The meadow birds have again settled in large numbers in the polder. Hikers walk briskly across the dike and a group of cyclists races past. A selection of the activities in the Purmer near Edam on a random morning. The municipality wants to turn it into an industrial estate, but the residents have protested with a petition. After a few days, the counter is already at 692 signatures.
Photo of the Purmer where the municipality wants to create an industrial estate – NH Nieuws
Maartje Bakker and photographer Marianne Jonkman are committed to a green polder. “No research has been done into whether there is a need for industry,” says Maartje. “A little further on in Purmerend there is still room for companies”. But that is not Edam territory and the municipality wants to move the companies on the Julianaweg in Volendam to their piece of polder. And use the space that has become available in Volendam for housing.
“It would be a shame”, says Marianne, who photographs a lot in the Purmer. “From the Purmer you also have a beautiful view of historic Edam. You lose that if you fill it with high industrial buildings.” And it is a disaster for all birds with the polder as a biotope. “There is an owl tower further on. Simply beautiful.”
“From the Purmer you also have a beautiful view of historic Edam. You lose that if you fill it with high industrial buildings.”
For many Edam residents, it is also the only green space in the area where they can walk or cycle. “It is an oasis of peace,” says Maartje, who once left the busy Pijp in Amsterdam for the tranquility of Edam.
The advent of industry also means a lot of noise and air pollution. The petition already appears to be a success. And there is even more support. “The Oud Edam association, the Purmer itself, which is celebrating its 400th anniversary this year, and GroenLinks in the city council,” says Marianne. And next Sunday, GroenLinks will also organize a protest march from Dam Square in Edam to the polder from 2 p.m.
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