The temporary housing locations for hundreds of migrant workers in Medemblik is one step closer. The city council gave the green light last night to further develop the submitted proposals.
Not everyone is eager. For example, various village councils and local residents are concerned about increasing traffic, noise pollution and missing facilities. For them it is clear and obvious: the best locations for migrant workers are close to work or on the farm where the foreign workers are deployed.
But the voices of protest have not yet been heard by the Medemblik city council. They all see the need to properly house migrant workers. They have now become an indispensable link in the (local) economy. Take away the migrant workers and many companies will collapse.
“We really need them,” said CDA councilor Els van den Bosch, an opinion shared by Silva Visser (CU), among others. For the CDA member it is crystal clear that Medemblik must take responsibility. A feeling that is felt by the entire city council.
And so the city council gives the green light the proposed locations to further develop and investigate. The ‘Groenpark Westfriesland’ location, which was initially rejected by councilor Jeroen Broeders, is also being assessed. However, the local factions point to the other municipalities in West Friesland to also take their responsibility.
Promote flow
It is not the only reason why the municipality is changing tack. By offering an alternative, homes will become available on the regular housing market, emphasizes Dieter Venema of Hart voor Medemblik. “For example, houses become available for young people or a young family. It promotes the flow,” he says. In addition, the already scarce housing is often occupied illegally by migrant workers. GroenLinks therefore advocates scaling up enforcement.
The municipality has also left the door ajar, so that other initiators have the opportunity to submit a proposal. This is possible until February 1. “So that a fair playing field is created,” said D66 member Co Vlaar.