Berlin's Stille Straße 10 Senior Center Secures Short-Term Future, Long-Term Fate Uncertain
The future of the Stille Straße 10 senior center in Berlin-Niederschönhausen appears more secure, but challenges persist. Eveline Lämmer, a board member of the Friends Association, expresses relief but maintains caution regarding the center's prospects. A new usage agreement is being negotiated to ensure the center's survival beyond this year.
The center's current usage agreement expires at the end of the year due to budget cuts by Berlin’s Senate. This has led Volkssolidarität to withdraw its funding. Eveline Lämmer insists on long-term commitments and a permanent usage agreement from the BVV district assembly and the local council to secure the center's future. Dominique Krössin (The Left), the district’s social affairs councilor, commends the seniors’ tireless commitment and incredible energy at the committee meeting. Despite the recognition, the center's long-term survival remains uncertain.
A new usage agreement between the Pankow district office and the Förderverein Stille Straße 10 association is being discussed. This agreement aims to secure the center's future, but it depends on finding a solution for the building's urgent need for renovations and securing funding before the end of the year. While no specific organizations or institutions have been mentioned regarding the financing and renovation of Stille Straße 10 for next year, the center is likely to remain in its current premises next year. Birgit Mickley (SPD) describes Stille Straße as a place that demonstrates older people can effectively advocate for their interests. Cordelia Koch (Greens), Pankow’s district mayor, plans to expand the center to include two history projects with local youth, but decisions and funding are not yet guaranteed.
The Stille Straße 10 senior center has a history of fighting for its survival, including a more than 100-day occupation of the building in 2012. While a new usage agreement is being discussed and the center is likely to remain in its current premises next year, the long-term survival of the center remains uncertain. Eveline Lämmer's demands for long-term commitments and a permanent usage agreement underscore the need for a sustainable solution to secure the center's future.
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