Edison Park

What exactly does the spatial procedure entail?

The BOPA procedure concerns a change of the zoning of the area. Residents have the possibility to file an objection to this change.

How does the new construction project fit within the current zoning plan?

The new construction project does not fit within the current zoning plan. That is why we want to change the zoning of the entire area to 'residential'.

How are the current living environment and the character of the neighbourhood taken into account?

We take into account the vision of the Zegwaartseweg and have drawn up an urban development plan. This plan has been carefully developed, with explicit attention to the existing environment and the character of the neighbourhood.

What changes are being made to the zoning plan?

The destination of the area will be changed to 'residential'. The procedure for the environmental plan and the environmental permit will start in the fourth quarter of 2024.

What steps have already been taken in the process, such as approval by the municipal council?

The municipal council has already approved the urban development plan. On 8 July 2024, the municipal council gave the green light for 540 homes in a green urban environment. In addition, the municipal council has reserved space for the Edisonboog, which can be decided on in the future.

How is the participation of residents and companies handled?

There has been a participation process with a fixed ambition document since 2018. On November 12, 2024, an information evening will be organized for residents and companies in the area, specifically focused on the BOPA procedure.

What options do local residents have to object to or influence the plans?

Residents can object to the BOPA procedure. If they do not agree with the outcome of the objection, they can appeal, or even file an appeal.

How are the interests of local companies taken into account in the procedure?

We are having conversations with companies in the area to inventory their wishes and concerns. It is important that the municipality provides information in a timely manner, for example about changes in the LZV route, the Edisonstraat and other relevant topics.

What preceded the tree felling in Edison Park

We understand that the felling of trees in the newly developed Edisonpark area has an impact. The felling permit was requested for safety reasons. The municipality had to carry out emergency felling in the area before, because trees and branches fell over, sometimes causing damage. This weakened the remaining trees, making further felling necessary.

The felling of trees was carried out under the conditions of a temporary nature permit. Prior to the felling, careful ecological research was carried out by an internal ecologist and an independent ecological research agency. These studies focused on species that are protected under the Environmental Act, such as breeding birds and nests in trees and along the ditch. No protected flora or fauna were found during these field visits. In addition, Stichting Egelopvang Zoetermeer inspected the area, during which no hedgehogs were observed.

The area will soon have plenty of space for greenery and biodiversity. We aim to plant new trees this year. This will be done at the edges of the area, so that the construction of the 550 homes is not hindered. The trees within the area will be planted in phases when the land is made ready for habitation. This way, biodiversity will definitely have a place in Edisonpark.

The trees that were recently cut down at Edisonstraat are being chipped on site. A small portion of the wood chips is being reused within Zoetermeer, the majority is being taken to a specialized processor. It is true that there is still one tree standing: a sequoia. This special tree will be preserved and will be given a place within the Edisonpark project.

Why is tree felling necessary for this project?

The tree felling is necessary for safety. In the past, 3 trees have fallen, which has caused dangerous situations. We have already carried out emergency felling on Edisonstraat, but it turns out that we also have to fell trees in the entire area. Felling trees that can fall ensures that the other trees catch less wind, which can also make them dangerous.

Will new trees or green areas be planted to compensate for the felling of trees?

Yes, new trees will be planted as compensation.

How is it ensured that biodiversity is not affected by tree felling?

We will plant new trees as soon as possible and keep the environment as green as possible. In addition, we have a nature permit until 2026 and we take ecology into account, including through field visits.

When and how exactly does the tree felling take place, and what kind of nuisance can this cause?

The tree felling will take place in the first quarter of 2025. Our aim is to keep the nuisance for the surrounding area to a minimum.

Are there any protected animal species or nests in the trees to be felled, and how will these be handled?

No protected species or nests were found in the trees to be felled.

Has there been any consultation with local residents or other parties about the felling of trees and the preservation of greenery?

A permit has been applied for to fell the trees, and no objections have been lodged by the surrounding area.

What are the consequences of tree felling for air quality and the living environment in the area?

The felling of trees will not have any significant consequences for the air quality or the living environment. In addition, we will replant new trees in time.

Can residents or companies influence the plans for tree felling?

No objection has been lodged against the felling permit, which means that residents or companies currently have no influence.

What will happen to Edisonstraat and traffic flow?

The Edisonstraat is being 'cut' to create a car-free residential area. Traffic is being diverted and parking is being created on the north and south sides of the street.

Will the Edison Arch still be built?

At this moment, space has been reserved for the Edisonboog, but further research is needed and a final decision by the city council must be taken later. The work on the project will not be hindered by this.

How is traffic pressure on surrounding roads reduced?

There are several traffic adjustments planned in the area. After these adjustments, traffic will be diverted to reduce the traffic pressure on surrounding roads.

Are there additional facilities for cyclists and pedestrians?

Yes, the design provides sufficient space for both cyclists and pedestrians.

How is traffic safety in the area guaranteed, especially for pedestrians and cyclists?

Various measures are being taken to improve road safety, such as height differences between the cycle path and footpath and clear separations to separate cyclists and pedestrians.

Is there sufficient parking space for the new residents and visitors?

Yes, ample parking is provided for both residents and visitors.

How will public transport to the area be adapted or expanded?

A new bus stop will be built in the area, probably on Zegwaartseweg, to improve public transport to the area.

Will there be parking pressure on the surrounding neighborhoods, and if so, how will this be resolved?

No parking pressure is expected on the surrounding neighborhoods.

Are there plans for charging stations for electric cars?

Yes, there are plans to install charging stations for electric cars. This will be further elaborated later.

How is sustainability ensured in the design?

Sustainability is integrated into the design through the use of energy-efficient housing, plenty of green spaces and the creation of a car-free area with parking facilities at the outside of the area.

What is Villa Eigenwijze?

Villa Eigenwijze consists of 16 apartments, intended for people with an intellectual or physical disability.

How is the greenery in the neighborhood designed?

The design contains a lot of greenery, in which we follow the green-urban vision.

Are there plans for recreation and play areas in the area?

Yes, there will be enough playgrounds for children in the neighbourhood. The water that flows through the area will also contribute to the attractiveness of the area.

What facilities will be available in the neighbourhood, such as green areas, playgrounds or sports fields?

As mentioned earlier, there will be enough playgrounds for children. In terms of green areas, the district will have many trees, and certain homes will also have a communal garden.

How do we ensure that public spaces remain attractive and accessible to everyone?

We have involved the accessibility council in the project and have had discussions about the accessibility of the public space. Various measures are being taken to ensure that the space is accessible and attractive to everyone.

Are measures being taken to limit nuisance, such as noise pollution?

Yes, high-rise buildings are planned in the shell of the district. This will serve as a noise barrier for the houses behind it. The starting point is that there should be no noise pollution for the residents.

Will there be sufficient facilities such as shops, schools and healthcare in the area?

No new shops, schools or health care facilities will be built in the area. However, these facilities are already present in the immediate vicinity, such as in the Palenstein and Oosterheem districts.

Will the project also include green roofs, solar panels or other environmentally friendly technologies?

Yes, we want to use as many environmentally friendly techniques as possible, such as green roofs and solar panels. The exact implementation of these techniques is being further elaborated.

What is the schedule for the construction of the houses?

The site will be made ready for construction in 2025, after which actual construction will start in 2026.

When does the first phase start and how are the 4 phases divided?

Work on the first phase, to prepare the land for construction, will begin next year. The project will be carried out in 4 phases, with each phase being planned separately.

How can I stay informed about developments?

An information evening will be held in November 2024, and you can follow the latest updates on the webpage: www.zoetermeer.nl/edisonpark .

What is the total duration of the project?

The entire project will take approximately 8 years.

What are the key milestones in the process?

The most important milestones are the site preparation and the start of construction. Each phase has its own milestones that are carried out separately.

How is possible nuisance to the surrounding area taken into account during the construction phase?

We will keep in close contact with the surrounding area and organize an information evening to explain the work and discuss any concerns.

How is the site used between construction phases?

Between construction phases 3 and 4 we will look at the possibilities for temporary facilities. In addition, we will see if we can place a construction sign.

Which companies and parties are involved in the project?

The Development Combination consists of AM BV, Dura Vermeer Bouw Zuid West BV and Synchroon BV

There is now a pile of plastic in the eastern part of Edisonpark. What is that exactly?

In the Edisonpark we are trying to get rid of a persistent plant in an environmentally friendly way: the Japanese Knotweed. It was probably planted when it was still an allotment. The plant is difficult to remove, because it grows quickly and spreads underground. That is why a test has been started in which the soil with the plant is dug up, mixed with a special organic mix, and then covered with a sturdy plastic sheet. This way the plant no longer gets any light or air, and it dies completely. You can see that plastic pile lying there now. If the test is successful this summer, we will remove the plastic and simply use the clean, fertile soil in the same place again.