residents association -organisation

The public Community Council meetings, in which representatives of many groups and organizations (including the local police service) participate, provide the platform for the exchange of ideas and views about the different activities and the development of new initiatives.

The Council meets five times a year in the Klokhuis Community Centre on a Thursday at 20.00:

27 January; 31 March; 16 June; 29 September; 1 December

and the agenda is made public before each meeting in the community newspaper and on this website. The minutes of each meeting are also published on the website.

Council structure

The Community Council meetings take place 5x per year in Community Centre 't Klokhuis on Thursdays: 21/1, 25/3, 10/6, 30/9 and 25/11 at 20.00.

The Council is composed of:
- the council committee (Residents Association's board members)
- delegations from independent groups/organizations active in the neighbourhood:

't Klokhuis Association and 't Klokhuis Foundation;

Archipel/ Willemspark Senior Citizens group;

Community bus service;
Vredeskapel - Dutch Reformed Church in Malakkastraat;
Tenants' Association - Couperusduin and De Nieuwe Hof;
Home-owners' Association - Alexander's-hof, Couperus I & II, Malle Molenhof, Javalaantje, premises on Burgemeester de Monchyplein;
Lobby groups from Surinamestraat, Laan Copes v. Cattenburch, Burgemeester de Monchyplein, Mallemolen (restaurants) and Javastraat /Frederikstraat Business Association;
Socio-cultural Cantaloup Community Centre (Clubhuis Cantaloup) in Willemspark;

Zeeheldenkwartier;

- representatives from Resident Association's working parties.

Furthermore, local services in the Archipel and Willemspark district is represented by a members of the local community police service and the city management service, and local residents are also welcome to attend council meetings as private individuals.

Advisers

The Residents' Association can also call on the support of independent advisors with legal, architectural, historical and communications expertise.

MEETING DATES - 2011:

Community Council - Archipel & Willemspark Residents Association

Five times a year in the Klokhuis Community Centre on a Thursday at 20.00:

27 January

31 March

16 June

29 September

1 December

NEXT MEETING:

Community Council - Archipel & Willemspark Residents Association

date: Thursday 29 September 2011

time: 20.00

location: 't Klokhuis, Celebesstraat 4, The Hague

Local residents,

Tthe next Community Council is as always it takes place in the Klokhuis Community Centre (upstairs).

We encourage as many of you as possible to be present as possible as the agenda covers matters important to all those living in the neighbourhood.

Agenda

1. Opening, announcements, additional agenda points
2. Presentation about alterations to Albert Heijn
3. Reappointment of A&W board members of resident associations
4. A&W working parties report on their activities
5. Representatives of the City council and Police are on hand to listen to your suggestions, comments and complaints
   • Police announcements
6. Other business and conclusion of meeting.

We hope there is something on the agenda to entice you along to the meeting. If not, let us know what you would like to have discussed at your Community Council.

All residents are extremely welcome to attend the Community Council meetings.

Join in and have your say, we value your opinion!

Look forward to seeing you on Thursday 29 September.

 Wybe Taekema, Chairman

Dates: Community Council Meetings 2011
The last meeting of 2011 in the Klokhuis Community Centre is on Thursday 1 December at 20.00

MINUTES:

Most pertinent points from

Archipel & Willemspark Community Council minutes

29  S E P T E M B E R   2 0 1 1   I N  'T  K L O K H U I S

Present: Mr W. Taekema, Mrs A. Beekman, Mr A. Bloembergen, Mr D. Hazekamp, Mr G. Spierenburg (The Hague City Council), Mr D. Nijzink (The Hague City Council), Mrs B. Aardewerk, Mr P. Munnikes (minutes taker), Mrs M. Hoogerbrugge (Haaglanden Police), Mr G. Nieuwenhuys, Mrs E. Verhulst, Mr B. Bos, Mw. C.C. Dedel-Walbeek, Mr W. van Gijn, Mr C. Storm de Grave, Mr W. Boer, Mrs M. Teesing, Mw A. van der Maas, Mr R. de Jong, Mr A. Kokosky Deforchaux (Tong Tong Foundation), Mrs. S. Boom (Tong Tong Foundation), Mrs S.J. de Ruijter (Manager AH Sumatrastraat)

 

Absent with notice: Mr R. Klein, Mrs A. ter Kuile, Mr F. Hooft Graafland, Mrs E. Drijver, Mrs E. Ponsen, Mrs E. Blitz, Mrs E. van der Ven (Boog), Mr N. van der Meer (Steinmetz de Compaan), Mr T. Dike, Mrs. M. van der Zalm.

1A. Opening

Chairman Wybe Taekema opened the meeting at 20.00 h.; he welcomed all present and asked them to sign the attendance list.

1B. Announcements

Chairman introduced Mr Arnaud Kokosky Deforchaux Mrs Siem Boom, both from the Tong Tong Foundation. (See point 3 in these minutes)

An e-mail received from Peer Westerink about a Sinterklaas event. (See point 5 in these minutes) 

1C. Agenda

Because the two guests from the Tong Tong Foundation had to return to Amsterdam that evening, the subject of cooperation with the Foundation in 2012 was discussed directly after approval of the minutes of the previous meeting.

2.  Approval of the minutes of 10 June 2011 meeting

Point 7G: 'a number of new advertisers' should read 'no new advertisers'.

The rest of the minutes were approved without further changes.

3.  Activities in the Archipelbuurt in cooperation with the Tong Tong Foundation

Two representatives from the Foundation, who are organising the 2012 Tong Tong Fair on the Malieveld from 17 May through 28 May, proposed that related themed activities take place in the neighbourhood during this period. For example batik weaving in Balistraat and dance demonstrations in Sumatrastraat. As with the recent Poet in Residence event, residents would also be asked to allow some of the events to take place in their homes. Those present were favourably disposed to the idea.

The Foundation will contact the secretariat again at the beginning of 2012 to develop the ideas further, when the possible options are clearer and more is known about what means the Tong Tong Foundation will have at its disposal. Dick Nijzink if the City Council voiced his support for such initiatives.

Reappointment of board members

The chairman announced that three members of the current board have, according to the statutes, been reappointed for a second term of four years. They are the chairman, Auke Bloembergen (board member) and Ruud Klein (treasurer). None of those present had any objections.

5.  Sinterklaas event

Peer Westerink has sent an e-mail to the A&W secretariat making it known that another Sinterklaas procession through the neighbourhood will take place this year on 23 November. Volunteers are needed to provide music and to take on the role of ‘zwarte piets’. Please register at secretariaat@archipelwillemspark.nl

6.  Community Fair in 2012

Bert Bos:

For reasons why this was cancelled in 2011 see point 4 of the minutes of the 10 June 2011 meeting.

Five new volunteers have joined the 2012 wijkfeestcomité (organising committee) making a total of nine members.

The event for 2012 has been christened: BANKAPLEINFESTIJN and will take place during the first half of September 2012 around Bankaplein from 5 pm till midnight. There will be a welcoming drink for local residents from the Archipelbuurt and Willemspark, music will be provided by fellow residents, and during the feast itself a professional band will do the honours. In principle the festive meal is intended for adults but a simple children’s programme will be organised for the beginning of the evening.

The wijkfeestcomité will submit a subsidy application to the City Council. Dick Nijzink (City Council) announces that a well-motivated application stands a good chance of being accepted.

Because Bert is the only male wijkfeestcomité member he would welcome another male volunteer.

7.   Building work Albert Heijn - Sumatrastraat

Sasja de Ruijter (Manager AH Sumatrastraat) explained the current situation concerning the renovation and extension work:

Betty Aardewerk, together with Else Ponsen, will make arrangements for shopping to be done for the more elderly residents living in the Borneoflat.

8.   Working groups

8A  Working group Traffic

Willem van Gijn made it known that he no longer has enough time to devote to this working group. He has found a willing successor, Mr Christiaan Storm de Grave, whom he introduces to those present. For the time being Willem will continue to pursue the renovation of Bankastraat. The City Council had in fact promised to present a detailed plan by the end of September, which is awaited with much anticipation.

The chairman thanks Willem in particular for his participation in the Tram Route Brainstorming Group, which was instrumental in preventing the construction of a tram tunnel along Koninginnegracht and for his involvement in the Bankastraat burgerinitiatief (citizens’ initiative).

 

8B   Working Group Public Space

Derk Hazekamp:

8B1 Renovation Nassauplein

The council has produced a detailed design:

Gerard Spierenburg (The Hague City Council) commented that the design still has to be approved by the ACOR (Official Commission for Public Space).

8B2 Bench route

Betty Aardewerk and Nenne van der Meer (Steinmetz de Compaan) have made an inventory of the neighbourhood regarding the possible location of ‘resting’ benches for the elderly.

In Betty’s opinion there is in fact no need for extra benches because there are plenty of low walls and privately owned benches that can be utilised as resting points.

8B3 Trees in Atjehstraat

The City Council has also made a detailed plan for this project. The trees will be planted in clusters once the species has been selected.

8C Working group Care & Well-being

The social meeting point for local seniors Het Schakelpunt will be officially reopened on 6 October 2011 at 10.00 am.

Betty Aardewerk asked whether the A&W Residents Association could provide some modest funding for the decoration of the entrance for the opening. In principle the chairman agrees.

8D Working Group Urban Planning

No member was present and there were no announcements.

8E Working Group Sustainability

Marjan Teesing:

A working breakfast took place with other similar working groups active in The Hague.

During the recent Hague Heritage Day residents were able to receive tailor-made advice about making their (historical) homes more energy efficient. 

The Hague Energy Fair took place in the City Hall on 2 October 2011.

All the useful information and tips provided by the working party appear on the A&W website. The September issue of the community newspaper also contained a centre spread full of interesting articles.

8F Working Group Through Traffic

The chairman informs those present that last week the City Council passed the Mobility Bill without any amendments. Unfortunately, comments (the so-called zienswijzen) submitted on behalf of the A&W district have been completely ignored.

8G Community Newspaper

Betty Aardewerk has canvassed a number of shopkeepers in Frederikstraat about placing advertisements in the paper.

Else Ponsen has done the same in Javastraat.

8J  Website

The new website is almost ready and it is anticipated that it will be launched before the end of the year.

9.  Community Police and City Council

9A Police

Marianne Hoogerbrugge (community police officer):

In response to the complaints of nuisance around Archipelschool (see point 7B3 of the 10 June 2011 Community Council minutes), the police carried out surveillance during the evening and night of Saturday and Sunday evening and noticed nothing unusual.

She brought the start-up of the “Burgernet” in A&W to everyone’s attention and distributed information about how citizen’s can help the authorities track down criminals, stolen cars or a missing child.

Register at www.denhaag.nl/veilig or www.burgernet.nl or by telephoning 070 424 33 94.

She also mentioned the annual police corps run to be held in Scheveningen woods on 5 October.

9B City Council

Instructions for expats about the use of GFT afvalcontainers/bio-bins will be posted on the Council’s website.

9. Other business and conclusion of meeting

Dick Nijzink (The Hague City Council) indicates that there is a fixed budget for subsidies: it is a matter of first come first served. So be prompt with applications to avoid disappointment, i.e. the Bankapleinfestijn, which is scheduled for September 2012.

The Chairman closes the meeting at approximately 22.00 h.

Next meeting in the Klokhuis Community Centre

Thursday 1 December at 20:00 h

Translation: Webteam

Most pertinent points from

Archipel & Willemspark Community Council minutes

16  J U N E   2 0 1 1   I N  'T  K L O K H U I S

Present: 

Mr W. Taekema, Mrs A. Beekman, Mr A. Bloembergen, Mrs E. Drijver, Mr D. Hazekamp, Mr W.F. Hooft Graafland, Mr G. Spierenburg (City Council), Mrs B. Aardewerk, Mr J.E. Thedinga, Mr B. Huisman, Mr P. Munnikes (minutes secretary), Mrs M. van der Zalm-Waterreus, Mr R. Klein, Mr M.C. van der Hoog, Mr H. Kentgens (Haaglanden Community Police), Mr T. Dike, Mr A. Landheer, Mrs N. Mulder, Mr H.O. Lakens, Mrs A. Vaartjes, Mrs A. Polderman, Mr G. Nieuwenhuys, Mrs E. Verhulst, Mrs L. Gelling, Mrs I. Hylkema, Mrs L Westenberg, (Residents’ Committee Alexanderflat), Mr F. Verbeek (Residents’ Committee Alexanderflat), Mr M. Kaptein.

Absent with notice:

Mrs E. Blitz, Mrs E. v.d Ven (Stichting BOOG: a charitable organization for community structure), Mrs B. Bos, Mr. W. J. Abels, Mrs C.C. Dedel-Walbeek, Mr H. van Bemmelen, Mrs H. Hoogenraad (Duinzicht Church/Vredeskapel)

1A. Opening

Chairman Wybe Taekema opened the meeting at 20.00 h.; he welcomed all present and asked them to sign the attendance list.

1B. Announcements

Re point 3 of the agenda for this meeting: Mr M.P.F. van den Berge of the Plein 1813 Foundation is unable to attend; he will, however, be present at the next meeting to tell us about the plans to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Dutch victory over Napoleonic occupation that heralded the foundation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 1813 and its subsequent independence.

1C. Agenda

As point Stichting Plein 1813 had been cancelled, it was replaced by the possible placing of telecom masts on the roof of the Alexanderflat complex.

2. Approval of minutes 31 March 2011 meeting

Bench route – Additional point 8
Add: Gerard Spierenburg (City Council) informed us that residents will have to agree with the placing of a bench in front of their houses. The Public Space working group is to submit a proposal. Apart from these corrections, the minutes were accepted.

3. Telecom masts on the Alexanderflat

Lia Westenberg:
The owner of the Alexanderflat, the Staedion housing corporation, is planning to allow providers of mobile networks to install one or more telecom masts on the building. This will only be allowed if the majority (50% +1) of the residents give their approval. Staedion has commissioned KPMG (member of an international network of firms offering audit, tax and advisory services) to carry out a survey.

It seems that this survey is worded in such a way that the chance of the proposal being refused is minimal. Members of the Alexanderflat Residents Committee present at the meeting made it clear they are not happy about the text used in the survey; they feel it to be manipulative. They believe that no mast should be placed at all because of (alleged) health risks.

Chairman Wybe Taekema pointed out that the board of the A&W Residents Association had decided not undertake any action in this matter and remarked that the presence of the masts is also in the interest of mobile phone users. This is understood, but people would still prefer not to see them on residential buildings. According to the Chairman it is the task of the Alexanderflat Residents Committee to make sure that the outcome of the survey correctly reflects the opinions of those who are for and against the masts. It is remarked that people not living in the building in question are not allowed to lodge a complaint.

Betty Aardewerk suggested drawing attention to the subject in the A/W community newspaper.

4. Cancellation of the A&W Community Fair (was planned for 18 June 2011)

Isabelle Hylkema, Luce Gelling, Annette Polderman and Erika Verhulst of the Community Fair working party are present. Luce Gelling explained the reasons for the cancellation:

• Planned date was only three months after the traditional Queen’s Day celebrations
• The plans for the Fair were too elaborate
• Shopkeepers were not very eager to participate again so soon and to spend more money on contributions to the Fair; the news that Bankastraat would be closed off was not well received either
• Residents, too, were less than enthusiastic and a number of them went back on their initial promise to organize activities.

The Community Fair working party felt it would make more sense to organize a more modest annual party around the Bankaplein fountain in September – starting in 2012 – consisting of a community meal, and musical and dramatic performances.

The present Community Fair working party will take care of all the preparations; volunteers are still most welcome. Although the Fair will not take place this year after all, there is much appreciation for the working party and applause is felt to be in order.

5. Spending cuts announced by the City Council

Ruud Klein (treasurer of the A&W Residents Association):
In the long term, the City Council intends to reduce the present basic subsidy to the A&W Residents Association to between 10 to 15% of the present amount (€11,000 per year excl. administrative support). However as an interim stage, in the year 2012 the A&W will receive 30 to 40% of the current subsidy, but in 2013 the full reduction will be come into effect.

There will still be the possibility to qualify for a larger subsidy, but to achieve this specific plans and projects will have to be submitted to the City Council.

Note: In the meantime, following numerous objections from the various community organizations, alderman Engelshoven has amended the measures to be taken somewhat. Therefore, next year (2012) 15 % of the full subsidy will be made available and the subsidy for administrative support will also remain the same, however, the latter will be reduced gradually over the next few years. On balance, the total subsidy for our neighbourhood for the year 2012 will be reduced by €4,000 to €23,616.

6. Wall poetry project

Derk Hazekamp:
The launch of the first poetry wall in Surinamestraat has again been delayed because problems with the surface of the wall have not yet been resolved. End of September 2011 seems to be a more realistic date. The poem chosen is by Rutger Kopland.

In the meantime the Archipel Poetry Foundation has been set up and ANBI status (charitable status for institutions serving the Common Good) applied for.

7. Working parties

7A Traffic working party
No member of this working group was present. Auke Bloembergen (board member of the A&W Residents Association) is in contact with Mrs Rutgers, Mallemolen resident, regarding the additional cycle path (in the opposite direction to the flow of automotive traffic) in Javastraat to be realized before the end of the year. It is not yet known exactly when work will begin.

7B Public Spaceworking party
Derk Hazekamp:

7B1. Renovation of Nassauplein
A Nassauplein working group has been set up consisting of local residents, the City Council, the Dutch-German Chamber of Commerce and the A&W working party Public Space to supervise the renovation of the central garden.
Because of spending cuts, the City Council engineers office will bring the plans drawn up in 2008 up to date so that they can be executed in phases. The plan will be presented after the summer break. A special loading and unloading zone for the recycling containers will be an integral part of the design.

7B2. Trees in the neighbourhood
Derk Hazekamp has yet to do the rounds with council representative Gerrit van der Hut (responsible for public parks and gardens) to decide where new trees will be planted.

7B3. Nuisance caused by youths in the Archipelschool playground
Mark Kaptein, Sumatrastraat resident, reported that there is still a lot of trouble, particularly after 10 pm, caused by teenagers consuming alcohol and/or using drugs. He has made an inventory among residents in the immediate vicinity and a number people are affected by this behaviour.

He said while he appreciates what the police are doing at the moment, they are not always in a position to react quickly enough. Another solution needed to be found, e.g. a fence to close off the playground after 10 pm.

Gerard Spierenburg (City Council), together with the police, is also looking for an alternative spot where young people can gather without causing a nuisance. It is recommended that residents keep a detailed record of the nuisance incidents.

Mark Kaptein will send a letter to the City Council to explain the situation more fully.

7B4. “Bench route”
Betty Aardewerk has made an inventory of possible locations for benches.

The Public Space working party will approach the City Council with a definite plan. Gerard Spierenburg (City Council) again stresses that local residents will have to give their permission if a bench is to be located in front of their homes.

7C Care and Well-being working party
Schakelpunt, the local meeting point for senior residents, will reopen soon. See the extensive article in the June issue of the A/W community newspaper.

7D Urban Planning working party
Objections have been lodged against the development plan for the former LTO building (Prinsenvinkenpark). It is not yet clear whether this will hold up the proceedings.

In the garden of the LTO is an abandoned statue belonging to the Foundation for the Metal Industry. Betty Aardewerk feels this should be preserved for the neighbourhood after completion of the new building. Enno Thedinga will look into the matter.

The building plans for the new primary school on Frederikstraat have been finalized. The school expects construction work to begin before the end of the year. The whole Frederikstraat entrance facade to the school in the courtyard behind will be removed and then replaced once the new building is completed.

The working party, together with board member Auke Bloembergen, has been to see the manager of Albert Heijn in Sumatrastraat for an update on the planned refurbishment and extension. Plans for the interior of the supermarket are now complete and will be carried out accordingly. A so-called “green” roof will be installed and, working together with the Council engineers office, the parking facilities for bicycles and the system for the removal of packing material will be improved. The working party will follow developments closely. The A&W Digital Billboard will be relocated.

7E Sustainability working group
No member of this working party was present, but Ank Beekman (contact person for the Website working party) tells us that this working party had complained that it is impossible to find on the A&W website. [This has in the meantime been addressed on the Dutch section of the site.] The situation will be resolved after the planned restyling of the website.

7F van Repelaer Wood working party
Marianne van der Zalm reported that measures previously taken are no longer effective and that the nuisance (youths leaving trash behind) has recurred. Henk Kentgens (Community Police Officer) said that he had not yet been informed about this. Police and City Council stressed that each separate incident should be reported to enable the authorities to compose a file of complaints. If this is not done, it is impossible to act.

7G A&W Community Newspaper
Eva Drijver reported that she had found a number of new advertisers, but the extra income is not yet sufficient to cover the deficit.
Betty Aardewerk offered to approach shopkeepers in Frederikstraat.

7H A&W Website
De website is now being restyled. This is being done by volunteers and will (still) take some time.

7J Couperusduin Tenants Association
Noor Mulder reported that the shrubs to hide the glass recycling containers on Burgemeester Patijnlaan have been planted and that the difference they make is remarkable. Gerard Spierenburg (City Council) reported that the requested cycle hitching posts have been ordered and will be installed as soon as they have been delivered.

8. Police and City Council

8A Police
No remarks.

8B City Council
Betty Aardewerk asked that attention be given to the seedlings growing in the Bonistraat bridge. These should be removed before they damage the brickwork.

9. Other business and conclusion of meeting

A public meeting entitled “Think green, act green” will be held on 21 June in Nieuwe Kerk, Spui.

In a previous A&W Community Council meeting the subject of the incorrect usage of bins for organic waste (the green GFT bins/bio-bins) among local expats was mentioned and the City Council was asked if it could inform expats who appear to be ignorant of which bin to use. Auke Bloembergen is now in discussion with the City Council to finalize this matter.

The Chairman closes the meeting at approximately 22.00 h.

Next meeting in the Klokhuis Community Centre Thursday 29 September at 20:00 h  in 't Klokhuis

Translation: Antoinette van der Maas

Most pertinent points from

Archipel & Willemspark Community Council minutes

31  M A R C H   2 0 1 1   I N  'T  K L O K H U I S

Present:  Mrs A. Beekman, Mr A. Bloembergen, Mrs E. Drijver, Mr D. Hazekamp, Mr W.F. Hooft Graafland, Mrs C.C. Dedel-Walbeek, Mr G. Spierenburg (The Hague City Council), Mrs B. Aardewerk, Mr J.E. Thedinga, Mr B. Huisman, Mr P. Munnikes (minutes secretary), Mr A. van Kammen, Mrs M. Hoogerbrugge (Haaglanden police), Mrs E. Ponsen, Mr T. Dike, Ms E. Blitz, Mrs E. van der Ven (Stichting BOOG), Mr A. Landheer, Mr W.J. Abels, Mrs G.A. Hollander, Mrs N. Mulder,  Mrs E. Verhulst, Mrs L. Gelling, Mrs I.Hylkema, Mrs M. Teesing, Mr N van der Meer (Senior Citizens’ Centre Soendastraat)

Absent with notice:

Mr W. Taekema, Mrs M. van der Zalm, Mr R. Klein, Mr. M.C. van der Hoog, Mrs R. Campbell

1A. Opening

Wybe Taekema cannot be present; consequently Tieke Diedel will chair the meeting, opening the meeting at 20.00 h.; she welcomes all present and asks them to sign the attendance list.

1B. Announcements, minutes accepted without changes

The chairwoman informs us that Henk van der Leeden, architect and most recent member of the Urban Planning working group, has unexpectedly passed away. He will be remembered as someone with expert knowledge of the neighbourhood and who greatly contributed to the initiative to restore the Bankaplein fountain.  He will be sadly missed.

1C Agenda

Point 8, Bench routes, will be discussed straight after point 2

2. Approval of the 27 January 2011 meeting minutes

Point 6E, uses a group of local correspondents > should read > also uses a group of local correspondents

Added to Other business: Else Ponsen informs us that Rupert van Heijningen is willing to give a lecture on the painter Han van Meegeren, if enough people are interested.

Apart from these corrections, the minutes are accepted.

Bench route, addtional point 8

Nenne van der Meer, who works for the senior citizens’ centre in Soendastraat, suggests the idea of a local ‘bench route”. Elderly people sometimes find a trip out to the shops for example, a bit too far to walk in one go.  A bench would provide a welcome resting place and the trip could be negotiated in easy stages. Stichting Boog (a charitable organization for community structure) in The Hague, represented by Elsbeth van der Ven, confirms that the City Council is positive about this plan and is willing to contribute to such a good cause. Gerard Spierenburg (City Council) confirms this. Of course, the owners of the houses in front of which the benches will be placed will have to first give their permission. As a first step, the Public Space working group will make an inventory of the possible locations and the number of benches. To be continued …

3. Spending cuts announced by the City Council

The City Council is planning to cut back the present subsidy currently received by the A&W Residents Association (€11,000 a year) to 10 %. The usual contribution for administrative support will also be scrapped; although financial support will be available for administrative matters related to special activities. The committee of the Residents Association is now trying to influence the City Council and in mid-April will speak at a meeting of the City Council. But it is obvious that the subsidy will be reduced. Eveline Blitz feels that the Council is trying to diminish or even completely block the “nuisance power” of the community organisations. Betty Aardewerk has a different opinion. Current alderman Engelshoven believes that not all community organisations are really representing their neighbourhoods and thereforec also wishes to subsidise initiatives that do not come directly via the community organisations. It will still to be possible to receive more than the reduced annual subsidy amount, but specific plans and projects will have to be submitted to the City Council.

The A&W committee hopes to be able to turn the tide but will also think about other sponsoring options.

4. Community Fair

The Community Fair will take place on 18 June 2011.

Isabel Hylkema, Luce Gelling and Erika Verhulst of the organizing committee are present. Luce Gelling reports. Council permission and sponsoring have been requested and given. Plana are well underway.  The theme will be: ‘Banka Breeduit’ (Banka Broadens Out?). The programme will contain a number of tried and tested items from previous fairs but will also have new elements. The opening event is not yet decided upon. The broad section of Bankastraat will be the location of circus-like acts; Billitonstraat will be for the children.  A tango group, tug-of-war, antiques road show, open-air dinner for everyone on Bankaplein and a finale accompanied by music. It is made explicity clear that Willemspark residents are especially welcome.

Ank Beekman suggests contacting Cantaloup Clubhouse. They run a successful children’s theatre group and could also be involved in the fair. For details see: www.archipelbuurt.nl/pages/wijkfeest.html

5. Wall poetry project

Derk Hazekamp reports. The launch of the first poem was planned for 13 May, but this may be delayed as the surface of the wall has not yet been treated to make the application of the text of the poem possible. The poem has however been chosen and is by Rutger Kopland.

A foundation with ANBI status (charitable status for institutions serving the Common Good) will be set up to take responsibility for this project. A list has been drawn up with 35 other possible locations for a wall poem.

6. A&W working groups

6A Traffic working group

No members of this working group present and there are no announcements.

6B Public Space working group

Derk Hazekamp reports that at the moment the working party is pursuing the following issues:

6B1 Renovation of Nassauplein
Just the day before this meeting, Councillor Sander Dekker visited Nassauplein and the following has anticipated:

Independently of the working group, Nassauplein residents have submitted a petition to the City Council (also signed by various embassies on the square) to prevent the gardens from flling into rack and ruin. Derk Hazekamp will keep in touch with this group in order to join forces and to prevent working at cross purposes with each other.

6B2 Trees in neighbourhood
For budgetary reasons the number of new trees to be planted cannot exceed twenty. This spring Derk Hazekamp will do the rounds with council representative Gerrit van der Hut, (responsible for public parks and gardens) to decide where these trees will be planted.

6B3 Glass recycling containers on Burg. Patijnlaan
The situation has slightly improved, but the glass recycling containers on Burg. Patijnlaan are still a source of nuisance. The City Council is open to alternative locations but with a number of conditions, i.e. a lorry should be able to park close to the containers for emptying. Noor Mulder (Couperusduin apartment complex) has already asked on previous occasions (see Minutes of previous meetings) that the containers should be hidden from view by shrubbery. It is arranged on the spot with Noor  Mulder that a council representative will come along to see whether this is possible.

6C Care & Well-being working group

The working group has made some progress in their efforts to resurrect the meeting point for the elderly: Het Schakelpunt. Another meeting with Florence will take place shortly and it is expected that as from May/June there will be space available five mornings or afternoons per week. Elderly people from all over the neighbourhood will be welcome, not just those living in the Borneoflat.

6D Urban Planning working group

Now that Henk van der Leeden has passed away, this working group is looking for a new member. Tim Dike has been told by the project developer of the former LTO building in Prinsenvinkenpark that building will start in May, in spite of the objections lodged.

Local residents around the new HSV school development at the rear of Frederikstraat have officially been informed about the plans. Some planning permissions are awaited but work will probably start this year.

6E Sustainability working group

Marjan Teesing reports. The first news article from this new working group has appeared in the A/W newspaper and on the A&W website. The working group intends to take a stall at the Community Fair in June to present itself.  The group has been in touch with a similar group with experience in the Vogelwijk district. The City Council is positive about this initiative.

6F van Repelaer Woods working group

Marianne van der Zalm has sent an e-mail prior to the meeting to confirm that the measures taken – metal barriers at both entrances to prevent motorbikes driving through the Bosjes – have had a favourable effect. Members of the council’s surveillance team (in plain clothes) see that rules pertaining to dogs are observed and sometimes fines are issued, which is not really appreciated by the dog owners.

6G Scheveningen Woods working group
Bert Huisman reports. A petition has been drawn up and there are already a number of signatures. The petition is also handed round during the meeting and more people sign it. The petition will be given to the City Council to request attention for the continuing nuisance of homosexuals using the woods as a meeting place. The involvement of the PVV councillor (see Minutes of January meeting) has not yet shown any results. Eddo Thedinga says he regularly walks his dog in the woods during daytime and has never noticed any problems.

6H. A/W newspaper

Eva Drijver is trying to find more advertisers to bring in extra revenue. Betty Aardewerk asks Gerard Spierenburg (City Council) whether the A/W newspaper could be subsidized; the answer is yes.

6I. Website

Ank Beekman informs us that the A/W website is being restyled and there will be more space for advertisements. At the moment, there is a waiting list. The restyling is being done by volunteers and will take some time.

7. Police & City Council

7A. Police

Marianne Hoogerbrugge (Haaglanden Police) informs us that Karnebeek Police Station will not (yet) be closed down. Ongoing reorganizations have been halted, awaiting the recently announced formation of a nationwide police organization.  It is as yet unclear what will happen next.

Police Headquarters will probably remain on Patijnlaan, even after new premises will have been built in the vicinity of the ADO football stadium; either as office premises for the police or as a police station.

7B. City Council

Zebra crossing on Laan Copes (see Minutes of March meeting): these missing stripes will be painted shortly.  Litterbins (with lids) have already been installed on Monchyplein. More bins for dog droppings will be placed in the area. Folef Hooft Graafland puts forward the idea to have one parking place next to the Nassauplein containers kept free for unloading. Gerard Spierenburg (City Council) will follow up on this suggestion.

A e-mail message has been received by Rosemary Campbell asking when all the sand and stones lying around in front of Riouwstraat 49 and 53 will be removed. Gerard will look into it.

8. Other business and closure

Folef Hooft Graafland draws attention to the “BROOM” course (driving-skills course specially for the over-50s, see Minutes of January 27 meeting). Date: May 30 in ‘t Klokhuis. See A/W newspaper for further details.

Betty Aardewerk informs us that the Vogelwijk district is interested in having the type of speedometers installed that we have on the higher section of Bankastraat.

The chairman closes the meeting at around 22.15 h.

9.  Action points resulting from this meeting

Next meeting Thursday June 16 2011 at 20:00 h  in 't Klokhuis

Translation: Antoinette van der Maas

MINUTES:

Most pertinent points from

Archipel & Willemspark Community Council minutes

27  J A N U A R Y   2 0 1 1   I N  'T  K L O K H U I S

Present:  Mrs A. Beekman, Mr A. Bloembergen, Mrs E. Drijver, Mr D. Hazekamp, Mr G. Hooft Graafland, Mr W.F. Hooft Graafland, Mrs C.C. Dedel-Walbeek, Mr M.C. van der Hoog,  Mr R. Klein, Mrs A. ter Kuile, Mr G. Spierenburg (The Hague City council), Mrs B. Aardewerk, Mr J.E. Thedinga, Mr G. Nieuwenhuys, Mr B. Huisman, Mr W. Taekema, Mr P. Munnikes (minutes secretary), Mrs H. Hoogenraad, Mr A. van Kammen, Mrs M. Hoogerbrugge (Haaglanden police), Mrs E. Ponsen, Mr H. van der Leeden, Mrs  P. van Till, Mr B. Bentinck, Mr  W. Boer,  Mr R. de Jong, Mr T. Dike.

Absent with notice: Mrs M. van der Zalm

1. Opening, announcements, minutes accepted without changes

Welcome by the chairman who opens the meeting at 20.00 h and asks those present to sign the attendance list.

2. Approval of the 25 November 2010  meeting minutes

Point 5, page 1 at the bottom: month > should read > 5 days.

Point 10B, page 3: Hendrik Spierenburg > should read > Gerard Spierenburg

Apart from these corrections, the minutes were accepted.

3. New committee members

Wybe Taekema introduces Tieke Dedel and Folef Hooft Graafland.

Tieke Dedel will replace Gilles Hooft Graafland as the committee’s vice chairperson.

Folef Hooft Graafland will replace Ank Beekman as the committee’s secretary.

Both give a brief account of their history and their ties with the area, and expressed their wish to make a useful contribution to local affairs.

4. Community Fair

The Community Fair will take place on 18 June 2011.

No member of the organizing committee present. On behalf of this committee, Auke Bloembergen informs us that preparations are already in full swing. At the next Community Council meeting a member of the organizing committee will indeed be present. Volunteers are still welcome.

For details see: www.archipelbuurt.nl/pages/wijkfeest.html

5. Wall poetry project

The first poem will appear in the Surinamestraat on a wall owned by the Koninklijke Haagse Woningvereniging (housing association) established in 1854.

Pauline van Till asks whether it would not be a more obvious spot for a poem by Louis Couperus, as the bust of the author, his former home and the Couperus museum are so close by.

Gilles Hooft Graafland replies that Couperus poems have been turned down because of a lack of poetic quality. No other poem has been chosen yet.

For the moment 13 May 2011 has been set as the date for the official unveiling of the poem.   

A second poem will probably not be in Dutch, in view of the international character of the neighbourhood.

6. A&W working groups

6A Traffic working group

After it was initially agreed that 25 old chestnut trees along Koninginnegracht would be spared during the renovation of the tram rails, it would now seem that the City Council is not after all agreeable because of spending cuts. On Thursday 10 February 2011 a decision will be taken on the Tramtracé Koninginnegracht.

For details see http://www.archipelbuurt.nl/www_engels/pages/verkeer.html

At the moment two possibilities for the new Tramtracé are being investigated. Members of the working group are following developments closely.

The Council Executive has refused to foot the costs associated with the appeals against the VCP as part of community mediation expenses. The committee has now decided to suspend activities in this area.

Guus Nieuwenhuys and Tim Dike have presented their views on the concept for the Mobility Bill to the City Council.

For details see: www.archipelbuurt.nl/pages/documents/101224ZienswijzeHNMenPlanMERHNM.doc

and www.archipelbuurt.nl/pages/documents/101223FinaleZienswijzeenSamenvatting.doc

6B Public space working group

Derk Hazekamp reports that at the moment the working party is pursuing the following issues:

Derk will have a meeting with the City Council to discuss points 1 & 2 in week 5.

He will also contact Willem van Gijn to ascertain the state of play on the refurbishment of the wide section of Bankastraat.

Gerard Spierenburg (City Council) informs us:

Ank Beekman remarks that there is still all sorts of rubbish and broken around the glass recycling containers on Burg. Patijnlaan. Marianne Hoogerbrugge (Haaglanden Police) confirms this. Could these containers not be transferred to the opposite side of the street, close to the police station?  For several reasons, this is not possible. A solution will be sought in consultation with the City Council.

As opposed to what was previously said, the wall of the Jewish cemetery along Timorstraat (see point 5, Community Council minutes 25-11-2010) will indeed be allowed to participate in the council’s graffiti removal arrangement (to be carried out once a month).

Folef Hooft Graafland asks whether more rubbish bins – with lid – for the disposal of dog droppings can be located in the neighbourhood. The City Council will look into this.

6C Care & Well-being working group

The working group has been expanded to three people: Betty Aardewerk, Ruud Klein and Else Ponsen. The working group will continue their efforts to resurrect the meeting point for the elderly: Het Schakelpunt. The coffee meetings in Borneoflat no.5 still are a considerable success.

6D Urban Planning working group

Tim Dike and Henk van der Leeden report.

6E Archipel/Willemspark community newspaper

Next edition due in mid-February. The paper currently uses a group of local correspondents instead of a permanent editorial team.

6F Website

Ank Beekman; A/W website needs updating to meet the latest technical requirements and she is eagerly looking for volunteers who are skilled in webdesign to help with the revamp of the site.

6G Scheveningen woods working group

A PVV councillor received Bert Huisman at City Hall for an update on the subject of the nuisance in the Scheveningse Bosjes: the woods are used as a meeting place for homosexuals. The councillor will try to do something about it, as in his opinion not a lot of progress seems to have been made over the past 20 years.

7. Police

Marianne Hoogerbrugge (Haaglanden Police) informs us that Karnebeek Police Station may possibly be closed because of spending cuts. Our neighbourhood will then fall under the jurisdiction of another station, e.g. Jan Hendrikstraat or Scheveningen. She will argue that Archipel and Willemspark should remain together as one unit. A number of people would prefer the option to report incidents or criminal activities at Police Headquarters on Patijnlaan. Marianne will contact Folef Hooft Graafland in the case of detrimental developments on this matter. The Community Council will send a letter supporting her argument.

An important point is that the total number of community police officers will not change.

8. City Council

Pauline van Till suggests the painting of a white cross on the road surface of Patijnlaan at the intersection with Burg. Kolfschotenlaan in order to prevent blocking traffic wishing to exit or enter Burg. Kolfschotenlaan when there is a queue at the Nassauplein traffic lights. The City Council will look into the matter.

Tim Dike has noticed something remarkable on the zebra crossing on Laan Copes at Hotel Mozaic. On one side of the road there are indeed zebra stripes across the bicycle lane, but not on the other side. The City Council will look into the matter.

In the recent past, Pauline van Till has asked whether litterbins (with lids) could be located on Monchyplein. Gerard Spierenburg (City Council) confirms that this will happen shortly.

9. Other business and closure

Gilles Hooft Graafland informs those present that the Klokhuis Community Centre is organizing a bus trip to the bulb fields on 21 April. Also see A/W newspaper.

Enno Thedinga would like to compliment the City Council for the quick and efficient clean up of firework debris after the New year’s Eve festivities.

Folef Hooft Graafland draws attention to the “broem” course to be given this autumn.

This is a driving-skills course specially for the over-50s. It will cost €15 for one day. The A/W newspaper will also report on the subject. In the meantime the possibility of a course (to brush up theoretical knowledge) prior to the one in the autumn will be investigated.   

The chairman closes the meeting at around 22.00 h.

10. Action points resulting from this meeting

Next meeting Thursday 31 March 2011 at 20:00 in 't Klokhuis

Translation: Antoinette van der Maas

MINUTES:

Most pertinent points from

Archipel & Willemspark Community Council minutes

25  N O V E M B E R   2 0 1 0   I N  'T  K L O K H U I S

Present: Mrs A. Beekman, Mr A. Bloembergen, Mr B. Bos, Mrs M. Bos, Mrs E. Drijver,  Mr W. van Gijn, Mr D. Hazekamp, Mr G. Hooft Graafland, Mr M.C. van der Hoog, Mr R. de Jong, Mrs A. ter Kuile, Mrs L. Punt - de Zwaan, Mrs E. Verhulst, Mr G. Spierenburg (The Hague Municipality), Mrs N. Mulder, Mrs B. Aardewerk, Mr E. Thedinga, Mr G. Meeuwenhuys, Mr B. Huisman, Mr W. Taekema, Mr P. Munnikes (minutes secretary), Mr R. van Moorsel, Mrs H. Hoogenraad, Mrs A. Getachew (diaconal community worker), Mr J.F. Vrind, Mr A. Lakerveld (member of the local council for the VVD party), Mr H. Kentgens (Haaglanden Police), Mrs Y. Ipema  (Haaglanden Police)

Absent with notice: Mrs  M. vd Zalm, Mrs  E. Ponsen, Mrs  E. Blitz

1. Opening, announcements; no additional agenda points

The chairman, Wybe Taekema, opens the meeting at 20.00h, welcomes those present and asks everyone to sign the attendance list.

2. Minutes 10 September 2010 Community Council Meeting

Enno Thedinga has noticed that erroneously, his name is not on the list of those present.

Apart from this correction, the minutes were accepted.

3. Parking regulations

Wybe Taekema reports that the City Council has listened carefully to the local complaints and that the proposed new regulations, as discussed in the meeting of 21 September 2010, will probably not be implemented.

4. Feedback Group Koninginnegracht Tram tunnel

Willem van Gijn, member of the Feedback Group, recaps on the tram tunnel story so far (see e.g. point 4A2 of the 10 June 2010 Community Council Meeting minutes).

The outcome is that no tram tunnel will be built, and the tram route will remain at ground level.

The majestic chestnut trees along Koninginnegracht will probably escape the chop, but the sycamore trees, however, will have to be cleared.

The rails are worn out and need replacing anyway because of the heavier rolling stock (Randstad Rail) that will travel along the route in the future.

After some initial distrust about the Council’s intentions, eventually all went well. Willem van Gijn is applauded for his efforts.

5. Graffiti arrangement

Derk Hazekamp reiterates the procedure and conditions explained at the previous Community Council Meeting.

The arrangement is meant for local residents and “small” companies. According to the contract, graffiti will be removed once a month.

However, those interested have to first contact Martijn van Faassen (Public Space working group) at graffiti@archipelwillemspark.nl (or visit the A&W website) and complete an application form. Only then the graffiti can be reported to the graffitimeldpunt (Graffiti Hotline), after which it will be removed within a month. This arrangement evolved from a City Council initiative. 

The new arrangement will be promoted in the next Community Newspaper. Until now, the uptake has been rather slow.

Betty Aardewerk mentions that the Council told the manager of the Jewish Cemetery  (behind the wall along Timorstraat) it is not eligible to participate in the arrangement.

However, Bert Bos happens to know that the arrangement does indeed apply to the wall of the Roman Catholic Cemetery (backing onto the gardens of the houses along “higher” Bankastraat.

Wybe Taekema offers to write a letter, if necessary, to support the interests of the Jewish Cemetery.

6. Wall Poetry

Just as in the city of Leiden, there is a plan to install wall poetry in suitable locations in the Archipel/Willemspark area.

A committee chaired by Mrs Ruth van Rossum and including Mr Gilles Hooft Graafland, visited Leiden where some 60 different poems have already been applied to various walls there.  The committee has already familiarized itself with all the technical requirements such as the type of paint required, preparation of the walls, etc.

The plan is to install the first poem on a wall in the Surinamestraat: the property of the Koninklijke Haagse Woningvereniging (housing association) established in 1854 that constructed the hofje behind the wall. A letter has already been sent requesting permission. Because of the international character of the neighbourhood, the intension is to have a few non-Dutch poems as well.

7. Concept Mobility Bill

A working group chaired by Guus Nieuwenhuys is studying this Bill and will prepare an opinion to be submitted by 24 December 2010 at the latest.

8. Community Festival

The community festival will take place on 18 June 2011.

Volunteers are requested to get in touch. 

9. A&W working groups and media

9A Traffic working group

Willem van Gijn reports. All “hard” agreements with the municipal council regarding Bankastraat have been implemented. Further refurbishment of Bankastraat appeared to be postponed indefinitely, but in the meantime it has become clear that Bankastraat will probably be on the so-called Sterroute for cyclists. It seems probable that the work will now go ahead.

A objection was filed a while ago against the plan to allocate parking places close to Police Headquarters to Special Patrol vehicles. The objection has been rejected.

9B Public Space working group

Albert Heijn appears to find the presence of different contact persons confusing and contradictory. Auke Bloembergen offers to coordinate and be the sole focal point for Albert Heijn.

9C Urban Planning working group

Derk Hazekamp mentions that a previous plan to plant trees in the Atjehstreet seems to have sunk into oblivion. Contact has been re-established with the Head of the Green Areas Dept., Gerrit van der Hut.  He he has made it clear that the matter is not top priority for him, and has advised us to get back to early in 2011.

Inconvenience caused by football on the street will be solved by the use of smaller goals. This method seems to have been successful elsewhere.

Erika Verhulst remarks that the location of the social sofa is not ideal; furthermore, there are already signs of slight damage. A suitable permanent location will be found as soon as the Bankastreet has been refurnished.

After a number of complaints, the paper and glass recycling containers are now emptied more often than in the past. Derk Hazekamp will investigate whether the number of containers should be increased.

Auke Bloembergen has noticed that members of the expat community in particular use the green bins supplied to households for organic waste for other kinds of garbage. He asks that the Municipal Council explain the use of these bins more clearly in a bilingual letter to be distributed in the neighbourhood. Council representative Gerard Spierenburg will investigate.

It is suggested that the municipal expat desk could play a role here. 

9D Archipel/ Willemspark Senior Citizens group

Betty Aardewerk has been in contact with a number of organizations to try to inject new life into the meeting point for senior citizens in the Schakelpunt Care Centre on B. Patijnlaan. Care Provider Florence has in the meantime said that space is now available.

Lenie Punt reports that the coffee meetings in Borneoflat 5 are a great success.

9E Website

After eight years (maximum statutory period of office) as board secretary, Ank Beekman has now stepped down but will continue to coordinate the website and the digital newsletter.

9F Digital billboard

Auke Bloembergen reports that there is now a digital billboard three-man editorial team consisting of Isabelle Hylkema, Marcel Weijermans and Auke himself.

10. Police and City Council

10A Police.

The chairman mentions an e-mail message from Marianne van der Zalm (wg van Repelaer Woods) concerning the nuisance caused in the Bosje van Repelaer. The nuisance and destructive behaviour by ‘hooligans’ continues. Although the police have spoken with Marianne and with a number of the culprits, the problem persists. Further consultations with the City Council and Police will take place.

Henk Kentgens (Haaglanden Police) informs us that this problem already has the full attention of the corps.

The SMS-alert is a success. More and more reactions are being received.

10B City Council

Hendrik Spierenburg (representative of The Hague City Council) presents a flyer announcing a city district talk between local citizens and the alderman for Education and Public Services, Ingrid van Engelshoven scheduled to take place in the Klokhuis Community Centre on 7 December at 20.00 (doors open at 19.30).The evening will be chaired by radio and TV presenter Menno Bentveld.

Relevant documents can be viewed at www.denhaag.nl/stadsdeelgesprekken

Gilles Hooft Graafland (Vice Chairman of the A&W board) wonders, however, whether this initiative is not in conflict with the principle to centralize contact between citizens and City Council through the Community Council.

11. Other business and closure

Max van der Hoog has noticed a solitary post in the central grassy area in Surinamestraat; he wonders what it is for? There happens to be someone present who knows the answer: a very young sapling was recently planted and so the mystery is solved.

Noor Mulder (Couperusduin) complains there is still a lot of rubbish around the recycling containers on Burg. Patijnlaan. She suggests that shrubs be planted in the verge alongside the ditch to screen the containers so that they cannot be seen from the Couperusduin apartments. The council will look into it.

Hester Hoogenraad introduces Aklil Getachew, the Vredeskapel’s new diaconal community worker.

Marjolein Bos finds that cars ascending the higher section of Bankastraat drive exceed the speed limit more often those descending the hill. She suggests that the electronic speed indicator be moved to a different spot. Someone observes that the indicator has no permanent location and has already been moved a number of times.

The chairman concludes the meeting at approximately 21.45.

The next Community Council meeting will take place on 25 January 2011

in 't Klokhuis Community Centre

MINUTES:

Most pertinent points from

Archipel & Willemspark Community Council minutes

21  S E P T E M B E R   2 0 1 0   I N  'T  K L O K H U I S

Present: approx. 50 people before and 20 people after the break.
Before the break: E. van Amstel, Ms A. Beekman, V. Bleijs, Ms E. Blitz, Mr A. Bloembergen, Mr W. Borsboom, Mr B. Bos, Ms T. Dedel, Mr T. Dike, Ms E. Drijver, Ms M. Engwirda, Mr T.W. Feenstra, Ms W.H. Ferman - van Klaveren, Ms M.L. Gerla, A.L.H.R. Gerla, Mr W. van Gijn, Mr J. van Haersolte, Mr D. Hazekamp, Mr G. Hooft Graafland, Mr M.C. van der Hoog, Ms D. Huis, Mr J.P. van Iersel, Mr. R. de Jong, Mr R. Klein, Mr A.F. v.d. Kooi, Ms A. ter Kuile, Ms A. v.d. Maas, Mr W.M. Oostdam, J. van Panhuys, Ms E. Ponsen, Ms L. Punt - de Zwaan, Ms Q. de Ranitz, Ms A. Roelofsz, Mr M.P.E. van Roijen, Mr G. Sandberg, Ms J. Sandberg-Praetorius, Ms R.M. Spronk, Mr W. Stolte, Mr M.F. Stokhuyzen, A. de Sturler, D. van Tetterode, Mr S. Verbeeck, Ms E. Verhulst, T. Vissers, Ms I. Vonck, R. v.d. Wal, Mr M. Weimar, B. Wijnberg, Ms M. Zuurbier
Absent with notice: Mr W.Abels, Ms N. Mulder, Ms B. Aardewerk, Ms M vd Zalm, Mr G. Spierenburg

Minutes taker: R. de Jong

1. Opening, announcements and agenda
The chairman, Wybe Taekema, opened the meeting at 20:00 hours. He welcomed those present and requested them to sign the attendance list.
Priority was given to discussing the proposed introduction of the City Councils’ uniform parking regulations (UPC).
Ms Bornebroek, UPC project leader in the City Management Service explained the proposed new regulations to the meeting and answered questions.
The City Council has received a large number of complaints following their letter to residents on the UPC. Complaints include that it will penalize visitors and that parking tariffs will increase. The Council has reviewed the complaints and amended the draft UPC. The amendments mean that the existing paid parking times in the Archipel quarter remain unchanged, but changes will be introduced in Willemspark: being paid parking Monday to Saturday from 09:00 hours to 24:00 hours and on Sunday from 13:00 hours to 24:00 hours.
Residents will receive a permit to park one car for €3 per month and a second car for €35 per month. The permit entitles Archipel residents to 188 parking hours per visitor per year and Willemspark residents to 277 hours. Parking hours will be digitally recorded. Extra permits may be purchased for €3.50 per permit. The entitlement hours applies to all the permits together.
Special rules apply to foreign visitors, contractors visiting residents, offices at home, visiting domestic help, etc. Inquiries can be made at the Council offices for the rules in these cases.
The City Council will make their final decision at the end of 2010, after which the new parking regulations will be introduced on 1st March 2011.
Ms Bornebroek emphasized that the parking tariff increases are not an additional source of income for the Council but will cover the costs of enforcing the new regulations.
The Chairman thanked Ms Bornebroek for her presentation and remarked that the objections raised by the residents’ organization to the new regulations had apparently been successful. The Council still has to determine the final version of the new regulations. Anyone still having objections to the new regulations or tariffs should contact the Council directly.

Also see ...

B R E A K

2. Minutes of the Community Council Meeting of 10 June 2010
Minutes were accepted with the exception of a spelling mistake (in the name Spall).

3. Graffiti removal contract
Under this contract graffiti is removed once per month. Anyone wishing to use the contract must apply to Martijn van Faassen (Public Space working party) and sign a declaration of consent. Apply to graffiti@archipelwillemspark.nl
Further information will be made available via the website and newsletter. Graffiti should be notified to the graffiti focal point so that it can be removed within a month. The contract is the result of a welcome initiative by the City Council.

4. Other news from the board, working parties and lobby groups

a. Feedback group Koninginnegracht tram tunnel
Willem van Gijn reported that the group’s objections to the tunnel have been presented in consultations with the City Council and that the group’s standpoint will be included in the final report.
b. Progress on the Bankastraat citizen's initiative (1,100 signatures collected)
A Council policy document on mobility is being developed. The Banka-route will be a so-called “star-route” for cyclists. The speed of traffic descending the Hoge Banka has reduced, but is still too fast. A permanent solution for this is awaited.

c. Working groups: reports on activities
The Public Space working group is reviewing the following: football annoyance, LTO Nederland, underground storage of garbage, “frequent emptying!”, putting bags of garbage outside on street: “better late than early”. Garbage collection and street sweeping should be harmonized with each other, ashtrays at tram stops, overgrown house-front gardens, too full garbage bins on Nassauplein and Patijnlaan.
The Urban Planning working group is in contact with AH Real Estate.

d. A&W media: community newspaper, website, newsletter, digital billboard
The community newspaper is at the printer and will be distributed soon. Matters arising during this meeting will be publicized on the website. Subscriptions to the newsletter, which is issued every two weeks, are growing. The digital billboard is viewable at AH and Citronics.

5. Police, council and welfare
Criminal activity is reducing. Nothing further to report.

6. Any other business and close of meeting
The chairman announced the retirement of Mrs. Ank Beekman as secretary due to expiry of her statutory period of office (2x4 years). She will be sorely missed. A replacement is being sought. Ms. Tieke Dedel is prepared to become a member of the board.

A question was raised on the implications of having non-Dutch speakers in the community. The reply was that this is receiving attention. The website has an English section.
The Chairman closed the meeting at 22:10 hours.

Next meeting Thursday 25th November 2010 at 20:00 in 't Klokhuis

Translation: Peter Comley

Most pertinent points from

Archipel & Willemspark Community Council minutes

10  J U N E   2 0 1 0   I N  'T  K L O K H U I S

Present: Mrs Aardewerk, Mrs Beekman, Mrs Bos, Mrs Drijver, Mrs ter Kuile, Mrs Mulder, Mrs Verhulst, Mrs Vonck, Mrs Van der Zalm ; Mr Bentinck, Mr Bloembergen, Mr Bos, Mr Dike, Mr Van Gijn, Mr Hazekamp, Mr Van der Hoog, Mr Huisman,  Mr Kentgens (police),  Mr. Klein, Mr Landheer, Mr. Munnikes (stand-in minutes secretary), Mr Spierenburg (The Hague city council), Mr Taekema, Mr Van Tetterode, Mr Thedinga.

Absent with notice: Mrs Arendse, Mrs. Blitz, Mrs Hoogenraad, Mr Abels

1. Opening, announcements, agenda

Chairman Wybe Taekema  opens the meeting at 20.00 h. He introduces a number of newcomers:

• Bert and Marjolein Bos, former residents of Rijswijk,  who will soon take up residence in Bankastraat,. Bert is still chairman of the Leeuwendaal community council and hopes to be active in Archipel/Willemspark in the future
• Erika Verhulst and Derk Hazekamp, both members of the working party Public Space. Inge van Spall not present tonight, will also become a member of this working party. The working party will be brought back to life (see Minutes of previous community council meeting).
• Gerard Spierenburg, here on behalf of The Hague city council
• Peter Munnikes, who has declared himself willing to be active in the community, will take care of the Minutes of this meeting.

All present sign a card with best wishes for Mrs. Cateau van der Hoog, who is in poor health. Ank Beekman will make sure that the card will reach her.

The agenda is accepted without any changes.

2. Minutes of Community Council Meeting of March 25,  2010

Point 3. Tros should read TROS

Point 6. Alexanderstraat should read Alexanderveld.

The minutes are accepted without any further changes.

3. First reaction to the coalition agreement of the new City Council

Wybe Taekema informs us that a letter has been sent to the new City Council on behalf of 16 community organizations representing neighbourhoods closest to the NW main arterial route.

In spite of the criticisms expressed in the letter, these organizations declare themselves willing to collaborate with the new City Council. Betty Aardewerk compliments the phrasing in this letter.

Letter can be found on the A&W  website (in Dutch) at http://www.archipelbuurt.nl/pages/documents/100601BriefaanBWenraad.doc

It is disappointing that the former alderman for Traffic, Peter Smit (VVD), has retained the same position on the new council.

4. Other news from the board, working parties and lobby groups

4A1. Progress citizens initiative Bankastraat (Willem van Gijn reports)

Adjustments to the roundabout on Bankaplein have been completed. Now that the flowerbed around the fountain is wider, it is impossible to negotiate Bankaplein in a straight line. 

The junction between Bankahoogte and Alettta Jacobsweg has been changed in such a way that cars have to slow down, improving traffic safety.

Adjustments to the wider part of Bankastraat have been delayed and will be carried out later (part of major maintenance work already planned). The original plan was to carry out the work in 2010, but this will now probably not happen before 2011 or 2012. The delay is also due to cutbacks that the council has been forced to implement.

Auke Bloembergen remarks that all council members have agreed on this point in the past and that the year 2010 was a firm commitment. Willem van Gijn will check.

Willem seems to remember that in the past AH has promised to participate in the costs of the refurbishment of Bankastraat and remarks that alterations to the AH supermarket could be synchronised. This could be used as an argument for the work to be brought forward.

4A2. Feedback group Koninginnegracht (Willem van Gijn, member of this group, reports)

A quite remarkable condition for participation in the feedback group is acknowledgement of the fact that tram 9 does cause problems for traffic flow. The City Council pretends that adjustments to the tram route along Koninginnegracht are for the benefit of public transport, while residents are convinced that the Council means to give preferential treatment to the flow of car traffic.

Tram 9 causes 0% delay at the Javastraat crossing and  3-10% at Laan Copes. The Laan Copes delay is caused by a faulty adjustment of the traffic lights there. The real bottleneck is elsewhere: at the Bosbrug, but no tram tunnel has been planned for this section of the route.  In the feedback group there are two points of interest for A&W: preservation of the trees along Koninginnegracht and burden of traffic through the neighbourhood. Willem will focus on concerns about traffic in A&W.

Initially it seemed that the trees would have to be cleared anyway, as the embankment would have to be replaced. In the meantime a report has been published saying that the embankment can be replaced without cutting down trees. If a tram tunnel is excavated, about 100 trees will inevitably be cleared.

Moreover, it has also been established that tram rails at ground level (maaiveld+) can be replaced without cutting down trees.

The Council has made it clear that €100 million was earmarked for public transport and that therefore the money cannot be used for any other purpose.

The feedback group intends to now focus on pushing for the 'maaiveld+' (ground level) option; Randstadrail rail lines and tram carriages twice the capacity they are now.

Adjustments to the total section of the route (Nieuwe Parklaan included) required for the 'maaiveld+' option for tram 9 would cost about the same as for a tram tunnel. Wethouder Smit has (informally) expressed the view that he would be willing to consider cancelling the tunnel options if the 'maaiveld+' (ground level) solution is sustainable for 30 years.

Paul Westra is chairman of the feedback group. This group was allowed to add one extra item to the list of points to be discussed, which made it possible to express our specific (different) views.

Betty Aardewerk will try to find out whether public minutes of the group’s meetings exist.

4B1 Public space

Erika Verhulst reports that this working party has had its first meeting and will present its ideas shortly.

Marjolein Bos asks whether we participated in the national garbage clean-up day. The answer is no.

Betty Aardewerk reports that the benches around de jeux de boules behind the Alexanderflat have been removed. Erika reports that during an Alexanderflat residents meeting, complaints were made about the noise levels of groups of youths hanging about on the benches. Consequently, Staedion has removed the benches.

Residents now take their own chairs. Noor Mulder regrets the fact that the benches have been removed.

Gerard Spierenburg (City Council) reports that residents rejected the initial plan for a playground in Delistraat. The City Council will now drawn up a new plan and present it to the residents.

Auke Bloembergen remarks that there is a lot of annoyance about the garbage containers in front of Couperusduin and particularly the mess around them. The working party Public Space is asked to look into whether they can be located underground.

4B2 Environmental planning (Tim Dike reports)

The building permits for new apartments on Frederikstraat depend on a ruling from the Council of State.

Things are at a deadlock regarding the extension at the back of the school on Frederikstraat.

There has been a meeting in the Bataaf tennis club where more details have been presented about the 15 apartments planned in Prinsevinkenpark. They seem to be acceptable.

On the old parking lot behind Sumatrastraat, DPI-Real Estate will build several “hofje”-style homes.

Three new properties have been planned for the site in Celebesstraat where the old library school used to be. Details are as yet unknown.

Berend Bentinck reports that, to the displeasure of the neighbours, the owners of no.6 Surinamestraat plan to install a swimming pool in the back garden.  There are several grounds on which an objection can be lodged: contrary to the zoning plan and to the historic buildings and ancient monuments act. Objections have indeed been lodged.

Ank Beekman reports that extension of AH will not be realised before February/March 2011 because one of the locals has lodged an objection against the building plans.

4B3 Traffic

Wybe Taekema reports on the proceedings started against the Council of State.

Generally speaking an administrative judge rules when legal standards are concerned, but is reticent in the case of policy matters. The VCP is a matter of policy, as environmental standards do not play a legal role in our case. Future environmental standards (fijnstof) that may now be being exceeded have not yet laid down in law.

The court has suggested mediation between the Council and the aggrieved parties. A&W has asked the Council to cover all costs for mediation. Alderman Smit rejected the proposal outright.  The A&W residents Association has therefore withdrawn from mediations.

Willem van Gijn makes it known that an extra 50 parking places will be reserved for the police on Alexanderveld. Willem will object: there is already a parking problem.

4C1 A&W Newspaper

Eva Drijver reports that the A&W Newspaper will appear shortly (frequency is 5 times a year).

No further news.

4C2 Website and e-mail Newsletter

Ank Beekman calls on everybody to canvas for additional volunteers and suggests that (new) working parties present themselves on the A&W Website and in the A&W Newspaper.

She would also like the working parties to send their minutes to her for posting on the Website, which is already attracting 3,000 different visitors a month. The website Newsletter has about 300 subscribers. It is generally sent out once every fortnight and usually read very quickly after publication.

4C3 Digital Billboard

Auke Bloembergen is now the only person taking care of the Digital Billboard and would like one extra person to help him.  Derk Hazekamp promises help.

These two people will look into the possibility of adapting the layout  to accommodate the Council’s  format.

There are now three locations where the Digital Billboard can be read: ’t Klokhuis Community Centre, Citronics (on Frederikstraat) and AH in Sumatrastraat. Once AH has been refurbished, the screen there could possibly be assigned a better position in the supermarket. 

4D1 Couperusduin Residents group

Noor Mulder reports that apart from the annoyance about the garbage containers (see 4D Public Space), there is nothing further of relevance for the meeting. 

4D2 Scheveningse Bosjes

Bert Huisman reports that nothing has come of the proposals in the past. He will continue to monitor the Bosjes.

4D3 Bosjes van Repelaer

Marianne v.d. Zalm reports that an old wall is leaning dangerously due to subsidence and needs attention. Mr Spierenburg will contact the Council.

Youths loitering in the park are causing problems and have already vandalized some of the benches. It is regularly noisy at night. Henk Kentgenrs (community police officer) promises that a plan will be made to address the problem.

4D4 Surinamestraat Residents group

Berend Bentinck reports that a satisfactory solution has finally been found to the problem for turning vehicles. Posts will be installed and plant containers will be removed.

Max van der Hoog expresses his displeasure about the Council’s inefficiency in the process and the high costs involved.

There was confusion about the planting of trees, as initially a number of them could not be planted because of underground cables. Eventually trees were planted in spite of the cables and so far there have been no power cuts. 

5. Police, Council, local well-being

5.1 Police

Henk Kentgens (community police officer) reports that a number of arrests have been made in the neighbourhood but gave no details. He asks for Marianne van der Zalm’s phone number; she had reported the problems in the Bosjes van Repelaer (see 4D3 Bosjes van Repelaer).

SMS-alert is now operational in the neighbourhood. Furthermore he reports that contacts with BBOZ (Zeehelden district maintenance and development trust) are good.

5.2 City Council

Gerard Spierenburg reports that there will be a 10% cut-back in the Council’s budget for the year 2011. It is still unknown how this will be achieved.

For refurbishment of Delistraat shrubbery: see point 4B1 (Public Space).

5.3 Well-being

Boog (a charitable organization for community structure) has carried out a neighbourhood survey amongst  approximately 70 inhabitants. Alderman van Alphen has made the relevant addresses available. Betty Aardewerk wonders if privacy was not being violated here; furthermore, she had heard that the list had been compiled in a careless manner. 

CIS (= International Cooperation Centre - VU University of Amsterdam) has carried out a similar survey, in which 250 people have been approached and 80 have responded. The working party Well-being (not only A&W) will keep a close eye on things.

6. Other business and conclusion of meeting

Berend Bentinck asks about the reconstruction of Nassauplein. For budgetary reasons this has now been discontinued.  Previous advice: handle Bankastraat refurbishment first.

Enno Thedinga remarks that the traffic sign on the corner of  Laan Copes and Balistraat is confusing and sometimes causes drivers wanting to go to Amsterdam turn into Balistraat.  

At around 21.45h. the chairman concludes the meeting and invites all present for drinks and further talks.

Next community council meeting in ‘t Klokhuis on 23 September 2010 at 20.00.

Translation: Antoinette van der Maas

MINUTES:

Most pertinent points from

Archipel & Willemspark Community Council minutes

2 5  M A R C H    2 0 1 0    I N  'T  K L O K H U I S

Present : Mrs Aardewerk, Mrs Beekman, Mrs Blitz,  Mrs ter Kuile, Mrs Mulder, Mrs Nuij-Dols, Mrs Vaartjes, Mrs Arendse (minutes secretary); Mr Bentinck, Mr Bloembergen, Mr Dike, Mr Hooft Graafland, Mr Landheer, Mr Nieuwenhuys.

Absent with notice: Mrs Drijver, Mrs Hoogenraad, Mrs VanTill; Mr Van Gijn, Mr Klein, Mr Taekema

1. Opening, announcements, agenda

Chairman Wybe Taekema is unable to attend; vice chairman Gilles Hooft Graafland opens the meeting at 20.00 h. The agenda is accepted without any changes.

2. Minutes of Community Council Meeting of January 21, 2010

Point 3. Police: Canvassing of participants for SMS Alert will start on March 26 with visits to shops and the distribution of flyers; also among shoppers on the streets. Leaflets are also available at the local police station and 't Klokhuis as well as from the community council itself.

Point 3. Council: planting of flowers in Surinamestraat delayed because of the cold weather.The minutes are accepted without any changes.

3. Evaluation meeting on upcoming council elections

More than 100 people came to the meeting on the upcoming council elections of February 8. Political party VVD was absent (without notice) because of illness. It was an agreeable evening; useful and well prepared.

Ank Beekman would like feedback about the advice on how to vote. Can the community council indeed give advice in this way? Reactions are positive, it was good advice and all important issues were addressed. The website information was also clear. Ank hopes that in future the council will listen better to the local people.  Eveline Blitz tells us that on April 6, TROS Television will have an item on involvement of local people in council matters, the so-called ‘Haagse Handvatten’.

4. Other news from the board, working parties and lobby groups

a. Progress Bankastraat:

Around the fountain extra soil has now been added. All work was delayed because of the cold weather. Annemargriet Vaartjes remarks that the traffic sign showing the speed of the cars coming down the Bankastraat seemd to work well; why was is removed? Maaike Nuij tells us the board is circulating; maybe it could return?  Dide Labots (council) is the contact person.

b. Working parties:

Through traffic: Gilles informs us that the council has set up a Koninginnegracht sounding-board group. Willem van Gijn is a member. A first meeting has already taken place. The council is using improper arguments to cut down the chestnut trees along the gracht. The sounding-board group is now focusing on the proposed solution  'maaiveld+' (ground level), which could mean Randstadrail’s tracks and tram cars will be twice as long. Eveline (also a member of the sounding-board group) is doubtful whether participation in this group is useful. How much energy will it take and what will be the outcome? A second opinion has been requested on saving the chestnut trees. Gilles would like to receive reports from the sounding-board group for the A/W newspaper and website. Tim Dike would like to raise more resistance in the area; people do not seem to realize the consequences and do not feel the urgency to take action.

Auke Bloembergen feels that sufficient action has been taken; after all, the working group Through Traffic is addressing the problem. There are other issues in the district. Gilles decides we have to await further developments.

Environmental planning: Auke informs us that this working group will meet on March 26 to discuss its scope of authority and possible further expansion.

Tim Dike reports that the basic development plans for Prinsevinkenpark has been accepted. It is a well-thought out plan involving the building of 15 new apartments. DPI-Real Estate plans to build 10 mews houses (hofjes) on the former parking lot behind Sumatrastraat.

Public space: this working group has now been re-established and comprises members Erica Verhulst, Betty Aardewerk and Martijn van Faassen. We need more participants in this group.

c. A&W media: Ank warns that running the A/W website is a lot of work for a very small group of people. They urgently need support! There are around 3,000 to 3,500 visitors to the site per month and more than 200 Dutch and 100 expat subscribers to the newsletter prove that this is an excellent medium, also attracting visitors from outside the area.

The Oranje Comité has been given an e-mail address via the site oranje@archipelbuurt.nl and information about the 2010 Queen’s Birthday festivities will be featured on a special web page, making it possible for people to subscribe to planned activities.

Eveline proposes that all present will approach one or two persons to ask them to help with the website work: putting technical information on the site, writing texts, translating texts. 

Auke: A third digital billboard has been placed in the window of Citronics in Frederikstraat (thanks to Annette ter Kuile). Here, too, we need editors.

d. Gilles: the idea of poetry on walls has been met with enthusiasm. The council has put aside a sum of  €50,000 for each district in order to improve public space. Perhaps the first poem could be located at the Javastraat end of Surinamestraat, opposite the Couperus statue?

5. Police, council, quality of life in the area

Henk Kentgens (community police officer) informs us that the neighbourhood is quiet at the moment.

In Atjehstraat, some youths have been making a nuisance of themselves, but it was not difficult to address them and explain the inconvenience caused. Local pupils working alongside BBOZ took part in a clean-up campaign in schools.

Maaike Nuij (council): the janitor of Het Schakelpunt is making an inventory of the inhabitants’ needs. Staedion and Florence will have to take action now. The janitor’s room could also serve as a small meeting room. The library has been moved to ‘t Klokhuis. Betty knows that Boog is conducting a wider survey among the 70+ residents. There are regular discussions on the subject  between Boog and councillor Van Alphen. The council favours a plan for the Schakelpunt that will be supported by all parties involved.

Plein 1813: Many people find the storage of all kinds of materials on Plein 1813 an eyesore. Eveline would like to know whether the reconstruction plan of the roundabout was ever discussed with A&W’s community council? This does not appear to be the case. Annemargriet asks whether the historical access lanes for horse-drawn coaches will be preserved for posterity. Maaike will send the suggestion to the secretariat. Gilles compliments the council on the revamping of Frederikstraat. The street looks a lot better and is easier for cyclists to negotiate.

Maaike will become coordinator of the focal point for graffiti. This is her last meeting; Gerard Spierenburg will take over from her.

6. Other business and conclusion of meeting

Ank distributes excerpts from the annual reports 2008 and 2009 and provides information. The reaction of the council is positive. Ank has spent a lot of time producing these reports and is applauded for all her hard work. On September 1, she will stand doen as secretary. Who will be her successor?

Berend Bentinck wonders why there are so few bins and poop-scoops in the area. Maaike explains that these are only placed close to green areas, which attract more litter.

Annemargriet draws our attention to the erosion of the 1813 Monument. The reliefs are exceptional, but if nothing is done, they will have disappeared within a few years.

In September/October there will be guided tours of the local cemeteries under the motto ‘Huilen in Den Haag’ (crying in The Hague).

Noor Mulder asks when construction work around the police station will be finished. Ank explains that Patijnlaan will be finished next month, but not Alexanderveld. Information given by police during these activities was not very satisfactory.

At 21.45 the chairman concludes the meeting; discussions continued and drinks were enjoyed.

Translation: Antoinette van der Maas

MINUTES:

Most pertinent points from

Archipel & Willemspark Community Council minutes

2 1  J A N U A U R Y    2 0 1 0    I N  'T  K L O K H U I S

Present: Mrs Aardewerk, Mrs Leidekker (Vredeskapel), Mrs Verhulst, Mrs Hoogerbrugge (police), Mrs Beekman, Mrs Punt, Mrs Janse (police), Mrs Ter Kuile, Mrs Arendse (minutes secretary); Mr Landheer, Mr Dike, Mr Boer, Mr Van Tetterode, Mr Punt, Mr Bloembergen, Mr Huisman, Mr Spierenburg (Department of Municpal Administration), Mr Klein, Mr Hooft Graafland, Mr Taekema, Mr Gieskes (Zeehelden district maintenance and development trust), Mr Daalmeijer (Zeehelden district maintenance and development trust), Mr Van Gijn, Mr Thedinga, Mr Degens, Mr Nieuwenhuys.

Absent with notice: Mrs Ten Hoope, Mrs Vd Zalm, Mrs Nuij (Dept of Municpal Admiistration); Mr Abels, Mr Lakens, Mr Nieuwenhuis.

Welcome by chairman Wybe Taekema, followed by a presentation on the environment.

What is the connection between the Copenhagen Climate Summit and Archipel & Willemspark? 

Introduction by Graham Degens

Graham has been working for many years in the oil industry and he now devotes himself to the cause of a CO2 neutral future. The Copenhagen Climate Summit has led to the insight that climate change is one of the biggest challenges of our time. There is a strong political wish to deal with this problem; however, no firm commitments have been made.

CO2 emission is the result of choices that we make, as is the case with other environmental problems. Graham suggests reducing our ecological footprint locally, as a community.  We could meet 2-4 times a month and start environmental projects; this would also good for community feeling. How do local people feel about this?

Auke Bloembergen was present at a lecture by Wubbo Ockels. Wubbo is in favour of sun energy investments. Auke’s experience is that municipal council procedures are too slow.  A lobby group of people supporting each other and submitting a communal request would help.  Graham is also in contact with the Environment Centre in The Hague.

The following agreement is made: local residents with strong feelings about this subject can express their interest via the A&W secretariat. If enough people are interested a follow-up meeting will be held.

1. Announcements, agenda

Chairman Wybe Taekema reports: there are no announcements; the subject “tram tunnel Koninginnegracht” will be added to point 5.

2. Minutes of Community Council Meeting of 19 November 2009

4.1 Gerard Spierenburg (Dept. of Municipal Administration, replacing Maaike Nuij): only two reactions have been received following the questionnaire handed out to residents of the Schakelpunt Care Centre on the subject of the provision of meals. The council specifically asks that more enquiries be made.

The minutes are accepted without any changes.

3. Police: Jorien Janse explains implementation of SMS-Alert in Archipel&Willemspark

As a preliminary initiative to the implementation of “burgernet” (citizens alert), see www.burgernet.nl, police in our neighbourhood will start up an SMS-Alert. Jorien explains that local residents can register their interest at http://www.politie.nl/haaglanden/sms-alert/. Police will then send an SMS message as soon as something is wrong in the neighbourhood: an active burglar, a missing child, doorstep confidence tricksters, pickpockets, etc. People can report back to the police if they have useful information. It is expected that 30% of the locals will support this initiative. Jorien would like this news to be publicized through the A/W newspaper, website and digital billboard. Gilles Hooft Graafland suggests that leaflets could be distributed during the pre-election meeting on 8 February. A special information evening could be held, if needs be.

Muncipal Council: Gerard Spierenburg (Department City Management)

- Work on the Atjehstraat playground is finished.

- Report that young troublemakers have been active in the Cantaloup playground. Marianne Hoogerbrugge, community police officer, has already visited the location but found nothing to report.

- Surinamestraat residents will be informed that they can choose one type of flower planter for their street. 

- The Bosje van Repelaer has been trimmed and pruned.

- A woman on a scootmobile (motorized wheelchair) on the Patijnlaan slipped into the water. An internal enquiry has been started to improve the municipal council’s gritting policy. A number of residents confirm that the slippery roads have indeed been extremely dangerous. Gerard also invites people to take the initiative to sweep and sprinkle salt in front of their own homes. 

- The Atjehstraat tree-planting project has not yet been discussed with local residents. Planting has been delayed because of the frost; the municipality is still dealing with the backlog.

- Maaike Nuij informed Ank via an e-mail that Zeestraat will be open to cyclists again by the end of February. The stretch between Parkstraat/Kneuterdijk will be closed off to cyclists for another 18 months.

BBOZ (Zeehelden district maintenance and development trust)

Henk Daalmeijer explains the work of BBOZ in A&W public space

Henk explains how this trust was set up in 1996 following the example of the French “Regie de Quartier”. It provides additional services, such as salting in streets unaccessible for the municipality vehicles, or keeping the area around the paper and glass containers clean and tidy. Long-term unemployed will carry out the work.

In Archipel&Willemspark this trust takes care of, among other things, the removal of rubbish from Mallemolen to containers, cleaning up Cantaloupenburg playground, keeping the area around glass and paper recycling containers on Nassauplein and Patijnlaan clean, clearing up dog mess (Monchyplein/ Laan Copes/ Bankaplein/Bankastraat/ Alexanderhof/ Delistraat/at the back of the cemetery/Koninginnegracht). Special attention should be given to tracking down the culprits and how this anti-social behaviour can be prevented.

Gerard adds that it is still important to always inform the municipality about these sort of complaints (T 14 070). BBOZ can also be alerted (361 5990). BBOZ can also be brought in to help withone-off events such as sweeping up after a street party.

4. Inventory of the meeting on upcoming council elections 8 February 2010 in Klokhuis Community Centre

Wybe: council representatives the political parties VVD, PvdA, GroenLinks, CDA, SP, D66 and Haagse Stadspartij have been invited to join in the debate on a number of subjects important to our neighbourhood, e.g. a number of traffic issues, diminishing care for the elderly, relationship between the city council and residents. The programme is not yet definite; agenda items can still be submitted. Max de Bok (parliamentary journalist and ex-chairman of Nieuwspoort) will chair the meeting.

5. Other news from the board, working parties and lobby groups

- Willem van Gijn (lobby group Traffic): on behalf of A/W we put forward our point of view at the public meeting of the Committee VML (Transportation and Environment) on 21 January 2010. See www.denhaag.nl/mijnraad for complete agenda in Dutch .

Working in alliance with organisations such as Rover, the Nature Conservation Society, Friends of The Hague and the Environmental Centre of The Hague, we have expressed our great concern about the plan for a tram tunnel under the Koninginnegracht. Councillor Smit said that no decision has yet been made. Before the summer recess a full study will be presented and until then everything is still open.  Auke expresses his concern that the government will consider this to be the solution to the problems that have arisen since the VCP (Traffic Circulation Plan) was introduced. We have to keep a sharp eye on things. Willem adds that new road markings in Bankastraat have been delayed because of winter weather conditions. Regretfully, major repairs in Bankastraat will not be carried out before 2011. A project group will be set up to monitor improvements to the street.

Funding will have to be found and to this end there is already e-mail contact with Dide Labots of the city council.

- Wybe reports positive reactions to the proposal to set up a “Snel Verkeer” (Through Traffic) lobby group

- Willem is busy developing a new initiative regarding Javastraat.  The situation for cyclists on Javabrug needs attention. An appeal has been filed against the parking permits allocated to the Paraat Peloton. The appeal has been devlared admissable and there will be a hearing shortly.

- Tim Dike (lobby group Environmental Planning) has filed an objection against the building plans in Frederikstraat. Enno Thedinga and Tim have a meeting scheduled with the municipal council, together bicycle repairman Chris Steenstraten. There is no permit for the present construction work, but the zoning plan allows high-density devlopment. If there are funds, Chris will be able to roof over the whole of the back of the premises.

- Auke: Martijn van Faassen would like to breathe new life into the lobby group Public Space. Who would like to take part?

- Ank Beekman:  the A/W website has posted all the information on the latest developments regarding the main north-west arterial route (NWH), the Koninginnegracht tunnel, etc. The digital newsletter now has more than 250 subscribers and around 3,000 people a month visit the A/W website.

- The digital billboard is to be adapted to support the standard lay-out provided by the council, but will retain the A?W corpoate fountain emblem. According to Auke this will make maintenance easier and short films will also be possible.

- Winner of the website/digital billboard Winter Photo Competition is Auke vd Kooi; his picture shows the Olympus Tower on De Monchyplein bathed in sunlight.

- Linda Fairwether Nash (Website international) and Jaap Drijver (webmaster Nl) have been presented with the A/W Residents Association’s ErePrijs 2009.

- Annemieke Leidekker (Vredeskapel and lobby group Public Welfare) reports on new talks on the subject of the Social Support Act (WMO), regarding negative developments in care for the elderly. A meeting is scheduled in the Julianakerk with councillor Van Alphen on February 2 at 19.00. It is most important that our community is represented!

6. Other business and conclusion of meeting

- Before Christmas, Tim rang T 14 070 to report a dangerous pothole in the street opposite 60 in Surinamestraat. When will something be done about this? Gerard will make enquiries.

- Enno Thedinga is displeased about the fact that a neighbouring family of three in the Balistraat owning 6 cars and a large trailer are allowed to park without any fines, while his own guests are fined if they leave their cars parked for just 10 minutes too long.

- Betty Aardewerk would like the neighbourhood to take action against the negative developments at the Schakelpunt Care Centre. The subject will be on the pre-election debate agenda on 8 February.

- Ruud Klein supplements with news that the library in Schakelpunt will move to the Klokhuis Community Centre.

A solution will be sought for the OAP keep-fit classes.

- Marianne: The 30-km-zone signs in Prinsevinkenpark are incorrect: the municipal council will take action.

Chairman Wybe Taekema concludes the meeting at 22.25 after which discussions continued and drinks were enjoyed.

Next community council meeting in ‘t Klokhuis on June 10 2010 at 20.00.

Translation: Antoinette van der Maas

MINUTES:

Most pertinent points from

Archipel & Willemspark Community Council minutes

19  N O V E M B E R    2 0 0 9   I N  'T  K L O K H U I S

Present: Mrs Aardewerk, Mrs Beekman, Mrs Blitz, Mrs Drijver, Mrs Hoogenraad,  Mrs Hoogerbrugge, Mrs. Leidekker, Mrs Mulder,  Mrs Nicolai, Mrs Nuij, Mrs Punt, Mrs. Van Till, Mrs Verhulst,  Mrs Ponsen and Mrs Arendse (minutes secretary),  and Mr Abels, Mr Bentinck,  Mr Bloembergen, Mr Dike, Mr Van Gijn, Mr Hooft Graafland, Mr Landheer, Mr. Munnikes, Mr. Nieuwenhuys, Mr. Punt, Mr. Rouppe van der Voort, Mr Taekema, Mr Van Tetterode, Mr Vermeulen, Mr Vroom, Mr Zeper  

Absent (announced beforehand): Mrs Ter Kuile,  Mrs van der Zalm, and Mr Klein

1.0 Welcome by chairman Wybe Taekema.

Because of the presence of a number of members of the Platform Main North West Arterial Route, this point (point 3) will be discussed first.

3. News on tunnel plan Main North West Arterial Route (NWH)

Koos Zeper, vice chairman Platform NWH, gives a resumé of the history of the Platform which was established more than 15 years ago as a sparring partner for the council. It represents 25% of the population of The Hague. The Platform wants a coherent, integral plan for traffic flow, which could be completed section-by-section if needs be. For the inhabitants of The Hague, accessibility and quality of life have priority. The Hague council has different ambitions: to become an international city with an extensive harbour quarter and higher-population density. Not enough attention is given to the quality of life and the handling of strongly increasing traffic flow.

Vincent Vroom and Guus Nieuwenhuys present a plan of full tunnelling of the NWH between Promenade Hotel and Kijkduin. The complete text will be published on www.archipelbuurt.nl. The tunnel will greatly reduce traffic in the neighbourhood, as for time saving reasons the tunnel will be used by all those who have their destination elsewhere, with as a result better air quality, greater traffic safety, less traffic jams, less traffic noise, more space for parks and gardens. It is important to plan now as council planning (safety tunnel Johan de Wittlaan, tram tunnel Central Station – Madurodam) could obstruct a long-term solution. Guus stresses the fact that this is a concept plan; details will have to be worked out later. Vincent draws attention to the fact that municipal government should do what citizens want.

Pauline van Till wonders whether excavation is not very expensive. Guus: No, on the contrary, excavation is cheaper than traditional tunnelling. Techniques have become much better recently. Tunnel construction should be left to contractors.

Gilles Hooft Graafland: have political parties been approached?

Wybe: Political parties VVD, PvdA and Groen Links are negative. CDA has some financial objections. The Haage Stadspartij is in favour, according to Tim Dike.

Betty Aardewerk: D66 has introduced a motion to look into the costs of the plan.

Eveline Blitz asks: Will there be a junction at Stadhouderslaan so that CentrumRing use will still be possible? Answer Guus: Details will be worked out later.

Tim Dike: the Ministery of Transport and Communications is positive about the plan. Gilles suggests asking all political parties for their opinion. Betty remarks that these can change rapidly (as was the case with the cruise terminal). Koos informs us that the council has agreed to take the tunnel concept into account as a starting point for further research. Willem van Gijn thanks the Platform members and asks for advice on how to vote. Would it be an idea to present the subject to the NRC/Handelsblad newspapers? Auke Bloembergen has contacts there and will take appropriate action. Willem would like to know whether Cut & Cover techniques and Excavation have already been combined elsewhere. This is not the case for a tunnel for cars, but it has been done for the underground (metro).

INTERVAL

Point 1 (cont’d)  No further business; the agenda is accepted without any changes.

2. Minutes of community council meeting 24 September 2009

The minutes are accepted without any changes.

4. Municipal Council: including City Management Service and Police

4.1 Maaike Nuij: The Schakelpunt and Gerard Spierenburg will keep an eye on things regarding Senior Citizens Work; OCW has taken over. On November 27, there will be a meeting about meals for the elderly. Else Ponsen adds that a questionnaire has been sent out by Staedion/Schakelpunt to find out if people are interested in a meal.

4.2 Archipelschool playground is still in the process of being overhauled.

4.3 Marianne Hoogerbrugge (Community Police): the Police Corps Run in the Scheveningse Bosjes brought in 3,500 euro for Pink Ribbon; approx. 200 people participated.

4.4 SMS Alert will also come to our neighbourhood. At the beginning of next year an informative meeting will take place for residents. Auke is contact address for SMS Alert on behalf of A/W.

5. Other news from the board, working parties and lobby groups

5.1 The New Year’s Reception will take place in ‘t Klokhuis on January 10 and start at 15.00.

5.2 Poetry on blank walls in the neighbourhood. The working party has had its first meeting. Members will go and look into the Leiden situation and present a plan for Archipel/Willemspark.

5.3 Working party Traffic/Bankastraat: Willem van Gijn reports that the central reservation of raised kerbing at the top of “high: Bankastraat is very effective; people drive a lot slower now. The enlargement of the central area around the fountain has been delayed: the permit for alterations has not yet been issued. It is hoped that there will be no budgetary consequences if the work is carried out in 2010 instead of 2009. Mr van Iersel is worried about the fact that a larger flowerbed will make the fountain look smaller.  The plan will be discussed with him; the fountain is dear to us all. Two sketches have been drawn up for the broad section of of Bankastraat. The working party has a preference for the one with the central reservation (see website). Lanes will be narrower, meaning slower traffic. A zebra crossing at the top Bankastraat could be realized.

Parking permits for the Rapid Reaction Unit have now been granted. An objection will be lodged.

5.4 Working party Urban Planning: Tim Dike reports on the new development plans for the Willemspark School. The HSV (The Hague School Association) will give a presentation on the evening of November 22; everybody is welcome to attend.   

5.5. Working party Public Space: Auke informs the meeting that new members are needed. Is anybody interested in making the public space in our district more attractive?

5.6 Social Sofa: Wybe thanks the ladies – and the one gentleman – who have worked so hard on this great project. Special thanks to Else Ponsen who coordinated it all. Else asks Willem to take the Social Sofa into account in the development plan for the broad section of Bankastraat; it deserves a prominent place.

5.7 Bosje van Repelaer: Ank Beekman thanks the council on behalf of Marianne van der Zalm for their action. Branches have been thinned out, fencing has been partly repaired, new fencing has been installed, and everything looks great again.

5.8 Media - digital billboard:

The billboard was officially activated on November 11 by alderman Huffnagel. Auke explains: if you want to post a news item, it will first appear on the website and then automatically on the billboard.

5.9 Senior Citizen’s Work:  Leny Punt introduces herself as the successor to Charlotte van Lynden.

6 Other business and conclusion of meeting

6.1 There are queries about the situation around police Headquarters. Marianne Hoogerbrugge will find the name and telephone number of our contact person there. If pedestrian traffic lights are suitably programmed, this can be reported to www.denhaag.nl

6.2 Vincent is grateful for the opportunity to hear the platform NWH plans.

6.3 Auke: will Malakkastraat lamp posts be painted shortly? They were been given an undercoat some time ago now.

6.4 Betty: could we have advice from the police on cycling through the Scheveningse Bosjes safely (following TV West news item). Marianne: problems there are well-known and are closely monitored, but people should always use their common sense.

6.5 Else informs the meeting that this will be her last time as minutes secretary.

6.6 Willem would like an update on the CentrumRing. Wybe: the procedure is still on-going. Measurements and calculations are being carried out, but European standardization was postponed. Also: is there any news on Albert Heijn’s development plans? Maaike: the stonemason’s yard will not close.

6.7 Tim asks who will go to the official opening of the VCP (Traffic Circulation Plan). Nobody is planning to do so.

The chairman concludes the meeting at 22.25 after which discussions continued and drinks were enjoyed.

The next Community Council meeting will take place on 21 January 2010

in 't Klokhuis Community Centre

Translation: Antoinette van der Maas

MINUTES:

Most pertinent points from

Archipel & Willemspark Community Council minutes

2 4  S E P T E M B E R    2 0 0 9   I N  'T  K L O K H U I S

Present: Mrs Aardewerk, Mrs Arendse, Mrs Beekman, Mrs Blitz, Mrs Drijver, Mrs Hoogenraad,  Mrs. Leidekker, Mrs Van Lynden, Mrs Nuij-Dols, Mrs Van der Zalm, Mrs Ponsen (minutes secretary),  and Mr Bloembergen, Mr Dike, Mr Van Ekelenburg, Mr Hooft Graafland, Mr Van der Hoog, Mr Kentgens, Mr Landheer, Mr Metz, Mr  Van Moorsel,  Mr Tetterode, Mr Thedinga 

Absent (announced beforehand): Mrs Mulder and Mrs Punt, and Mr Abels, Mr Huisman, Mr Klein, Mr. De Liefde, Mr. Nieuwenhuys, and Mr Taekema.  1.0 Welcome by Vice Chairman Hooft Graafland replacing chairman Wybe Taekema.

Jolanda Arendse is introduced. She will replace Else Ponsen who will retire as of 1 Jan. 2010 as administrative support. Else is already showing her the ropes. Jolanda has working experience as publicity staff member in a number of theatres in The Hague. She is now temporarily employed in the Regentes/Valkenbos community.

 1.1 The agenda is accepted without any changes.

2. Minutes of community council meeting June 4, 2009

Point 2 – bottle banks and recycling paper containers in Burg Patijnlaan can’t go underground as a large quantity of police cables are in the way. Maaike Nuij will now take action to have the present containers replaced.

Point 4.3 – Surinamestraat. After a members meeting of the Lobby Group Surinamestraat regarding changes in the public gardens and parking policy there will be a residents meeting chaired by Wybe with the director of the City Districts Centre, Gert Jan Bunck.

Point 4.5 – a poll will be held among the residents of the Atjehstraat on the subject of trees to be planted there.

Point 4.6 – The chairman compliments the council on the face lift of the Frederikstraat. Bicycles chained to the bridge railings spoil the effect. Mr. Metz of the Nieuwe Hof also complained about the number of bicycles against the fence in the Curacaostraat. community police officer Kentgens: this is something to be solved by the owner of the building, Staedion. However, the Police Contact Centre T 14 070 will label abandoned cycles if requested, and remove them later.

Point 6.3 – Traffic problems in the Nassaulaan could be easily solved by constructing a small roundabout in front of the bridge.

Addition to the Minutes:

Enno Tedinga’s (working party City Planning) remarks that the building plan of a car park in the Balistraat was not recorded in last meeting’s minutes. The objections submitted were rejected, and no further action will be taken.

Betty Aardewerk reports that future council policy on parking permits will be to increase the costs: the first permit will be relatively inexpensive, the second one more expensive, and the third one even more so. Hopefully this will work as a deterrent.

With the addition by Enno the minutes are accepted.  

3. News on Centrum Ring, NWH - Main North West Arterial Route and International Zone

3. 1 Tim Dike gives an account of the Political Café meeting for residents and council members of September 14.  Subject: Project for a duplex tunnel under the Main North West Arterial Route from Hubertustunnel to Kijkduin. The initiators of this project, Guus Nieuwenhuys and Vincent Vroom, gave a presentation at the meeting.  The council wants a short tunnel under the Scheveningseweg and prefers to proceed section by section. Members of the Council Executive are against the NWH project, the other parties support it. Political party D66 wants a financial overview of the project, after which a motion will be proposed at one of the city council meetings. (addition: The plans for the tunnel project will be presented by the initiators during the next Community Council meeting on 19 November 2009).

3.3 Eveline Blitz reports that the Mobility Bill 2020 on traffic in the city centre will be discussed shortly. Local districts will be consulted during the coming four months. A copy of this Bill will be requested by the secretariat.

 

4. Council: Municipal Council: including City Management Service and Police

4.1 Maaike Nuij: objections against the parking permits at Alexanderplein were dismissed. Only after the permits have been granted, can objections be made. High fees must be paid for the 180 permits for Rapid Reaction Unit – the police force has not yet been applied for them. Maaike hopes to hear from people in case of inconvenience caused, so that she can inform her contact person in the police force.

4.2 Maaike Nuij: ANWB staff members have given the Cantaloup playground an extensive overhaul during their company outing, together with the BBOZ (Zeehelden district maintenance and development trust).

4.3 Police: Yvonne Ipema who now works in the Zeehelden district has been succeeded by Henk Kentgens, who reports on problems in the neighbourhood caused by people coming from the city centre, i.a. “the liberation goods from shops”; burglaries have been reported by embassies and premises on Javastraat.

4.4 Unlike the Scheveningen precinct, there will be no National Police Day celebrations at the Karnebeek precinct.

4.5 Mr Metz asks about counselling in case of quarrels between neighbours. Police Officer Kentgens feels this is a matter for the housing corporation.

4.6 Eveline Blitz compliments the council for installing ‘antique’ lampposts on the even-numbered side of Borneostraat.

4.7 Betty complains that some lampposts could be switched off sooner. Maaike advises to keep calling 14070. It really helps: it means sticking points become visible and something will be done in the end.

5. Further news from the residents association committee, working parties and lobby groups

5.1 Gilles suggests: poetry on blank walls in the neighbourhood. A working party has been formed to look into the possibility of poems being painted on these walls following the initiative of Leiden.

5.2 Working group Urban Planning: Victoria Mendes de Leon is no longer contact person. Enno feels Tim is the right person to replace her, which is reluctantly accepted by Tim.

5.3 Tim: In June/July the working group saw the plans for the left section of the former LTO - building (Dutch Federation of Agricultural & Horticultural Organisations) in Prinsevinkenpark. The plan was approved by the building inspectorate. However, there are no buyers at the moment for the 15 apartments planned, and it is uncertain whether owner Greve will continue as planned. The chairman feels that apartments this size will be an interesting option for senior citizens, who want to move into smaller houses but don’t want to leave the neighbourhood.

5.4 New development plans for the HSV (The Hague School Association) in Cantaloupenburg and for the six apartments on the Van Bergen Henegouwen territory have been submitted, but are out of step with one another aesthetically even though they are to be built on the same plot. Tim is also involved in the Willemspark Lobby Group, which has already objected to the flats.

5.5 Working party Traffic: Robert van Moorsel replaces Willem van Gijn. He compliments the council for the decision to start improving the situation of the triangular junction at the top of Bankastraat, where a central reservation of raised kerbing will be installed.

New road markings will be applied along Bankastraat. In 2010 a central grassy reservation will be installed in the broader section of Bankastraat, and during the second quarter of 2010 the area around the fountain will be enlarged. Cycle-lane markings will not be added as there is not enough space. Robert promises to write an article on the subject for the A/W community newspaper.

5.6 The tree roots pushing up the paving stones in front of the Café Banka still make it difficult to negotiate the pavement here. Maaike will ask a colleague to look into this problem.

5.7 Social Sofa: 12 enthousiastic volunteers will start working on the mosaic. Irene Vonck’s design was chosen. Estate agent Elmer van Soest has found a studio belonging to Hans Offringa (Frisia), behind the girder skeleton structure in Sumatrastraat. Volunteers have already done a course in mosaicwork and go into action on October 3. The work will take at least take a full fortnight. The design symbolizes the islands of the Archipelago surrounded by the sea. Indonesia’s main islands, a palm tree, hibiscus flowers and the SS Sibayak are all depicted; the islands not positioned geographically correctly but indicate the street names in the neighbourhood. Additional volunteers are most welcome! The final location for the sofa has not yet been decided.

5.8 Newsletter: After the start in October 2008 (Dutch version) and April 2009 (English version) the number of visitors to the website has significantly grown, according to Ank Beekman. The number of readers is highest on the day of publication of the newsletter. The editors are looking into a less labour-intensive way of distributing the newsletter. Linda Nash is praised for the design: both website and fortnightly newsletter look great!

5.9 A/W Community Newspaper: Eva Drijver asks everyone’s opinion on the extra summer edition of the newspaper. General opinion is ‘nice but a bit flimsy’; the editors think so too. Next year the October issue will be replaced by a September issue, filling the gap between June and October. This will allow the editorial team a summer break.

5.10 Digital Billboard Newspaper: Aukje Boembergen confirms that this will be operational in the Albert Heijn shop window within a month.

5.11 Bosje van Repelaer: according to Arianne van der Zalm, Mr Van der Hut of the department of open space planning is difficult to reach. This is due to personal circumstances: he is back at work now, but only part-time. Maaike will contact him as branches of large trees are lashing against the roofs of the Javahofje houses during autumn storms and will have to be cut down. The coppice needs to be thinned out as well. Complaints about young people leaving garbage behind and creating havoc will have to be addressed to the police. At the moment, people walking their dogs there feel unsafe. A regular police patrol would help.

6. The 2010 agenda will be distributed separately.

The New Year’s reception will be on Sunday 12 January 2010.

6.1 Annual Strategy 2010-2011

6.2 The chairman reports that the Klokhuis Community Centre is doing so well that the city council considers it to be exemplary.

6.3 ‘t Schakelpunt Care Centre has the attention of councillor Van Alphen, as the number of facilities has been reduced, i.a. day care services. A working group has been formed by care provider Florence together with Zebra (an organization providing broad social support in three districts of The Hague: Centrum, Schilderswijk and Transvaal), Boog (a charitable organization for community structure) and Staedion (housing corporation providing housing options for people with a low or medium income, vulnerable people, starters and senior citizens) will hold a survey amongst the elderly on the subjects of loneliness and poverty. Within a month the councillor will report back, at least Maaike expects this to happen. Her colleague Gerard Spierenburg is also aware of the problem. Else Ponsen who used to be a staff member at Schakelpunt says the probleem are due to changes in the distribution of subsidies introduced 1 September 2009.

Annemieke Leidekker of the Vredeskapel wonders whether a working party for welfare could be started, involving all relevant organisations. The chairman confirms this has already been the subject of discussion among board members, but not yet with others.

6.4 Addition annual strategy: Tim requests that the actualisation of the zoning plan Archipel/Willemspark, planned for 2010, will be added. Ank Beekman will take care of the matter.

6.5 Reaction to the request to feature the refurbishing of the Nassauplein more prominently in the annual strategy:  the working party Traffic prefers to give full attention to the Bankastraat first and to tackle the Nassauplein problems later.

Full marks to Ank Beekman for the well-written 2010-2011 strategy. The submission of such a strategy is compulsory in order to receive the council subsidy.

7. Other business and conclusion of meeting

7.1 Ank: On Friday 13 November  in the afternoon, Nico Groot will give a presentation on the Countess of Voorburg, who was nicknamed Poederdot (Powder Puff) and show a film about her life, starring Andrea Domburg.

7.2 Eveline: The city council has informed the Friends of The Hague that the sculpture group in the lake at  the Yugoslavia Tribunal will have to be removed for security reasons. Eveline can think of two locations in our neighbourhood for this group: in the pond in front of the Crescent Building, Burg. Monchyplein or at the triangular Bankastraat/Dr. A. Jacobsweg junction. She will consult the residents shortly. The community council approves of the idea.  

7.3 Annemieke from the Vredeskapel: The Vredeskapel will participate in the Day of the Dialogue, which will be held nationwide on 6 and 7 November 2009. ‘t Klokhuis will participate as well. A/W Newspaper and A/W Website will receive the necessary information.

7.4 Marianne: In Mallemolen some garbage containers are put outside too early and as a consequence the area looks messy. Maaike advised informing the local preservation and maintenance team (handhavingsteam).

7.5 Tim informs us that the AD/Haagsche Courant newspaper is looking for local news from the city districts and asks whether the A/W Newspaper is distributed to the editors. This is not the case. The AD Newspaper is looking for people willing to write neighbourhood news. Herman Blokpoel of the A/W newspaper editorial staff has applied.

 7.6 Max van der Hoog: A local resident of the Surinamestraat has tipped Telegraaf newspaper with a negative story about the council.

7.7 Charlotte van Lynden takes her leave as deputy of the OAP group, as she left the Archipel some time ago. Lenie Punt will take over. The chairman thanks Charlotte for her many years of dedicated work and presents her with a copy of the book Archi-typen (articles about local residents) as a farewell gift.

7.8 Robert asks Maaike about change to the zoning plan regarding the plot behind Sumatrastraat. It concerns a formalization of the use by Jehee’s Stonemasons Yard. Rumour has it that Jehee is leaving and that AH will take over the plot as a parking lot; Mr Jehee denies this.

On Friday 25 September there will be a meeting between the working party Traffic and Mr Strooper of the HTM (tram and bus company) on the subject of speeding buses along the Bankastraat. No accidents have been reported yet.

7.9 Else asks whether Maaike will contact Els de Jeu and Leander of the Archipel school regarding the number of bicycles parked in front of the gate. Maybe the pavement can  be widened and more bicycle stands provided?

7.10 The chairman concludes the meeting at 22.00 after which discussions continued and drinks were enjoyed.

 

The next Community Council meeting will take place on Thursday 19 November at 20.00 in 't Klokhuis Community Centre

Translation: Antoinette van der Maas

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:

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.