What's the matter with the local Bresternice about the planned placement of the Hospice?

The planned location for the new hospice in Bresternica has sparked local opposition, despite broad support for the project itself. The proposed site for the hospice is a previously unused plot adjacent to the former branch school known as Gradič Sulkovsky, which will house the Center for Dementia. While the dementia center is nearing realization, having received €1.16 million in funding from the Ministry of Social Solidarity, the hospice’s location has raised concerns among residents. Several municipalities, including Selnica ob Dravi, Hoče-Slivnica, Pesnica, and Ruše, have joined the initiative, with the Center for Home Help in Maribor set to manage the facility. During a recent public presentation of projects in Bresternica, some locals expressed dissatisfaction with the chosen location, arguing that the hospice would occupy a relatively large space near residential areas. Concerns were also raised over the conduct of the presentation itself, which reportedly excluded municipal spatial experts and the mayor of Maribor, Aleksander Saša Arsenovič, who left the meeting before discussions began. As a result, many residents felt their concerns were not adequately addressed. Local community leaders, however, emphasize that while the project is generally supported, the location is not ideal. Primož Hedl, president of the Bresternica Local Community, stated that the issue lies with the site selection, noting that the hospice requires approval from those living nearby. “Everyone supports the project, but they believe the space isn’t suitable,” he explained. He added that the proposed location is too large for a residential area and that alternative sites exist within the municipality. “It’s not wrong to place the building in an urban area, but it doesn’t fit into a residential neighborhood.” Residents also voiced worries about the impact on their quality of life, particularly regarding economic factors and lifestyle changes. Hedl noted that people are concerned about how the hospice might affect their daily lives, even though they don’t want to be disruptive. “They don’t imagine the operation of such a center unless it’s accepted by neighbors,” he said. A meeting has been scheduled for the following week to further discuss the issue, although alternative locations have yet to be presented. Hedl emphasized that this is still just a proposal and that the process is ongoing. “There’s still time for dialogue,” he concluded. The debate around the hospice reflects broader societal attitudes toward death and dying. While the hospice is intended to provide palliative care for individuals with advanced, untreatable illnesses and their families, some residents fear the proximity of such facilities. The discussion has touched on issues beyond mere zoning, including the visibility of death and the presence of rescue and funeral vehicles in residential areas. This has led to questions about how communities should approach end-of-life care and whether the presence of hospices can coexist with everyday life. In response to these concerns, the Human Rights Advocate for People, Dr. Simona Drenik Bavdek, stressed that hospices belong in communities, not at the margins. She argued that palliative care must be accessible to all citizens, regardless of postal code. “Dignified care at the end of life should not depend on where someone lives,” she said. She acknowledged the legitimacy of residents’ concerns about size, traffic, access, green spaces, and compliance with spatial regulations, emphasizing the need for transparent processes and public involvement. Legal expert Dr. Renato Vrenčur criticized the placement of the hospice in a residential area, comparing its scale to a “Berlin Wall” blocking existing homes. He questioned the appropriateness of using a deviation from spatial plans as a tool for placing such a structure in an area designated for single-family housing. Meanwhile, project coordinator Neva Pipan clarified that the initial meeting was meant to present the content of the dementia center and hospice, not to address location specifics. However, due to the simultaneous announcement of the location review, nearby residents expected answers about the new construction. The municipality has already received a request for another meeting focused specifically on spatial matters. As the discussion continues, the challenge remains to balance the needs of the community with the essential role of hospices in supporting those facing terminal illness. Whether the final decision will satisfy both sides remains uncertain, but the conversation underscores the complexity of integrating sensitive services into everyday life.