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MINUTES:
Most pertinent points from
Archipel & Willemspark Community Council minutes
4 J U N E 2 0 0 9 I N 'T K L O K H U I S
Present: Mmes Krul, Nuij-Dols, Ten Hoope, Drijver and Ponsen (minutes secretary) and Messrs Beekhuis, Bentinck, Bloembergen, Boer, Dike, Drijver, Ekelenburg, Van der Geissen, Van Gijn, Hooft Graafland, Van der Hoog, Klein, Landheer, Nieuwenhuis, Nieuwenhuys, Taekema, Van Tetterode,
Absent (announced beforehand): Mmes Beekman, Hoogenraad, Van der Zalm and Mulder and Messrs Abels and Huisman
1.0 Chairman Wybe Taekema welcomes those present
1.1 No changes to agenda.
2. Minutes of community council meeting 19 March 2009
Re agenda point 5.1- recycling paper and bottle banks will be relocated underground as long as there are no water mains or cables in the way. Minutes accepted.
3. Developments concerning CentrumRing, Northwestelijke Hoofdroute (NWH) and International Zone
3.1 CentrumRing:
Chairman Wybe Taekema announces that a “zienswijze” (opinion document) was submitted before the 6 May deadline and the Council had already set it aside. Rupert van Heijningen will call on other community organizations to take joint action. The main point of contention being the fact that the Council’s calculations are far more favourable than actual monitoring figures indicate.
Tim Dike had heard that the “inconvenience” is calculated per (permanent) resident rather than per “user” such as people working in offices and children in crèches along the Centrum Ring.
3.2 NWH (main north-west arterial route):
There are 14 community organizations with a vested interest between Hubertustracé and Kijkduin who have signed up in protest. This group has little confidence in Alderman Smits and urges that the planned building development and consequential extra traffic be taken into consideration when proceeding.
A long tunnel is the most desirable solution and Guus Nieuwenhuys will explain what is involved at the next Community Committee Meeting. Focusing attention on the Council elections could help get this solution carried. Willem van Gijn asks what the objections are to the NWH: it is just a displacement of traffic exercise and not a measure to reduce traffic. Of the ten measures contained in the Traffic Plan – 2010, only two so far have been implemented. Tim suggests that now Carnegielaan is closed, it should be assessed whether there really is only 20% less through traffic as the Council claims.
According to Mr van der Giessen, who lives in apartment block Couperus I, there is a lot more traffic taking a short cut along Timorstraat. Tim will look into monitoring possibilities.
3.3 International Zone:
The possible demolition of Police Headquarters and the construction of the planned massive building 50-metres high remain a point of concern.
4. Municipal Council: including City Management Service and Police
4.1 Police:
No police representative present. The handover between community police officers took place on 1 June.
4.2 City Management Service:
Maaike Nuiy announced a budget of €25,000 for the A&W from which among other things the costs of the “Social Sofa” and the Digital Billboard will be paid. An extra issue of the Community Newspaper is also possible if so wished. She will issue a press release and the chairman will complete the “Social Sofa” application form after the meeting. Mr Bunck, director of the Central District Council Office, will process the application.
4.3 Surinamestraat:
The two stretches of grass running down the middle of Surinamestraat will be combined into one. Yellow lines have been added around the curved ends of these areas with a loss of parking places.
Berend Bentinck is upset about the number of fines issued to locals parking near these yellow lines: they see it as their common right to use these spots. He hoped there could be bit more tolerance shown until the work has been carried out. Maaike Nuij indicated that everyone is prohibited from parking on yellow lines.
4.4 Balistraat/Laan Copes junction:
The white cross was added to the road surface at the Balistraat/Laan Copes junction because through traffic is involved here; at Surinamestraat/ Laan Copes and Surinamestraat/Javastraat junctions merging traffic is involved.
4.5 “Trees Atjehstraat”:
The plans will be ready in the autumn. Else Ponsen, who lives in the street, asks if street residents were consulted about whether they wanted trees. A non-resident of the street originally suggested the idea. Maaike suggested holding an information evening.
4.6 Frederikstraat:
Riky Krul reports extensive alteration work going on above the Plato Restaurant in Frederikstraat, for which no permit has been issued. Photos have been taken and three weeks ago a building inspector visited the premises, but the work has continued. Maaike gives Riky the building inspector’s telephone number. It is possible to submit a request for a building suspension and if granted the work will be stopped.
5. Other news from the board, working parties and lobby groups
5.1 Working Party Traffic re Bankastraat Citizen’s Initiative:
Willem van Gijn announces that Dide Labots will have the final plans and specifications on 18 August for the implementation work to be carried out between 19 August and 15 September. This phase concerns the triangular junction at the top of upper Bankastraat and the extension of the area around the fountain. The wide section of Bankastraat will come later.
5.2 “Social sofa” is underway:
There was an introduction meeting for around ten volunteers on 3 June. The design theme chosen is the East Indies, islands and the tropics with an ocean liner somewhere in between. Irene Vinck, local resident and artist, will make the design. Estate Timmermans will help find a suitable workplace and mentioned the location where the Garagist used to be and others on Alexanderplein and Surinamestraat. Tim Dike indicates that the garage in Surinamestraat is perhaps an option as it has running water, but no W.C. The volunteers would prefer to carry out the work in the first half of October and calculate it should take two weeks.
5.3 Working Party A&W Community Newspaper:
Now in colour, Eva Drijver asks for reactions from those present: all positive. There was a preference for less use of white text on dark backgrounds, which compromises legibility. Mr Beekhuis who lives on Nassaulaan never receives the newspaper. Riky offers to extend her delivery round to include Nassaulaan. According to Mr Beekhuis although there are lots of offices, there are also plenty of local residents who live here.
5.4 A&W Digital Billboard:
Auke Bloembergen will present the Billboard on the Klokhuis monitor after the meeting. Other monitors will be located in the shop window of Albert Heijn supermarket and in Frederikstraat. Riky suggests Citronics for the latter because of its central location.
5.5 Working Party Public Space:
Membership has increased again. As well as Jacqueline ten Hoope, Martijn van Vaessen has joined the group.
5.6 Alexanderplein:
Mr van Ekelenburg reports that a decision was taken by the City Management Service on 28 April to do away with the 60 parking places in the vicinity of Alexanderplein with regard to the anti-riot squad and the police. This resolution was not made public. Willem suggests that an objection, as a group of concerned people living in the neighbourhood, still be submitted within the statutory six-week period on grounds that will be detailed later.
6. Other business and conclusion of meeting
6.1 Else reports that the two recently installed zigzag barriers to prevent cyclists and motor scooter and moped users entering the Archipel School playground from Atjehstraat and Sumatrastraat are working well.
6.2 Maaike states that the Archipel Shool extension to solve the shortage of space for after-school care will not go through. A building permit was refused because the foundations would not support such an addition.
6.3 Mr Beekhuis is experiencing problems in the last section of Nassualaan because of parents bringing their children to school in cars. The Haagse Schoolvereniging (HSV) is located at the end of a dead-end street around the corner where traffic chaos caused by turning cars trying to leave the narrow street also takes place on a regular basis. Last year the HSV argued for the street to be closed during peak hours but this would have meant that residents would not have access so it did not go through. Apart from using the bicycle, the safest option would be for cars to park on Sophialaan for example and for parents to walk their children to school on the wide section of pavement on the left-hand side of the street.
6.4 Eva asks about the situation regarding Café Banka’s terrace permit. Maaike informs her that this has been extended for three years. The gangway is very congested here between the Café’s terrace and a large tree whose root system is lifting the pavement.
6.5 Willem asks for a loading/unloading bay by the recycling bottle and paper banks on Nassaulaan.
6.6 Max asks what the consequences of the tram tunnel under Koninginnegracht would be for traffic. Wybe explains that traffic would no longer be held up by traffic lights allowing trams right of way, meaning the flow of traffic would increase.
6.7 It is observed that the synchronization of the traffic lights on Javabrug creates dangers for cyclists.
6.8a Jaap compliments the Council on the playground on Arie v.d. Spuyweg.
6.8b Jaap is A&W Webmaster and would like to go on holiday in July and needs someone to stand in for him. An appeal will also appear in the Community Newspaper. It should be someone with the necessary free time, a pensioner for example. The website is popular and gets on average of 2,000 hits per month.
6.9 Gilles reports that local residents have submitted their objection to Club Strass’ (corner Balistraat/Javastraat) request for an extension license to stay open till 4 a.m.
6.10 Else calls attention to the Open Garden Weekend on 6 and 7 June.
6. 11 The chairman concludes the meeting at 9.30 p.m. and the presentation of the Digital Billboard will follow downstairs with a drink and more discussion afterwards.
The next Community Council meeting will take place on Thursday 17 September at 20.00 in 't Klokhuis Community Centre
Translation: Antoinette van der Maas
MINUTES:
Most pertinent points from
Archipel & Willemspark Community Council minutes
19 M A R C H 2 0 0 9 I N 'T K L O K H U I S
Present: Mmes Beekman, Blitz, Drijver, Hoogenraad, Ipema, Kars, Krul, Nuij-Dols, Ponsen (minutes secretary), Reuchlin and Messrs Bentinck, Bloembergen, Dike, Van Gijn, Van der Hoog, Klein (came in late because of previous meeting), Landheer, De Liefde, Taekema, Van Tetterode, Thedinga
Absent (announced beforehand): Mmes Van Lynden, Mendes de Leon, Mulder and
Messrs Abels, Huisman and Hooft Graafland
1.0 Ank Beekman welcomes those present, as chairman Wybe Taekema has not yet arrived.
1.1 Ank announces the death of Jaak Mulder, Noor Mulder’s husband. Noor is representative of the Residents Association Couperusduin. Nel Kars is standing in for her tonight.
2. Minutes of community council meeting January 22, 2009
The minutes are accepted without any changes.
3. News from the A/W community committee, working parties and lobby groups.
3.1 The Bankastraat Citizen’s Initiative was discussed on February 17, 2009 during the public meeting of the Council Committee City Districts in 't Klokhuis, and subsequently during the city council meeting on March 5. This initiative was taken by Willem van Gijn, who is satisfied with the decision about the top of the Bankastraat, where traffic will be forced to slow down by the construction of a sharp bend and the installation of raised kerbing down the middle of the road. The area around the fountain on Bankaplein will be widened; this will also slow down traffic. All proposed measures will be carried out this year. The city council feels the narrow section of Bankastraat is not wide enough to allow for separate cycling lanes. A&W fears that the proposed uninterrupted white line down the middle of the street will create pressure on cyclists, pushing them too close to the kerb, as (impatient) drivers try to overtake them. Responsible parking and loading/unloading remains on the working party’s list of demands. Shopkeepers have been promised that the number of parking spaces will not be reduced. A possible official cycling route City Centre - Scheveningen would be beneficial to cyclists.
Plans for the wider part of the Bankastraat seemed a bit thin at first, but now a motion by SP/CU to reconstruct this street (to take place soon along with major repairs in 2010) after consultation with the inhabitants has been accepted. The working group does not feel this is just a cosmetic problem; traffic safety is at stake here as well. The width of the road should not be less than 4.5 m, which means there will be enough room for wider pavements. The continuous pavement (with exit gangways onto Bankastraat at pavement level), especially at Sumatrastraat, will make the loading/unloading of vehicles easier.
The chairman compliments all of those in the working group on the results.
3.2 “Social sofa”
Else Ponsen will coordinate this project. Maaike Nuij has reported the conditions laid down by the council. A studio or workshop to be used for a fortnight with a wide entrance of 2.3 m will be necessary and a number of volunteers to work on the mosaic together. An artist will make the design; Citizenship Funds will provide the funding. Suggestions for the final location of the sofa: on Bankastraat against the side-wall of the Mozaic hotel or on Nassauplein. The building inspectorate will need to give its permission.
There are already two interested volunteers: Auke van der Kooi (publicity) and
Jet de Meester (to help on the mosaic work). Enno Thedinga knows of an empty garage in the Balistraat and will provide the details.
3.3 Working party Traffic:
The improvement of the footpath along Koninginnegracht is still waiting for funding. The Riouw cycle bridge is causing problems as pedestrians use it to cross the Raamweg. The council has placed a fence down the middle of Raamweg. Raamweg inhabitants, schools and Benoordenhout community council have objected. Together with Javastraat inhabitants, the working party wants to lobby for two-way cycle traffic in the narrow part of Javastraat. The excavation of a tram tunnel on Koninginnegracht will mean a risk to the houses along the street. On completion of such a project traffic (no longer held up by the tram) will become heavier on Javastraat and Copes Laan. A&W will keep an eye on developments: 100 million euro of government funds has already been promised for construction.
3.4 Working Party Urban Planning:
Tim Dike mentions an invitation to an information evening regarding the building plan at the site of the former LTO building in Prinsevinkenpark. The actualisation of the zoning plan is a delaying factor. This should be done every ten years. The zoning plan for Archipel/Willemspark was last laid down in January 1982. At the time, any increase in the conversion of properties to offices in residential streets was discouraged by temporary measures: an office in the Riouwstraat that had once become residential could not afterwards again be used as office space. However, there are ‘white areas’: Ternatestraat and the area behind Bankastraat 99. As soon as the zoning plan is actualised, these areas will be reconsidered. Also the number of catering establishments will need to be carefully monitored.
3.5 Working party Public Space:
Membership has doubled: Jacqueline ten Hoope will in future assist Josien Deknatel. Hairdresser Renirie has filed a complaint about rats in the Sumatrastraat.
3.6 A&W digital billboard newspaper will be placed in the shop window of AH supermarket; in 't Klokhuis it will be located in the meeting room. A location in Frederikstraat has not yet been found. The present internet url will change to www.archipelwillemspark.nl
3.7 Working Party van Repelaer Woods:
Agaath Reuchlin announces that after ten years she is stopping; Marianne van der Zalm will take over. Grateful thanks went to Agaath for all her good work for the Bosje.
3.8 Working Party Public Transport:
Andries Landheer reports on the planned teminus loop for tram 9 at Madurodam, which will allow a more frequent service between Madurodam and the city (every five minutes). There will be alternate services to Madurodam or to Scheveningen. Tim Dike will check the implications of the transfer of the bus shelter at Burg. De Monchyplein, as announced in the City Council’s list of building plans.
3.9 Surinamestraat:
Berend Bentinck wonders whether the council has found a solution for the stretches of grass in the middle of the street, which are difficult to access for the grass mowers. Joining the two sections seems the best option but would result in a loss of parking places. Maaike Nuij will make enquiries.
3.10 Couperusduin:
Nel Kars is annoyed by the unnecessary illumination of lamp posts during daylight hours on Scheveningseweg and Timorstraat; a similar waste of energy has been noticed by Max van der Hoog in Surinamestraat. Maaike reports that complaints by phone will not help as it is a technical problem.
3.11 Committee meeting of council’s Urban Development and City Planning (RSO):
Wybe was present at the public enquiry procedure regarding possible building plans for the International Zone. The present police station will be demolished, but the planned massive building with a height of about 50m would be far too dominant for our neighbourhood. There was a lot of opposition against the Bofill tower (Burg. Kolfschotenlaan opposite the the marble feature) some years ago and that was a slimline building in comparison with a height of 45m. Other possible locations have been mentioned: close to the Peace Palace or on the site of the National Investment Bank, or at the Europol location at the Waalsdorperweg/Raamweg intersection (or will an auxiliary branch of Leiden University take up residence here). Eveline Blitz reports that the Friends of The Hague have also objected to the building plans.
3.12 Riki Krul reports that the bottle banks and recycling paper containers in the recently refurbished Fredrikstraat have been removed after consultation with the shopkeepers’ association. Certainly an improvement to the street scene; many restaurant and bar owners from the neighbourhood and Denneweg used to dump their empty bottles here. There is now extra monitoring of waste-removal contracts among those in the catering industry, but for private individuals there are no longer any recycling facilities. Riki suggests the Schelpkade as an alternative location, as there are no houses on one side of the street. The use of the containers for both recycling paper and glass at Nassauplein has noticeably intensified lately.
3.13 Enno Thedinga asks community police officer Yvonne Ipema how long a trailer may be left on the street. The answer is three weeks. He says there is a trailer in Balistraat that has been there considerably longer and has noted the registration number. Yvonne will look into the matter and take the appropriate action.
Objections to the underground parking garage at Balistraat/Koninginnegracht are at the public-hearing stage. In the meantime, if the contractor undertakes any building activities he will be liable.
Yvonne announces the decision to add a white cross to the road surface at the junctions Balistraat/Laan Copes and Surinamestraat/Javastraat.
3.14 Working party A&W Community Newspaper:
Eva Drijver reports that a new printer has been found who works in full-colour at the same rates as the current printer who produces issues in black and one spot colour. More colour will be added gradually to future issues. Wybe stresses the importance of preserving legibility.
3.15 Working party A&W Website:
Ank has noticed that the website is visited more often now that there is a newsletter sent by e-mail. The site is always in full colour: currently in its spring colours. There is urgent need for (technical) backup when Jaap Drijver and Linda Nash are away during the holiday period.
4.Developments CentrumRing/VCP
Wybe reports that joint decisions will be taken in next week’s City Council meeting. The plans can be viewed from March 25 to May 6 at municipal district offices.
4.1 Northwestelijke Hoofdroute (main north-west arterial route): Wybe was present at the platform meeting on March 2, 2009. Councillor Smit was present, but goodwill towards him is wearing thin after all the talk with no results.
4.2 International Zone: see point 3.11
5. City Council: Maaike Nuij of the City Management Dept.
5.1 recycling paper and bottle banks on Burg. Patijnlaan may be relocated underground.
5.2 Advantages International Zone: weeding will be done more frequently to keep up appearances in the zone!
5.3 Pending public works at Elandstraat has meant a delay in the work at the A.v.d.Spuyweg/Scheveningseweg junction, however, it is still scheduled for this year.
5.5 Decision on cycle lane in Javastraat has to wait pending the decision on general cycling provisions.
5.6 “Trees Atjehstraat” plan has been made.
5.7 Request for trees in Balistraat has been turned down.
5.8 Maaike will check whether the extension to the outdoor terrace of Café Bankastraat conforms to the issued permit. This in combination with tree roots pushing up the paving stones means gangway here is restricted for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
5.9 Community Police: Yvonne Ipema reports.
Burglaries in the neighbourhood, as reported before, took place mostly on second floors where windows were left open. The victim of a recent burglarly, Max van der Hoog, found the search for clues was begun far too late and seven consecutive visits from police officers a sign of very poor organisation.
6. Finance: Treasurer Ruud Klein reports
6.1 The last financial year ended with a deficit of € 246. Next year’s budget has been submitted in accordance with last year. The documents will be filed before April 1. Ruud will distribute a summary during the next meeting.
6.2 Tim asks if there is financial headroom for the working party (Urban Planning) to lodge an appeal. Answer from the executive committee: a decision will be taken bearing in mind that the (whole) neighbourhood would benefit. Just a few guidelines for future reference: report to the committee in good time, an exchange of views costs nothing and submitting objections does not necessarily involve high costs either. However, complex and far-reaching matters effecting the neighbourhood require legal knowledge. If it seriously affects the community, the committee can make funds available.
7. Other business and conclusion of meeting
7.1 Tim: AH has lodged an appeal as a further building permit has been rejected because among other things changes on the courtyard at the rear. A local resident has lodged a complaint. The A&W Residents Association is supporting Albert Heijn’s appeal, as a radical approach to redevelopment will mean a better environment in the long term.
7.2 An advantage of the International Zone could be improved maintenance of local surroundings.
7.3 At the request of Charlotte van Lynden, Else reports on several changes at Het Schakelpunt.
7.4 The meeting was concluded at 22.00 h. after which the discussions continued and drinks were enjoyed .
The next Community Council meeting will take place on Thursday June 4 at 20.00 in 't Klokhuis Community Centre
Translation: Antoinette van der Maas
Most pertinent points from
Archipel & Willemspark Community Council minutes
22 J A N U A R Y 2 0 0 9
Present: Mmes Beekman, Blitz, Kars, Leidekker, Mendes de Leon (late arrival), Nuij, Ponsen (minutes secretary) and Messrs Abels, Van Bemmelen, Dike, Van Gijn, Hooft Graafland, Klein, Landheer, Van de Leur, Stolk,Taekema
Absent with notice: Mrs Drijver, Hoogerbrugge, Ipema, Mulder, Pelsman, Van Till and Van der Zalm and Messrs Bloembergen, Huisman, De Liefde, Nieuwenhuys and Tettero
1. Opening, announcements, additional agenda points
Wybe Taekema, chairman, welcomes those present, especially the two police representatives Stolk and Van de Leur, who have also been invited because of the recent steep increase in burglaries in the neighbourhood.
Hans van Bemmelen is here to explain his activities in the working party Javastraat. Nel Kars is standing in for Noor Mulder of the residents association/Home Owner’s Association Couperusduin.
1.1 Announcements: nothing of special importance.
1.2 Confirmation of the agenda: following point 3 CentrumRing, Hans van Bemmelen will report on his activities regarding the Javastraat. At point 4, Police, the recent burglaries will be discussed.
2. Minutes of 20 November 2008 council meeting
5.5 In answer to a question from Gilles Hooft Graafland: Maaike Nuij (City Management Service) inquired at the police traffic department whether the Laan Copes/Surinamestraat crossing c.q. Javastraat crossing could be marked with a white ”x”. Police think that this will not have the required result and, money being limited, they will not comply with our request.
6.1 Maaike will send us the conditions for participation in the project Social Sofas. Preference is to be given to a workshop/studio in the neighbourhood; the sofa weighs 2,000 kg. We have already been contacted by someone who wants to help us; also, a request can be published in the A/W community newspaper specifically asking people to react. Auke van der Kooi (member of the editorial team of the A/W community newspaper) is willing to cooperate.
6.4 Charlotte van Lynden asks about fire safety for the elderly in Couperusduin. Nel Kars explains that contact with the fire department has been made and action will be taken.
6.10 Bart de Liefde asks whether the apple/pear trees in his street should be replaced by younger ones, as they do not seem to bloom much anymore. According to Maaike, these trees should last another fifteen years.
7.1 Eveline Blitz asked about the placing of lamp posts alongside the water in the Borneostraat. Maaike will follow up on this question.
3. Developments concerning CentrumRing and pollution: start of legal procedure
3.1 CentrumRing
The decision of the administrative magistrate is that the council was right in dismissing our objections against the resolution about the route of the CentrumRing. Appeals may still be lodged against traffic resolutions yet to come. It is a positive sign that the councillor has decided to take all traffic resolutions at the same time and not step by step. Traffic resolutions regarding Elandstraat/Mauritskade were first on the agenda. Decisions will be taken on the basis of an environmental investigation measuring air pollution and noise levels.
The hearing is expected in the second half of March. Eveline has written a first draft for an appeal, which lawyer Rupert van Heijningen will lodge when the time comes.
End October/November 2008 air pollution levels were already too high. At a meeting with civil servants, all measures we came up with to remedy the situation were brushed aside. Eveline now wants to put pressure on the civil servants to come up with alternative measures themselves. Air pollution is an important factor in the VCP procedure. Shoving the problems aside is not the solution; they should be solved.
If exceeding accepted standards on the Veerkade was unacceptable, this also applies to Laan Copes. The standards will remain unclear until 2010 and it must be feared that the council will accept the maximum until European regulations will be introduced.
3.2 Working party Javastraat
Hans van Bemmelen has lived in the narrow part of the Javastraat for 10 years now and together with his neighbours Weeink and Herculijns, he is actively involved in improving “his” street in various ways.
In the Long-term City Bicycle Programme 2007-2010 a two-way bicycle lane along the Javastraat was mentioned. Regretfully, this plan will not be realized now; the councillor does not want the present two traffic lanes (for cars) replaced by just one lane, as this would slow down traffic considerably. Also, local tradesmen refuse to give up their parking places for a bicycle lane. Wybe makes us aware of the fact that the city council can always change their minds and retract their decisions. A case in point is the relocation of the CentrumRing (2001).
Long stretches of the North-South connection are very difficult to negotiate by bike:
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Dr. Kuyperstraat/Mauritskade/Elandstraat bicycle lanes are not continuous
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Laan Copes/Burg. Patijnlaan cycle lane ends at Carnegielaan
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The Wassenaarseweg/Javastraat/Laan van Meerdervoort route can only be called extremely bad for cyclists
Air pollution in the narrow section of Javastraat has become worse, now that the street falls just outside the “environmental zone”, which was introduced in 2008, more and more lorries use this street.
It appears that the monthly monitoring of air pollution in front of the all-night shop on Javastraat was reduced to a single annual monitoring, according to data that have become public thanks to the Openness of Government Act (WOB). Wybe suggests that Javastraat residents keep in touch with the contact person of the working party Traffic, Willem van Gijn. In 2010 council elections will take place, so now is a very favourable time to begin lobbying and to highlight sensitive issues in the A/W community newspaper and on the A/W website/digital billboard.
Wybe and Willem have been discussing the construction of a terminus loop for tram 9 at Madurodam with representatives of the city council. This loop will be a temporary solution (for about five years) and tram 9 will run more frequently than now. The councillor has proposed a tunnel for this tramway under the crossings along Koninginnegracht at Laan Copes and Javastraat. This serves only one purpose: to facilitate traffic on Laan Copes and Javastraat, which will again increase the number of cars here.
4. Municipal Council: including City Management Service and Police
4.1 Maaike announces that trees have been planted on the Burg. Marijnenlaan.
4.2 Seven Gleditsia’s have been planted in front of Het Schakelpunt. On the Borneostraat, bicycle hitching posts as well as a wooden seat have been installed. Schakelpunt users are very pleased that their requests have been met so quickly!
4.3 All containers for recyling paper and glass in front of Couperusduin, although still slightly dented, have been given a fresh coat of green paint.
4.4 Ank Beekman enquires after the reconstruction of the crossing Scheveningseweg/ A.v.d.Spuyweg/Jacob Catslaan as already announced and discussed. Maaike will look into it.
4.5 Community police Gilles reports that an attempted burglary of his house on the Surinamestraat has taken place: a window on the second floor was smashed in. A few houses further down the street, the burglars were more successful and jewellery was taken from the premises. The secretary of the lobby group Surinamestraat has sent a warning to all members and has asked them to pay special attention to suspicious looking persons. One of the local residents has already warned the police that he saw some people hanging about and gave them the license number of their car. Mr Stolk reports that the police are looking into this matter.
Riouwstraat has had its share of the burglaries recently; some 15 to 20 cases have been reported over the last few months. Appeals will be published on the A/W website and in the next A/W community newspaper asking all local residents to be vigilant and to call the police if they see anything suspicious. After a burglary, police will always contact the neighbours to check whether they saw or heard anything. Usually the burglars enter at the back of the house, but always at different hours of the day. Be sure to call 112 when you witness a crime such as burglary. Junkies usually prefer the easy way in, an open window for instance; professional burglars usually see more possibilities. It was suggested to interview a burglary victim and to publish it in the A/W community newspaper. At the request of the local police officers, who will stay in direct our contact persons, the A/W can pass on information to our residents about any wave of break-ins or the presence of confidence tricksters in the area.
5. Other news from board and working parties, lobby groups: including citizen's initiative Bankastraat, digital newsletter and "muurkrant" (digital billboard newspaper)
5.1 Working party Traffic
Willem van Gijn: This week the traffic councillor will send a recommendation to the Traffic Committee about the Bankastraat. The subject is scheduled for the committee’s mid-February 2009 agenda. Local residents are most welcome to attend this meeting in order to support our views. ‘Safety’ and ‘quality of life’ are our focal points. Reconstruction of the wide part of the Bankastraat is now our main concern. Costs are estimated at €600,000; the council has probably put aside some money for projects like this.
5.2 Working party Urban planning
Victoria Mendes de Leon: Project developer De Greef has postponed the planned meeting about the redevelopment of the Prinsevinkenpark premises (formerly LTO). The project is still being considered by the Council. Tim Dike says that part of this project has now been transferred to investors from Wassenaar.
Tim Dike will check why the building plans submitted by the Albert Heijn supermarket have been turned down. Number of parking places?
5.3 Working party Public space
No representative of this working party present. Café Banka with its covered terrace is kinder to smokers than to the passers-by according to Willem, who points out the narrow strip of pavement now available to pedestrians is very bumpy and uneven. Maaike will check whether the café has a proper terrace licence.
A request is made for a sign at the Nassauplein bearing the telephone number of the City Management Service, which would facilitate the reporting by GSM of rubbish around the paper and glass recycling containers.
Complaints about dirty seats and peeling paint: Maaike asks for an inventory, which Else Ponsen will supply.
Laan Copes/late-night shop tram stop: replacement of current rubbish bins with larger ones impossible, but it would be possible to empty them more frequently and to provide more of them. An extra bin at the late-night shop in the Javastraat would also be appreciated.
5.4 Couperusduin
Nel Kars worries about the leaves from the chestnut trees that are not removed from the Jewish Cemetery, allowing the horse chestnut leaf miner to overwinter. In contrast, on all the leaves on Timorstraat are carefully removed in order to fight the leaf miner. Gardening work in the cemetery is carried out only once a year. Nel will ask the caretaker, who lives next to the entrance, whether the leaves could be removed earlier in the year.
5.5 Lobby Group Willemspark
Tim Dike reports that objections have been lodged against the construction of six 8-metre high apartments on the inner court off Prinses Mariestraat/ Frederikstraat/Cantaloupenburg and a planned 5-metre-deep underground car park. Planned new premises for the Willemsparkschool recently taken over by The Hague School Association (HSV) adjacent to this site include a gym hall 9.5 metres high, at right angles to the main building, which will also be used in the evenings by the Archipelschool. These building developments do not seem to be very well attuned to one another.
5.6 Vredeskapel (Chapel on Malakkastraat), new STEK (Town and Church) diaconal community worker
Annemieke Leidekker introduces herself. She is Idelette Nutma’s successor and works in Archipel, Willemspark, Zeeheldenkwartier and Benoordenhout. She is hoping to liaise between church and neighbourhood by setting up socio-cultural projects in association with other institutions and bodies such as Huize Tichelaar (a shelter for the homeless).
5.7 E-Newsletter
The e-newsletter is functioning well. Contact secretariaat@archipelbuurt.nl if you want to subscribe.
5.8 The digital billboard newspaper
This facility will make the A/W e-newsletter available to all local residents. The monitors will be located in the Albert Heijn supermarket, in ‘t Klokhuis Communty Centre and in the Frederikstraat (location not yet known) within two months.
5.9 Maaike distributes the so-called availability guide and presents us with a brochure on the fight against graffiti. She also has photos of locations in Escamp, showing defaced facades before and after the cleaned-up.
5.10 The chairman recalls what a great success the New Year’s Reception on Sunday 11 January was. The Archipel/Willemspark Residents Association presented Michiel Ottolander with the prize ‘Ereprijs 2008’ for his voluntary activities, especially for services rendered to the A/W community newspaper. Otto Voci provided the wonderful background music.
6. Other business and conclusion of meeting
The meeting was concluded at 22.00 h. and the social part of the evening continued for quite some time.
The next Community Council meeting will take place in ’t Klokhuis on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 20.00 h.
Translation: Antoinette van der Maas
Most pertinent points from
Archipel & Willemspark Community Council minutes
2 0 M A R C H 2 0 0 8
Present: Mrs Beekman, Mrs Nuij-Dols, Mrs van Hof, Mrs Ipema, Mrs Mulder, Mrs Deknatel, Mrs Polderman, Mrs Schelling and Mrs Ponsen and Mr Taekema, Mr Klein, Mr van der Kooi, Mr Landheer, Mr Abels, Mr Bregman, Mr Huisman, Mr van der Hoog, Mr Abboud and Mr Bloembergen
Absent with notice : Mrs Drijver, Mrs van der Zalm, Mrs Reuchlin, Mrs Hoogenraad, Mrs Mendes Leon, Mrs van Till and Mrs Blitz and Mr Nieuwenhuis, Mr Engelhard, Mr Metz, Mr Hooft Graafland and Mr Voorhoeve.
1.0 Welcome from chairman Wybe Taekema, who congratulates Ank Beekman on her birthday.
1.1 Communications: Favourable responses for the theatre production `Vreemde Eenden’, a joint initiative of the Vredeskapel and Huize Tichelaar.
1.2 Confirmation of agenda: no changes
2. Community Council Minutes of 17 January 2008
Correction 5.4: replace invitation to tender for `public transport' by `HTM bus service’. The minutes are approved.
3. News executive board: among other things VCP and air quality
Beginning of April there will be consultations between the delegations board and Laan Copes about progress and developments in the VCP Brainstorming Group. This urban group of representatives from community organisations in areas affected by the VCP is the local interlocutor with the municipal council.
As far as air quality is concerned, a report has been received from June 2007.
4. Municipality council: including City Management Service and the Police
4.1 Maaike Nuij has the last version of “de Kern Gezond” brochure concerning buurtschap 2005, which includes a section about the renewal of the sewerage system in Willemspark 2 between Frederikstraat and Schelpkade. Those interested can examine the document at www.denhaag/kerngezond.nl It will be Cantaloupenburg’s turn very soon.
4.2 There will be a chance for participation in the debate on paid parking: the times in A&W are unaltered, but a proposal to abolish paid parking is unfeasible, says Maaike.
4.3 Budget for the tidy up of the play area behind the Archipelschool amounts to €93,000. Houses are to be built on the undeveloped ground next to the playground. A temporary facility in the playgrund area will be provided for after-school activities until an extra floor with two classrooms can be added to the school building.
4.4 The head of the cemeteries department of the City Management Service, Mr Feij, communicated to Maaike that there is no objection to an extension on the Prinsevinkenpark side of of the R.C. Cemetery. Residents in the immediate vicinity, however, do have objections. Mr Abboud from the Prinsevinkenpark has, in vain, asked for information from the council. He has at his disposal a rejection by K.B to an extension from 1962 with the argument that the R.C. Cemetery on Binckhorstlaan still has sufficient space. Residents have rejected the suggestion of high walls with niches and the planting of low shrubs. The director of the cemetery refuses to discuss the subject with residents.
4.5 Nassauplein: Wybe asked Maaike for further information on the plans; estimate of the costs is €650.000. He advocates a more open central area paved with a natural material like sea shells, so that it can be used for activities such as an art market, in consultation with the people concerned. The designs by Kees Vaartjes are available for public inspection.
Replanting of trees took place on 19 March: national tree-planting day.
Police
4.6 Community policewoman Yvonne Ipema asks Maaike about the installation of a section of extra curbing at the corner of Bankastraat/Soendastraat. A year has already passed and combining this with the repaving of Soendastraat seems such a good option. Maaike will look into it.
4.7 There is a temporary one-way system for cyclists in Zeestraat between Mauritskade and Sophialaan because of the narrowing of the street due to construction work on the Hilton complex.
5. Annual report 2006 & 2007
5.1 Substantive reports: secretary Ank Beekman gives an explanation on circulated lists of activities in A&W. Municipal re-organisation has caused complications: which civil servant falls does what? Maaike Nuij is very happy with her well-earned score of 8. Ank’s work on these reports is much appreciated.
5.2 Financial report 2007: treasurer Ruud Klein distributes a summary, subdivided into budgets for staff, housing, organisation and activities. There is a negative balance of €7.86,
Targetted reserves available for things such as legal costs in connection with the VCP.
The reserve for groundwater dates back to the construction of the Monchyplein, which initially was to involve open drainage work. Local campaigns halted the work and a pile wall was erected to prevent damage to surrounding buildings and trees. The funds made inspection during construction possible. This budget has a clear goal.
Volunteers’ costs concern compensation for expenses and modest gifts to show appreciation.
Suggestion to change bank to increase the interest earned from the savings account. Ruud will discuss this with the board. Thanks to Ruud for his clear report.
6. Working parties, etc.
6.1 urban planning
Board member Auke Bloembergen comments on consultations/plans concerning Bankastraat. This involves discussions in working parties for urban planning, public space and traffic, a delegation of entrepreneurs, the executive board and the Municipal Council (including Maaike).
Three distinct aspects:
a) priority for Bankastraat hill/Bankaplein/narrow Bankastraat is reduction of traffic speed = action wg Traffic.
b) corner of Bankastraat/ Sumatrastraat and conversion of AH façade to create a more open look = action wg Urban Planning;
exterior street area, delivery/collection and bicycles = action wg Public Space.
c) Drawing up of plans for a facelift of the wide section of Bankastraat in consultation with businesses and board. Auke would like to realise this by next year.
He would like to present a visual plan on a stall at the Community Fair in June.
6.2 public space
Josien Deknatel would like more people in the working party and plans to use the Community Fair to recruit more manpower. Recruitment campaign in the well-read community newspaper also recommended.
6.3 traffic
The new chairman of the working party is Willem van Gijn (not present). Fences have already been placed on the bicycle path along Raamweg to block off a short but dangerous crossing point used by pedestrians who cross the bicycle bridge.
6.4 public transport
Andries Landheer awaits the outcome in April of the invitation to tender for the bus service.
6.5 Scheveningen woods
Mrs Pelsman sent a complaint concerning flooded paths. Mr Bregman, new Community Chief Constable of the community police officers, who is responsible for the woods will pass the complaint on.
Bert Huisman reports that oil has been removed from the paths after a clean-up action, but an attempt to clean a sign-board unfortunately resulted in a blank board!
6.6 Repelaer woods
After reports about unsavoury characters hanging about, the police will patrol the woods more regularly.
6.7 website
The sitemap facility on the homepage now provides a quick and clear overview of what is to be found on the site. A possibility that Josien’s husband can stand in as webmaster when Jaap Drijver is on holiday. Marianne v.d. Zalm has recently started writing articles. More urgent is the need for a translator, Dutch - English, for among other things translation of the community council minutes.
6.8 community newspaper
The April number will feature the Indonesian links in the district. The Pasar Malam celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. It is happens to be organised by a Celebesstraat resident. The Koempoelan in ‘t Klokhuis, started by an Indonesian resident, celebrates its 10th jubilee.
6.9 community fair
Luce Schelling and Annette Polderman give a global impression of the programme planned for Saturday 28 June. The theme will be `Neighbourhood insight’. There will be guided tours, a football tournament, a miniature train, a games street for children, a flea market, performances by local musical talent, a communal dinner on Bankaplein and lots more. They can still do with more sponsors and are waiting for the event license. A Sumatrastraat resident will design a poster.
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