BERLIN: Hotel guests out, refugees in - Lichtenberg gets new mega refugee accommodation!

BERLIN: Hotel guests out, refugees in - Lichtenberg gets new mega refugee accommodation!
There are currently heated discussions in Berlin-Lichtenberg about the planned conversion of a hotel into a large accommodation facility for refugees. The Berlin Senate is planning to convert the hotel into accommodation for up to 1,200 people. The conversion is expected to cost more than 140 million euros and is part of the strategy to create new accommodation options for the many refugees who are currently living in overcrowded emergency accommodation.
While some residents show understanding for the necessity of the measure, there is also strong criticism. Many feel that they have not been sufficiently informed and fear that the necessary infrastructure is not sufficient to accommodate the additional residents. The residents are particularly concerned about the existing deficit in school places. The district also criticizes being let down by the Senate.
The Berlin State Office for Refugee Affairs defends the decision and emphasizes that large accommodation facilities are necessary in view of the high number of refugees arriving. The social administration also promises that there will be day and leisure activities in the accommodation, which will also benefit the neighborhood. But it remains to be seen whether these measures can allay the concerns of the residents.
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