Kiosk closure in Obergiesing: A bitter loss for the neighborhood!

Kiosk closure in Obergiesing: A bitter loss for the neighborhood!

An important loss for the residents in the Munich district of Obergiesing Fasangarten is imminent. The kiosk on Auguste-Kent-Platz, which has been an important point of contact for the neighborhood for years, closes at the end of this month. Older people in particular benefited from the small shop, which not only offered magazines and tobacco, but also tickets and package acceptance of shipping services. Alois Schwarzhuber, a committed resident and chairman of the residential complex in Perlacher Forest, expresses deep concerns about the closure. "For many here, the kiosk was a place of encounter," he says, emphasizing the social function of the store.

The concerns about the quarter are not new. As reported by sueddeutsche.de, Schwarzhuber took care of his neighborhood in the so-called "Ami settlement", in which former US soldiers lived. After a number of closures of other businesses, the kiosk is perceived as a further blow for the local community. Finally, the "tobacco" on Minnewitstraße had to close due to a rent increase and was replaced by a nail studio, which met with little enthusiasm among residents.

The search for a successor

As the kiosk operator learned in the final discussions with the property management, the chances of an adequate successor are poor. Schwarzhuber fears that the situation could continue to tighten because other shops in the area also have difficulty. The editors have already asked the property management for possible successors, but there was no feedback.

Schwarzhuber often spends time on a spacious meadow near the kiosk and watches the residents who relax there. "We have to put our quarter more into the awareness of urban politics," he demands decided. After all, a good densification of the area structure can also give positive impulses, as is discussed at Abendzeitung-muenchen.de.

a general problem

The closure of the kiosk is part of a larger trend in all of Munich. Numerous kiosks, especially in the locking floors of the subway, are empty. Urban politics has already dealt with this topic, but the Munich Transport Society (MVG) continues to be faced with the problem of vacancies. MVG boss Ingo Wortmann explains that the lease is not too high, the difficulties are more due to the renovations and the increased security standards.

While the demand for vending machines in the subway stations is increasing, it is to be hoped that the closure of the kiosk on Auguste-Kent-Platz will not be the first step into a dreary future for the neighborhood. Between the desire for tangible services and the pressure through the economic framework, it is important to find a way that respects both the local concerns and offers sustainable solutions.