Citizens defend themselves: McDonald's pop-up causes conflict in Döbling!

Citizens defend themselves: McDonald's pop-up causes conflict in Döbling!

A dispute is brewing in Vienna-Döbling: McDonald's is planning a temporary pop-up restaurant on 206 square meters at Barawitzkagasse 36. The reasons for this plan are clear. The existing McDonald's branch at Heiligenstädter Straße 68 is to be demolished next year, meaning operations will be temporarily relocated. A special construction method in the form of a container building is being considered, the approval process for which has already been initiated, but the residents are anything but happy.

The citizens' initiative that formed against the pop-up restaurant now has over 170 members. A central point of criticism is the concern about increasing traffic, noise, exhaust fumes and garbage that could arise from operating in the quiet residential area. Marlene S., a resident, expresses concern about traffic noise at night and the problems with the “road runner scene” that disturb people's sleep at night.

Citizen engagement against the project

The resistance is obvious: eight residents have already expressed their concerns, and around 130 signatures have also been collected without much effort. This wave of demonstrations shows that many people in the area are not prepared to simply accept the possible negative consequences of the project. The review by experts is intended to clarify whether the planned pop-up restaurant will cause unacceptable nuisances in the form of noise, smell and dust.

Approval for the project could only be granted if it is ensured that there are no nuisance factors for the neighbors. This could also require requirements to reduce noise and waste. In a statement, McDonald's emphasizes that the location was carefully examined and the report did not show any harm to residents.

A restaurant with restrictions

The planned pop-up restaurant will operate at a reduced size without a guest area, but rather will function as a McDrive with limited opening hours. After the new regular branch is built, the pop-up restaurant will be dismantled and the area will be returned to its original state. This temporary solution has its pitfalls, as residents keep a close eye on developments.

In view of the tense situation, McDonald's has announced that it will seek discussions with the district representatives and the affected residents. A good hand will be required to take the residents' concerns seriously and possibly find an amicable solution, because the resistance is noticeable and will probably continue to build. The next few weeks will show whether a compromise can be reached.