Response to Levendig Leeuwen 2021

Response 2

We attended the meeting, but would also like to respond in writing.

It appears that we will have to give up too many parking spaces. There will only be one parking space left at Chocolaterie de Tweeling, while there are plans to build apartments and new shops next to De Tweeling. During the meeting, it was indicated that space could be created for several parking spaces.

There is also a hotel opposite us. The question is, where are all these people supposed to park their cars? They will park in side streets such as Julianastraat, but because of you, there is no other parking space allocated around the center. In addition, it is necessary to introduce a blue card so that cars cannot stay parked all day. This will be monitored, but such a parking enforcement officer will pay for itself.

Response from the municipality

1. We understand that the number of parking spaces is a sticking point in this design. In consultation with (a delegation of) the entrepreneurs, we have sought to strike the best possible balance between all the interests that we have to take into account. These include climate adaptation, heat stress, and biodiversity, but of course also the residents of the street and the (accessibility and availability of) shops. The revised design includes several parking spaces in Zandstraat. 
2. We are still working out the signage to the surrounding parking lots. 
3. We believe that introducing a (partial) blue zone is a good option. We will look into this further during the technical implementation.

Response 3

I have a cash machine (withdrawals and deposits) in my business and will not have any parking spaces in the future. I currently have six. Brinks now parks in front of our shop door for the safety of the cash transport. I receive daily deliveries, which means that the trucks have to remain in the middle of the street, blocking the passage.

So I disagree with the removal of my parking spaces and with getting two trees in front of my shop. People park there briefly because it's quick to get in and out. But then they no longer have anywhere to park, as the parking spaces at the business across the street are occupied for longer periods. 

Response from the municipality

We understand that the number of parking spaces is a sticking point in this design. In consultation with (a delegation of) the entrepreneurs, we have sought to strike the best possible balance between all the interests that we have to take into account. These include climate adaptation, heat stress, and biodiversity, but of course also the residents of the street and the (accessibility and availability of) the shops. 

Response 4

Nice plan with lots of greenery and attention to safety. Around our residential address, please pay attention to:

1. Clear marking of the exit. Currently, vehicles often park in front of the exit.
2. A new tree is being planted in front of the espalier lime trees (zijde Molenlaan). This reduces the view. Please move or cancel.

Response from the municipality

Thank you for your compliment. 

1. By using different materials for driveways, we expect them to stand out more in the new design. We will provide details during the technical development of the design. 
2. We have removed the tree from the design.

Response 5

Following on from the open evening on July 13, 2021, I would like to take this opportunity to remind you that the wall next to our house is not located on the cadastral boundary. If this wall/boundary fence is replaced in the future and the cadastral boundary is maintained, the sidewalk will become slightly narrower. Please pay attention to this and, in particular, to the distance between the planned trees and the cadastral boundary (so that it does not become too narrow for strollers, etc.). 

Response from the municipality

The boundary fence (the wall) will remain in place, if possible. During the technical development of the design, we will take a closer look at the cadastral boundary and the planned trees.

Response 6

I think the Levendig Leeuwen design looks promising. I do wonder why the parking spaces on the square have been changed. Is there a specific reason for this?

More seating options in the center would also be nice, as more and more (cycling) tourists are stopping off in our village. 

I hope you will dare to plant lots of beautiful, large, strong trees to provide shade. A town center only gains character with large, mature trees. Can the trees that are being removed be replanted? Waste should be avoided at all times (in my opinion). I assume that the planting will also take into account the needs of birds and insects? 

Additional trash cans on the square may be necessary (especially at Aldi). Good luck with implementing this.

Response from the municipality

Thank you for your compliment. 

1. We are opting for more greenery on the village square. This will enable us to meet the requirements for providing sufficient shade and places to sit (including seating). The greenery will mainly be planted around the edges of the square, so that the square remains suitable for the market and events. 
2. The green plan specifies the exact choice of trees, plants, and their placement. We will discuss this green plan during the technical elaboration of the design. Biodiversity is a topic that we must certainly take into account. 
3. During the technical development of the design, we will assess whether additional waste bins are needed in the village square and where we can place them.  

Response 7

1. We are interested in the safety of the water collection point in front of the door. I understand that it will be planted with vegetation, which will prevent it from becoming an empty space in the street scene in terms of safety. Wonderful initiative!
2. The plots that will become our property now have two double driveways, which we would like to use as such. Two in front of the garage and two next to the house. The design only shows one car on the double driveway next to the house. Can the design take into account two double driveways in terms of tree positions, entrances, and the position of parking spaces in front of the neighbors' house?
3. We are interested in learning more about the profiling of the final line gutter in relation to tire noise from passing cars. 
4. We are interested in the layout of the road in front of our house. The design drawing could suggest that this is a raised crossing or a speed bump. 
5. We are interested in whether there will be any changes to the street lighting for our property.

Response from the municipality

1. The water collection area will have a maximum depth of 30 centimeters. We will further develop these collection areas during the technical elaboration of the design. Safety is, of course, an important consideration in this regard.
2. We have modified the double driveways on the drawing. 
3. The profiling of the final line gutter is an important detail. The technical elaboration of the design provides more clarity on this point.
4. All intersections in the new design will be at ground level. There will therefore be no raised intersections or thresholds. We will clarify this in the detailed technical specifications for the design.
5. We will work out the lighting at a later stage as part of the technical design. 

Response 8

We rent out a retail property on Zandstraat, and we see in the new plan that only a very limited number of parking spaces will be created. Namely, only one parking space. Currently, there are three. This causes us concern for the future. It must remain attractive for the entrepreneur who rents the retail property. It is very important that shoppers are able to park easily.

Response from the municipality

We understand that the number of parking spaces is a sticking point in this design. In consultation with (a delegation of) the entrepreneurs, we have sought to strike the best possible balance between all the interests that we have to take into account. These include climate adaptation, heat stress, and biodiversity, but of course also the residents of the street and the (accessibility and availability of) shops.

Response 9

It's a good plan in itself, but in my opinion there are areas for improvement.

1. We would like to see more parking spaces, both on the square and in Zandstraat. More and more people are coming here to shop, which we are very happy about. Customers say they are delighted that it is easy to park here. This plan would negate this major advantage. 
2. Wider walkway for the shops on the square. Please keep the situation as it is now. Entrepreneurs also want to put their goods outside, which will be very difficult if the walkway is only 2.0 meters wide.
3. No trees in front of the storefronts. It is not visible which stores are located on the square. And when the walkway narrows and trees are added, a lot of light is blocked. Due to the arcade, there is already little light in the stores.
4. Please do not place a water playground in front of the shops. Firstly, this creates dangerous situations when children play here between parked cars (which is not desirable). Secondly, it makes the walkway even narrower when merchandise is displayed outside.

Response from the municipality

Thank you for your compliment.

1. We understand that the number of parking spaces is a sticking point in this design. In consultation with (a delegation of) the entrepreneurs, we have sought to strike the best possible balance between all the interests that we have to take into account. These include climate adaptation, heat stress, and biodiversity, but of course also the residents of the street and the (accessibility and availability of) shops.
2. The walkway in front of the shops is at least 3 meters wide on the drawing. 
3. We have only included a few trees in the green areas. We will determine the types of trees in the green plan. This design actually provides a better view of the shops than in the current situation. 
4. In the revised design, the water playground has been moved to the other side of the village square. 

Response 10

Nice design! Good to hear that you are looking into heat stress. I do hope that once this has been implemented, attention will be paid to Zijveld (between Rozenstraat and Zandstraat), because heat stress is definitely an issue there. Some greenery would certainly help.

Response from the municipality

Thank you for your compliment. The Zijveld is not part of this project. We will look into whether we can make the Zijveld greener in the future.

Response 11

We have reviewed the design and are very disappointed with it. Parking spaces are extremely important for shopkeepers in Beneden-Leeuwen; it is unacceptable that so many parking spaces are being removed. There is no alternative here. This is not a city! We therefore sincerely hope that this plan will be amended.

Response from the municipality

We understand that the number of parking spaces is a sticking point in this design. In consultation with (a delegation of) the entrepreneurs, we have sought to strike the best possible balance between all the interests that we have to take into account. These include climate adaptation, heat stress, and biodiversity, but of course also the residents of the street and the (accessibility and availability of) the shops.

Response 12

1. An excellent initiative to take a closer look at the center of Beneden-Leeuwen. For me, safety in Zandstraat is paramount. It is not clear how this and, with it, the liveliness of the street will be improved. Slowing down traffic, if necessary by forcing vehicles to stop by installing crosswalks, is not promoted in the design. Safe crossing is all the more important given that parking is permitted on one side of Zandstraat.
2. Water features and greenery are beautiful, and in late spring/summer they provide opportunities for insects to feel at home. Replanting Zandstraat is a waste of money. 
3. As shown in the drawing: on Dorsplein, the trees parallel to the Kruidvat/former De Rijk section will be removed. However, this is not indicated. Leave these trees in place and plant a few trees on Dorpsplein to increase the amount of shade. Layout of Sportlaan: the current layout is fine. 
4. The lazy staircase to the Wiel is a good example of a useful and meaningful addition that brings liveliness to the area. Installing a toilet block is not necessary. The current method of placing portable toilets at events is an excellent solution (no maintenance, no cleaning costs).

Once again, an excellent initiative to improve liveliness. The proposal requires many changes, a lot of money for construction, and considerably more maintenance of green spaces. Improving safety for road users in Zandstraat is important.

Response from the municipality

1. In the new design, the intersections in Zandstraat will be constructed at ground level with additional attention surfaces. The use of different materials at these intersections compared to the rest of the road will reduce speed. This will make it safer to cross the street.
2. A study has been conducted into the quality of the existing trees. Based on the results of this study, we will decide whether to keep or remove existing trees. We will keep those that can remain. We will plant new trees to improve biodiversity. 
3. See the answer to point 2. When choosing tree species to plant, shade plays a major role. 
4. We will discuss the placement of a toilet unit at the event site internally once again. If it is not necessary, we will not install this unit.

Response 13

It is a beautiful design with more space for bicycles and pedestrians. However, it is very important that there are sufficient parking spaces in front of the shops at Zandstraat 74. The shopkeepers depend on people from the surrounding area who like to come and shop, and who can park their cars in front of numbers 74a, 74d, and 74d. Maintaining the current parking spaces is very important. Various other villages and towns have made the big mistake of making parking difficult during redevelopment. The result: vacant premises and the departure of small businesses. You can prevent this by maintaining the parking bays.

Response from the municipality

Thank you for your compliment. We understand that the number of parking spaces is a sticking point in this design. In consultation with (a delegation of) the entrepreneurs, we have sought to strike the best possible balance between all the interests we have to take into account. These include climate adaptation, heat stress, and biodiversity, but of course also the residents of the street and the (accessibility and availability of) shops.

Response 14

Basically, it's a nice design. However, I wonder if there will be enough parking space. It's already quite busy on busy days (e.g., Saturdays) and quite full. In this plan, spaces along Zandstraat (especially near the Hema) that are often full will be removed. I think this plan will increase parking pressure in the surrounding streets and cause frustration about the lack of spaces (resulting in complaints from the neighborhood). This is especially true on market days, when part of the square is also unavailable (where capacity has also been reduced in the new plan). And remember, there are also many people who come here to shop from outside the village, so in practice they all come by car. In that respect, the center of Beneden-Leeuwen serves much more than just the village (which in itself would not have such a large center if it did not fulfill this function). I hope this will be given careful consideration.

Response from the municipality

Thank you for your compliment.
We commissioned a parking study. The results of this study form the basis for the design. We understand that the number of parking spaces is a sticking point in this design. In consultation with (a delegation of) the entrepreneurs, we have sought to strike the best possible balance between all the interests we have to take into account. These include climate adaptation, heat stress, and biodiversity, but of course also the residents of the street and the (accessibility and availability of) shops.

Response 15

What strikes me about the plan is that, for example, the ALDI is still located on the market square (it is still there). As far as I know, it will eventually be removed. It could be repurposed as a hospitality square or area (looking to the future). 

Parking options are and will remain an issue, of course. Shop staff also have little space to park their cars. If a blue zone is now to be introduced in the center, will extra long-term parking facilities be provided outside the blue zone? I am thinking of the area at the back of the plan near the Wiel, with a driveway via the Bikkelen to the paved area for parking. This would mean replacing a section of green space with paving. Toilet facilities could also be built in that area. A water drainage/sewer system will have to be installed there anyway.

Response from the municipality

We have heard that many shop owners are already asking their staff not to park in front of their shops, but to use the surrounding parking spaces instead. We believe that introducing a (partial) blue zone would be a good option. We will look into this further during the technical development phase. Existing parking spaces in the vicinity of the project area will be examined. We will also include the parking spaces at the Bikkelen. In any case, there will be better signage and we will refurbish the parking spaces. 

Response 16

Hi, I heard some things and couldn't believe it. The power is ours, and most things, like free parking in front of the door. I also have many older customers who have difficulty walking. I also have documents from the owner stating that the parking spaces in front of the door are owned by us. This plan is insane, and whoever came up with it has no understanding of business whatsoever. 

Response from the municipality

We understand that the number of parking spaces is a sticking point in this design. In consultation with (a delegation of) the entrepreneurs, we have sought to strike the best possible balance between all the interests that we have to take into account. These include climate adaptation, heat stress, and biodiversity, but of course also the residents of the street and the (accessibility and availability of) shops. We are currently investigating the existing contractual agreements regarding the parking spaces. 

Response 17

Saw the new plan for Zandstraat in Beneden-Leeuwen. I don't see any parking spaces left for our store? At the time, the right of superficies, etc. was notarized, as parking spaces cannot and must remain for the residents of the apartments! Corona isn't even over yet, and you want to tear up the shopping street. Haven't the shopkeepers suffered enough losses already? 

Response from the municipality

We understand that the number of parking spaces is a sticking point in this design. In consultation with (a delegation of) the entrepreneurs, we have sought to strike the best possible balance between all the interests that we have to take into account. These include climate adaptation, heat stress, and biodiversity, but of course also the residents of the street and the (accessibility and availability of) shops. We are currently investigating the contractual agreements regarding the parking spaces.

Response 18

I find it particularly unfortunate that, under the current plan, the parking spaces directly in front of our new business will disappear and be replaced by two parking spaces on the corner of Zijveld, creating a dangerous traffic situation, and only one parking space diagonally in front of the store, making it particularly difficult for suppliers to deliver. We have been located at this site since the beginning of May, and one of the reasons for establishing ourselves here was the ample and free parking available at the property. Given that Beneden-Leeuwen is designated to fulfill a regional function, easy parking for consumers is of exceptional importance to all retailers on Zandstraat. Furthermore, the current plan does not designate any alternative parking facilities. Another problem is where I and my staff who come by car because they live further away can park without inconveniencing local residents or other shopkeepers. I hope and assume that the new plans will take this sufficiently into account, partly in the interests of all shopkeepers and restaurants located on Zandstraat. 

Response from the municipality

We understand that the number of parking spaces is a sticking point in this design. In consultation with (a delegation of) the entrepreneurs, we have sought to strike the best possible balance between all the interests that we have to take into account. These include climate adaptation, heat stress, and biodiversity, but of course also the residents of the street and the (accessibility and availability of) shops.

Response 19

Nice design. But with so much greenery, I just hope that it will be properly maintained. And not like now, with all the cutbacks on landscaping.

Response from the municipality

Thank you for your compliment. The city council decides on the level of green space maintenance. This decision applies to the entire municipality and not specifically to Zandstraat. Of course, the starting point remains to take good care of the green spaces in our municipality.

Response 20

Who decided that the current layout isn't working well? The current Zandstraat with its shopping square is easily accessible to everyone and has been designed to slow down traffic, with plenty of parking space. It's also great for cyclists and pedestrians (special crossing = traffic calming). People live there and there are shops that can receive visitors. There is sufficient biotope in terms of plants and trees (ideal for a shopping street) and certainly also for CO2 capture and low pollution. 

The new design shows no sign of this, and the layout of the square will also cause more pollution. Water basins and benches along the shopping street will also lead to different uses/pollution and require more maintenance. And how has CO2 capture been improved?

Response from the municipality

Our 2018-2022 College Program includes the following two objectives: Creating an attractive shopping center in Beneden-Leeuwen and giving the Dorpsplein and Sportlaan a facelift. That is why we have started the Levendig Leeuwen (Lively Leeuwen) project. 

The exact locations and number of waste bins will be specified in the technical design. 

Few insect species live on the existing trees in Zandstraat (plane trees) because this tree is non-native. By choosing more different types of trees, a better living environment will be created for various insects and other animals. In addition, the type of tree determines CO2 fixation and particulate matter capture. We will elaborate on this in the green plan. 

Response 21

Please find enclosed my comments on the Levendig Leeuwen design. I am submitting these on behalf of the Youth Care and Social Support Advisory Council, which also represents people with disabilities in Beneden-Leeuwen. If any part of this response is more suitable for a subsequent phase of development, I hope you will make use of it at that time. 

1. The chosen materials and drainage will greatly improve accessibility in the center. This will be greatly appreciated by all disabled people. In most places, it will be possible to cross the road on a more or less level surface. Getting in and out of vehicles will also be easier. 
2. There are many concerns about the speed on Zandstraat. Drivers often tailgate when another driver is driving at the speed limit of 30 km/h. When the city center is busy, the speed is lower, but during the day there are usually not many drivers, which causes the speed to increase. This makes crossing the street dangerous. We urgently request speed-reducing measures, at least at Dorpsplein, Zijlmansstraat, and Julianastraat. 
3. Legally, and also in practice, pedestrians are subordinate to drivers. This remains the case, despite the many shared-space-like suggestions. This subordination is reinforced because the current extended sidewalks at intersections are being changed into equal intersections (but: not equal for pedestrians). Pedestrians must also give way to cars at the parking entrances on the village square. When it comes down to it, pedestrians must always give way. We advocate reversing this in a few places by installing a few zebra crossings: at the village square, Zijlmansstraat, and Julianastraat. These will then be the only places where car drivers and cyclists must give way to pedestrians. It is recommended that these zebra crossings be raised. 
4. At all crossing points, including side streets, where more pedestrians are expected to cross, it is necessary to ensure sufficient visibility. Parking spaces must be at least 1.5 to 2 meters away from the crossing, otherwise it will be difficult and dangerous for disabled people in particular to cross due to insufficient visibility. 
5. There must be sufficient disabled parking spaces, and they must be well distributed. These spaces must be wide enough to allow passengers to get out of the car. Particularly along Zandstraat (long-term parking spaces), these spaces must be well integrated. 
6. Blind and visually impaired people need good additional guidance (especially at Dorpsplein), including tactile paving at every side street. 
7. We strongly urge the regulation of parking, for example by introducing a blue zone (partly 1 hour, partly 2 hours). Regardless of parking pressure, this will ensure that parking is no longer permitted in all other areas. If you allow free parking, people will and may park anywhere, even where you don't want them to. With all the consequences that has for crossing the road and accessibility. 
8. The perpendicular parking spaces at the butcher's (Dijkstraat) are disastrous for wheelchair users. There is insufficient space to pass on both sides. Turning circles cannot be achieved. This does not even take into account signs or parked bicycles. Disabled people have to cross the street... In general: Urgent appeal on behalf of all disabled people not to use perpendicular parking spaces along Zandstraat, unless there is plenty of walking space (next to parked bicycles and signs). 
9. Ohlala ice cream parlor will have less terrace space. It is expected that this will be expanded again in the near future. The walkway along Ohlala is very important for people with disabilities. In any case, make sure that it remains in good condition and is not blocked, as is currently the case during the summer season.
10. The very important walking route via Pastoor Zijlmansstraat (from the St. Elisabeth care center towards the center) is often blocked by cars parked at right angles, especially near Zandstraat. We urge you to include this vexing problem in your plan and to resolve it by improving parking regulations (angle parking or parallel parking?). 

Response from the municipality

1. Thank you for the compliment.
2. The design includes some deflections here and there for safety reasons. 
3. In most situations, crosswalks are not installed on 30 km/h roads. These roads are designed in such a way that it is safe enough to cross anywhere. We have decided not to install a crosswalk on Zandstraat.
4. We consider these kinds of details during the technical development of the design.
5. We consider these kinds of details during the technical development of the design.
6. We consider these kinds of details during the technical development of the design.
7. We believe that introducing a (partial) blue zone is a good option. We will look into this further during the technical implementation.
8. Compared to the current situation, we are not adding any angled parking spaces.
9. The walking route along Ohlala will be wide enough for disabled people.
10. Pastoor Zijlmansstraat is not included in this project. The parking spaces referred to here (in our opinion) are privately owned.

Response 22

The municipality wants to make the center of Beneden-Leeuwen more attractive and livable. This will be achieved through the "Levendig Leeuwen" (Lively Leeuwen) plan.

The plan involves redesigning Zandstraat with lots of greenery and halving the number of parking spaces. If you want to ruin a shopping center, you have to reduce the number of parking spaces by half. Leeuwen shopping center has grown so much in recent decades because customers could "drive their cars into the store." This is in contrast to other centers, where people have to park their cars elsewhere and pay for parking. This is a key advantage over other shopping centers.

The municipality wants to turn it into a kind of bicycle and pedestrian zone, which will be the death knell for the shopping center. A supermarket (Aldi) is an essential customer magnet for the entire center. Why are you cooperating in moving to cheap square meters on an industrial estate? This cooperation makes the chance of another supermarket in the center very small.

If the shopping center is considered by the municipality to be a service area for West Maas en Waal, then you also need to create facilities that allow people from the outlying villages to park their cars properly. Parking spaces should not be removed, but rather added, supplemented with a blue zone and partial one-way traffic. This is to reduce the number of cars that only want to drive through. Beneden Leeuwen has three other streets for driving from east to west and vice versa.

You also need to find creative ways to reduce the speed of cars. At present, Zandstraat has a diameter of seven different levels in many places. This is extremely dangerous for cyclists and people in wheelchairs. The recently constructed new section of Zandstraat near the Keurslager is a good example of how it should be done. Just look at Druten, where it is possible. Everyone should be able to contribute their ideas, but things are currently leaning heavily in one direction.
Don't turn it into a lifeless Beneden Leeuwen.

Response from the municipality

We understand that the number of parking spaces is a sticking point in this design. In consultation with (a delegation of) the entrepreneurs, we have sought to strike the best possible balance between all the interests that we have to take into account. These include climate adaptation, heat stress, and biodiversity, but of course also the residents of the street and the (accessibility and availability of) shops. 

The council has approved Aldi's request to relocate to Heemstrade. One of the reasons for this decision was to improve the quality of life in the square. Aldi's relocation will make it possible to attract shops or restaurants to the area, for example. 

We believe that introducing a (partial) blue zone is a good option. We will look into this further during the technical implementation. We have decided to leave the two-way road as it is. The traffic study showed that there is little through traffic in Zandstraat. The majority of cars are therefore heading for the center. In that case, making it a one-way street will have little impact on the amount of traffic in Zandstraat. In addition, the road will be wider in the new design and we will remove the gutters. This will make the road safer for all users.

We are opting for a single-level design. This will increase safety for cyclists and pedestrians.

Response 23

1. Adding trees to Molenlaan is the right decision and a worthwhile expense. Planting new trees along the left side of De Wiel (playground area) is a good idea in view of the increasingly hot summers. In my opinion, installing a toilet unit is an unnecessary expense. Cleaning (at least daily), maintenance, etc., while it will be used relatively little.
   Installing a lazy staircase from Wielstraat to De Wiel (will strollers and walkers be taken into account?) is a good idea. Closing Sportlaan from Dorpsplein is a good idea.
2. Do not remove existing trees near the green strip. The design can easily be adapted to the existing trees. Create scattered seating areas.
3. Village square: removing the existing trees in front of the florist, chemist, and telecom shop is a bad idea. Keep them. Creating a water play area in front of the florist is not a good idea. It will require a lot of maintenance and will quickly become a dirty mess. Keep the parking spaces there. Very practical. 
4. Retain existing trees in front of the bicycle shop, clothing store, florist, and dry cleaner, and supplement them with new trees. New trees in front of the supermarket are a great idea. Modify the parking lot and plant a number of trees throughout the site (to create shade). Retain the square in front of the ice cream parlor with a few more trees (for shade). Do not remove the existing tree. Create more seating areas. 
5. Zandstraat: DO NOT remove existing trees, but supplement them with new trees. Adjust green areas around trees to accommodate existing and new trees. Create safe crossings at Dorpsplein, Molenlaan, Pastorie, and the butcher's shop on Beatrixstraat. Reducing the number of parking spaces on Zandstraat will result in more parking in adjacent and rear streets. How will this be addressed? We already experience occasional nuisance in Past. Bronsgeeststraat. For example, cars are parked right in front of our gate, preventing us from leaving with our bicycles.

Response from the municipality

1. We will discuss the placement of a toilet unit at the event site internally once again. If it is not necessary, we will not install this unit.
2. We commissioned a study into the quality of the existing trees. Based on the results of this study, we will decide during the next phase whether to leave the existing trees in place or remove them. 
3. Maintaining a water feature is not difficult. Clean water is used and it does not immediately attract dirt, but it does attract liveliness on warm days. In the modified design, the water feature has been moved to the other side of the village square.
4. See our response under point 2.
5. The crossings in the new design will be at ground level with extra attention areas. This will make it safer to cross the road. Surrounding parking spaces will have better signage and the parking spaces themselves will be refurbished.

Response 24

I am writing to object to the situation at our store. We are also a DHL parcel point (between 60 and 80 parcels per day). We would like to keep the parking spaces on our side, as they are necessary for dropping off and picking up repairs and goods. There is also a tree marked on our driveway. We need to be at the store several times a day with our company vehicles to load and unload. I also think that the option of a one-way street should be seriously considered. This will create more peace and quiet and prevent unpleasant situations (e.g., two trucks coming towards each other). It will be a lot safer, especially for cyclists. We already have experience with a one-way street in Druten, and I would definitely recommend it. In the beginning, there was also a lot of resistance and negativity. I would say go and see for yourself.

Response from the municipality

We understand that the number of parking spaces is a sticking point in this design. In consultation with (a delegation of) the entrepreneurs, we have sought to strike the best possible balance between all the interests that we have to take into account. These include climate adaptation, heat stress, and biodiversity, but of course also the residents of the street and the (accessibility and availability of) shops. We have marked out an entrance for loading and unloading and access to private property. 

The municipality has decided to maintain the two-way road. The traffic study showed that there is little through traffic in Zandstraat. The majority of cars are therefore heading for the city center. Making it a one-way street will therefore have little impact on the amount of traffic in Zandstraat. In addition, the road will be widened and the gutters removed. This will make the road safer for both cyclists and motorists. 

Response 25

I see that parking spaces in front of my door are disappearing. It is already a problem for elderly and disabled people to park close to my shop. I program/register new keys for cars. I need power to keep the battery charged; if I don't do this, the process stops halfway through. That's a problem for me. The light in my shop is already very limited, and with trees in front of it, even less so. I would appreciate it if this could be taken into account.

Response from the municipality

We understand that the number of parking spaces is a sticking point in this design. In consultation with (a delegation of) the entrepreneurs, we have sought to strike the best possible balance between all the interests that we have to take into account. These include climate adaptation, heat stress, and biodiversity, but of course also the residents of the street and the (accessibility and availability of) shops. We will take your work into account when modifying the design.

We will further elaborate on the location and type of tree (relating to light incidence) in the green plan.

Response 26

The design looks good. Two questions regarding aging and related issues such as loneliness:

1. Have wheelchairs been taken into account? This is not currently the case in Zandstraat. 
2. When the weather is nice, elderly people enjoy chatting on the village square. They have a lot of company there because it is in the center of the village. So another location is not an option. It would be nice if this could be taken into account. Perhaps something with a canopy so that they are not exposed to rain or bright sun? Thank you.

Response from the municipality

Thank you for your compliment.

1. The design takes into account accessibility for people with disabilities. Intersections will be leveled, making the area more accessible for wheelchairs. In addition, we are making the sidewalks sufficiently wide.
2. Trees will be planted on the village square, under which we will create places to relax. A canopy will ensure that the square is less easily used for markets or events, for example.