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Photo:
Julian Stähle / dpa
A large cadastral map hangs in the mayor's office next to the showcase full of mementos that have accumulated over the course of a long term in office.
The city coat of arms of Grünheide on it has faded as well as the writing: "Net settlement area 300 ha" can just be read there.
Arne Christiani's predecessor put up the poster 20 years ago when BMW wanted to build a car factory on the property and then preferred to move to Leipzig.
"When I was elected mayor for the first time in 2003, I left the card hanging," says Christiani.
The pine forest on the edge of the municipality was the field of his dreams for almost 17 years.
Grünheide has grown steadily over the years, but has also aged.
A place that is beautiful for people who appreciate tranquility, but not very attractive for the young.
Every year on Volunteer Day, Christiani apologized to the citizens for not having succeeded in attracting high-quality industrial jobs.
For some time now, two new A3 copies have been hanging over the old map, on which the property is colored red.
Christiani's dream could finally become a reality because the global corporation Tesla wants to build electric cars in the area.
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