After the disputed light pollution at the Aldi distribution center, residents of the De Poffert neighborhood near Hoogkerk fear they will again be treated to a brightly lit environment.
On the Westpoort industrial estate west of Groningen, a second distribution center will be built next to the Aldi where goods will be stored and distributed. The residents of De Poffert do not want to be inconvenienced by this.
They ask real estate developer Devco and the municipality of Groningen to position the building in such a way that the blank wall borders their houses. “This way we will not again be confronted with an overdose of light in and around our homes,” says Pieter Wijma of De Poffert shipyard.
Aldi has dimmed lighting
Last year, the neighborhood moved heaven and earth to dim the lighting at Aldi. “That worked, but now it looks like we will have to repeat it,” says neighbor Kees de Bock.
Both were unpleasantly surprised when it turned out that a second distribution center might be constructed in such a way that light pollution is maximized. According to Wijma, the different location of the building is also obvious for a second reason. “The noise from trucks then penetrates less into the residential environment.”
De Poffert is located in two municipalities: Westerkwartier and Groningen. Westpoort industrial estate falls under Groningen and advances to the border of the hamlet. “Of course we know that Westpoort is being built up. But the question is how? It is our right to indicate how the nuisance can be limited.”
According to Albert van der Naald, resident of De Poffert, it is important that the municipality, Devco and the residents reach a solution together. “Disturbing the hamlet with an excess of light and the piercing sound of maneuvering trucks is contrary to the zoning plan. We object to the nuisance and that is quite exciting.”
Benevolent attitude Devco
During a residents’ meeting in Hotel Van der Valk near Hoogkerk, residents sensed a sympathetic attitude at Devco. “We are happy with that, but it remains to be seen whether it will yield anything.” The real estate company is taking another look at the location of the building. This is confirmed by a Devco spokesperson. “Our starting point is that we aim the blind side of the building at the houses.”
Councilor Rik van Niejenhuis (PvdA) of the municipality of Groningen says that he is discussing this with Devco. As far as he’s concerned, it could still go either way. “I want to have the documents on my desk within a few weeks. It is important that people experience as little inconvenience as possible from Westpoort.” However, he cannot yet reassure the residents. “We will look carefully at what is possible.”