Overview
- The council voted 21–13 to use the Torendijk office building on 's-Gravenlandseweg for asylum reception, moving forward after debate over an alternative field site.
- Schiedam must host 327 people under the spreidingswet, and about 275 are expected at Torendijk, including families but not unaccompanied minors.
- Unaccompanied minors will be housed elsewhere, with details to be decided later under the council’s directive.
- The agreement includes recovery of municipal costs from COA and a clause to shut the site if major problems arise, reflecting concerns about safety and oversight.
- Local reactions range from supportive to skeptical, citing limited consultation and the building’s condition, while recent demonstrations proceeded relatively calmly under restrictions; in parallel developments, Aalten residents submitted a pro‑azc appeal and Eemnes’ mayor refuted azc rumors as false.