Local residents are reasonably positive about the first status holders who moved into the former residential care complex Oldenhove in Overveen last week. Now that the neighborhood is more involved by the municipality of Bloemendaal in the arrival of the status holders, there is also less resistance. “We do have the feeling that this should now work,” says Floris Kaspers, a local resident.
In recent months, a lot of work has been done on the renovation of Oldenhove. The complex was outdated and had to be renovated to accommodate about 150 people. 90 status holders will be living there, of which the first group of about 25 residents moved in last week. There is also room for 60 other home seekers, such as students and people who have just been divorced. They will move into the building in the coming months.
New residents
The new residents of Oldenhove still have to get used to their new accommodation. Not everything is well organized yet, according to Vivi and her husband Longwang from China. “We have no electricity in our apartment, no wardrobe, no hot water and no WiFi.” They have already sounded the alarm with the municipality and hope that the problems will be solved soon. “We can’t wash our clothes because the washing machine is not plugged in. Hopefully it will be resolved soon.”
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residents of Oldenhove Overveen
Resident of Oldenhove in Overveen
Apartment Oldenhove Overveen
Oldenhove Overveen
Resistance
When the plan for shelter in Oldenhove was presented for the first time, local residents were divided. Some of the local residents were immediately positive, but another group of local residents saw it not sit at all and rebelled. They thought 180 status holders in one building were too many, especially in the middle of their small-scale neighbourhood. They also did not like the fact that the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Reception (COA) would be in charge of the location. The plans were later revised. Now the municipality of Bloemendaal is in charge and mixed housing has been chosen. That took care of relief near.
In recent months, various meetings were organized by the municipality of Bloemendaal, where local residents were invited to discuss the further details of the plans. They were also allowed to take a look at the building. “There was a very positive atmosphere and it looked good,” said a local resident.
Kaspers is pleased that the residents are becoming more involved in Oldenhove and, according to him, this is due to the arrival of alderman Attiya Gamri (PvdA). “You feel that the neighborhood is being listened to more. That is nice. We also received a card in the mail from the manager of Oldenhove with the message that we should ring the bell if there is something. All this makes the atmosphere more relaxed and more positive.”