Say what you do and do what you say!
Welcome to the FlorAalsmeer website! We are a new local political party, founded in 2023. The major changes in our municipality are a concern for us; more businesses, more building blocks, and more traffic—both on the roads and in the air—are putting pressure on the living environment of all residents of Aalsmeer and Kudelstaart.
"Keep what you have!" We see this as a way to cherish our beautiful municipality, with care for the environment, space for our children and grandchildren, and above all, a safe and healthy place to live. Therefore, we keep a close eye on major plans from the province and Europe, and we're happy to keep you informed about them.
Would you like to know more about us, ourpositionsAnd what about our plans? Feel free to contact us for a chat. See you soon!
FlorAalsmeer presents election program 2026-2030
Our 2026–2030 election manifesto has been presented and is now online.
We demonstrate how Aalsmeer and Kudelstaart can grow without losing their character: affordable housing with real flow, more greenery that works (cooling, water storage, health), and a living environment where you don't have to shout to be heard.
We opt for clear boundaries at Schiphol, safer traffic with effective enforcement, and space for associations, volunteers, and young people—while preserving the N201 as a cultural and talent hub.
And in governance: transparent, predictable, with participation that truly empowers. "Say what you do and do what you say."
What an evening yesterday (January 21) at De Oude Veiling!
During our New Year's reception, we proudly presented the FlorAalsmeer candidate list: a strong team of 14 candidates, with practical experience and a passion for Aalsmeer and Kudelstaart. The reactions from the press and public were enthusiastic—and that's energizing.
The campaign has truly begun. Over the next few weeks, we'll be visible in the village, visiting residents, reaching out to them, and continuing to do what we've been doing for years: listening, asking questions, and helping people make the right choices. Not with fancy talk, but with a clear story and an open conversation. Say what you do and do what you say!
Want to know who's on our list and what they stand for? Check out the page 'Elections 2026' (And please speak to us if you see us.) On March 18, 2026, it's the residents of Aalsmeer and Kudelstaart's turn.
#aalsmeer #kudelstaart #elections2026 #localpolitics #saywhatyoudo #dowhatyousay #closetothevillage
Removing the N201 for "supervision"? That's just shifting the problem
On Thursday, January 15, the FlorAalsmeer faction paid a working visit to the N201 club/music venue. The reason was a comment made during the budget meeting: housing could be built at this location to increase oversight of the bus station (CDA). FlorAalsmeer believes this is the wrong approach. The bus station requires management, agreements, and oversight. This isn't solved by putting pressure on a well-functioning facility.
Anyone who enters N201 will immediately see why. N201 is a music venue where people take lessons, rehearse, and perform. It's a central, easily accessible location with several equipped practice rooms. That's precisely why musicians from Aalsmeer/Kudelstaart and far beyond the municipality come here: it's a place where you can come, where you can grow, and where you can make music together.
N201 isn't a youth center either. That image is inaccurate and doesn't help the discussion. N201 has been independent for years. In 2013, the foundation that operates N201 was privatized, the music school was integrated, and N201 is now self-sufficient. This is important because it demonstrates that this isn't a "small municipal project" that can easily be relocated, but a robust, independent organization with a clear place in Aalsmeer.
The venue has also built a reputation. De Bandbrouwerij has become a household name: musicians of all levels come together to play, learn, and connect. N201 is known as a place you can easily drop in, even if you're still searching. And it's not just for young people. During the working visit, it was emphasized that a growing number of people over 25 are finding their way to N201: as musicians, teachers, band members, and visitors. This makes N201 broad, stable, and valuable.
Then there's the housing proposal. Regardless of whether you want it, it's not easy at this location. The site is in a LIB4 zone (regulations around Schiphol Airport). This means that housing development is limited: each plan allows for a maximum of 25 homes. In practice, this quickly results in an expensive segment. This only helps the local housing shortage to a limited extent, while jeopardizing a well-functioning facility.
There's another thing: between the N201 and the bus station stands an office building that was rumored to be vacant. During the working visit, FlorAalsmeer was actually told—and saw!—that this building is fully occupied. Suddenly, "just building housing for the supervisors" is no longer a simple intervention, but a plan that leads to buyouts, relocation, and hassle—while the real problem (the bus station) remains unresolved.
FlorAalsmeer is therefore clear: Muziekcentrum N201 must remain at its current location. Not only that, but it must also strengthen its position as a permanent hub for culture, talent, and socializing in our village, alongside all the other cultural and entertainment venues. The decision was made to build the bus station at this location, on the edge of the built-up area. This isn't solved by creating new problems: pushing out a music school, moving a building, or "vacating" a successful office building.
Supervision and safety at the bus station are important. But the solution is: better design, better management, clear agreements, and enforcement where necessary. And in the meantime, cherish what works. Music Center N201 works—every day.
The former Research Station/National Secondary Horticultural School at Linnaeuslaan 2A has become a major issue in 2025: large-scale housing without a permit, in violation of the zoning plan, with reports of abuse and nuisance. The municipality of Aalsmeer has since taken decisive action, along with the Dutch Labor Inspectorate.
From “plans” to facts
In February 2025, the first reports emerged that the building was being developed as a flexible housing facility. Mployment Housing (later: Tulip Housing) and Jeanet van der Laan (a former politician for D66) were mentioned as involved parties.
FlorAalsmeer raised the alarm early. Following reports from the neighborhood, the party submitted written questions in January 2025 about the building's development and rumors of occupancy. The municipality confirmed in its response (February 11, 2025) that no permit had been applied for at the time for housing migrant workers and that inspections would follow.
What the municipality later determined
The council letter of October 7, 2025, makes the conclusion clear: migrant workers are being housed on a large scale at Linnaeuslaan 2A. The municipality found that the location has approximately 156 beds and that an inspection revealed approximately 120 occupied beds. It also mentions that SNF had issued a quality mark for 110 beds, while discussions earlier in 2025 had indicated that housing at this location was not permitted. According to the municipal executive, this use violates the zoning plan and no permit has been issued.
Signs of misconduct: reason for integrated control
After an initial municipal inspection, residents were consulted and reported concerns that go beyond "crowding": fluctuating rents, unannounced room inspections, fines related to cleaning, and labor-related concerns. This prompted a comprehensive inspection at the end of September 2025, involving the municipality, municipal enforcement officers, and the Dutch Labor Inspectorate.
Enforcement – and what it made possible
The municipality subsequently took enforcement action with a penalty payment order. In October 2025, Tulip Housing announced in the media that it would "legally challenge" the measure. According to a statement from the mayor gan eviction is in effect no later than February 2, 2026, and no legal remedy or interim measure has been filed against the order subject to penalty payments, which would have made enforcement possible.
FlorAalsmeer is pleased that action has been takenBut we also want to openly express our concern: with the migrant workers themselves. These are people who often rely on a single agency for work, transportation, and housing. In practice, this can result in a stranglehold: losing your job also means losing your bed.
When such a location closes, these people aren't suddenly "free." They're often simply moved to work elsewhere—while the underlying dependency remains.
That's why our hope lies partly with the Dutch Labor Inspectorate. Not only to enforce the law, but also to expose structural abuses to national politicians. So that rules can finally be introduced that protect people, and help is available for those in trouble: guidance, legal support, and, where necessary, a safe route back to their home country without hassle, debt, or reprisals.
In short: enforcement is necessary. But a real solution also means: human dignity and protection for the people trapped in this system.
Update January 15, 2026: Tulip Housing has submitted a permit application, and the process is underway. We will publish any news here as soon as it becomes available.
FlorAalsmeer presents Judith Keessen as lead candidate for the 2026 municipal elections!
FlorAalsmeer nominates municipal councilor Judith Keessen Keessen is running as the lead candidate for the March 2026 municipal elections in Aalsmeer and Kudelstaart. He has served on the municipal council since 2018 and has become a familiar face in the local debate on housing, traffic, livability, and resident participation.
“I feel responsible for a municipality where ordinary Aalsmeer and Kudelstaart residents are central – not the systems,” says Judith Keessen. The coming period will be decisive for housing, accessibility, green spaces, and the area around Westeinder. With FlorAalsmeer, I want to make a decisive, critical, and constructive difference in this regard.
Keessen is known within the council for her expertise in the field, her critical questions, and her persistent monitoring of the executive board. At FlorAalsmeer, she is committed to, among other things:
· more affordable and suitable housing for young people, starters and the elderly
· smart solutions for traffic and safety instead of stopgap measures
· careful and future-proof use of scarce space
· serious participation of residents instead of sham consultation
On behalf of FlorAalsmeer:
“Judith combines experience in the council with a fresh, independent perspective,” according to the board of FlorAalsmeer. She dares to ask questions, remains critical, and doesn't lose sight of the human dimension. Exactly the kind of leading candidate that FlorAalsmeer and our villages need right now. The board has complete confidence in her.
The full candidate list and the election program of FlorAalsmeer will be presented at a later date.
Freight traffic in built-up areas is NOT increased!
Not our words, but those of some other parties (we will not mention names).
During the Radio Aalsmeer Politiek broadcast on Wednesday, December 3rd, we addressed the increased truck traffic within built-up areas. We've raised this issue before, and we also regularly receive reports from residents. Almost daily, we receive photos and videos from residents reporting a significant number of, often long, trucks from abroad driving along our village roads in search of their destinations.
Other parties disagree with us, claiming it's not so bad, that it's good for the economy, and that we don't speak for the residents (at least not for them). They also claim it's good for the Aalsmeer economy. But is that really the case? What does a distribution center within a built-up area actually contribute to the economy of our municipality? And is this proportional to the inconvenience it causes?
Our concerns about the increase in freight traffic appear not to be shared by the same parties currently intensely concerned with the traffic situation around the N196. While there's also a lot of freight traffic there, ignoring the yellow signs that indicate the direction to the flower auction. Perhaps they simply can't read those signs?
In our view, road safety is also at stake here, for example, due to blind spots and cyclist priority. We are therefore eagerly awaiting the municipal executive's plans for freight traffic management in the municipality, as part of the VCP (Vehicle Traffic Management System). Unfortunately, it seems, this will take some time.
What do you think about this, as a resident? Do you see an increase, or do you also think this is nonsense? Does the through-traffic cause nuisance and unsafe situations, or not? Send us your opinion, share your photos and videos, or come visit us for a chat; fractie@floraalsmeer.nl
Would you like to listen to the broadcast on Radio Aalsmeer again? You can. here.
2026 Budget Argument
Imagine: it's 2040. You're walking along the pond. There are boats sailing by, and laughter rings out.
Children cycle along the water, there are affordable houses, and the village exudes tranquility.
That is possible – but not automatically.
Because just imagine the other image: rows of trucks on the N196,
industrial warehouses stretching as far as the eye can see, hustle and bustle, noise, a village that has lost its soul.
The choices we make here determine which of those two images becomes reality.
What FlorAalsmeer wants to achieve
We want:
- An Aalsmeer where young people can continue to live.
- A Kudelstaart that retains its village heart.
- Care for our elders, the people who built our community.
- Village streets that are safe and quiet, not full of trucks.
- Business that is small-scale and circular,
not large-scale and alienated from the environment. - A government that listens to residents before making decisions,
not being accountable afterwards. - A municipality that takes back control of its own space.
That's the course FlorAalsmeer envisions. Don't grow faster, but grow better. Don't follow the regional trend, but dare to make our own choices.
Read the full argument here; 2026 Budget Argument
Visit GreenBalanZ, because FlorAalsmeer is still going ahead!
On Saturday, July 26th, municipal council members Judith Keessen and Dirk Biesheuvel, along with some of the FlorAalsmeer support staff, paid a working visit to GreenBalanZ, the orchid nursery owned by the Van der Weijden family at Mijnsherenweg 36. While others are on recess, the FlorAalsmeer faction is continuing as usual through the summer, and rightly so. Challenges and problems for the residents of Aalsmeer and Kudelstaart also continue. Politicians simply must be accessible at all times!
The group received a warm and hospitable welcome from Mr. Lennard van der Weijden and his parents at the main location in Kudelstaart. The third generation of Van der Weijden growers in Kudelstaart, the company having existed for over 75 years. Their father, Sjaak van der Weijden (also present at the time), started cultivating orchids in 1971. Their son, Lennard, the current director, took over the company in 2000 and has since operated under the name GreenBalanZ.
GreenBalanZ specializes in the cultivation of Phalaenopsis orchids, which are sold in a wide variety of sizes, colors, and shapes. The plants are grown using 100% PureGreen, using only organic fertilizers and natural crop protection products. For years, GreenBalanZ has been applying the "Greenhouse without Gas" principle. Using underground hot and cold water buffers, the climate for cultivation is controlled year-round, saving over 1,100,000 m³ of gas annually, resulting in a 55% reduction in CO2 emissions. The annual production of over 4 million orchids is cultivated in approximately 10 hectares of greenhouses. Currently, the range includes over 150 cultivars from our own selection and breeding, a truly unique collection.
FlorAalsmeer's visit was planned to hear firsthand from a grower about the current situation, how the entrepreneur views his position, and the horticultural area in general. The horticultural area in Kudelstaart, like in Aalsmeer, has shrunk rapidly over the past ten years. Horticultural businesses on Kudelstaartseweg and Herenweg have disappeared, while many businesses on Hoofdweg are vacant and/or for sale. The group's visiting address is on Mijnsherenweg, where the number of nurseries has also fallen significantly below ten.
Business and cultivation methods in the horticultural sector have changed dramatically in recent decades, and the sales of products in the floriculture chain are also very different, Van der Weijden pointed out. GreenBalanZ has always focused on quality, but now the market also demands the ability to produce substantial quantities at the right times for customers. This requires entrepreneurs to specialize and expand. Large retail chains, both domestically and internationally, are now among the main buyers, and they demand large quantities.
To meet this demand, GreenBalanZ now has three production sites. Despite efficiently utilizing every square meter, they couldn't reach the required numbers by growing on Mijnherenweg alone. Expansion at that location is impossible due to the adjacent residential area and other businesses. This creates an undesirable amount of transport between the three nurseries; having the entire company at a single new location is the most desirable solution. The current site on Mijnsherenweg is an outdated greenhouse site; new construction elsewhere is the best solution. There's a bright future for greenhouse horticulture, but not in Kudelstaart.
Making way for others! Van der Weijden, along with others, came up with a plan, a plan from a collective of growers. The plan called for the construction of 300-350 affordable homes for young and old, mostly on Mijnsherenweg, plots 32-38 and 51-59. This beautiful plan represented a true transformation of the outdated greenhouse area. It aimed to combat clutter, eliminating warehouses housing a plethora of small businesses, and instead, a beautiful residential area directly connected to the existing residential area of Kudelstaart. Homes for a specific demographic: the elderly and young people who have been clamoring for housing for years.
Last year, FlorAalsmeer submitted the "Initiative Memorandum for Housing Construction on Greenhouse Horticulture Plots." A wonderful and well-developed initiative that was and continues to be wholeheartedly supported by FlorAalsmeer. Unfortunately, the current council coalition, consisting of the CDA, VVD, and D66, offered absolutely no cooperation, and even opposition. A plan to finally build a substantial number of homes for our own residents was simply ignored by the alderman and voted down by the coalition. Nevertheless, a magnificent plan like this must and will be given a chance; it will succeed.
After a cup of coffee with Aalsmeer delicacies, a tour of the beautiful facility, and an extensive, delightful, honest, and open conversation, everyone went their separate ways. The host was listened to and was able to express his story, his indignation, and his wishes. The FlorAalsmeer faction thanked the Van der Weijden family heartily for their hospitality and left with a wealth of helpful and thorough firsthand information. Together we achieve more, for Kudelstaart and Aalsmeer.
FlorAalsmeer is continuing, is not on summer recess, and will come to you this summer!
Vacation time! But that doesn't mean we're sitting still.............
DSummer vacation is just around the corner, recess starts at the end of this week (July 11, 2025), and we have our last meeting on Tuesday, July 8. This naturally means a much-needed break and no meetings until September 2.
For FlorAalsmeer, this doesn't mean we're not involved in Aalsmeer and Kudelstaart. Quite the opposite. We still have a working visit planned, we'll be visiting residents to hear how they're doing, and we're preparing for the coming year. After all, the elections are coming up!
FlorAalsmeer wishes everyone a wonderful summer, a wonderful holiday, and many beautiful memories for the future. Enjoy!
Motion of regret.
On Thursday, June 26, the council discussed an amendment to the umbrella zoning plan for room rental businesses, which will remove the WTFH property from the plan. On paper, this seems like a technical intervention, but substantively, it touches on the core of our spatial planning and constitutional choices. FlorAalsmeer raised three points.
First of all: the Provincial Environmental Ordinance is clear.
Lodging functions on business parks are only permitted there for a maximum of 10 years. That's not a suggestion; it's policy. And yet the municipal executive claims that these rules don't apply here, because the Hornmeer zoning plan supposedly already allows for permanent housing. If that's the case, the question immediately arises:
Why is this 'cut' necessary at all?
Why do we need to make a separate decision if the legal coverage already exists?
Apparently, the justification is not as watertight as suggested.
Second, it creates inequality before the law.
The umbrella zoning plan imposes a strict limit: a maximum of 250 beds, a maximum stay of six months. This approach is widely applied—except for WTFH. An exception is being created for this group. Not based on a broad policy change, but through an administrative trick: a cut.
This sets a dangerous precedent. It's like abandoning policy rules for those who happen to be at the table on time or have the right contacts. It's inexplicable, unsustainable, and unfair.
Third, the legal argument is flawed.
The council says: if we don't make the cut, there's a chance of an appeal and the entire plan being overturned. But that's the complete opposite. Are we going to make policy out of fear of legal action? And the only way to avoid that risk is to simply not implement the bed limit at all?
FlorAalsmeer says: if the plan is so legally weak that a single procedure could undermine it, then we must reconsider the plan—not water it down.
In short:
This isn't a substantive or spatial decision; it's an administrative maneuver to facilitate one party. That's not how the municipality should handle our regulations.
Unfortunately, the coalition also adopted this council proposal without substantive justification, as is the case with every council proposal. The umbrella zoning plan, which provides for a maximum of 250 beds per location, was conveniently disregarded as a historical fact.
FlorAalsmeer, along with the other opposition parties, unfortunately saw no other option than to submit a motion of regret condemning the procedure followed. The coalition parties CDA, VVD, and D66 voted against.
For a report on this agenda item, please read the article on News in Aalsmeer
'We haven't achieved anything by talking so far'
At FlorAalsmeer, we believe it's essential that our municipality actively protects its residents from health risks. Particulate matter emissions from Schiphol Airport have been a demonstrable threat to air quality in Aalsmeer for years – and therefore to the health of our residents.
Under the Environmental Act, the municipality is legally obligated to ensure a safe and healthy living environment. This duty of care also applies if the cause of the problem lies outside the municipal boundaries. This means that even if Schiphol Airport is located in another municipality, Aalsmeer is responsible for protecting its residents from its harmful effects.
That's why we're calling on the city council to join the lawsuit filed by attorney Bénédicte Ficq against Schiphol Airport. This isn't a political stunt, but a serious and necessary step to protect the health of our residents.
By joining, Aalsmeer demonstrates its commitment to responsibility, its commitment to a healthy living environment. We hope more municipalities will follow this example – for the benefit of their residents and future generations.
FlorAalsmeer – for a healthy, safe living environment for everyone.
FlorAalsmeer supports the scenario for the sale of Fort Kudelstaart to POM
On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, the committee advised the portfolio holder regarding the future of Fort Kudelstaart. A location of great historical and cultural significance, it also defines the image of Kudelstaart and Aalsmeer. And let's not forget: this fort is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This status obliges not only preservation, but also well-considered choices regarding management, use, and public value.
Our preference is for scenario 2: sale to a Professional Organization for Monument Preservation, a POM. This option offers the best-substantiated and most sustainable perspective for both the heritage and the municipality and its residents. FlorAalsmeer is happy to explain this in three points: heritage protection, municipal responsibility, and social added value.
1. Heritage protection: quality and continuity
A POM is neither a commercial developer nor a private initiative. It's an organization specializing in the preservation, restoration, and repurposing of historic buildings. This is precisely the expertise Fort Kudelstaart needs.
We know from experience—for example, the Zeilfort scenario—that the fort faces complex challenges: structural moisture problems, a layout that limits its usability, a monumental status that makes any intervention sensitive, and a challenging parking situation. A POM possesses the knowledge, experience, and network to tackle these challenges carefully and responsibly. Not for profit, but from the perspective of craftsmanship and heritage preservation. This guarantees that the fort is restored to its original state, with an eye for cultural history, landscape, and detail. The UNESCO World Heritage site deserves nothing less.
2. Municipal responsibility: maintaining control, releasing the burden
The scenario of selling to a POM offers something rare: we can take responsibility without being locked into an executive role. Unlike scenarios where the municipality remains the owner, in this scenario we no longer have to bear any structural investments or maintenance costs.
We are transferring the fort to an organization that is able and willing to make those investments, without sacrificing our ambitions. Because selling to a POM doesn't mean we have to abandon our vision for the fort's use. We can guarantee public accessibility, preservation of heritage values, and social functions through conditions and agreements.
This means directing what matters — without years of municipal burdens.
3. Social added value: locally supported and tangible
What strongly motivates us in choosing this scenario is the growing local interest in the fort. Several entrepreneurs have already expressed interest: an eel smoker, a cooking studio, and others aspiring to small-scale social or recreational functions. These are not large-scale catering or recreation businesses. These are small, committed entrepreneurs who want to respect and keep the fort's history alive. A POM offers precisely the structure for such initiatives: with lease arrangements, shared management, or opening it to volunteers. This transforms the fort back into a place for residents: with an exhibition space, guided tours, a small terrace, or simply a place to reflect on the history of our area. And it's the perfect opportunity to encourage cycling—befitting its location on the water and aligning with our municipality's mobility vision.
In short: scenario 2 combines expertise with vision. It offers heritage protection, a responsible division of responsibilities for the municipality, and room for local initiative. And all this without the pitfalls of commercial exploitation or years of municipal dependency.
Fort Kudelstaart doesn't deserve a stopgap. It deserves a clear course of action—one that includes care, quality, and sustainability. As far as FlorAalsmeer is concerned, that course lies in scenario 2.
Let's hand the fort over to hands that understand what heritage demands. And let's hold on to our own governing role on the key issues that matter.
Why FlorAalsmeer voted against the VCP
The Aalsmeer city council has approved the Traffic Circulation Plan (VCP). FlorAalsmeer voted against it. This wasn't an easy decision, but it was a conscious one. In this article, we explain why.
What was the purpose of the VCP?
The VCP had to ensure:
- better flow of traffic,
- safer roads for cyclists and pedestrians,
- and less nuisance from freight traffic in residential streets.
These are goals that we fully support.
What's going wrong?
In practice, the plan appears to primarily shift traffic problems. It's not a solution, but a displacement:
- Streets with many driveways are designated as main traffic routes (Aalsmeerderweg).
- Freight traffic is not banned, but diverted to routes that are not suitable for it (Aalsmeerderweg).
- Cyclists and pedestrians are actually in more danger in several places.
- And at the Waterfront the crossings are poorly lit – a danger in the dark.
Moreover, the introduction of 30 km/h zones is presented as the only solution, especially on long main roads like Oosteinderweg. We strongly doubt whether this will work. In practice, we see that:
- roads with separate cycle paths actually encourage people to drive faster,
- and that 30 km only works if it is also physically enforced (such as with narrowings or speed bumps).
Without clear markings, enforcement, or road design, freight traffic continues to use these roads. This doesn't solve the traffic problem, but displaces it and even makes it more unsafe.
No eye for the future
The plan does not look sufficiently ahead:
- There is no response to the expected housing construction or expansion of business activity.
- Traffic flows are being rearranged in the short term, but without a structural vision.
- Smart solutions, such as a freight hub outside the village centres, are being postponed until “later”.
Our conclusion
FlorAalsmeer stands for safety, clarity, and policies that work – even beyond the drawing board. What has now been established is not a future-proof plan, but a series of shifts that, in practice, will cause more congestion and unsafe situations.
That's why we voted against it. Not because we're against traffic improvements – quite the opposite – but because this plan doesn't meet our needs. We'll continue working with residents on real solutions: solutions with broad support, practical application, and a fair distribution of costs.
Are you concerned about the traffic situation in your neighborhood? Let us know. Your experience counts.
Trucks are parked along Samoaweg, waiting to load/unload. Parking is prohibited here. Samoaweg will become a through road to the new supermarket. Photos provided.
FlorAalsmeer working visit to historic Nurserymen's Cemetery
On Wednesday, May 14th, the FlorAalsmeer council faction, supported by a team of enthusiastic Aalsmeer and Kudelstaart residents, paid a working visit to the Nursery Cemetery on Stommeerweg in the early evening. Not, as is the custom with political visits, to sit back and watch, chat, and enjoy a cup of coffee, but to actually work.
The FloraAalsmeer faction is addressing the residents of Aalsmeer and Kudelstaart with a confident message: "You are our eyes and ears." It's an invitation to work together to improve our village, so that residents are heard.
Residents of Aalsmeer reported the deplorable condition of the historic Nurserymen's Cemetery to council members Judith Keessen and Dirk Biesheuvel of FlorAalsmeer. Residents, who cherish the history and beauty of this place, were rightly concerned about the lack of attention paid to this valuable heritage. They had voiced their concerns through various channels, advocating for intervention and emphasizing the need to restore the historic cemetery to its former glory.
The FlorAalsmeer council faction took these signals seriously. Aware of the historical value and heritage at stake, the team decided to roll up their sleeves. During a working visit to the cemetery, they saw firsthand how urgently restoration and cleanup were needed; weeds had grown above knee height across the entire Nursery Cemetery. Naturally, the alderman was asked to assist, but unfortunately, he couldn't fit it into his schedule.
The FlorAalsmeer council faction, fueled by their love for their village and the discontent among the locals, decided to take action. Guided by the slogan "Be proud and care for Aalsmeer's cultural heritage," they fought against the neglect, using wheelbarrows, rakes, hoes, and all sorts of tools to get the job done.
Thanks to the hard work of the FlorAalsmeer council faction, the historic and monumental Nurserymen's Cemetery has been transformed in just three hours. The result? An unrecognizable makeover that revives the character of this unique monument! The cemetery now once again exudes a serene beauty, where peace and respect go hand in hand. The caring WORK visit not only improved the appearance of the Nurserymen's Cemetery but also restored its lost dignity. A beautiful place to pause and reflect on the past and the history of this unique location.
FlorAalsmeer's WORK visit was more than just cleaning the historic and monumental Nursery Cemetery on Stommeerweg, and it wasn't lost on passersby; it was a statement against the apathy of those responsible for maintenance and conservation, and an ode to the love for their village. It became a story of solidarity, pride, and the strength of active citizens who refuse to accept decay.
FlorAalsmeer city council members Judith Keessen and Dirk Biesheuvel have shown that a call for attention to them does not go unanswered and does NOT fall on deaf ears. True to their motto, "Say what you do, do what you say," they set out with an enthusiastic group and actually did something: "don't keep talking endlessly, but take action, just do it!"
Lack of vision for the future; initiative proposal rejected.
In the lead-up to the council meeting of March 27, 2025, we invited growers in the area covered by our initiative proposal to attend this evening. However, the majority indicated they would not be attending due to their disappointment with the way things were going. We fully understand this disappointment, as we share it.
Despite repeated requests to the portfolio holder to meet with the growers in person, this never materialised.
Unfortunately, we've had to conclude that there's no majority for our proposal. The initiative will be voted down tonight. This begs the question: why? Is it because we're an opposition party? Or is there perhaps another reason?
We often hear that the favorability factor plays a role, and that in this case, we wouldn't have that favorability factor. But whether we're granted it or not is irrelevant to us. It's not about us personally, but about what's best for the residents of Kudelstaart. The residents' desire for more housing for both young and old is being ignored. Young people are being driven away, and the elderly are stuck in overly large houses. We are aging, and this seems like a deliberate policy.
Our initiative proposal could have provided affordable housing for both young first-time buyers and seniors, for example, in residential complexes or so-called "knarrenhofjes" (nursing almshouses), including space for amenities. This could have meant a return to social cohesion, with mutual care at the core.
Young people desperately want to remain in their own village, where they grew up, went to school, and often still live with their parents, simply because there's no housing available. Older people are eager to give up their homes for young people, but can't find affordable alternative housing in the village where they've lived for so long. This is a situation we can no longer ignore.
We specifically addressed the coalition parties CDA, VVD, and D66. At the request of several of them, we postponed our proposal twice. These parties, while claiming to be in favor of housing construction, in reality seem to only support housing for those with deep pockets. The CDA boasts of projects like Westeinderhage, while the young and elderly among their own supporters don't benefit from them at all. They, too, feel abandoned. It was disappointing, however, that the opposition parties GroenLinks/PvdA and Absoluut Aalsmeer also voted against, even though they too claim to be working hard for the residents.
Even though our proposal didn't pass, we will continue to fight for the interests of our residents. We represent all residents, and for us, quality of life is paramount. The residents' interests come before everything else.
All that remains is for us to thank everyone who has helped, contributed, and supported us for their time and patience. Never give up! We won't either.
FlorAalsmeer faction
The debacle that is the Kudelstaart Area Vision; from a car-free center to wind turbines, solar panel fields, and no supermarket - CDA, VVD, and D66 vote in favor!
On Thursday, March 27, 2025, the municipal council made a decision on the Kudelstaart Area Vision. FlorAalsmeer presented sound arguments for why this vision is not a vision and why it offers no substantive benefit to the residents of Kudelstaart.
Residents' wishes are not being met. The second supermarket won't be built until 2035, and there are no affordable homes for young people or the elderly. The locations potentially suitable for housing development are Hoofdweg Zuid and apartments built on top of the existing shops/homes in the shopping center, a process known as "stacking." Regarding prices, we have no illusions; as we recently saw, the average cost of a home is over €600,000 or €700,000. This is unaffordable for first-time buyers, who can either remain with their parents or look for a home far outside their hometown. It's also a sad situation for the elderly, who now have to live alone in single-family homes. In other words, there's no internal mobility, and no movement in the housing market.
The fields behind the Ambachtsherenweg, along the dike (border between North and South Holland) up to Bilderdam, have been designated as RES This means that wind turbines and solar panels could be built here. Despite the fact that the coalition parties CDA, VVD, and D66 agreed to oppose this in their own council agreement, they still voted in favor. This makes these parties unreliable, and they clearly indicate that their decision-making is not in the interests of residents, but simply approves every proposal the municipal executive puts before them. The content is irrelevant.
FlorAalsmeer, however, was opposed. The impact of this vision is significant and affects all residents. This should be a decisive factor for elected representatives.
Our argument was clear on this. You can read it here.
Kudelstaart, the city council will decide on your living environment on Thursday, March 27!
On Thursday evening, March 27th, the Aalsmeer municipal council will vote on the Kudelstaart area vision. This may sound far-fetched, but it affects everyone in Kudelstaart! It's about your home, your lifestyle, your living environment, your child's chances of owning a home in Kudelstaart, and the opportunity for seniors to move to smaller, affordable housing in Kudelstaart. The vision currently before us, and which may be adopted, doesn't allow for this.
FlorAalsmeer has found that relatively few residents know what the area vision entails, and those who attended the presentation in the community center only understood part of the plans. The information provided that evening was inadequate, one-sided, and incomplete. However, the implementation of this vision will have a huge impact on the Kudelstaart community. The town center is expected to become even busier and, as stated in the vision, car-free. The increasing traffic, the congested roads almost all day long, are thought to be solved by reducing car ownership and use. This rightly raises questions among residents.
The residents' greatest wishes, namely housing for young and old, and the arrival of a second supermarket, are not being met. FlorAalsmeer finds this disappointing, especially given the growing need for affordable housing and amenities for the younger generation. Older residents, many of whom have lived in Kudelstaart for years, are not given the opportunity to move on to smaller, affordable homes. These seniors have often lived for decades in homes where they once lived with their entire families. For the elderly, now left alone, the single-family homes they live in have become too large, unmaintainable due to advanced age, and loneliness is widespread. This proposed vision further stifles the housing market and mobility. The year 2035 is set for the arrival of a second supermarket, meaning one of the residents' greatest wishes is not being met. FlorAalsmeer finds this incomprehensible.
The only homes still being developed in Westeinderhage, in an overpriced segment, are falling short of the community's expectations and needs. The development site on Hoofdweg was scrapped in 2023 because the municipality refused to endorse the building plans. The housing plan developed by growers on Mijnsherenweg, who want to close because their businesses are not sustainable, is being ignored, and the growers are seen as money grabbers. There's too much focus on problems, not on solutions. The initiative proposal submitted last fall by FlorAalsmeer, aimed at meeting the need for affordable housing and adding public green spaces, is being completely ignored. The current coalition isn't giving the plan a chance. The well-thought-out initiative is in danger of being voted down on Thursday, March 27th, despite the fact that none of the stakeholders have been consulted and there has been no consultation whatsoever.
It's crucial for FlorAalsmeer that residents' voices are heard and that their wishes are taken seriously in the further development of the area vision. A long-term vision is lacking, with all the consequences this entails for you as a resident of Kudelstaart.
FlorAalsmeer is therefore calling on all residents to come to town hall this Thursday, March 27th, to show their disapproval. Let the councillors know that things really have to change. Come!
Judith Keessen and Dirk Biesheuvel, FlorAalsmeer
A transmission tower, yes, but not near houses!
The Brazilielaan transmission tower was again discussed in the advisory committee meeting of January 28, 2025. FlorAalsmeer naturally supports improved mobile network coverage, but believes the location proposed by the municipal executive is not a good choice.
The current zoning plan does not permit placing a mast within 90 meters of residential buildings. Furthermore, the municipal executive failed to conduct a study into the noise pollution caused by such masts. We would also like to know whether this is a 4G or 5G transmission mast. In the latter case, this means that, in practice, more transmission masts will have to be added to achieve good coverage.
FlorAalsmeer considers the designated location unacceptable and has instructed the alderman to help select an alternative location. If this doesn't happen, we will unfortunately be forced to reject this proposal, in which the executive board is requesting a binding recommendation from the municipal council.
National Secondary Horticultural School converted into an apartment complex?
The former RMTS building on Linnaeuslaan was used as a business complex until the end of 2024, and several small businesses were located there. We were recently contacted by concerned residents; they reported that the building is currently being renovated on behalf of the tenant, with all spaces being prepared for migrant workers. Trees have also reportedly been felled, and monumental trees (carefully cared for by students for decades) are being cut down with a chainsaw. Our group visited the site and witnessed firsthand that renovation work is underway. Local residents are worried and have not been informed about the building's potential use. This is reason enough to investigate what is happening here!
We have, of course, asked the alderman for an initial response and are awaiting his reply. Written questions are ready to be submitted to the executive board for a response.
To be continued!
renovation and felled trees - photos provided.
FlorAalsmeer on Instagram
