Large refugee accommodation causing concern amongst families in northern Munich

The city of Munich has made a decision to establish a new refugee accommodation at Moosacher Straße 51, with the former BMW office building set to be the new home for approximately 600 asylum seekers. The city council gave the green light for the project in the summer of 2024.

However, not all residents are thrilled about the new development. Bo Xuan Lue, a local resident living next to the proposed accommodation, and his fellow campaigners have expressed concerns about the size of the facility, given the strain it may put on local kindergartens and schools. They question the appropriateness of the size, as the initial plan was to accommodate 800 asylum seekers, but the capacity has been reduced to 600.

Bo Xuan Lue and his fellow campaigners want to ensure that the integration of newly arriving children into local educational institutions is given due consideration. They also criticise that they were not adequately informed about the project before the decision was made, with the information leaflet being the only communication they received.

In an effort to address these concerns, the Social Affairs Department has conducted a project review to examine the social compatibility of the location. They have also pledged to involve immediate neighbours in the building permit procedure.

Despite these concerns, it is worth noting that Bo Xuan Lue and his fellow campaigners do not oppose refugee accommodations in principle. They simply want to ensure that the facilities are appropriate in size and that local residents are adequately informed about such significant developments in their neighbourhood.

The construction site is expected to be ready at the beginning of 2025, with the refugee accommodation set to open in 2027. The city of Munich bears the responsibility for the final decision to start construction, and they are committed to addressing the concerns of local residents to create a harmonious and inclusive community.