An 85-year-old property owner along Lake Walen is accusing the Federal Roads Office (Astra) of deliberately delaying the purchase of his abandoned rest stop. Heinz Peter Moravcik, who is seriously ill with cancer, claims Astra is waiting for his death to acquire the property at a lower price. Astra strongly denies these allegations, stating that price disagreements are the only obstacle to a resolution.
Key Takeaways
- Heinz Peter Moravcik, 85, claims Astra is waiting for his death to acquire his rest stop.
- Moravcik purchased the property in 2013 for 800,000 Swiss Francs.
- Astra closed the rest stop's parking lot in 2017 due to safety concerns.
- Moravcik seeks 1.5 million Swiss Francs for the property, including lost profits.
- Astra denies the accusations and cites a significant price difference.
A Decade of Disputes Over Lake Walen Property
The abandoned rest stop in Oberstalden, Glarus, stands conspicuously empty along the A3 highway near Lake Walen. Its owner, Heinz Peter Moravcik, an Austrian entrepreneur, purchased the scenic property in 2013 for 800,000 Swiss Francs. His initial vision was to renovate the facility and welcome guests once more.
However, Moravcik's plans faced immediate hurdles. In 2014, local authorities rejected his application for renovation and expansion. Two years later, his attempt to move into the former guest rooms on the upper floor was also blocked. The municipality cited issues with residential use and cut off the water supply due to corroded pipes.
Property Timeline
- 2013: Heinz Peter Moravcik purchases rest stop for 800,000 CHF.
- 2014: Renovation and expansion plans rejected by municipality.
- 2016: Request to reside on property denied, water supply cut.
- 2017: Astra closes rest stop parking lot for safety.
- 2024: Moravcik rejects Astra's offer; submits counter-offer of 1.5 million CHF.
Safety Concerns Lead to Closure and Isolation
The situation escalated significantly in 2017 when Astra closed the rest stop's parking lot. The agency stated that the acceleration lane for rejoining the highway was too short and traffic volume was too high. This decision effectively isolated the rest stop, making it accessible only by foot or bicycle.
"This amounts to expropriation," Moravcik stated, describing the decision as "arbitrary." He emphasized that he still cannot comprehend the reasoning behind the closure, which has severely impacted his property's viability.
The closure meant an end to any hopes of commercial operation. The once-bustling stop transformed into a ghost facility, sitting derelict while its owner sought a resolution.
The Accusation: Waiting for Death?
Moravcik, who is battling severe cancer, believes Astra is intentionally prolonging negotiations. He suspects the federal agency is speculating on his passing, which would simplify the acquisition process. Moravcik has no children, meaning the property would be inherited by distant relatives.
In 2024, Moravcik rejected a purchase offer from Astra due to differing price expectations. He has since submitted his own counter-offer, demanding 1.5 million Swiss Francs. This sum includes 800,000 Swiss Francs for the property itself and an additional 700,000 Swiss Francs for lost profits and incurred costs over the years.
The Role of Astra
The Federal Roads Office (Astra) is responsible for the construction, maintenance, and operation of Switzerland's national road network. This includes ensuring safety along highways and managing related infrastructure like rest stops. Disputes over property acquisition for public infrastructure projects are not uncommon, but the personal accusations in this case add a unique dimension.
Astra Rejects Allegations of Delay
Astra has firmly pushed back against Moravcik's serious claims. A spokesperson for the agency stated, "We strongly reject the accusation of speculating on someone's death." The office maintains its commitment to finding a sustainable solution for the property.
According to Astra, both the federal office and the Canton of Glarus have repeatedly offered to acquire the property. However, an agreement has not been reached due to what Astra describes as a significant disparity in price expectations. The agency considers Moravcik's 1.5 million Swiss Francs offer to be "significantly" above the property's actual market value.
The stalemate continues, leaving the rest stop abandoned and its owner in a prolonged dispute with a federal authority.