‘If you are organizing something for the neighborhood or have questions, get on the line,’ Rutger explains, who feels quite at home. ‘We think along about how you can submit a neighborhood idea and connect people with organizations.’ Fred: ‘Gravel Volley and Alexander Open are coming. There is funding for resident plans, but it doesn’t always get utilized. Make use of it.’

In addition to neighborhood plans, the neighborhood networkers are the entry point for questions and reports. They hold office hours and also go into the neighborhoods to hear what is happening. ‘Those signals are the core of our work,’ Fred explains. ‘For years, I worked in Feijenoord, and that is a completely different world. The main goal is to try to improve the neighborhood with this work. What trends do you see, what do you do with signals, and where is action needed?’ 

Rutger: ‘Before this, I was the coordinator for neighborhood-driven work. Now I can dive deep into the 3 neighborhoods. What is unique is that you look at an area integrally - that is, as a whole - with the task of seeking connections.’ 

Many things are going well, but in some areas, there are issues, they report. They mention the surroundings of the Sterrenflats in Prinsenland. ‘Here, it is shifting towards urban problems,’ Fred says about the neighborhood that has his full attention. 

‘Many people are concerned about homeless individuals and pollution. A lot of waste is placed next to containers. Residents feel the neighborhood is declining. We are looking together with welfare organizations and colleagues on how to reach young people.’ He is also busy with the ‘Sterrenhub,’ a meeting place that will open in July.

What is Fred proud of, looking back? ‘Well, I need to think for a moment,’ he says. After a pause, Fred mentions Wijktuin Kralingseveer, the garden for and by residents that Mayor Aboutaleb opened last year. ‘Fred is modest, as you can tell,’ Rutger adds. ‘He achieves a lot here, together with residents, colleagues, and institutions. Everyone knows him, and he is very approachable. We will also miss his humor. I haven’t laughed like this in ages!’

Fred and he stand in the same role, Rutger explains. ‘I will keep the office hours, and I want to build a trust relationship with residents. By listening, answering questions, and always telling the honest story. If you can’t fulfill something, then you shouldn’t promise it.’ 

‘This work depends on your personality,’ Fred says. ‘Use your intellect and always stay true to yourself in what you do. That is the recipe for doing it well.’ 

• If you have questions, email Fred. Link opens an external page and Rutger. Link opens an external page.
• Office hours in neighborhood hub Kralingseveer (Rendierstraat 3) are every Tuesday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. 
• Neighborhood hub Het Lage Land, Prinsenland, and ’s-Gravenland (Marinus Bolkplein 37) is open: Tuesday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Thursday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. 
• Report about the outdoor space? Pass it on via the MeldR. Link opens an external page app.

Rotterdam Neighborhood News

This message is in Rotterdam Neighborhood News, the digital newsletter of the municipality of Rotterdam. Want to stay updated on what’s happening in your neighborhood? You can sign up for the newsletter and view previous editions here. Link opens an external page.

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