fire department personnel changes and new structures in the local fire brigades.
• Budget consolidation and sale of real estate decided.
• New distribution of committees and founding of the new faction "WIR für Buchholz".

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Outlook

April promises further constructional and organizational developments, especially in the implementation of the western city entrance and the environmental compatibility studies. The new faction landscape will become apparent in the committees, and the financial planning for 2026 will become increasingly concrete.

Citizens are encouraged to participate in events such as the "Abpflastern" program and to express their opinions on planning projects such as the western city entrance. The city of Buchholz remains in motion – for more housing, climate protection, and participation.