Pankow – from hip and narrow to countryside and plenty of space to build – BZ Berlin

Formed from the districts of Bankow, Prenzlauer Berg and Weiseensee during the regional reform in 2001, the city of Pankow is the most populous district in Berlin.

410,716 people (as of the end of 2020) live on an area of ​​103.07 km². No other region embodies the new Berlin, and at the same time the former East Berlin with very different problems.

Sören Benn (left) is the acting mayor and wants to stay that way. But Greens rival Cordelia Koch’s chances aren’t bad either.

The most pressing problem in the region?

Soren Ben: Create affordable housing and infrastructure for traffic, daycare, schools and urban green spaces.

Planned countermeasure?

I would like to extend protection of the environment wherever possible, to exercise the right of first refusal and to build, of course.

Your wish: How should your region change by 2026?

It should be socially mixed again and offer attractive alternatives to cars across the board.

Your favorite place in the area?

About the Gethsemane Church. On one hand, my first place was in 1990. On the other hand, there’s a fairytale, history and wire to the top with siding.

Your appeal to the people of the area?

Share and pay attention to each other, especially to someone who feels lonely.

Noun: Soren Ben (left)
Modification: 53
Residence: Niederschonhausen
Social status: He is married and has three children
Acquired profession: Abdominal skilled worker, social worker, actor
hobbies: Gardeners, craftsmen, playing the piano, Brandenburg
life motto: Life is what happens while making plans. (John Lennon)

The most pressing problem in the region?

Cordelia Koch: Building apartments and at the same time creating enough green spaces and recreational areas for the growing area.

Planned countermeasure?

Higher construction, opening, creation of Nord-Pankow local recreation area and construction of additional recreation areas in residential streets (Kiezblocks).

Your wish: How should your region change by 2026?

There are at least 10 Kiezblocks (traffic quiet residential areas where one-way roadblocks or street regulations ensure that only residents drive). The S-Bahn runs to Buch every 10 minutes – all other northern parts of the city can be reached by tram and buses every 10 minutes. Everywhere in Pankow can be reached safely by bike. At least a new neighborhood in the city has been completed. As a result, many new social housing were created and regular rentals settled. The management operates in a CO2 neutral manner thanks to the solar and green roofs. We were able to fill vacancies in the district office with committed people, many of whom are of immigrant background.

Your favorite place in the area?

Wall cycle path on the hill between Blankenfelde and Loubars.

Your appeal to the people of the area?

We need people who bring the Kiezblock concept to life in their area, develop street design ideas or get involved in urban gardening. Let us know your thoughts and get involved!

Noun: Cordelia Coach (Vegetables)
Modification: 49
Residence: Blankenfield
Social status: Single, no children
Acquired profession: Attorney
Hobby: my horse
life motto: It doesn’t work, it doesn’t exist.