Response to the "Levendig Leeuwen 2021" Report

Comment 2

We attended the meeting, but would also like to submit a written response.

It turns out we’ll have to give up too many parking spaces. There will only be one parking space left at Chocolaterie de Tweeling, even though there are plans to build apartments and new stores next to de Tweeling. During the meeting, it was noted that space could be created for additional parking spaces.

There’s also a hotel across the street from us. The question is, where are all these people supposed to park? They’ll end up parking in side streets like Julianastraat, but because of you, there are absolutely no other parking spaces designated around the city center. On top of that, it’s essential that a blue Map implemented so that cars can’t stay parked all day. Enforcement will be carried out, but a traffic enforcement officer like that will pay for themselves.

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 business owners, we have sought to strike the best possible balance between all the interests we must take into account. These include climate adaptation, heat stress, and biodiversity, but of course also the residents of the street and the accessibility of shops. The revised design includes additional parking spaces on 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 examine this further during the technical planning phase.

Comment 3

My business has a cash handling facility (withdrawals and deposits), and in the future, I won’t have any parking spaces. Right now, I have six. Brinks currently parks in front of our store entrance for security reasons related to cash transport. I receive daily deliveries, which means the trucks have to stay parked in the middle of the street, blocking traffic.

So I don’t agree with getting rid of my parking spaces and having two trees planted in front of my store. People park there briefly because they can get in and out quickly. But then they have nowhere else to park since 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 key issue in this design. In consultation with (a delegation of) the business owners, we have sought to strike the best possible balance between all the interests we need to take into account. These include climate adaptation, heat stress, and biodiversity, but of course also the residents of the street and the accessibility of the shops. 

Comment 4

A great plan with plenty of green space and a focus on safety. Regarding our home address, please pay attention to:

1. Clear signage for the exit. Currently, people often park in front of the exit.
2. A new tree is being planted in front of the espalier lime trees (on the Molenlaan side). This detracts from the view. Please relocate it or remove it.

Response from the municipality

Thank you for your compliment. 

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

Comment 5

Following up on the open house on July 13, 2021, I would like to use this email to once again bring to your attention that the low wall next to our home is not located on the cadastral boundary. Should this wall/boundary fence be replaced in the future and the cadastral boundary be maintained, the sidewalk will become slightly narrower. Please take this into consideration, particularly regarding the distance between the planned trees and the cadastral boundary (so that it does not become too narrow for strollers and the like). 

Response from the municipality

The boundary fence (the low wall) will remain in place, if possible. As we work out the technical details of the design, we will take a closer look at the property line and the planned trees.

Comment 6

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

It would also be nice to have more places to sit in the town center, since more and more tourists—including cyclists—are stopping in our village. 

I hope you’ll dare to plant plenty of beautiful, large, and sturdy 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 costs (in my opinion). I assume that the planting plan also takes into account the needs of birds and insects? 

We might need to put some extra trash cans on the square (especially near the Aldi). Good luck with that.

Response from the municipality

Thank you for your compliment. 

1. We are opting for more greenery on the village square. This will allow us to meet the requirements for providing sufficient shade and gathering areas (including seating). The greenery will be located primarily along the edges of the square, so that the square remains suitable for the market and events. 
2. The landscaping plan specifies the exact selection of trees and plants, as well as their placement. We will discuss this landscaping plan during the technical development of the design. Biodiversity is an issue we must certainly take into account. 
3. As part of the technical development of the design, we will assess whether additional trash cans are needed in the village square and where we can place them.  

Comment 7

1. We are concerned about the safety of the water collection area in front of the building. I understand that it will be landscaped, so it won’t create an empty space in the street that could pose a safety hazard. What a wonderful initiative!
2. The lots that will become our property currently have two double driveways, which we intend to use as such: two in front of the garage and two next to the house. The design shows only one car on the double driveway next to the house. Can the design accommodate two double driveways while taking into account tree locations, driveways, and the positioning of parking spaces in front of the neighbors’ house?
3. We are interested in learning more about the profile of the final line channel in relation to tire noise from passing cars. 
4. We are interested in the design of the road in front of our building. The design drawing might give the impression that this is a raised intersection or a speed bump. 
5. We’d like to know if there will be any changes to the street lighting in front of our property.

Response from the municipality

1. The water collection area will have a maximum depth of 30 centimeters. We will further refine these collection areas during the technical design phase. Of course, safety is a key consideration here.
2. We have revised the double driveways on the drawing. 
3. The profiling of the final channel is an (important) detail. The technical specifications of the design provide further clarification on this point.
4. All intersections in the new design will be at grade. This means there will be no raised intersections or speed bumps. We will clarify this in the detailed technical specifications of the design.
5. We will finalize the lighting design at a later stage as part of the technical design. 

Comment 8

We are leasing a retail space on Zandstraat, and we see in the new plan that only a very limited number of parking spaces will be provided—specifically, just one. Currently, there are three. This concerns us for the future. It must remain attractive for the business owner leasing the retail space. It is very important that shoppers have easy access to parking.

Response from the municipality

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

Comment 9

It’s a good plan in principle, but I think there’s room for improvement.

1. We would like to see more parking spaces, both on the square and on Zandstraat. More and more people are coming here to shop, which we really appreciate. Customers tell us they’re so happy that it’s easy to park here. This plan would undo that major advantage. 
2. A wider walkway for the shops on the square. Please keep things as they are now. Business owners also want to display their merchandise outside, which will be very difficult if the walkway is only 2.0 meters wide.
3. No trees in front of the storefronts. It’s not clear which stores are located on the square. And when the walkway narrows and trees are added, a tremendous amount of light is blocked. Because of the arcade, there’s already very little light inside the stores.
4. Please do not set up a water play area in front of the stores. First, this creates dangerous situations when children play here among the parked cars (which is something you definitely want to avoid). Second, it makes the walkway even narrower when merchandise is set out on the sidewalk.

Response from the municipality

Thank you for your compliment.

1. We understand that the number of parking spaces is a key issue in this design. In consultation with (a delegation of) local business owners, we have sought to strike the best possible balance between all the interests we need to take into account. These include climate adaptation, heat stress, and biodiversity, but of course also the residents of the street and the accessibility of the shops.
2. The walkway in front of the stores is at least 3 meters wide on the drawing. 
3. We have included only a few trees in the green spaces. We will determine the specific tree species in the landscaping plan. This layout actually provides a better view of the stores than the current situation. 
4. In the revised design, the water playground has been moved to the other side of the Village Square. 

Comment 10

Nice design! It’s great to hear that you’re addressing heat stress. I do hope that once this is completed, you’ll look into the 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.

Comment 11

We have reviewed the proposal and are deeply disappointed by it. Parking spaces Beneden-Leeuwen extremely important to shop owners in Beneden-Leeuwen ; it simply cannot be that so many parking spaces are being eliminated. There is no alternative here. This isn’t a city!!! We therefore strongly hope that this plan will be revised.

Response from the municipality

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

Comment 12

1. This is a great initiative to Beneden-Leeuwen look Beneden-Leeuwen the center of Beneden-Leeuwen . For me, safety on Zandstraat is the top priority. It is not clear how safety—and, consequently, the vibrancy of the street—will be improved. The design does not promote measures to slow down traffic, such as requiring vehicles to stop by installing crosswalks if necessary. Safe crossing becomes all the more important given that parking is permitted on one (1) side of Zandstraat.
2. Water features and greenery are beautiful, and in late spring and summer they provide a welcoming environment for insects. 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 are being 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 gentle slope leading to the Wiel is a fine example of a useful and meaningful addition that enhances the area’s vibrancy. There is no need to install a permanent restroom facility. The current practice of placing portable restrooms at events is an excellent solution (no maintenance, no cleaning costs).

Once again, this is an excellent initiative to enhance the vibrancy of the area. The proposal calls for numerous changes, significant construction costs, and considerably more maintenance of green spaces. Improving safety for road users on Zandstraat is a key priority.

Response from the municipality

1. In the new design, the intersections on Zandstraat will be redesigned as at-grade crossings with additional warning zones. By using different materials at these intersections compared to the rest of the road, vehicle speeds will be reduced. This will make it safer to cross the street.
2. A study was conducted to assess the condition of the existing trees. Based on the results of this study, we will decide whether to keep the existing trees or remove them. We will keep any trees that can remain. We will plant new trees to enhance biodiversity. 
3. See the answer under point 2. Shade plays a major role in choosing the tree species we will plant. 
4. We will discuss the installation of a restroom unit at the event site internally once again. If it is not necessary, we will not install this unit.

Comment 13

It’s a great design that provides more space for cyclists and pedestrians. However, it is of great importance that there remain sufficient parking spaces in front of the shops at Zandstraat 74. The shop owners depend on people from the surrounding area who enjoy coming to shop and need to be able to park their cars conveniently in front of numbers 74a, 74d, and 74d. Maintaining the current parking bays is of great importance. Various other towns and cities have made the major mistake of making parking difficult during their redevelopment. The result: vacant storefronts 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 key issue in this design. In consultation with (a delegation of) local business owners, we have sought to strike the best possible balance between all the interests we need to take into account. These include climate adaptation, heat stress, and biodiversity, but of course also the residents of the street and the accessibility of the shops.

Comment 14

Basically, it’s a nice design. However, I wonder if there will be enough parking space. Even now, on busy days (like Saturdays), it’s already quite crowded and pretty full. Under this plan, parking spots along Zandstraat (especially near the Hema) that are often full will be eliminated. I think this plan will increase parking pressure in the surrounding streets and lead to frustration over the lack of spaces (which will in turn result in complaints from the neighborhood). Especially on market days, when part of the square is also unavailable (and where capacity has also been reduced in the new plan). And keep in mind, there are also many people who come here to shop from outside the village, so in practice, they all come by car. In that regard, the center of Beneden-Leeuwen serves Beneden-Leeuwen larger area than just the village (which, on its own, wouldn’t have such a large center if it didn’t fulfill this function). I hope this is 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 business owners, we have sought the best possible balance between all the interests we must take into account. These include climate adaptation, heat stress, and biodiversity, but of course also the residents of the street and the accessibility of shops.

Comment 15

What strikes me about the plan is that, for example, the ALDI is still there on the market square (it’s still there, in fact). As far as I know, it’s set to be demolished eventually. It could make for a great new use as a food court or dining area (looking ahead to the future). 

Parking options are and will always be an issue, of course. Store employees also have limited space to park their cars. If a blue zone is going to be introduced in the center, will measures be taken to ensure that there is an additional option for long-term parking outside the blue zone? I’m thinking of the area at the back of the site near the Wiel, with a ramp via the Bikkelen leading to the paved area for parking. This would require replacing a section of green space with pavement. Additionally, a restroom facility could be built in that area. A drainage system or sewer line would need to be installed there anyway.

Response from the municipality

We’ve heard that many store owners are already asking their staff not to park in front of the store, but rather in the surrounding parking lots. We believe that introducing a (partial) blue zone is a good option. We will examine this further during the technical planning phase. Existing parking spaces in the vicinity of the project area will be reviewed. We will also include the parking spaces at the Bikkelen. In any case, there will be improved signage, and we will renovate the parking lots. 

Comment 16

Hi, I heard some things and couldn’t believe it. Our strength lies precisely in our location and the fact that most of our services include free parking right out front. I also have many older customers who have difficulty walking. I have documents from the owner confirming that the parking spaces in front of the building are our property. This plan is insane, and whoever came up with it has absolutely no understanding of business. 

Response from the municipality

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

Comment 17

I saw the new plan for Zandstraat Beneden-Leeuwen. I don’t see a single parking spot left for our store?? Back then, it was legally established with a right of superficies, etc., because the parking spots cannot be removed and must remain for the residents of the apartments! We’re not even out of the COVID-19 crisis yet, and you want to turn the shopping street upside down—haven’t the shop owners suffered enough losses already? 

Response from the municipality

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

Comment 18

I find it particularly unfortunate that, under the current plan, the parking spaces directly in front of our new store will be removed and replaced by two parking spaces on the corner near Zijveld, creating a dangerous traffic situation, and leaving only one parking space diagonally across from the store, which will make it extremely difficult for suppliers to make deliveries. We have been located here since early May, and one of the reasons we chose this location was the ample and free parking available at the property. Especially since Beneden-Leeuwen is Beneden-Leeuwen to serve a regional function, easy parking for consumers is of exceptional importance to all shop owners on Zandstraat. Furthermore, the current plan does not designate any alternative parking areas. Another issue is where I, along with my staff who drive to work because they live farther away, can park without inconveniencing local residents or other shop owners. I hope and therefore assume that the new plans will take this into sufficient account, partly in the interest of all shop owners and hospitality businesses located on Zandstraat. 

Response from the municipality

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

Comment 19

Nice design. But with so much greenery, I just hope the maintenance is taken care of properly. And not like it is now, with all these budget cuts to landscaping.

Response from the municipality

Thank you for your compliment. The municipal council on the level of landscaping maintenance. This decision applies to the entire municipality and not specifically to Zandstraat. Of course, our primary goal remains to properly maintain the green spaces in our municipality.

Comment 20

Who decided that the current layout doesn’t work “well”? The current Zandstraat, with its shopping plaza, is easily accessible to everyone and has been designed to slow traffic, with ample parking. It’s also suitable for cyclists and pedestrians (special crosswalk = traffic-calming). People live there, and there are shops that can welcome visitors. There is ample greenery in the form of plants and trees (ideal for a shopping street) and certainly also for CO2 capture and low pollution. 

The new design shows none of that; the layout of the square also leads to more litter, and the water fountains and benches along the shopping street result in different uses, more litter, and increased maintenance. And how has CO2 capture been improved?

Response from the municipality

Our 2018–2022 Municipal Program includes the following two objectives: creating an attractive shopping district in Beneden-Leeuwen giving the Dorpsplein and Sportlaan a facelift. That is why we have launched the “Levendig Leeuwen” project. 

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

Very few insect species live on the existing trees on Zandstraat (plane trees) because this tree is non-native. By choosing a greater variety of tree species, we can create a better habitat for various insects and other animals. In addition, the type of tree plays a key role in CO2 sequestration and the capture of particulate matter. We will elaborate on this in the green space plan. 

Comment 21

Please find below my comments on the draft plan for “Levendig Leeuwen.” I am submitting these on behalf of the Advisory Council for Youth Services and Social Support, which also advocates for people with disabilities in Beneden-Leeuwen. If any part of this response is more appropriate for a subsequent round of revisions, I hope you will take it into account at that time. 

1. The chosen materials and drainage system will greatly improve accessibility in the center. People with disabilities will be grateful for this. In most places, it will be possible to cross the street on a more or less level surface. Getting in and out of vehicles will also be easier. 
2. There are many concerns about speeding on Zandstraat. Drivers often get tailgated when they’re driving the speed limit of 30 km/h. When the downtown area is busy, speeds tend to be lower, but during the day there usually aren’t many drivers, which causes speeds to rise. Crossing the street is and feels dangerous as a result. We therefore urgently request speed-reducing measures, at least at Dorpsplein, Zijlmansstraat, and Julianastraat. 
3. Legally, and in practice as well, pedestrians are subordinate to drivers. This remains the case, despite the many “shared space”-style proposals. This subordination is reinforced because the current continuous sidewalks at intersections are being converted into equal-right-of-way intersections (but: not equal for pedestrians). But even at the parking entrances on the village square, pedestrians must yield to cars. When it comes down to it, pedestrians must always give way. We advocate reversing this in a few locations by installing a few crosswalks: at the Village Square, Zijlmansstraat, and Julianastraat. These will then be the only places where drivers and cyclists must yield to pedestrians. It is recommended that these crosswalks be raised. 
4. At all crosswalks, including those on side streets, where a higher volume of pedestrians is expected, it is necessary to ensure adequate visibility. Parking spaces must be located at least 1.5 to 2 meters away from the crosswalk; otherwise, it becomes difficult and dangerous for people with disabilities in particular to cross due to insufficient visibility. 
5. There needs to be a sufficient number of accessible parking spaces, and they must be well distributed. These spaces must be wide enough to allow for easy entry and exit. In particular, along Zandstraat (parallel parking spaces), proper integration is needed. 
6. People who are blind or visually impaired need clear additional guidance (especially near the Village Square), including tactile paving at every side street. 
7. We strongly urge the regulation of parking, for example by establishing a blue zone (partly 1-hour, partly 2-hour). Regardless of parking demand, this ensures that parking is no longer permitted in all other areas. If parking is left unregulated, people will and are allowed to park anywhere, even where you don’t want them to. This has serious consequences for pedestrian safety and accessibility. 
8. The perpendicular parking spaces near De Slager (Dijkstraat) are disastrous for wheelchair users. There is insufficient space to pass on either side. Turning radii cannot be met. This does not even take into account store signs or parked bicycles. People with disabilities are forced to use the street... In general: An urgent appeal on behalf of all people with disabilities to refrain from using perpendicular parking spaces along Zandstraat, unless there is ample walking space remaining (besides parked bicycles and signs). 
9. Ohlala Ice Cream Parlor is losing some of its outdoor seating area. 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, please ensure that it remains accessible and is not blocked, as is currently the case during the summer season.
10. The very important pedestrian route along Pastoor Zijlmansstraat (from the St. Elisabeth care center toward downtown) is often blocked by cars parked perpendicular to the street, especially near Zandstraat. We urge you to address and resolve this persistent problem in this plan, and to better regulate parking in this area (diagonal or parallel parking?). 

Response from the municipality

1. Thank you for the compliment.
2. For safety reasons, the design includes a few bends here and there. 
3. In most cases, crosswalks are not installed on 30 km/h roads. This is because 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 take these kinds of details into account during the technical development of the design.
5. We take these kinds of details into account during the technical development of the design.
6. We take these kinds of details into account during the technical development of the design.
7. We believe that introducing a (partial) blue zone is a good option. We will examine this further during the technical planning phase.
8. We will not be adding any angled parking spaces compared to the current situation.
9. The walking path along Ohlala will be wide enough for people with disabilities.
10. Pastoor Zijlmansstraat is not included in this project. The parking spaces that (in our view) are being referred to here are privately owned.

Comment 22

The municipality wants to make the center of Beneden-Leeuwen attractive and livable. It plans to do this through the “Levendig Leeuwen” initiative.

The plan involves redesigning Zandstraat to include plenty of green space and cutting the number of parking spaces in half. If you really want to ruin a shopping center, all you have to do is cut the number of parking spaces in half. Leeuwen Shopping Center has grown so much over the past few decades precisely because customers could “drive right into the store.” Unlike other centers, where people have to park their cars elsewhere and pay for it. This is a key advantage over other shopping centers.

The municipality wants to turn it into a sort of bike and pedestrian zone, which would be the death knell for the shopping center. A supermarket (Aldi) is a key draw for customers throughout the entire center. Why are you going along with the plan to move it to low-cost space in an industrial park? This cooperation makes the likelihood of another supermarket opening in the center very slim.

If the municipality considers the shopping center a service area for West Maas en Waal, then adequate facilities must be created so that people from the outer villages can park their cars properly. Parking spaces should not be removed; instead, more should be 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 still has 3 other streets to drive from East to West and vice versa.

You also need to find creative ways to reduce the speed of cars. Currently, Zandstraat has a gradient of up to 7 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 great 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 moving very strongly 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 key issue in this design. In consultation with (a delegation of) business owners, we have sought to strike the best possible balance between all the interests we need to take into account. These include climate adaptation, heat stress, and biodiversity, but of course also the residents of the street and the accessibility of shops. 

The city 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. With Aldi’s relocation, the space could be used for shops or restaurants, for example. 

We believe that introducing a (partial) blue zone is a viable option. We will examine this further during the technical planning phase. We have decided to keep the road two-way. The traffic study showed that there is little through traffic on Zandstraat. The majority of cars are therefore headed for the city center. In that case, making it a one-way street would have little impact on the volume of traffic in Zandstraat. Additionally, the road will be widened 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 improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians.

Comment 23

1. Planting trees along Molenlaan is the right decision and a worthwhile expense. Planting new trees along the left side of De Wiel (the playground area) is a good idea in light of the increasingly hot summers. Installing a restroom unit is, in my opinion, an unnecessary expense. Cleaning (at least daily), maintenance, etc., while it will be used relatively little.
   Installing a gentle slope from Wielstraat to De Wiel (will strollers and walkers be taken into account?) is a good idea. Closing off Sportlaan from Dorpsplein is a good idea.
2. Do not remove the existing trees along the green belt. The design can easily be adapted to accommodate the existing trees. Create scattered seating areas.
3. Village Square: Removing the existing trees in front of the florist, drugstore, and telecom shop is a bad idea. Keep them. Creating a water play area in front of the florist’s shop is not a good idea. It requires a lot of maintenance anyway and will quickly turn into a messy, dirty mess. Keep the parking spaces there. Very practical. 
4. Preserve the existing trees in front of the bike shop, clothing store, florist, and dry cleaner, and supplement them with new trees. Planting new trees in front of the supermarket is a great idea. Modify the parking lot and plant a number of trees throughout the site (to create shaded areas). Preserve the plaza in front of the ice cream shop and add a few more trees (for shade). Do not remove the existing tree. Create more seating areas. 
5. Zandstraat: Do NOT remove existing trees, but do plant new ones. Adjust the green belts around trees to accommodate both existing and new trees. Create safe crosswalks near Dorpsplein, Molenlaan, Pastorie, and the butcher shop on Beatrixstraat. Reducing the number of parking spaces on Zandstraat will lead to more parking in adjacent and backstreets. How will this be addressed? We already experience occasional disturbances here on Past. Bronsgeeststraat. For example, cars are sometimes parked right in front of our gate, preventing us from getting out on our bikes.

Response from the municipality

1. We will discuss the installation of a restroom unit at the event site internally once again. If it is not necessary, we will not install this unit.
2. We commissioned a study to assess the condition of the existing trees. Based on the results of this study, we will decide during the next phase whether to keep the existing trees or remove them. 
3. Maintaining a water feature isn’t as difficult as you might think. It uses clean water and doesn’t generate any immediate mess, but it does attract people on hot days. In the revised design, the water feature has been moved to the other side of the village square.
4. See our response under point 2.
5. The intersections in the new design will be at grade level and feature additional warning zones. This will make it safer to cross the street. Surrounding parking lots will have improved signage, and we will be renovating the parking lots themselves.

Comment 24

I am writing to object to the situation at our store. We also serve as a DHL parcel pickup point (handling between 60 and 80 packages per day). We want to keep the parking spaces on our side; these are necessary for dropping off and picking up repairs and goods. Also, is there a tree marked on our driveway? We have to be at the store several times a day with our company vehicles to load and unload. I also think the option of a one-way street needs to be seriously reconsidered. This will create a calmer environment and prevent unpleasant situations (such as two trucks coming toward each other). It will be much safer, especially for cyclists. We already have experience with a one-way street in Druten, and I highly recommend it. At first, there was a lot of resistance and negativity here as well. I would say go check it out 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 business owners, we have sought to strike the best possible balance between all the interests we must take into account. These include climate adaptation, heat stress, and biodiversity, but of course also the residents of the street and the accessibility of shops. We have included a driveway for loading and unloading and access to private property. 

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

Comment 25

I see that parking spaces in front of my store are disappearing. It’s already a problem for the elderly and people with disabilities to park close to my store. I program/register new car keys. I need a power source to keep the battery charged; if I don’t do this, the process stops midway, and I end up with a problem. The natural light in my store is already very limited, and with trees blocking it, there’s even less. 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 business owners, we have sought to strike the best possible balance between all the interests we must take into account. These include climate adaptation, heat stress, and biodiversity, but of course also the residents of the street and the accessibility of shops. We will take your business operations into account when adjusting the design.

We will further detail the location and type of tree (which affects the amount of light) in the landscaping plan.

Comment 26

The design looks good. I have two questions regarding this, particularly in light of an aging population and related issues such as loneliness:

1. Have wheelchair users been taken into account? That is not currently the case on Zandstraat. 
2. When the weather is nice, older residents enjoy chatting on the Village Square. They spend a lot of time there because it’s in the heart of the town. So another location isn’t really an option. It would be great if this could be taken into account. Perhaps a canopy could be installed so they aren’t exposed to rain or bright sunlight? Thank you.

Response from the municipality

Thank you for your compliment.

1. The design takes accessibility for people with disabilities into account. Intersections will be at ground level, making the area more accessible to wheelchairs. In addition, we are making the sidewalks wide enough.
2. Trees will be planted on the Village Square, and we will create seating areas beneath them. A canopy will make it less convenient to use the square for activities such as markets or events.