Krimwijk Neighborhood Climate Adaptation Plan Adopted
Our climate is changing. Summers in the Netherlands are also becoming hotter and drier. Heavy rainstorms can cause flooding. The municipality of Voorschoten is therefore developing neighborhood plans for the neighborhoods most affected by these issues. The first Krimwijk Neighborhood Climate Adaptation Plan was recently adopted. This plan outlines an approach for implementing adaptations in the Krimwijk neighborhood to help combat flooding, heat stress, and drought.
The municipality has recently conducted so-called stress tests throughout the village. These are assessments of extreme precipitation and heat. The results show that certain neighborhoods are more affected by heavy rainfall and drought than others. Four neighborhoods are prioritized: Krimwijk, Noord-Hofland, Starrenburg, and Vlietwijk. The municipality is therefore drawing up neighborhood plans for these areas. The Krimwijk neighborhood plan is the first in the series.
Creation of Additional Green Spaces
Now that the plan has been adopted, the municipality will begin preparing and implementing the measures outlined in the neighborhood plan over the coming year. One of these measures is developing a proposal for additional green space in the neighborhood. The additional green space is expected to be installed by the end of this year or early next year. More green space means more shade, which in turn helps reduce heat buildup on extremely hot days. The measures to combat flooding are still largely being finalized. The basic principle is to link these measures as much as possible to sewer replacement work.
Together with residents
Alderman Hubert Schokker: “After conducting the stress tests, we began talking with residents, housing associations, and interest groups in the Krimwijk neighborhood. The findings from those discussions were used as input for the Krimwijk Neighborhood Climate Adaptation Plan. This neighborhood plan is a great collaborative step toward a climate-resilient Voorschoten, as we have outlined in our climate adaptation policy.”
More information
Anyone interested in reviewing the neighborhood plan can visit the Climate Adaptation webpage. There, you’ll also find more information about climate adaptation. If you have any questions, please email Klimaatadaptatie@voorschoten.nl.