The idea for a social coffee shop came from D66 councilor Gerard Meij. He wanted to reduce the street trade, better protect young people against hard drugs and Invest the proceeds in social projects. But there appears to be a suitable location, says Mayor Marian van der Weele.
No place to be found
At the location research, circles of 250 meters were drawn around vulnerable places such as schools and playgrounds. Areas near sports clubs and catering establishments were also excluded. That way almost the whole of Monnickendam fell off. “I find that a bit strange,” explains Meij. “All in all, we find the limitations that the municipality imposes very strictly.”
Meij also questions the radius of 250 meters. “Where does that come from? Is that really a fixed number? The municipality did not say. I have requested examples where a radius of 125 meters is being used,” says Meij. “That can change the whole picture.”
According to the municipality, the 250 meters is not randomly chosen. A similar standard applies in other cities, such as Amsterdam, Alkmaar and Haarlem. By also counting locations such as catering and sports clubs, the municipality wants to prevent young people and other vulnerable groups from coming into contact with coffee shops in an unintentional way.
Drug nuisance high on the agenda
The plan for a social coffee shop received support from a majority in the city council, but also called for worries Residents who are afraid of nuisance.
According to Meij, the full commitment to the municipal administration is missing. “I don’t feel that the mayor is committed to this very hard,” he says. The Noord-Holland police also expressed the idea. “And the mayor is of course head of the police.”