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Old 10-01-2010, 01:02 AM
 
2,253 posts, read 6,969,528 times
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'According to the weekly newspaper Die Zeit, which obtained a copy of the report, it concluded that the project "should be stopped immediately" because it "doesn't reduce any bottlenecks, but instead creates new ones."[1]



First conceived in 1988, 'Stuttgart 21' is an ambitious and expensive plan to transform the southern German city of Stuttgart into "the new heart of Europe." It would change Stuttgart from a railway terminus to a European thoroughfare, alteration to the historic train station, as well as existing track. The original projected cost of €2.6 ($3.3 billion) has ballooned to €4.1 ($5.4 billion).

This project is widely opposed for a number of reasons, for the cost, damage to existing train station, destruction of existing green space, also that this project will not work as envisioned, and a 'white elephant.'

There have been ongoing and growing protests since the inception of this project. In consequence of this growing sentiment, the Green Party has gained supporters. Today the government began felling the first of what will be dozens of trees in Stuttgart's historic palace gardens.[2] These are lovely old trees. Police used water cannons and tear gas against the many protesters attempting to save these trees.[2]

"It was the usual suspects at first, but the composition of the group of protesters gradually changed. Suddenly there were doctors, lawyers and engineers in the crowd, men in dark suits and frameless glasses -- like the ones he wears himself -- and women with expensive handbags and pearl necklaces."[3]

67,000 signatures were collected for a referendum on the project, but then "were simply swept off the table." by authorities. That was when many Stuttgarters discovered their public spirit. "It was the beginning of a citizens' revolt."[3]


1) 'Stuttgart 21' A Four Billion Euro Makeover,' Spiegel Online International
'Stuttgart 21': A Four Billion Euro Makeover - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News - International

2) 'First trees cut down at controversial Stuttgart railway project site,' Deutsche Welle
First trees cut down at controversial Stuttgart railway project site | Germany | Deutsche Welle | 01.10.2010 (http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,6064495,00.html - broken link)

3) 'The 'Stuttgart 21' Revolt, Protests Against Mega Project Grow,' Spiegel Online International
The 'Stuttgart 21' Revolt: Protests Against Mega Project Grow - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News - International
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Old 10-01-2010, 10:29 PM
 
5,965 posts, read 5,853,971 times
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Will following Stuttgart 21 with interest. Indeed the protest does appear to be gaining ground. I have yet to see the design for the proposed development but the present railway station is a simply lovely building.
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Old 10-23-2010, 05:33 AM
 
Location: the dairyland
1,222 posts, read 2,271,741 times
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I dislike all those "anti everything" people.
If people had been like that in the past Germany would not have the impressive autobahn and rail network it has today. It seems like everything modern and innovative is met with scepticism in Germany these days.
Also, didn't they plan this station for several years? There was enough time to protest when it was being planned. Doing so now is too late IMO.
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Old 10-23-2010, 09:34 AM
 
Location: Beautiful Pennsylvania / Dull Germany
2,205 posts, read 3,318,466 times
Reputation: 2148
Quote:
If people had been like that in the past Germany would not have the impressive autobahn and rail network it has today. It seems like everything modern and innovative is met with scepticism in Germany these days.
I have to agree to that... unfortunately.
I think Stuttgart21 is a good project, it has been planned for so many years, and the old train station might be lovely but it is congestet due to beeing a railhead with no trains going thru the station.

Some more aspects:
- Yes, trees will have to be felled, but more new ones will be planted after the project is finished

- Yes, the old station is lovely, but it will remain at its place with the exception of two little parts. Most of the historic station will be integrated in the Stuttgart21 concept.

- The total costs and revenues have not been published yet. The largest share of costs I guess will be paid by DeutscheBahn, the German Railway company and by Stuttgart Airport. Another large share is to be paid by the City of Stuttgart (I guess one of the richest cities in Germany) and by the country of Baden-Wurttemberg (One of the richest states in Germany).
There will be huuuge revenues by selling space all around the old station, because all rails will be under ground level and new buildings could be built instead.
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CagZJtle9X...ttgart21_2.jpg All this yellow fields could be used. As Stuttgart is surrounded by Hills and is very powerful in economic terms, property is very expensive and could be sold with high revenues, I guess.

- Those people should honestly be happy that there are any projects of this size in Germany those days. It has and will create hundreds of jobs and will improve the public transport.
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