Pankow seniors fight to save their historic community center from closure
The future of the Seniorenzentrum at Stille Straße 10 in Pankow hangs in the balance due to budget cuts. Seniors demand a permanent usage agreement, while District Mayor Cordelia Koch (Greens) proposes commemorating the building's history, including its connection to Erich Mielke and DDR politicians.
Eveline Lämmer, a board member of the Stille Straße Support Association, recently addressed the social committee about seniors' struggle to save their community center. The plight of the seniors has gained public attention, with elderly women staging a protest at the Pankow District Assembly, singing and playing accordion to voice their opposition to the closure.
Dominique Krössin (The Left), Pankow’s district councilor for social affairs, acknowledged the occupiers' role in saving the building. The German Red Cross (DRK) has been integral to supporting the senior center, with volunteers from various support activities, such as weekly church services and musical offerings, being integrated with care by the management of all six DRK Seniorenzenters. The Berlin Alliance Against Displacement and Rent Madness has also rallied support, encouraging attendees to accompany seniors to the BVV committee meeting.
The seniors' fight to secure a permanent usage agreement for their community center continues. With public support and the backing of key organizations, they hope to preserve the historic building and maintain essential services for the elderly in Pankow.
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