Future of the Elisabethplatz: Citizens are calling for more green and security

Future of the Elisabethplatz: Citizens are calling for more green and security

On June 28, 2025, an important citizen meeting took place in Schwabing-West, which wanted to include numerous residents in local politics. At this well -attended event, the high number of participants was a sign of the great interest in the current problems of the district, such as noise, traffic and the distribution of public space. Over 50 applications were submitted to the district committee, whereby each: R speaker was limited to a maximum of five minutes and the event continued well after midnight, which underlined the urgency of the topics.

A central concern was the future of the Elisabethplatz and the associated Elisabeth market. Doris Niemann handed over a list of signatures for an Initiative to expand the square, which has set itself the goal of redesigning the east side of the vocational school for car technology (Elisabethplatz 4). The proposal stipulates that a section of Arcisstrasse is blocked for traffic to make room for more green areas and new, barrier -free seating. This is associated with the hope of greening the free area, which could contribute to improving the microclimate.

The importance of green spaces

The support of this initiative is particularly relevant because Schwabing-West is the most densely built-up district of Munich, in which public green spaces are rare. According to the initiative, temperatures in this district are up to 4 degrees higher than in fewer urban areas, which reinforces the need for recreational places. More quality of stay, space for consumption -free sitting and increased security for children playing are just a few advantages that could bring an expansion of the Elisabethplatz.

Critics of the initiative warn of possible traffic problems in the surrounding streets. These fears were also addressed at the meeting, where additional topics such as the existing parking shortage and the renovation of the Rheinstrasse were dealt with. The construction of extended cycling and footpaths, especially with the planned conversion of Karl-Theodor-Straße from October, is another step towards an improved infrastructure.

Security and crime situation

Another point on the agenda was security in the district. Christian Schäfer, the head of the police station 13, reported a slight decline in crimes in the district in 2024, with a total of 3,400 offenses. At the same time, the number of traffic accidents stagnates at around 2,300, which underlines the efforts to calm traffic. One wish of the citizens: Interior is increased police controls to counter the problem of the so-called autoposer on Karl-Theodor-Straße.

The concerns of the Schwabingen population are thus in accordance with current trends in urban planning, which require the preservation and expansion of public green spaces. Studies show that urban green is of great importance for the climate and quality of life in cities. The [reporting of the city and green] (https://stadtundgruen.de/artikel/bericht-zum-bMBF-Skruen-stadtgruen-stadtgruen-Stadt- is-iSt-more value-6319) highlights the wide range of advantages, which can be created by strengthening urban green spaces, both in ecological and social terms.

The citizens' initiative for expanding the Elisabethplatz is supported by a petition that is directed directly to the Schwabing West district committee. The goal is to advance a redesign that should offer security for pedestrians: inside and for cyclists: at the same time creates security and at the same time creates the urgently needed space for green areas. Further information on the petition can be found on OpenPetition.