"Establishing a Walkers-Only Area could prove more feasible"
In the heart of Frankfurt, a well-known city street, Kaiserstraße, has been the subject of recent discussion. One local resident, Joachim Gemmeker, has proposed the establishment of a pedestrian zone in the area, believing that the creation of underground parking would make this a reality.
However, questions have been raised about the effectiveness of the high-cost benches currently installed on Kaiserstraße. Gemmeker questions whether these benches, designed to improve urban design and increase pedestrian comfort, truly fulfill their purpose given the high costs, low usage, and safety concerns.
A recent observation by the author revealed that over the course of two weeks, only three individuals were seen using the benches, out of a possible 30 opportunities. Furthermore, a young girl was observed playing and climbing on one of the benches, which could pose a safety risk if she were to fall onto the road.
Safety concerns are not limited to the benches themselves. Pedestrians often cross Kaiserstraße between the crossings at Kaiserplatz and Lienhardstraße, potentially obstructing the driver's view and non-compliant with the StVO.
Gemmeker suggests a more radical solution: tunneling the entire Kaiserstraße area from the bus stop Bruck to the HAKO site to create underground parking possibilities. This could pave the way for a pedestrian zone, a proposal that Gemmeker believes would be met with great acceptance once the underground parking is in place.
In a recent letter to the editor, published on July 26, 2025, the focus was primarily on the high procurement costs of 264,000 euros for unspecified items. The letter also touched upon the potential benefits of a pedestrian zone and underground parking in Kaiserstraße, with Gemmeker expressing his belief that the possibilities that would arise from these changes are unimaginable.
For those interested in submitting their own letters to the editor regarding Kaiserstraße, Joachim Gemmeker's letter can be sent to redaktion@unsere-website, and the Rundschau letters to the editor are also an option.
In the quest for a safer, more enjoyable Kaiserstraße, the debate continues. For detailed, location-specific information on the high-cost benches and their impact, urban design evaluations, or studies related to Kaiserstraße would be necessary.
The high-cost benches, intended to enhance urban design and pedestrian comfort, have come under scrutiny due to their low usage, safety concerns, and high costs. Joachim Gemmeker, a local resident, proposes a dramatic change: transforming Kaiserstraße into a pedestrian zone by building underground parking, an idea he believes could revolutionize home-and-garden lifestyle in this bustling district of Frankfurt.
