Buildings on the grounds of the former Quartermaster Kaserne in Kaiserslautern, Germany, have been abandoned since 1998. City officials said the buildings have been vandalized and damaged over the years. (Alexander Riedel/Stars and Stripes)

Kaiserslautern city officials have waived their right to first use of the real estate on the former Quartermaster-Kaserne site, citing concerns about financial obligations and risks connected with the property, according to a city council statement.

This move enables the German federal agency for real estate, which owns the decommissioned American military base, to actively pursue the sale and development on the open market.

Kaiserslautern remains in control of the urban development within the area through a zoning plan that aims to leverage the conversion of former military sites for commercial development to bolster Kaiserslautern’s economic landscape.

Currently, Kaiserslautern is conducting a traffic study to address connectivity concerns, while an environmental impact report is nearing completion, according to a statement.

The decision marks progress in the long-pending redevelopment of the former Quartermaster-Kaserne, due in part to challenges posed by soil contamination concerns.