Willich Housing Plan Faces Backlash Over Green Space and Traffic Concerns
A proposed housing development in Willich has sparked strong opposition from local residents. The city plans to build 200 homes on a 2.9-hectare site called Moltkedorf, aiming to ease urgent housing demand. But many residents argue the project will harm green spaces, increase traffic, and disrupt the area's character.
Over 1,200 people have now signed a petition against the plans, calling for alternatives like preserving the land for nature or community use instead.
The Moltkedorf site, currently home to a refugee shelter set to close by the end of the year, has been earmarked for a mix of single-family homes, semi-detached houses, and four-storey apartment blocks. The city's design includes a courtyard layout with green areas, a one-way circular road system, and underground parking. Bike and pedestrian paths will also connect Kruse Street to An Liffersmühle.
Residents, however, have raised multiple concerns. They fear the new buildings—especially the taller blocks—will loom over nearby allotment gardens, blocking views and sunlight. Traffic congestion, noise, and parking shortages are also major worries, despite the city's plans for allocated spaces. Many question how reducing green space could save money in the long term, given its role in cooling the city, supporting wildlife, and improving air quality. A key sticking point is the green strip along Moltkestraße 31–35, which locals want to keep as a wildlife habitat and natural barrier. The petition, backed by over 70 signatures when first drafted and now exceeding 1,200, proposes alternatives such as turning the site into sports facilities or redirecting housing to existing brownfield areas. The residents' joint statement highlights issues with building density, infrastructure strain, and the loss of urban green spaces crucial for climate adaptation.
The city maintains that Moltkedorf is vital for addressing Willich's housing shortage. Yet the growing opposition suggests residents prioritise green spaces, traffic management, and quality of life over rapid development. With the petition still gathering support, the debate over the site's future is likely to continue.
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