If Moerdijk must indeed disappear, then the compensation must be more than generous and generous. “Residents should not suffer any damage, not a single cent.” Council members communicated this to the mayor and aldermen on Thursday evening. Politics was allowed to have its say. Several concerned residents also had their say.
For example, a resident of Moerdijk described the sadness that overwhelmed the village. On Eleven-Eleven of all days. “The news came precisely on the day of mercy and the day of craziness. Prince Carnival but also the mayor came to visit.” It was a day with two faces.
The uncertainty and concerns were underlined on Thursday evening in the council chamber in Zevenbergen. It can be felt in all directions.
Livability
A resident of Zevenbergschen Hoek drew attention to their village. Because the quality of life on the other side of the A16 is also coming under pressure, now that industry is advancing towards the easternmost church village of the municipality of Moerdijk. Another resident actually suggested crossing the A16, so building there and sparing Moerdijk.
All the way on the other side, west of the Moerdijk industrial estate, the same worrying sounds. Interpreted by a resident of Klundert who is afraid of increasing noise pollution. “Because the standards for this Powerport plan are higher than now. So more noise is allowed.”
And a question about where the advancing industry stops. The neighborhoods of Noordschans and Tonnekreek could be considered for the location of a compressor station, the commenter suggested.
Farmland
On behalf of the farmers, there was a representative who reflected on the enormous loss of ‘hundreds of hectares’ of agricultural land if Moerdijk makes way for industry and power distribution stations. “Invest in the agricultural sector and also pay attention to the human dimension” was her message.
But everything revolved around Moerdijk’s sadness. “The quality of life deteriorates with every resident who leaves.” How do you offer perspective was the question from a villager. And a cry for support. “Provide clarity quickly because it is a burden on the shoulders of the people of Moerdijk.”
Moerdijk politicians unanimously agreed on one point on Thursday evening. The issue surrounding Moerdijk village is so important that everything else could wait. That’s why the agenda was wiped empty.
Irresponsible
There was also division. As the largest opposition party, Independent Moerdijk has many questions about nitrogen, noise and quality of life. Councilor Arno Fens said he believes in progress, but not if it is at the expense of residents. “It is too big, too fast and thoughtless and the balance is lost. Fens said: “I think it is irresponsible that we make decisions about information we do not have.” The party is considering voting against.
Hans Schreuders of coalition party BBM/BBB Bondgenoot also has doubts and thinks it is quite a decision. Just like the Christian Union. That party is not yet convinced that this is the best choice, said councilor Erik Janse. “Moerdijk should not become a ghost village, just like Doel.”
Pain palpable
‘The least bad, of bad choices’. That’s how Hadewych den Ridder van Moerdijk Lokaal called the plans. Jolijn Koevoets of the VVD said she finds it ‘incredibly sad’. “We understand the council’s proposal, but the pain is palpable.”
Furthermore, all parties demanded: the compensation must be very generous. Nothing 95 percent of the appraised value, but more than that. “Residents should not suffer any damage, not a single cent,” said Bicar Cicek of PvdA. The CDA does not want ‘any half-hearted commitments’. Alderman Danny Dingemans fully agreed with this. “Anyone you hit should be fully compensated.”
The councilor defended the proposal and spoke of a ‘devil’s dilemma’ because it is an inescapable task. He urged that he definitely agree next Wednesday because only then can the municipality continue to have control, was his message.
You can read all the stories about it here the disappearance of the village of Moerdijk.