Former hotel becomes homeless shelter: riots in Berlin's villa district

A former hotel in northern Berlin’s Frohnau district is set to become a home for homeless families and individuals with care needs, sparking controversy among local residents and politicians. The transformation of the old Waldhotel into a facility for 54 homeless people, both families and those requiring medical support, is planned for the second quarter of 2027. The proposal came to light during the last session of the district council before summer break, following a question posed by Richard Gamp, a young CDU member and candidate for the state parliament in the Frohnau electoral district. The Waldhotel has stood empty for years after its previous owner failed to find a successor. Overgrown with moss and showing signs of decay, the once-bustling property now stands behind a new fence, signaling impending change. The building sits in a quiet area at the edge of the city, bordered by forests and suburban homes. Its conversion into a social housing project has ignited debate over whether such an initiative fits within the existing residential character of Frohnau. Gamp, a 23-year-old law student, has been actively opposing the plan. He has distributed leaflets in the neighborhood expressing concerns about the suitability of the location and calling for public input. According to his reports, three-quarters of respondents in his survey opposed the project. As a democratically elected representative, he claims it is his duty to advocate against what he views as an inappropriate use of space. Local opinions are divided. During a weekday afternoon, few people were around the shops near the former hotel, which include a cleaning service, florist, convenience store, hairdresser, and pizzeria. Those who spoke to reporters expressed mixed feelings. One woman claimed she had heard rumors that the facility would house mentally ill individuals and drug addicts, which unsettled her. Another middle-aged woman, smoking outside the flower shop, shared similar concerns, stating that this was not the right place for a homeless shelter. Not everyone opposes the idea. Some residents acknowledged the need for such facilities. “But somewhere they have to go,” one elderly woman remarked, though she later hesitated. She noted how fortunate she felt living in this picturesque neighborhood with its villa-style houses and nearby forest. Others suggested that the site might be suitable for families needing recovery time. A younger man passing by also showed no objection to the idea. Gamp raised several objections, including the lack of adequate transportation access. He pointed out that without a car, reaching this part of Frohnau is difficult. However, a bus stop is just 20 meters away, even if buses run every 20 minutes. From there, it's only a 1.6-kilometer walk to the nearest train station and shopping areas. He also argued that essential services such as therapy centers and support programs are missing in the vicinity. In response, Thomas Mertens, managing director of Home Care Berlin, a company operating multiple shelters in the city, which purchased the property, stated that comprehensive assistance will be available 24 hours a day through on-site social workers and caregivers. Gamp warned of potential conflicts, citing possible police interventions, violent incidents, noise complaints, and legal challenges from neighbors. Mertens dismissed these fears as unfounded, emphasizing that the residents would be ordinary people, many of whom require specialized care that cannot be provided on the streets. Families would be selected in consultation with the district, ensuring they pose no trouble.