Overview
- With Herten refusing to initiate a citizens' vote, Recklinghausen's planned referendum is also off the table despite its council's unanimous approval on January 19.
- The decision imperils the proposed mountain-bike venue at Halde Hoheward, and bid organizers say alternative sites are available without changing the overall concept.
- Twelve of the 17 municipalities in the Köln–Rhein–Ruhr bid have approved holding referendums, with council decisions in Pulheim on February 3 and Bochum on February 5 still pending.
- The Hertener SPD cited the bid's 17-city scope and local costs of about €106,000, even with roughly 85 percent state funding, as reasons to oppose proceeding.
- Herten Mayor Fred Toplak and Recklinghausen Mayor Axel Tschersich expressed disappointment that residents in both cities will not be able to decide on the bid.