A verdict on the new city district on the site of the former Ray Barracks in Friedberg cannot yet be made.
Because the plans are still fresh and, above all, very fundamental.
What the city councilors have to evaluate are the urban planning targets for the development of the conversion area, as the authorities say.
They are to form the basis for the urban development contract to be concluded and for the individual construction projects.
The city claims that the mission statements leave enough room for creative solutions.
What will become of it in detail one day remains to be seen.
This applies, for example, to the desired profile of the "knowledge city" with the Technical University of Central Hesse (THM) as a key player and the sustainable and climate-friendly city that Friedberg avowedly wants to become.
Motorpool concept exciting
But one thing can be deduced from the basic features: the people of Friedberg and future residents of the new quarter can hope for a lively quarter.
This is supported by the division of the areas.
Of the total of 74 hectares, a good 21 hectares are intended for housing and almost 15 hectares for business, including local suppliers and service providers.
A listing cannot be read from this, and the city expressly wants to avoid "residential deserts".
The fact that 40 percent of the apartments should be "affordable" fits in with the times.
Because there is a lack of such offers.
Three hectares are to be enlivened with offers for common needs.
That doesn't sound like much at first.
But if the planned district center has a wide range of offers, it should live up to its name in the long term.
It's good that the city politicians are getting advice from other places that have more experience with the conversion of former barracks.
This applies in particular to the model project operated primarily by the THM in the former US Army motor pool in Giessen.
Photovoltaic systems are to be installed on at least 50 percent of the residential buildings there, as well as innovative storage systems for solar power and waste heat solutions for gas turbines.
This is worth more than just a look.