April 2026: Changes, Investments, and Future Visions in Jesteburg

Change in Balance – April in Jesteburg

April 2026 was marked in Jesteburg by planning decisions, investments, and new concepts that will shape the future of the municipality. In addition to the modernization of streets and lighting, social issues and the development of educational and leisure facilities were also in focus.

## Urban Development and Construction Projects: The Sandbarg and the Bauturbo

The municipality of Jesteburg made decisive steps in urban planning in April. The Building and Planning Committee approved the continued collaboration with developer May & Co. for the "Sandbarg" project, with the planning documents submitted by 01.04.2026. At the same time, a basic decision was made to apply the Bauturbo Act to expedite building applications. This law is to be applied in particular to projects under § 31 (3), § 34 (3b), and § 246e of the Building Code (BauGB).

For projects with significant environmental impacts, a Strategic Environmental Assessment under §§ 38 to 46 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act is also required. The administration will present a concept for the further application of the Bauturbo by August 2026.

## Youth Work and Education: New Perspectives and Offers

The Committee for Youth, Seniors, Sports, and Social Affairs had extensive discussions on the future of youth work in Jesteburg. Representatives of the Reso-Fabrik presented their concept and compared it with the offer of Jugend aktiv e.V.. Non-public documents such as business plans and contracts were presented to plan the long-term development of youth work.

In addition, the Committee for Education and Social Affairs reported on the Youth Council, which currently consists of seven members, including five women. The community archivist Jochen Rabeler provided an insight into the photo collection of the local heritage society with around 13,000 images, which will be made available online in June 2026.

## Streets, Lighting, and E-Mobility: Investments for Future Security

The municipality made decisive investments in infrastructure in April. The Seevestraße will be renovated over a length of 430 meters, including the widening of the asphalt surface and the surfacing of the shoulders. The cost amounts to approximately 200,000 €. In addition, it was decided to modernize public street lighting, taking into account energy efficiency, road safety, and insect-friendly lighting. For the first measures in 2026, 300,000 € are planned.

Another focus was the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. Vattenfall was confirmed as the concessionaire for Lot 2, which also includes Jesteburg. Over 1,000 charging points are to be installed in several countries by 2026, supported by 140 million €.

## Nursery Fees and Swimming Pool: Small but Meaningful Adjustments

In April, the Jesteburg Municipal Council also carefully approved adjustments to the nursery fee regulations. The minimum fee will be increased from 27.00 € to 28.00 €, and the maximum fee from 59.00 € to 61.00 €. These changes will take effect on 01.06.2026.

In addition, the house and swimming rules and the fee regulation for the Jesteburg outdoor pool were updated for the 2026 season. Entry fees are slightly increased: 5 € for adults and 2.50 € for children and teenagers. Season tickets are newly calculated, with family tickets taking partnership models into account.

Finally, the Municipal Council accepted a donation of 1,270 € from Sparkasse Harburg-Buxtehude to purchase a defibrillator for the Heimathaus.

## Overview: What Was Important This Month

• The "Sandbarg" project site was further developed, including planning and the Bauturbo Act.
• In the area of youth work, new offers and concepts were discussed.
• The Seevestraße and public street lighting will be modernized.
• Nursery fees and swimming pool entry fees have been adjusted.
• The charging infrastructure for electric vehicles will be expanded.

## Outlook

April 2026 has shown in Jesteburg that the municipality is ready to invest in future visions – whether in infrastructure, youth, or digitalization. The coming months will show how these decisions are implemented in reality – and whether they meet the expectations of the residents.