For a liveable neighbourhood and genuine participation
Buren van Artis (Neighbours of Artis) is a citizens' collective committed to the immediate surroundings of Artis zoo. We are not against Artis — we are in favour of a green, liveable city park. But we are dead set against megalomaniac buildings and unbridled commercial growth at the expense of our neighbourhood.
Artis, one of the smallest and busiest zoos in the Netherlands, already attracts almost 1,300,000 visitors per year. In the middle of a vulnerable residential neighbourhood. Yet Artis is aiming for more: up to 2 million per year. For comparison: Beekse Bergen (120 hectares) receives 1.5 million visitors per year.
Things have gone wrong in this neighbourhood before. The massive restaurant De Twee Cheetahs (which incidentally already needs renovating) absolutely does not fit its surroundings. For many young Amsterdammers, the Entrepotdok is one of the few free places to spend time outdoors. Don't shut these Amsterdammers out!
Artis is first and foremost a zoo. Even more restaurants and activities (such as those planned in the Salmhuisjes on Sarphatistraat) mean more crowds and more noise.
Cars, cargo bikes and suppliers cause a great deal of nuisance. The tangle of visitors' bicycles is a problem too. We want bicycle parking on the Artis grounds themselves. And: better, clearer public transport for Artis visitors right at the entrance.
Most neighbours love Artis. Animal sounds are rarely a problem. Industrial noise is something else. Legally, night-time noise may not exceed 40 dB at the property line — precisely the level at which a mosquito already becomes irritating. We demand measurable guarantees, not promises.
Right now, Artis is turning its back on us. Buren van Artis wants the conversation about Masterplan 2030 to be conducted for real. And for alternatives to finally be taken seriously.
The City of Amsterdam must keep testing the Artis plans strictly against their original principles. Amsterdam already receives 26 million tourists a year, against its own ceiling of 20 million. Don't turn the Plantagebuurt into a second Museum Quarter.
We, Buren van Artis, are a residents' collective that wants to keep Artis in check. Before it is too late. We are the reasonable voice of the neighbourhood; we want to cooperate and consult to keep the Plantagebuurt green and liveable. With Artis at its heart.
A liveable neighbourhood!
No new buildings higher than 8 metres on the edges of the park.
Priority for existing and new greenery.
No higher ticket prices and no more restaurants.
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