Residents of the Schildersbuurt in the Assen-Oost district are in great uncertainty about the demolition and reconstruction of a hundred social rental homes. Housing cooperative Actium has had to let go of the timeline of the renovation, because it is awaiting the municipality’s final new construction plan.
Luc Rengers, party member of the Assen Centraal party, indicated to the city council on Thursday that this causes stress for residents living in Henriëtte Ronnerstraat, Lonerstraat, Roessinghstraat, Tooropstraat and Rembrandtlaan. They have to arrange accommodation elsewhere during the demolition and rebuilding of their houses. Initially, there would be clarity about the plans at the end of last year, but in a letter to residents this month, Actium indicates that this is not possible. According to the cooperative, the Municipal Executive has not yet made a choice as to which type of housing and which infrastructure should be built. And without a well-defined plan, Actium will do nothing for the time being.
Law of flora and fauna
In addition, there is also the Flora and Fauna Act, which according to Rengers – with a view to demolition and construction activities – plays a delaying role in the area. Because applying for exemptions also takes time, just like any procedural consultations. Rengers: ,,It seems that housing the birds is more important than housing the residents. When are choices made to put an end to all uncertainties?”
Alderman Cor Staal (ChristenUnie) said he found it ‘very annoying’ for the residents that it is all taking so long. “It could have been done according to the earlier planning, were it not for the fact that we are lagging behind in all kinds of areas in the municipality due to a shortage of employees. Due to illness, due to a change of staff… The good news, however, is that we have a new project leader for the Schildersbuurt. We hope to have made a choice before the summer, plus the possible consequences of the chosen plan.”
Destination plan
As far as those consequences are concerned: according to Staal, there are currently three new-build models. “Some of these fall within the zoning plan, while other models require a zoning amendment. The infrastructure can also change. We make the final choice together with Actium and the residents.”
Rengers immediately responded to this, because if the zoning plan has to be changed, this means possible objections. “With the risk that things will get out of hand again in terms of planning for demolition and construction. Then everything shifts even further.”
Staal couldn’t help but agree. And yes, the alderman decided, the birds can also cause delays. “We are dealing with the flora and fauna law, which is as it is and we will have to make a decision about that together with the province.”