Germany doesn't "allow" US bases. They were forced to have them after World War II:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Air_Force_in_Germ...
[update: removed speculation about german taxpayer covering the bill]
[update: removed speculation about german taxpayer covering the bill]
http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/06/30/12482964-bye-b...
"City officials in Heidelberg expect annual financial losses of up to $25 million, as a result of the closures of U.S. bases in the region."
"We estimate that a total of about 1,000 civilian jobs will be lost, when the nearly 8,000 service members pull out," said Diana Scharl, a spokesperson for the city of Heidelberg."
“After World War II no-one in Heidelberg knew the way into the future. The US Army worked to educate the young generation about how democracy works. It gave Heidelberg a perspective and helped the city get back on its feet and on its way to democracy,” he said.
However, this isn't the Army we're talking about (obviously, they're leaving), but the NSA, whose mission is to gather intelligence to protect the US, so it's kinda funny that it uses bases smack in the middle of foreign countries...
Not here. The NSA people are secretive, hostile and their activities are unpopular. I read an article in my local (!) newspaper recently, where people, among them the mayor of the nearest town, complained about the installation.
On the other hand, something very positive is that the 2.500 abandoned apartments will make some space in the horrendous housing shortage in Heidelberg. The regional authorities said it's short of 8000+ apartments to fulfill the needs of thousands of commuters and students. So this is seen as a relieve.
The 213 hectars open area can also be used for sport facilities, agricultural utilization, public green space or rooms for the "creative economy" as germans say.
Heidelberg is very stable economically speaking and will not struggle from the troops leaving in 2014. Excluding any friendships and romantic liaisons that might end, this is generally seen as positive by germans. My guess would be that the service members are also glad to be returning home.
For reference, a picture of the currently occupied space by the US in Heidelberg : http://i.imgur.com/TsZuTC8.jpg