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

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

A significant loss for residents in the Obergiesing-Fasangarten district of Munich is imminent. The kiosk on Auguste-Kent-Platz, which has been an important contact point for the neighborhood for years, is closing 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 parcel acceptance from shipping services. Alois Schwarzhuber, a committed resident and chairman of the residential complex at Perlacher Forst, expresses deep concerns about the closure. “For many people here, the kiosk was a meeting place,” he says, emphasizing the social function of the store.

The concerns about the neighborhood are not new. As sueddeutsche.de reports, Schwarzhuber spent his life looking after his neighborhood in the so-called “Ami settlement”, where former US soldiers lived. The kiosk is seen as another blow to the local community following a series of closures of other stores. Most recently, the “Trafik” on Minnewitstrasse had to close due to a rent increase and was replaced by a nail salon, which was met with little enthusiasm among the residents.

The search for a successor

As the kiosk operator learned in the final discussions with the property management, the chances of finding an adequate successor are slim. Schwarzhuber fears the situation could get worse as other stores in the area are also struggling. The editorial team has already asked the property management about possible successors, but there has been no response.

Schwarzhuber often spends time on a spacious lawn near the kiosk and watches the residents relaxing there. “We have to make our district more aware of city politics,” he demands firmly. After all, a good densification of the area structure could also provide positive impulses, as is discussed at abendzeitung-muenchen.de.

A general problem

The closure of the kiosk is part of a larger trend across Munich. Numerous kiosks, especially on the restricted floors of the subway, are empty. City politicians have already dealt with this issue, but the Munich transport company (MVG) continues to be confronted with the problem of vacancies. MVG boss Ingo Wortmann explains that the rent is not too high, the difficulties lie more with the renovations and the increased safety standards.

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