Corona-diary: Millenium!

Christina/ March 15, 2021/ The daily grind

Lo and behold! A local football club sets a good example and simply turnst he gender gab upside down. It utterly states „Ladies first“ in its true sense. Being a woman you are litterally pampered. For a season ticket you pay three times less than men! That’s what I call a nice treat. Well the intention behind is clear though, they try to attrackt some female fans by that. Still, the end justifiy the means. Therefore I recommend to all ladies outside: Meet at VfB Rot-Weiß, with or without chips.

Perhaps the most beautiful view on Braunschweig
From the club house we go straight to a waste deposit. The Milleniumberg is about to be crested. We enjoy a wonderful view on the city from here. At this time I do not know anything about the changeful history of the infamous hill. I learn more about it, however, upon coming home and searching on the internet. This ist he chronicle of a scandal.

First act
In 1993 the city of Braunschweig detects that percolate water exits from the waste desposite. The water impurifies the surface water and is detrimental to both, men and wildlife.
In 1994 a clever businessman, Werner Lindemann is his name, forms a concept of building an open-air theatre right on top of the Milleniumberg at the Madamenweg. This buidling project is meant to become a civic hall of its own kind and is supposed to enrich the cultural activities of Braunschweig. The simple thought of such an amphitheater, I have to admit that, lets me imagine that I am sitting on the steps of a greek-style theatre, enjoying a balmy night listening to sounds of a classic concert or watching a theatricle.

Ooops, there is a thought crossing my mind. Isn’t it a little bit strange to errect such a project on top of a former waste deposit?

Just one year later, in 1995, the city of Braunschweig gives planning permission to Mr. Lindemann, however on condition that the clay pit full of household rubbish and sprecial waste shall be covered with plastic sheet.

So much for theory. Virtually the Milleniumberg continues to grow until it reaches a height of 110 metres and thus becomes the heighest topographic point of Braunschweig at the same time (we love superlatives). Whether Mr. Lindemann obeyed to the municipal council’s conditions in the meantime, we do not know but it is definitely debatable.
In 2008 preliminary proceedings start to investigate the case, as the municipality found out that not only radioactive demolition-waste was stored there but also diggins from the Schlosspark in 2005.
In the meantime however, the project is being announced with pride by the municipality. Later on, of course, the authorities distance themselves from its former enthusiasm and stop writing about the venture suddenly.

Second act
In 2008 the tight turns: The municipality promises to clearing of the business. However there is no removal of the hill – anything else remains unaffected. There is talk about soft money and corruption by Lindemann. The index of names stating involved politicians is long. That’s enough for a big change: the planning permission is said to be incorrectly failed.
Even though the city council stops the procedure due to minor breach of the law in spring 2008 and transfers the case to the prosecution. Now it is a criminal offence against the environment instead of an violation of building law.

At the leatest by now Lindemann should be nervous. But, the networked business men seems to have the right guardian angels to protect him from condemnation.

Third and last act
In 2009 the horseplay comes to an end: the Office of Public Prosecution closes the proceedings. I wonder why? I am almost entrapped to assume that the „usual means“ of prescription and „innocent until proven guilty“ helped a lot.

Until today noboday knows what will happen to the hill in the future. Are there any plans? I does not seem so. Still from the top of the Milleniumberg you might have the most beautiful view on Braunschweig.

Standing on top of the hill for the first time, Robbie Williams‘ hit „Millenium“ crosses my mind:

„We’ve got stars directing our fate
And we’re praying it’s not too late
Millennium“

„Some say that we are players
Some say that we are pawns
But we’ve been making money
Since the day that we were born“

Honi soit qui mal y pense? Well, I prefer the guys from VfB Rot-Weiß with their exemplary women’s politics.

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