The senat has allowed for 3 millions DM for building a permanent place for Sinti and Roma in 2 years at the former border crossing in Dreilinden. But the parliament has not yet approved the plan. And the district refuses since many years to accept "permanent campers" in this place. Since 1995 the place is open in summer only. By the end of October the 200 Sinti who are living here in caravans are to leave the place. Then the school containers and the containers with showers, washing machines, and the mains will be dismantled again. An expensive provisory arrangement that costs more than 470.000 DM every year.
A permanent place would be cheaper, ist the argument of Klaus Löhe (SPD). His aim is that beginning with the year 2000 the place shall be open all year round. But the district refuses the inclusion of the subject in the building plan. Mayor Klaus Eichstädt (CDU) demands a third of the ground for building a motel, and the remaining area is planned as a forest. Many of the Sinti and Roma regard the place as some kind of a "home country".
"My daughter started school here last year", says Angelika Levy from Hanau who travels 3 - 5 months a year from town to town. Since June they are in Berlin.
Her neighbour, who works as a roofer, comes here since 8 years and is feeling at home.
The place opens in May. But already in March numerous Sinti and Roma arrive and are waiting in a parking space (without sanitary supply) in Charlottenburg for the opening of the place in Zehlendorf. Doro Schultz who works in this place as a representative of the Caritas association demands a solid house with toilets and showers. Up to now the sanitary containers have no heating. She hopes that the place will open soon. "Munich and other big towns have permanent places for a long time, only Berlin cannot manage".