The planning zone Overdie/Schermereiland is plagued with a combination of problems. These problems include those of a physical nature such as one-sided inexpensive housing of poor quality and few green spaces. At the same time, there are also social bottlenecks (a low level of education and income among many residents) and economic weaknesses (a lack of business activity, competition with the centre of the city, etc.). All these problems combine to affect the living climate in the neighbourhood in a very unfavourable way. Investment in these three areas is therefore desirable.

The approach is based upon the neighbourhood vision for Overdie/Schermereiland, which was drawn up in accordance with the City vision for Alkmaar. An additional advantage arising from this is that it reinforces the balance and completeness of the city’s policies. Similarly to the city vision, this neighbourhood vision was also created interactively.

The vision is the basis of and the integrating framework for the various activities to be carried out. A major aspect of the approach is 'neighbourhood investigation', consisting in file analysis and the organisation of neighbourhood evenings, with the objective of drawing up a list of the opportunities and threats (SWOT-analysis) in the neighbourhood. These form the basis of the direct starting points for action. The City of Alkmaar plays a clearly defined directing and initiating role but explicitly ensures the participation of residents and institutions.

The ultimate goal is to develop Overdie/Schermereiland into a more complete district with an improved quality of life. Results that have already been booked include the start of the broad school, the setting up of the youth work programme and a 'digital grass plot' . Another key result is the creation of increased resident participation. Relationships between the City and external parties have also improved.

Total costs related to the realization of the neighbourhood development perspective Overdie/Schermereiland are estimated at more than 6.8 million euros. The financing is in the hands of the Government, the municipality of Alkmaar and private parties (housing corporations financially, other involved organisations in hours).

City of Alkmaar
P. van Dorsten, tel. +31 72 5142210

01/06/1999

case

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Community development

Citizens' participation