Why it's important: The factory that divided the town.
Tesla's decision to settle in Grünheide, Brandenburg, and the quick 861-day construction of the factory, is a source of pride for local politicians in a country known for its cumbersome permitting process.
The factory, which opened two years ago, has become a key driver of growth in what has long been one of Germany's most economically challenged states. Brandenburg recorded 6% economic growth in the first half of 2023, driven primarily by 11,000 new jobs at the factory and dozens of suppliers that have opened up around it.
However, many local residents say the power plant has destroyed the quality of life they have attracted to Grünheide and threatens air and water quality.
Some said Tesla already has the rights to build a warehouse and rail yard on the existing 740-acre site where the factory is located. They welcomed the opportunity to speak out on this issue.
“This is the first time we have asked local residents, and we have received very clear answers,” said Steffen Schorcht, an activist with the Bürgelin Initiative Grünheide, which opposes the expansion. “We expect politicians to respect that.”
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Jörg Steinbach, Brandenburg's economics minister, said the vote reflects deep-seated public misgivings about American electric car makers, and that Brandenburg's presence in the state was an important step in convincing the public how its presence would benefit the region. He said it was up to politicians to make more efforts.
“I see the outcome of the vote as an incentive for municipalities and Tesla to address outstanding conceptual concerns in the coming weeks and months,” Steinbach said.
What happens next: The decision rests with the Town Council.
Mr Cristiani welcomed that more than 70% of Grünheide voters cast their votes. But he pointed out that the plans they rejected also included infrastructure developments that are important to the broader community and need to be addressed.
The final decision on how to proceed now rests with Grünheide City Council. The issue is not on the agenda for the next meeting in March, and officials declined to comment on when that will happen. The body is scheduled to hold its final meeting before local elections in mid-May.