On Tuesday, July 15, there was a residents meeting. About 90 residents were present. The evening began with an explanation of the measures being taken. The measures were divided into Safety, Care, and police.

Questions and discussions

At each section, residents could ask questions, and they made good use of that opportunity. This led to lively discussions, but also understanding of the social problem Rotterdam is facing. Neighborhood manager Okach Bouchtaoui: Its not about removing benches, but about removing the causes of nuisance on the benches.

During the well-attended meeting, the following measures were announced:

Supervision and Enforcement

• A temporary, mobile camera has already been placed in Schoterboshof.
• A request has been made for a permanent camera in the neighborhood.
• Enforcers will patrol in the coming period, speak to homeless people, and register their details.
• Lighting will be installed in dark areas indicated by residents where people often sleep.
• Sleeping spots in public spaces will be cleared.
• Green areas at the end of Vijverhofstraat and in Schoterbosstraat will be trimmed and cleared.
• A local business has been engaged to work with residents, entrepreneurs, and local institutions to look at a new design of the greenery on Schoterbosstraat.
• In the new school year, students from InHolland University will start a study on the perception of safety in the neighborhood.

Care and social shelter

• Collected names of nuisance makers will be reviewed individually: who can receive care and be guided to work? Or who will be returned to their country of origin?
• For people who refuse care, the municipality will do everything possible to provide them with care.
• Councilor Ronald Buijt (Care, Elderly, and Youth Care) has spoken with the NAS (Nico Adriaans Stichting) to see how they can contribute more to combating nuisance. This foundation is committed to vulnerable Rotterdammers. Read about the NAS on their website nasrotterdam.nl. Link opens an external page.

Police

• The police will deploy extra officers in the coming weeks for more intensive control.
• Stricter action will be taken against suspected drug dealers: fines will be issued, and repeated offenses may result in area bans.
• The police will support enforcers in addressing addicts and will issue a report where necessary.

Communication with residents

• Residents are actively involved: those experiencing nuisance should continue to report it.
• There will be more residents evenings to discuss progress.
• The neighborhood hub will remain open for questions and ideas from residents.

You can find the neighborhood hub at Teilingerstraat 130. For opening hours and more information, visit the page Neighborhood Hub. Link opens an external page.

Collaboration

The municipality is doing everything it can to combat the nuisance in Agniesebuurt. Therefore, residents were again told that it is important for them to continue reporting nuisances. Together we make Agniesebuurt safer: police, municipality, Havensteder, but also the residents are needed, says neighborhood manager Bouchtaoui.

Want to receive news from your area? Sign up for the digital newsletter and read previous editions on the page Rotterdam Neighborhood News. Link opens an external page.