Recreation or residences: Plans for development of Tempelhofer Feld presented

Michael M?ller, Berlin's senator in charge of the city's urban development, introduces the master plan for the open space Tempelhofer Feld today. According to daily newspaper Berliner Zeitung, about 4,700 flats and a new public library are intended to be built at the edges of the former military excercise and airport area. Senator M?ller has stated that by the year 2030 250,000 more inhabitants will live in the city. If this prognosis holds true, about 140,000 new flats will be required.
Only slightly smaller than the New York Central Park, Tempelhofer Feld is one of the biggest places for recreation in Berlin. Besides Tempelhof Park, a popular spot for relaxing, all kinds of sports and sunbathing, Tempelhofer Feld accomodates a closed down airport building in which cultural events like Berlin Festival and the IT-gathering Campus Party take place.
Similar to the previously reported protests against the demolition of a part of the Berlin Wall, these new construction plans heat up the Berliners' temper. A citizen's initiative recently collected over 20,000 signatures supporting the preservation of the area's current state-enough to initialize a public vote. Also, critics assume that the proposed 270 Million Euros for the new library won't cover the costs for the new building.
On Sunday, interested citizens have the opportunity to discuss the master plan and it's details at Alte Zollgarage near the old airport building.