Rerouting of Tram 17 Goes to a Vote; Swiss Scout Groups See Decline in Numbers; Violent Saturday Night in Basel; Die Post Seeking Resident Input on Closures

News For 18 April 2017

The Baselland district of administration’s decision to reroute tram line 17 has been countered quickly and effectively by referendum. The government wants to put new tram tracks between tram stations Dorenbach and Margarethen, in order to connect the residents of the “Leimental” to the SBB train station more directly. The referendum committee collected more than enough signatures to hand it in within around 2 months of the administration’s decision, meaning the voting population of Baselland will be able to decide whether they want the tram extension or not. Those opposed to the proposed project have criticized the prospective cost as well as the likely cause of traffic when the tram needs to cross the street. They have suggested the street between Heuwaage and Markthalle, where the 16 currently goes, as an alternative.

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For generations, the Swiss scout groups Pfadi, Jubla and Jungschi have been getting children out of their houses and cities to experience nature. Lately, the organizations in Basel-Stadt have had to deal with a decrease in members. The reason is a wider variety of leisure activities being offered in town on the one hand, but also the religious background of the groups. Being that the scouts don’t have any religious goals or agendas, the religious affiliation is merely for financial support. However, this can still deter foreign families from enrolling their children. The spokesman of the Basel Pfadi, Jonas Grüter, sees potential in refugee children, stating that a scout group could help integrate these children into Swiss culture and society.

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Quite a few acts of violence have been reported from this past Saturday night. In total, 5 people were hurt. A young man was hit in the face after declining drugs from a group of unidentified men at Claraplatz. Just an hour later, two teenagers were attacked across town close to Heuwaage. Then, another victim was beaten up at Barfüsserplatz, and around 5 am, a 50-year-old man was attacked by a group in Kleinbasel. The department of public prosecution is investigating whether all of these violent acts were committed by the same group. The police was able to identify a group of young men between the ages of 20 and 22 that witnesses said were responsible, but as there was no victim present, they couldn’t be arrested.

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“Die Post”, Switzerland’s post service, has announced that 600 of the nationwide 1400 post offices will be closed until 2020. Among the 600 are Baselland locations such as Bottmingen, Zwingen, and Grellingen. Bottmingen has already launched a petition to let their post office stay. Since the launch last Saturday, 3000 signatures have been collected – out of 6500 residents. According to die Post, they are in communication with the communities and will definitely let reactions influence the discussion. They further stated that the efforts of the residents to keep their post office open are noticed and regarded as a sign of appreciation.