The renovation of the Gasthof zur Post in Haar is more expensive than expected and has been delayed. And because the town hall is now inevitably looking very closely at the finances and does not want to jeopardize a speedy reopening, they want to accept cutbacks in one of the major overriding goals that Haar has committed to: climate protection. In the municipal inn on Kirchenplatz, for example, the gas boilers are only to be replaced. A switch to renewable energy is not planned, which is met with protests from the Greens in particular. They at least want to have it checked whether it is possible to switch to pellet heating or a heat pump.
The inn and the adjoining community center are the center of social life in Haar, especially in summer when the beer garden is also open. But this summer, despite the great longing for socializing and gatherings to be possible again after the corona pandemic, the residents of Haar will have to do without the central contact point. The inn is already completely closed and is scheduled to reopen in April 2023. It is currently not even possible to foresee when the conversion will begin in the community center, which is currently only of limited use.
For many years, the town hall has been thinking about how to get the inn, which belongs to the community, back into shape. In 2017, the first considerations were made under his predecessor, said planner Ralf Löw. Finally, in autumn 2021, a cost and schedule was available, but this also has to be readjusted. Now they are talking about 5.2 million instead of 3.4 million euros for the inn and 3.2 instead of 2.9 million euros for the community center. In addition, there is a risk premium of 20 percent.
The community had bought the inn in 1990 and completely renovated it and rebuilt the community center at the time. According to the architect, the work that is now necessary is absolutely within the scope of what can be expected after 30 years. Above all, the kitchen and guest room are technically renewed and the furniture replaced, electrical wiring and sanitary facilities renewed, as well as the apartments above the inn and the beer garden kitchen. In the future, inn and community center hospitality should be organizationally separated.
The Greens recommend a loan
There is currently no major savings potential in sight. Peter Siemsen (FDP) urgently advised the municipal council to have a project manager so that costs do not get out of hand. The Greens would like to spend more money to switch the heating system from gas to renewable energy. Mike Seckinger (Greens) recommended considering borrowing now that money is still reasonably cheap. After all, the inn and community center are “buildings with a significant need for heating”. The Haar municipal council has declared a climate emergency by resolution. On July 27, 2021, the committee also decided on new guidelines “for the indispensable protection of the climate”. The municipality wants to advise and motivate citizens on questions of climate protection, it says there.
Chamberlain Günther Rudolf warned of additional costs. “Tax revenues are low.” Building official Reinmar Pfalz said that a heating system with wood chips or a heat pump would raise many technical questions. The wood chips would have to be stored, and the technical feasibility of a heat pump would have to be checked, since a heat pump is already installed next door in the Poststadel training center. Dietrich Keymer and Mayor Andreas Bukowski (CSU) advised against time-consuming rescheduling. The start of the renovation should not be delayed any longer. “We also stand by our word,” said Bukowski. The inn is important to everyone and the planned opening date should be met. Planner Ralf Löw described April 2023 as feasible. Work is scheduled to start in July 2022. No timetable has been given for the refurbishment of the town hall.