Will the Poller act to prevent further escalation?
In the picturesque town of Sophienhof, a once-idyllic rest stop along the Peene waterway has become a source of contention. Popular among vacationers and locals, the rest stop transformed in 2024, following the arrival of refugees.
The tranquil setting has been disrupted, with an unprecedented response from citizens voicing concerns about problems with the public recreational facility. The administration, city council, and police have been made aware of the issue, yet a resolution has eluded them.
The escalating situation has seen an increase in partygoers from the refugee population, with as many as 64 counted on one occasion. This influx has led to regular partying, noise, litter, and open defecation outside of sanitary facilities, causing boaters to either flee or avoid the rest stop altogether.
Visitors bring a multitude of household items for their parties, taking up the entire rest stop. Residents have reported up to 15 vehicles at the rest stop entrance, and even locals no longer feel safe.
The city council president gave the green light for the implementation of a solution without a prior consultation round in parliament and his building committee. The proposed solution includes three lockable bollards to limit access to the rest area and a new parking lot "up" in the village. These measures are scheduled for autumn 2025.
However, critics argue that targeting a specific group or nationality is legally unsound and difficult to enforce. Enforcement can be complicated with foreign residents, as explained by the mayor. Controls by the local authority and police are limited due to the need for specific complaints and evidence of an offense or crime.
A proposal to keep the rest area open only to canoeists and ban gatherings failed to gain a majority. Instead, the mayor and the responsible official agreed to try a structural solution after an on-site inspection.
The situation has now extended beyond the local community, with guests coming from nearby towns and even further afield. The problems occur almost every weekend, escalating the need for a swift and effective resolution. The implementation of the proposed solution in autumn 2025 offers a glimmer of hope for the restoration of tranquility to the Peene waterway rest stop.
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