Three Potential Sites Under Consideration for Asylum Seeker Housing in Aalten
The municipality of Aalten has identified three locations that will be further evaluated as potential sites for housing asylum seekers. These locations are in and around the town of Aalten: ’t Walfort, Kriegerdreef , and Eerste Broekdijk 71. Over the coming weeks, the municipality and the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) will assess each location to determine what is needed to make housing there possible. A final decision will be made from among these locations. No decision has yet been made on this matter.
The municipality has been working on preparations for housing asylum seekers for some time now. The city council established guidelines for this in February of this year. Based on those guidelines, several potential locations were evaluated. Three locations have now been shortlisted.
Residents can share their insights and areas of concern
The municipality and the COA are assessing, among other things, the practical feasibility and the impact on the surrounding area for each location. The studies are expected to be completed in November.
In this phase, the municipality is asking residents to share their knowledge, concerns, and suggestions that could help in the assessment of these locations. From October 12 through November 1, all residents of the municipality of Aalten can submit their insights and points of concern for each location via www.aalten.nl/opvang. These may include, for example, accessibility, traffic conditions, developments in the surrounding area, or other details that residents consider important for assessing a location.
Alderman Joop Wikkerink explains: “A decision like this affects a community. That’s why we believe it’s important not only to conduct research but also to listen to people who know the community well. Residents, business owners, and organizations often have knowledge and insights that can be valuable in evaluating the sites. We invite them to share those insights with us.”
In addition, local residents will be invited in November to a meeting to discuss the potential location in their area.
The Board Makes a Decision
In December, the results of the study and a summary of the input from residents and nearby residents will be presented to the city council. The council may convey its wishes and concerns regarding this matter to the executive board.