There will definitely not be 450,000 euros from the Asser Municipal Cash, as a one -off contribution for the purchase of the Resurrection Church in Marsdijk as the second community center. A motion from SP, partly supported by ChristenUnie, PvdA, GroenLinks and CDA, did not get a majority tonight: 15 for and 17 votes against.
Thick tears biggelen after the vote about the cheeks of Els Timmerman of activities Marsdijk. One of the participants of the Alliance Marsdijk who wants to buy the church building. “I am so disappointed. Why don’t they want to support such a great initiative, for which there is so much support from the neighborhood, and so much support.”
The VVD finds the initiative in Marsdijk ‘very valuable’, especially because many residents are involved. Because together they coughed up 468,000 euros in loans. But the VVD is in principle of the opinion that it cannot finance initiatives of religious institutions.
VVD party chairman Sandra Alberts has difficulty with the role of the Protestant diaconia in the plan. This is because it puts 250,000 euros in the purchase, and the diaconia also has a permanent place. And that encounters the VVD on principle objections. “We do not want to finance ecclesiastical organization with community money. Public funds are for public goals.”
According to the ChristenUnie and SP, this is mainly a social initiative, in which investments are made in the quality of life in the neighborhood, with a lot of support among the neighborhood residents. According to the parties, that the diaconia is one of the participants should not be an obstacle.
Together with Assen Blooms and activities Marsdijk, the Diaconie wants to purchase the church building, which costs 1 million euros. As a Marsdijk Foundation, they want to convert the building into a neighborhood meeting center. “This is an opportunity for Marsdijk,” says CU councilor Steven van Luijk.
Stadspartij Plop also does not want to put money on the purchase of the church. “As a municipality, we do not have a bank function for private parties,” says Henk Santing party leader. “I think it’s a great opportunity, but I propose that they go to the bank, instead of going to the municipality.” Plop only wants to put money in activities in Marsdijk, and not in a roof over the head.
D66 finds 4.5 tons ‘a lot of money’. The party also finds the organizational setup around the management of the community center too uncertain. D66 follows the Municipal Executive of B and W. That sees a lot of risk, and finds the amount too high.
According to the CDA, not cooperating is ‘a blow in the face of all neighborhood residents’ who support the plan. PvdA and GroenLinks also believe that support is in place, especially in view of the great involvement of local residents.
Els Timmerman had held a flaming argument on behalf of Marsdijk activities in advance on behalf of activities. Because the college had already rejected the contribution two weeks ago. All hope was now located on the council.
“Oh, how happy,” Timmerman told the political groups, “that they all all two years ago, on the municipal motion market, Marsdijk’s wish for a second neighborhood building embraced.” Now that the church is for sale, the time is to deliver. The words must be converted into action. It turns out in vain. “They promise everything, but if you need to deliver, unfortunately. The outstretched hand remains empty.”
What the Marsdijk Alliance is going to do now is still uncertain. “First recover from this blow and then see what is still possible,” says Timmerman.