Developers and Activists Battle in Berlin

"The development project along the Spree River is backed by investments with an estimated value of between €3 billion and €5 billion ($4.35-7.25 billion), and its opponents are using shovels to stand up for their rights. They want the high-rise buildings in the development plan to not be as tall or as close to the water as the plan envisions. They are demanding that the riverbank remain public, and they are concerned that rents will go up once capital starts seeping into their neighborhood.

The dispute has been fueled by developers and anti-development groups alike. It has also been going on for two years -- with no end in sight."