Green change for Arndtstrasse: Petition mobilizes Meidlingers!

Green change for Arndtstrasse: Petition mobilizes Meidlingers!

In Meidling there is a growing desire for a greener, more attractive environment for the residents of Arndtstrasse. The petition from resident Thomas Plotz has now collected over 500 signatures and the issue is being discussed in the petition committee of the Vienna City Council. Arndtstraße, which stretches between Wolfganggasse and Siebertgasse, is perceived by residents as a “wasted urban space” - a lot of asphalt but hardly any green spaces characterize the image of this street, which is nevertheless spacious but can only be used in one lane.

A planned new building on the corner of Kollmayergasse is expected to increase the number of residents and makes the demand for more space for cyclists and pedestrians all the more urgent. The petition aims to make the street not only greener, but also more heat-resistant, as the current situation leads to noticeable heat development in summer. Structurally separated two-way cycle paths and new green spaces are therefore particularly required in order to increase the quality of stay in this area.

Reactions from politics

Ulli Sima, the SPÖ's senior city councilor for urban development, also commented on the topic. She emphasizes that Arndtstrasse is part of Vienna's main cycle network and that some established cycle paths already exist. “The speed limit is 30” across the entire street, and the marked cycle lanes are seen as a suitable solution, although the parking situation remains a debatable point. Sima proposes to create public parking garages and moves from longitudinal to diagonal parking spaces in order to alleviate the parking problem.

Deputy district leader Barbara Marx (SPÖ) has taken on additional responsibilities. She comments cautiously on the current situation and points out that the large private construction site must also be taken into account in the planning. Future major renovations should be combined with necessary road renovations, especially since the road is currently in good condition. A comprehensive renovation is not considered sensible here.

Financial challenges and urban planning

The budgetary situation in Meidling is not easy, so larger projects must be prioritized according to urgency. In addition, future funding from the city may be available to a lesser extent. Nevertheless, the concern has already reached the political process and is being taken seriously by those responsible. The next steps now depend on the district budget and city priorities in cycling. The time management of the adjacent construction site also affects planning.

As part of the City of Vienna's mobility concept, which is part of the general vision in STEP 2025, future planning of the transport infrastructure is becoming increasingly important. The goal is for a total of 80% of trips in Vienna to be made in an environmentally friendly way by 2025 - either by public transport, on foot or by bike. This would reduce the share of motorized individual transport from the current 28% to 20%. In this context, measures to improve the cycling infrastructure are also very important. The city plans to develop new districts in a way that is compatible with the city, with sufficient space for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport and an attractive street design.

What remains to be done? The residents and the city must work together to transform Arndtstrasse into a greener oasis that meets the needs of the population and contributes to the attractiveness of the district. A small piece of Vienna can soon become greener again - the call for signatures for a better quality of life is therefore more than just a formal request, it is a way to actively participate in city design.