Salzburg residents move into community-focused housing
Summary and headline written by AI from the source article. How we work
In Salzburg, Austria, a group of residents recently moved into a new housing block in the Gnice settlement, built on the principles of community and mutual support.
The residents, including a cook, a retired school principal, and a conductor, formed a “Baugruppe”, a housing group, twelve years ago to pursue this project. They believe housing should be a communal experience and have created shared spaces like a workshop and kitchen to foster connections and prevent loneliness.
The residents secured subsidized rental apartments ranging from 45 to 88 square meters. These apartments cost between 15 and 19 euros per square meter monthly, significantly less than market rates. Isabella Klien, a long-time member of the group, moved from another house to join the project, hoping to age within a supportive community. However, the project faced political criticism.
Members of the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) argued that the Baugruppe’s ability to nominate residents for the subsidized apartments amounted to “Klientelpolitik”, favoring a select group. The group’s chairman, Michael Flemmich, countered that all residents meet the income requirements for the subsidies and are not wealthy individuals. The Baugruppe also commits to 40 hours of volunteer work per year, effectively providing services the city would otherwise fund.
