Questions and Answers: Boerhaavelaan 33
What kind of people will be living there?
There is room for 36 permit holders in 18 rooms. It is not yet known exactly who these people are, but they are often individuals awaiting family reunification. They are predominantly fathers and sons traveling alone. There may also be couples or other pairs among them (for example, two adult family members).
What are license holders?
Permit holders (also known as status holders) are recognized refugees who are entitled to protection in the Netherlands.
Why does the municipality of Zoetermeer provide housing for permit holders?
Each year, the municipality of Zoetermeer receives a mandate from the national government to house permit holders. This year, there are 225 such individuals. The municipality has a backlog of 76 permit holders who have not yet been housed. Because there are not enough homes, the municipality is renting additional living space to ensure that enough people have a place to live.
What do permit holders do during the day?
Permit holders are required to participate in a civic integration program. This civic integration process is coordinated by the municipality. Permit holders are also permitted to work.
Will there be (much) more traffic?
Traffic is expected to increase slightly. This will mainly consist of slow-moving traffic. Many residents will not own a car. There is ample parking available for residents.
Can I volunteer or help out in some other way?
If you'd like to volunteer or have a good idea for promoting the integration of new residents, please let us know at boerhaavelaan@zoetermeer.nl.
Is it already certain that it's going to happen?
The city council is applying for a grant for this location. If the city does not receive the grant, the plan will not go ahead. However, we are confident that we will receive the grant. You can therefore assume that the plan will go ahead.
Can I object to this plan?
You can share your concerns, requests, and worries with the municipality. You cannot file an objection, as this is a private-law agreement (lease) with Divorce Housing.
Is this the only housing facility in Zoetermeer that caters to a flexible range of residents?
No, we already provide housing for permit holders and migrant workers on Danny Kayelaan. More housing facilities with flexible eligibility criteria will be opened in the near future, because the housing shortage is severe.
We're concerned about noise and other disturbances. Can we come to an agreement about this?
Property managers will be on site to monitor this as well. The Zoetermeer municipal enforcement team also monitors the location, and the city will assign a site manager. You can report noise disturbances to them. You can also share any concerns via the email address boerhaavelaan@zoetermeer.nl.
Is there a point of contact at the municipality?
The municipality employs site managers who oversee all the facilities in Zoetermeer where refugees are staying. The best way to contact the site manager is to send an email to boerhaavelaan@zoetermeer.nl.
What happens next?
We expect the new residents to move into the building starting December 1. Residents will receive a lease for up to 2 years and will then move on. We are leasing the building for an initial period of 3 years. This may be extended.
Can you keep me informed?
The municipality will notify local residents if there is a reason to do so. If you would like to receive not only letters but also emails, please let us know at boerhaavelaan@zoetermeer.nl. You will then receive updates more frequently.