haarlemsdagbladMay 13, 2026, 09:00

Haarlem neighborhood platforms want more power for citizens: 'Not just input, but participation and decision-making'

Seven neighborhood platforms in Haarlem are calling for a cultural shift to give residents more influence and decision-making power over local construction and environmental projects. They argue that citizens should be involved in every stage of municipal planning rather than just acting as advisors.

Politics Haarlem Netherlands

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Based on reporting by haarlemsdagblad. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

Mayor closes premises after discovery of illegal sex club

Mayor Jos Wienen of Haarlem has ordered a three-month closure of a building on the Baan after an illegal, unlicensed sex club was discovered operating there. Authorities identified signs of potential exploitation and noted that the site's frequent visitor traffic caused significant nuisance to the local neighborhood.

Municipality of Haarlem must house 214 status holders before end of year

Haarlem must secure housing for 214 status holders by the end of 2024 to meet its government-assigned quota. So far, the municipality has housed 160 individuals this year, leaving a significant gap that must be addressed before the deadline.

Concerns over ending emergency care in Hoofddorp? Information evening draws few visitors

The Spaarne Gasthuis hospital plans to centralize 24-hour emergency care in Haarlem-Zuid by 2033, effectively closing the emergency department in Hoofddorp. Despite significant public and political backlash regarding travel times, a recent information evening in Hoofddorp drew very few attendees.

Minor arrested after fire at shelter for young asylum seekers in Aerdenhout

A fire occurred at a shelter for underage asylum seekers in Aerdenhout on Sparrenlaan, leading to the safe evacuation of all residents. Police have arrested a minor suspected of arson, though no injuries were reported.

City of Amsterdam permanently ends subsidies for Weekend Academy Foundation

The City of Amsterdam has permanently cut ties and subsidies to the Weekend Academie following a fraud investigation into its founder, Oguz Dulkadir. The municipality took this action after the foundation failed to account for the use of public funds and was secretly dissolved.