City Council to Vote on Citizens' Initiative on Court Housing

On November 2, the Voorschoten City Council decided to include the construction of courtyard homes as a guiding principle in its Housing Vision. In September, the initiative group “Hofwonen in Voorschoten” submitted a citizens’ initiative to the council. The group collected more than 200 signatures in the village in support of this initiative. The goal of the proposal is for the municipality to create conditions that encourage the development of courtyard homes in Voorschoten.

The Housing, Planning, and Green Spaces Committee discussed the proposal on October 5. The initiators explained the proposal here. Hans van Brecht of the Knarrenhof Voorschoten Initiative Group: “People often make light of the ‘Knarrenhof’ and ‘Krasse Knarren’ phenomena. Personally, however, we see them more as ‘nicknames.’ In our view, it represents the modern senior who still contributes to society, who wants to remain independent for as long as possible, and who wants to rely as little as possible on regular care and/or the care of any children. But who also realizes that old age, as the saying goes, ultimately does come with its limitations and wants to ‘prepare’ for that. By moving to a Knarrenhof, for example …”

The “Hofwonen” initiative was submitted pursuant to the ordinance on citizens’ initiatives. It is the first citizens’ initiative in 20 years that the council has considered. Bert Jan Urban, city council clerk: “Residents can send letters, approach political parties, and speak before the committee. This example shows that they can also influence the council’s agenda. If the initiative meets the requirements, the council is required to discuss it and make a decision on it.”

At the council meeting on November 2, the council voted on the proposal. The development of courtyard homes will be incorporated into the Housing Vision that the council will soon adopt. The council asked the executive committee to specifically explore the possibilities, assist project initiators, and encourage developers to build courtyard homes.