Who will be allowed to start building at Leaf green location Paterswolde?

Fellow councilor Franke would like to add some nuance. “The concept of ‘Knarrenhof’ is not from residents of Paterswolde, it is simply a concept from a project developer. You have to be a member of the foundation to be able to live there and then also pass a ballot. Provided: we are not unwilling opposite a Knarrenhof, but we think SEW can develop better at this location.”

Franke does not want to know anything about a ‘turn’ – despite the 2020 motion. “No, we just think that SEW can better realize social housing in that location. We will undoubtedly have space elsewhere in the municipality for the Knarrenhof.”

But the initiators of the Knarrenhof in Paterswolde do not want a different location. “This is the ideal place for us,” says Jan Slangen. “Close to the shops, the butcher and the bus stop. A very central and green location.”

According to Slangen, there are 375 interested parties. “That is not a lie. We therefore wonder why the municipality does not support our citizens’ initiative.”

Michiel Veenstra, director of SEW, agrees with CDA councilor Middendorp that his foundation cannot lay claim to the Leaf Green location. “But we have performance agreements with the municipality of Tynaarlo. I think that they then have a best efforts obligation and should first sit down with us.”

Working together with Knarrenhof is difficult at the Bladergroen location, says Veenstra. “It is a noble aim, but it would mean that we can build no more than 10 or 11 social rental homes. That is far too little, because the demand is sky high in Tynaarlo. Especially when you consider that Minister Hugo de Jonge (Minister for Housing and Spatial Planning, ed.) has indicated that he wants at least 30 percent social housing in the Netherlands. Tynaarlo does not even come to 15 percent.”

Veenstra does not want to know anything about a conflict with Knarrenhof. “Certainly not, it’s a beautiful concept. But we think the Bladergroen location lends itself well to social housing.”

To alderman Jurryt Vellinga (Liveable Tynaarlo) to make chocolate out of it. “Last September, Knarrenhof submitted the plans for this location. Social rental housing, medium rent and owner-occupied and more expensive apartments come together here,” Vellinga sums up. “That also includes agreements, even a kind of cohabitation contract. And you have to come before a selection committee from Knarrenhof if you are interested.”

The municipality of Tynaarlo has waited a long time to assess this plan, Vellinga agrees. “This is partly due to a staff shortage. Furthermore, we have waited for what discussions between SEW and Knarrenhof would yield. As it seems now, they are unable to resolve the matter. Now I want to sit down with representatives of the various council factions to assess the plans. “

We are waiting for the municipality of Tynaarlo. “We said to Vellinga: ‘make a decision.’ Then we can continue or not,” says Veenstra of SEW. The same Vellinga warns that it may take a while before the shovel goes into the ground at all. “With current developments you may be two years further before you can finally start.”

In the meantime, the asylum seekers’ center may remain at Mrs Boerma-Brähmerlaan at least until 1 June 2023. Vellinga: “After that, we have a monthly cancellation option and the location must be empty by June 2024. Personally, I would find it strange to throw them out if construction cannot be done in the meantime, but that is future music. In any case, have the development of the location on the council in the autumn, otherwise you will be further delayed in a time of great housing shortage.”