Bart Tommelein (Open Vld)
The city that never sleeps is no longer just New York. Many cities are facing similar metropolitan challenges. We look for sustainable solutions that fit within the long-term vision of a global and integrated urban policy.
Ostend is a growing and thriving city. We are a tourist center city by the sea with great dynamics. We are bordered by the sea, the harbour, the airport and nature reserves in the Polders. Our small surface area is largely occupied by logistics functions. Only 15 percent of the area has a residential function.
The latter is one of the major challenges for many cities. I am in favor of high-rise buildings, provided that the architectural picture is correct. In this way we can enable people to live together in a high-quality environment in a small area. In this way we also create more space for open space, greenery and less paving.
The layout of this open space must be done thoughtfully. We opt for sustainable and climate-robust measures. An example of this is the construction of a ‘City River’. This city river collects rainwater and offers an alternative to a classic sewer system.
A liveable city also requires a well thought-out mobility plan. Many cities are making the city center car-free or even car-free. Such measures are not equally popular with everyone. However, they do bring us one step closer to the intended objectives in terms of safety, but also in terms of climate.
When conducting our policy, we attach great importance to a long-term vision, only pursuing politics until the next elections will not take a city to a higher level.
You read it everywhere: the city is the engine of society. But it is the inhabitants who keep the engine running. Citizen participation is very important in a positive and transparent urban policy. The keywords here are communication and participation.
In Ostend we are building a city where every inhabitant has maximum opportunities to participate in society. A participation official has been appointed who coordinates and monitors various participation processes. The O-point was set up, through this reporting point anyone can report, ask or share something. This is how we optimize the city’s services.
When conducting our policy, we attach great importance to a long-term vision, only pursuing politics until the next elections will not take a city to a higher level. And let that be exactly what we work on every day.
Whoever enters Ostend after a day inland knows the value of fresh air and the magic of the Ensor light. As the proud mayor of my hometown, I am convinced that the healthy sea air will continue to give us oxygen to develop groundbreaking ideas and to go for it every day!
