After more than two months of talks and compromises, a new coalition agreement is ready in Alkmaar. The six new aldermen face major challenges, such as housing, sustainability and climate, access to care and refugee reception. But trust between citizens and government is also high on the political agenda.
An asylum seekers center instead of a reception location at the Robonsbosweg, no sunbathing areas or wind farms in the polder landscape, armed boas and a referendum. A small selection from the new coalition agreement of Alkmaar, which was signed tonight by the parties: D66, OPA, VVD, CDA, BAS and SPA.
Regaining confidence in Alkmaar’s politics is what all coalition parties want to commit themselves to. “Always interpreting what the population wants is difficult,” admits OPA party chairman Victor Kloos. This includes an advisory referendum, as has also been introduced in Amsterdam.
BAS party chairman Ben Bijl, who left the coalition in March, partly because of the asylum policy, is happy with the new agreement. “I have a good feeling from the top of my head to my little toe. It is a fantastic agreement that everyone in Alkmaar can live with. I challenge the opposition to find something negative about it.”
With asylum reception at the Robonsbosweg until 2030, the new coalition wants to take its responsibility in the refugee crisis. People who apply for asylum in the Netherlands must quickly get clarity, the new agreement says. “Those who are allowed to stay in the Netherlands must quickly participate in society. Those who are not allowed to stay must leave as soon as possible.”
At the same time, living space is being created for Alkmaar emergency seekers and status holders. In total for 450 people. After 2030, the location will be used for permanent residence. When the shelter will be ready, D66 party leader Simone Meijnen cannot say. “We are building on previous discussions with COA.”
Various measures are taken in the field of safety. There will be more camera surveillance and an expansion of the enforcement team. Boas will also be armed.
In the context of housing, a self-occupancy obligation will be introduced in the municipality. This obliges buyers to live in the house themselves for at least the first few years.
In order to keep the city and the Kanaalkade accessible, investments are being made in renovating the parking garages, such as the Karperton and Kanaal Peninsula. The existing parking spaces must also be retained. The Kanaalkade will remain open for two-way traffic.
Explorer Bert Blase was not physically there, but is watching digitally from sun-drenched France. He looks back on the negotiations with satisfaction. “Political content was at the top. Democracy was at the top of the parties’ own opinions, which resulted in a colorful coalition.”
“The fact that these parties, with people who do not come together on their birthdays, were able to find each other by making compromises, creates confidence in the future,” said group chairman John van der Rhee (VVD).
Who are the 6 new aldermen?
Christian Schouten (D66): finance, sustainability, energy, asylum policy, coordination Alkmaars Kanaal, general events, diversity
Anjo van der Ven (OPA): spatial planning, culture, heritage, welfare and general facilities, greenery in the city, open government, neighborhood-oriented cooperation
Jasper Nieuwenhuizen (BAS): housing, public space, education, youth care, communication and media policy, recreation areas, animal welfare
Christiaan Peetoom (VVD): mobility and accessibility, parking policy, economy, sports, waste and environment, innovation Smart City
Robert te Beest (CDA): villages and rural areas, agricultural economics, tourism and urban marketing, events policy, poverty policy and debt assistance, participation law and regional cooperation
Arie Epskamp (SPA): public health, public affairs, coordination senior agenda, WMO tailor-made facilities, personnel and organization