Are the 540 residents of Zwaagdijk-West – with their past and substantiated views – a plaything in the political showdown between the province and the municipality of Medemblik? NH lists everything.
The umpteenth chapter in the soap ‘Balkweiterhoek’ in Zwaagdijk-West. For example, last week it emerged that the province is considering the site at Balkweiterhoek to house status holders. It is not the first time that the location has been a topic of discussion. See box below for a summary of what is going on.
How could the village become such a political plaything? The working group ‘BWH 76/76A’, of which Giel Nijpels is the point of contact, is not at all pleased with the way in which the province is handling the feasibility study.
The village is ‘very disappointed and surprised’ about the blowback. Especially after what happened would have been promised last week: “Confidence in politics has just returned, and then this happens,” says Nijpels. As a result, Zwaagdijk-West remains surrounded by question marks. “What happened inside the room, and so soon afterwards?” he almost wonders out loud. Another visit is planned for early November to identify misconceptions and gain support. “We hope that clarity will come soon for the village.”
‘Confidence in politics is taking a hit’
Councilor Jeroen Broeders of the municipality of Medemblik is also disappointed with how things turned out. “Confidence in the province, at least in Zwaagdijk-West, had suffered a major blow in the past year. It was therefore very good that a pleasant and constructive conversation was possible,” he says. According to him, that conversation ‘contributed greatly to restoring the lost trust’.
He doesn’t mince words. “I am therefore disappointed that the confidence of residents in the province, but also in politics in general, is once again being dented.” The municipality maintains the position that the conditions under which the province wants to realize 120 flexible homes at this location are ‘not acceptable’ to the municipality.
What will happen next remains unclear for the time being.
The soap opera around ‘Balkweiterhoek’ in a nutshell
On October 5, 2022 comes the news out that the province is considering the site at Balkweiterhoek in Zwaagdijk-West to house status holders. According to Arthur van Dijk, the King’s Commissioner in North Holland, to ‘contribute to the acute shortage of sleeping places in asylum reception centers’. Five days later it becomes clear that the site, which is owned by the province, is also intended for emergency seekers from their own municipality to offer a quick solution to the heated housing market.
A ‘feasibility study‘, as it is called, must show whether this is possible. One thing is certain: the plans are a shock to the residents take action. The message on a pamphlet distributed in the village is clear: ‘Enough has already been ruined in Zwaagdijk-West’. A survey has shown that three-quarters are against the arrival.
After months of silence, on January 31, 2023, the unexpected happens. The municipality of Medemblik and housing associations, which had to carry out the feasibility study, have announced that the plans are not feasible. There is relief in the village, because the flag can be taken out. Yet that joy is short-lived.
About two later, on February 13, 2023the province meanders a press release to the world. It states that the province will take up the challenge and continue the feasibility study itself. Much to the dismay of the municipality of Medemblik, which has since are diametrically opposed to each other.
On July 12, 2023 is the high word out: the province considers it feasible to place 120 flexible homes for 250 to 300 emergency seekers and status holders in Zwaagdijk-West. Although the province sees no problems, it nevertheless continues to struggle finding support. Both in the municipality and the village.