The council has the residents on their side when it comes to the image of the housing supply. During a village meeting in May, the main emphasis was on growth and the necessary stones. Young people and the elderly in particular must be given a decent chance to live in their own environment. Because there simply aren’t any right now. Both board members speak of ‘worrying signals’ from residents. Bos: “The municipality has proven sensitive to that argument.”
But why then no room for the elderly within the devised housing plan. Overgaauw: “This location is quite far from the facilities in the center.” It is better to look for a location near the center, he believes.
A possible option is sports hall De Eendracht, the home base of handball club Hurry Up. An idea mentioned in the vision is expansion of the accommodation. Activities at this location and those in De Meerstal village hall can then be bundled there. The vacant site of the centrally located village hall may be eligible for housing for, for example, the elderly. “It’s an option,” says Bos.
A more concrete wish is the establishment of a real health center in the heart of Zwartemeer. The village council thinks there are a few empty buildings in the center area that could be used for this purpose.
Overgaauw: “The current facilities such as the general practitioner, the pharmacy and a physio practice are now scattered in the village center. We are also thinking of some daytime activities and the return of the consultation office. In that case, you concentrate everything in one place.”
The village should also benefit more from the proximity of the Bargerveen nature reserve. Bos: “In terms of facilities, we can respond to that. Think of a tea garden or something like that.” Until last year there was one: tea garden D’Aole Pastorie, but it has stopped for good. “But there are certainly opportunities.” More catering in the village would be a boost anyway, says Overgaauw. Obviously a social boost, but Bos thinks it will be difficult. “It’s difficult to get something like this profitable, I think this is an unfeasible card.”
Next fall, the village council will talk to residents again to discuss wishes, suggestions and needs. Housing will probably predominate, expect Bos and Overgaauw. From the cradle to the grave in your own village. That should be possible.