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OPINION

Oud-West does not listen to residents

Wim Wisman

29 May 2008 - Let's list them, the plans of the three district alderman. They represent PvdA, GroenLinks and the VVD. This trio burdens the residents of Oud-West with a number of misbegotten, large-scale plans, sometimes invoking article 19.2 [allowing the municipality to disregard the zoning plan - ed].

1. The most well-known plan regards the former tram depot; de Hallen, at the Bellamyplein. Harry de Winter and his partners are determined to realise the third-largest entertainment centre of Amsterdam here. Residents'   association Rond de Hallen has proposed good alternatives, but these have not been taken into consideration by the administrative trio. They set their own course, with support from the district council.

2. The residents of the Cremerbuurt oppose a car park underneath their beautiful square with playground and large trees. What will remain of all that?

3. Plans to realise a new hotel at the beginning of the Kinkerstraat are being opposed by the neighbourhood. These are characteristic buildings that may be demolished or mutilated; both at street level and at higher levels. The characteristic rooftops will disappear, as will the inner court.

4. At the Nassaukade, around the corner from the Kinkerstraat, there will be a harbour for electrical boats and water buses in the Singel canal. There will also be a boat rental. Will the Nassaukade be able to cope with the expected bustle?

These are four plans at different stages of their execution, that will be carried out without the support of the residents of Oud-West, as far as the district administration is concerned.

The Council of State and Amsterdam's environmental plan can (hopefully) still postpone the plans, so as to enable residents and district administration to jointly develop new and acceptable plans.

Wim Wisman is a neighbourhood resident. Image: artist impression of De Hallen (Oud-West district)

 

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