After almost an hour and a half of fierce debate, the big word is out. A narrow majority of the municipal council in Medemblik has opted for the proposal to ‘renovate’ the dilapidated pig barn, which bears the name ‘t Boetje, into a rest point for cyclists and walkers. This puts an end to years of political wrangling.
For the very last time, ‘t Boetje in Oostwoud was in the political spotlight last night. What happens to the money – about 200,000 – that is now left?
After a fierce and heated debate, a narrow majority of the municipal council (16 voted in favor and 10 against) sees merit in alderman Jeroen Broeders’ proposal to ‘renovate’ the pig barn into a rest area for cyclists and walkers.
Orchard and picnic tables
And that means the pig barn will be demolished, because it is now too unsafe. After demolition, it must be rebuilt at ‘profile level’. “In this way, the contours of the pig barn remain visible in the landscape, supported by an information board showing the history,” says councilor Jeroen Broeders.
The orchard will be restored to its former glory, and picnic tables and trash cans will be placed on the site.
All in all, it should cost around 70,000 euros. The remaining amount, approximately 130,000 euros, will be ‘donated’ to Oostwoud and Midwoud for initiatives that contribute to the quality of life in both villages.
‘T Boetje as a political plaything in Medemblik
The municipality of Medemblik received approximately 2.5 tons from waste processor HVC in 2020, as compensation for the arrival of a solar meadow in Oostwoud. Local residents and the municipality wanted to use that amount to renovate the pig barn. After extending the waterway and a cycle path along the Tripkouw, there is now only 2 tonnes left.
In recent years, various discussions have been held with the Village Council and Historical Association Midwoud-Oostwoud (HVMO). At first it looked like there would be an exhibition or meeting room, but that ultimately fell through.
It would get expensive, given the poor condition of the pig barn. “It was in such a dilapidated state that a more or less simple restoration turned out to be a utopia,” HVMO chairman André de Vries previously explained to NH. And so the ambitious plan was abandoned.
The Village Council has already received about ten initiatives, says chairman Ralph-Peter Maitimo. As an example he mentions the swimming pool in Midwoud, which can be made more sustainable. “But a collection system for boats or a playground are also among the initiatives,” he previously told NH.
In the meantime, the tennis court and gymnastics club have also contacted the Village Council. “For example, they need new stuff.” A residents’ evening will be held in February to explain the proposed initiatives.
‘Dossier biter’ quits as councilor
The ‘donation’ from waste processor HVC has caused a stir in recent years. It has even led to ‘victims’, like that became clear to the outside world yesterday. Due to ‘a lack of transparency and integrity’, Niels de Waal stops as a councilor of Hart voor Medemblik, who has been stuck in the file for months. “Medembliker politics is largely chronically ill from a moral point of view. It is like flogging a dead horse.”