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Heer Oguzhan Cerit Good evening, esteemed members of the council and fellow residents, Today, I stand before you not just as a homeowner concerned about an upcoming construction project but as a member of this community, eager to share the story that has brought me to this very moment. My journey here began 2.5 years ago when my family and I—my wife, our loyal dog, and our curious cat—embarked on a new chapter in the Netherlands. We were motivated by the equality and justice in the Netherlands, and we wanted to live in this country that values human life and offers a fair society. It was not an easy decision; it required immense commitment. Leaving everything behind, for mindset in a land that promised better respect for these values. As a computer scientist and my wife an occupational therapist, we have always been dedicated to hard work and the pursuit of stability. 1.5 years ago, we deepened our roots in this community by purchasing our home, taking on a 30-year mortgage. This home is much more than just walls and a roof, it is not a house, it’s home; it symbolizes our hopes, dreams, and the future we imagine in this lively and inclusive community. But today, the serenity of our homes are under threat. The planned construction project near geannonimiseerd, while a symbol of progress, casts a shadow over the peace we've strived so hard to create.

The idea of living beside a construction site for up to two years, with the inevitable noise and disruption, weighs heavily on us. It's not only about the inconvenience. It's about the quality of life, the peace we seek in our personal lives, and the stability we're trying to establish in a new country. This construction project, with its potential to disrupt and devalue, challenges the essence of what we've worked so hard to build. I understand the need for urban development and the benefits it can bring. Yet, I believe there's immense value in preserving the well-being and peace of existing residents. The main goal of the project remains unclear to me. I understand the necessity for renewal and the addition of 36 houses financed by taxpayer money. My home is over 50 years old, also requires renovation, but the financial burden my wife and I bear through significant taxation doesn’t let us. This project, however, appears to violate the privacy and quality of life we strive to maintain with our limited resources. Once again, we are not opposed to change or progress, but we advocate for a balance that ensures the growth of our community without diminishing the quality of life we cherish. Currently, the distance between my home and the building is about 15 meters; so this new development cuts that distance by 50%.

In practical terms, after just 7 steps from our homes, the new building will begin. It is affecting our experience of space and light particularly for properties like mine at Roggebotstraat 11. Additionally, It's

disappointing to realise that this project introduces a risk of depreciating property values and damaging property, without any clear benefits for us. Now you have an idea about my life and the concerns that weigh heavily on my heart. I might not be Nederland’s citizens, and our languages and cultures may differ, but we have welcomed this country's ethos, respecting its rules and contributing to its fabric. We don't just live here; we actively participate in this society, adhering to its laws, respecting the space and rights of others, and ensuring our actions reflect the values of this community. We work tirelessly, not just to fulfill our obligations like paying our mortgage but to build a life here that respects the traditions and expectations of the Netherlands, engaging with its people, and contributing community. This construction project, therefore, isn't just a matter of regulatory concern; it's a deeply personal issue that impacts our sense of belonging and our quest to integrate and contribute positively to our chosen home. As I share my story with you, it's with a hope that it resonates not just as a narrative of opposition, but as a heartfelt begging to consider the deep impact of this project may have on the lives and well-being of the residents. I invite you to think on what makes a community.

It's not just the buildings or the streets—it's the people, their stories, their contributions and their dreams. I, also on behalf of the residents of Roggebotstraat, ask the municipal council to submit an amendment so that the Gouwzeestraat will remain as it is with parking spaces and the new building will be rebuilt at the same location. Thank you.