See you later!
For four years, I have had the great pleasure of serving as your neighborhood councilor. When I started, the neighborhood was not entirely unfamiliar to me as a resident of Zoetermeer. And yet, in a way, it was. At first, it felt a bit like entering a world where you still have to find your place. That feeling quickly faded. Because it soon became clear: people make the neighborhood. And without people, there is no neighborhood. You made me feel incredibly welcome from the very beginning.
As the neighborhood alderman, I wanted to be right in the heart of the neighborhood: listening, connecting, and bringing residents’ concerns to City Hall. And that’s exactly what happened. Conversations grew longer, and faces became more familiar. What started as introductions evolved into real conversations—about the neighborhood, about what’s going well and what could be improved, and especially about what Buytenwegh means to you. That’s how I really got to know the neighborhood.
I’ve had many conversations over the past few years. On the street, during office hours, at events, or just spontaneously somewhere in the neighborhood. Sometimes lighthearted, sometimes intense, and sometimes straight to the point. But also vulnerable stories about concerns, about what could be improved, and about moments when things get rough. And to be honest: not every conversation was easy. That’s exactly why they were so valuable. They show just how much people care. Thank you for sharing them with me.
In the meantime, something even bigger has been set in motion. The neighborhood development initiative we launched together is an important step toward the future of Buytenwegh. It may not be visible everywhere yet, but it is certainly palpable: in the plans, in the collaboration, and in the energy within the neighborhood. That process continues.
I am proud. Proud of you, of the neighborhood, and of what we have set in motion together.
And then comes the time to say goodbye. It’s hard, because I would have loved to continue doing this work. On June 17, I’ll be in the neighborhood one last time to meet with you and say goodbye during office hours. From 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. outside at De Hoveniers (Carry van Bruggenhove 27).
But “goodbye” doesn’t quite feel like the right word. I’m stepping down as neighborhood councilor, but I’m certainly not saying goodbye to Buytenwegh. I’m sure we’ll run into each other again, and when we do, let’s be sure to catch up.
See you later!
District Councilman Bouke Velzen
