Policy plan SBOB

Policy Plan 2025-2030

Bomenbuurt Residents’ Organization Foundation

Stichting Bewoners Organisatie Bomenbuurt

Introduction

The Stichting Bewoners Organisatie Bomenbuurt (hereinafter referred to as SBOB) was established in 1981 with the goal of promoting a good living environment in the neighborhood and by representing the shared interests of the neighborhood’s residents, including by supporting, encouraging, or coordinating resident initiatives and activities.

In 2026, SBOB will celebrate its 45th anniversary, a period in which much has changed. While the internet was just emerging in the 1980s, it is now an indispensable tool. There are countless ways to inform residents; email, digital newsletters, websites, and social media such as Facebook and Hoplr offer a wealth of opportunities. This is a good time for SBOB to reflect on these developments and examine whether we are utilizing them effectively. Research has also shown that residents of our neighborhood have a greater need for information about what’s happening in their neighborhood and want to stay informed of all developments. This long-term plan describes the strategies and actions that the SBOB will undertake to achieve its objectives over a five-year period.

Several developments in the Bomenbuurt neighborhood will be the focus of the board in the coming period (Files).

1) The replacement of the sewer system and the associated (re)design of streets in our neighborhood. A prerequisite is that our neighborhood must become climate-adaptive, including more greenery.

2) The permanent development of Sportlaan 600 (the former HAGA hospital). The Municipality of The Hague plans to build homes on the site. Preparations for this development are expected to take approximately 5 to 7 years.

3) The temporary development of the former HAGA hospital; this will house 750 people, 440 of whom are asylum seekers.

Table of contents

  • The Bomenbuurt 4
  • Mission, Vision and Objectives 5
  • Strategies and actions 6
  • Focus 7,8,9
  • Communication 9
  • The management 9
  • Duration of the plan 10,11
  • Resident initiatives and actions 11

The Bomenbuurt in The Hague

Thee Bomenbuurt is a neighborhood in the Segbroek district.

  • Number of households: 3,235
  • Number of residents: 6,110 (2024)
  • The average age of residents is approximately 40 years
  • The average WOZ value is €396,000 (2023)

Source: Statistics Netherlands (CBS)

It is a lively neighborhood with a diverse population and a mix of different housing types. The neighborhood has a relatively high average income and rising property values, which indicates an attractive living environment.

The Bomenbuurt neighborhood is bordered by the following streets: Segbroeklaan, Gouden Regenstraat, Laan van Meerdervoort (odd-numbered streets only), Beeklaan, Houtrustweg, Groot Hertoginnelaan, and Conradkade.

The Municipality of The Hague uses a different neighborhood classification. The city council has chosen, for its own reasons, to retain the 1981 classification. The Bomenbuurt residents’ organization was established on April 7, 1981. During the period 2025-2030, the SBOB will be celebrating its 45th anniversary. This is an anniversary worth celebrating. The SBOB will be focusing on this in the coming period.

Plattegrond Bomenbuurt

The Bomenbuurt

Our Mission

The Bomenbuurt Residents’ Organization Foundation (SBOB) aims to promote a good living environment in the Bomenbuurt neighborhood and to represent the shared interests of its residents on an equal footing.

Our Vision

In the coming years, the SBOB aims to further focus on providing relevant information to and from residents and ensuring a pleasant and safe living environment. Collaboration with residents, agencies, businesses, and the SBOB can ensure transparency and accountability to stakeholders. The SBOB aims to strengthen the ties between the various parties to jointly strengthen the community and create a neighborhood where it is pleasant to live, for current and future residents. Improved communication will be a central theme in this plan.

Main objective

To promote the quality of life and social cohesion in the neighborhood through community activities, neighborhood projects, and collaboration with local organizations, with the aim of creating a safe, inclusive, and engaged community.

To measure this, we use the average score as listed on the website www.allecijfers.nl/buurt/bomenbuurt. This score (currently based on 4 responses) is assessed annually in April. 8.71 is the “baseline” measurement.

Strategie:

One of the ways the SBOB achieves these goals is by establishing or supporting working groups. A working group can be an initiative of residents or the SBOB. In principle, the SBOB supports all resident initiatives, provided they meet legal requirements and align with the SBOB’s objectives.

The SBOB recognizes two types of initiatives:

1) An initiative limited to a part of the neighborhood, with or without subsidy support.

2) An initiative that aligns with the SBOB’s mission and benefits all residents of the neighborhood.

Re 1: This initiative requires no further support and is temporary.

Re 2: The SBOB has identified the following priorities for this purpose:

  • Housing and living,
  • Traffic and road safety (mobility),
  • Sustainability and green spaces (climate-proof),
  • Events, activities, culture, sports and leisure,
  • Architecture/Urban Planning and History,

A working group established with one or more of these characteristics can count on the full support of the SBOB. See Chapter 9: Establishing Working Groups.

Keypoints

Living and Life

The priority areas are the topics the board focuses on. Each priority area has a board member as its contact person, and each priority area has one or more working groups.

The priority areas are the topics the board focuses on. Each priority area has a board member as its contact person, and each priority area has one or more working groups.

One of the topics the SBOB focuses on is Housing and Living. The Dossier for the Implementation of Temporary and Permanent Development at the Haga Hospital and the Redevelopment of the Bomenbuurt are two key areas of focus.

There are working groups that already share common ground in certain areas, such as sustainability/green spaces, resident participation, and traffic and road safety.

For the topic of both temporary and permanent development at the Haga Hospital, there is a resident participation working group. They work closely with the other SBOB working group.

This group assesses the feasibility of the dossiers and advises the chair. They also manage communication with residents and other working groups.

These areas fall under the responsibility of the SBOB chair and working group leader Johan van Arragon.

Traffic and road safety (mobility)

Many things will be happening in the Bomenbuurt neighborhood in the near future that will impact traffic and road safety. The Haga Hospital project, as well as the redevelopment of the Bomenbuurt neighborhood, are closely related to traffic and road safety, such as the tram line 12 project. A traffic and road safety working group is already working on this topic. They are collaborating with the residents’ organization Hyacint van de Bloemenbuurt.

This task falls under board member Joris Weber and working group leader Teun Dekker.

Sustainability and Green (Climate-proof)

    Sustainability is a key topic in the SBOB policy plan. With everything happening around us, sustainability is no longer just an environmental issue; it also affects residents’ wallets. A working group is active in this area, including energy coaches and energy consultants. They are also involved in initiatives such as green facade cladding, worm hotels, and much more.

    This area falls under the responsibility of board member Trudy Loeffen and working group leader Henk Bakker.

    Evenents, activities, Culture and Sports

    Many activities are organized in our neighborhood. For example, the flea market (Michael Juten), Halloween, and the ice rink (Hans Verboom). These require careful planning: inventory, supplies, and, most importantly, mobilizing and coordinating volunteers. The activities span the entire Bomenbuurt neighborhood and involve various working groups and volunteers. The Kastanje Plein and ValkenbosCultuurplein working groups are good examples. Valkenbosplein, in particular, hosts a Meet & Greet every Sunday between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

    This activity falls under board member Joost Jongenelen and working group leaders Rob Blokpoel, Hans Verboom, and Michael Juten.

    Architecture / Urban planning and History

    The Bomenbuurt neighborhood boasts many architecturally designed buildings.

    This cultural element is important for the neighborhood’s livability and history. Many issues are on the agenda in the coming period that could cause disruption or even threaten its existence. There are similarities with the other working groups.

    There is an initiative to give well-known local resident and politician Willem Drees a place in our neighborhood through a photo gallery and a neighborhood walk.

    This initiative falls under the responsibility of board member Jan de Lange.

    Bicycle sheds

    Our neighborhood has several managed bicycle parking facilities. Expanding these facilities is desirable due to the proliferation of abandoned bicycles on the streets.

    This department falls under the responsibility of board member Arjan Schoolderman and working group leader Hans Verboom.

    All working group chairs meet at least once a year. This ensures everyone stays informed about all aspects.

    All of this is impossible to achieve thanks to the enormous dedication of all the volunteers.

    Communications:

    Research has shown that residents in the neighborhood need more and better communication about what’s happening in their neighborhood. The media that can be used for this are:

    • De Boomgaard, published four times a year. It offers a wealth of information and background stories.
    • The website, updated weekly, provides background information with references to the source.
    • The digital newsletter, published at least 12 times a year. It provides up-to-date information about everything happening in our neighborhood.
    • HOPLR, a digital platform ideal for sharing current events with residents.
    • Facebook is less interesting to us, so we are discontinuing this medium.

    The Board

    The board is responsible for:

    1. Assembling a diverse and expert board to oversee the plan’s implementation;
    2. Ensuring continuity within the board;
    3. Recording, documenting, and archiving all documents;
    4. Managing a schedule for resignation/reappointment.

    The board consists of a minimum of three and a maximum of nine people. A board member is appointed for a term of two years, with the option to extend for up to eight years. Appointments must be approved by a residents’ meeting.

    Board members must be residents of the De Bomenbuurt neighborhood.

    Duration of the plan

    1. Year 1-2:
    2. Communication Strengthen communication on topics relevant to the Bomenbuurt neighborhood with residents, working groups, businesses, agencies, and stakeholders through the website, digital newsletters, De Boomgaard, and social media. The SBOB serves as a point of contact for residents and agencies.
    3. By the end of 2025, a connected platform should be in place. A topic in the newsletter should be reflected on the website or in De Boomgaard. (SBOB Board)

    Archive: Recording the neighborhood’s history. We use Google Drive to archive all correspondence, schedules, appointments, etc. All relevant information should be available on this platform by the end of 2026. (Secretariat)

    Network: Building partnerships with other organizations and agencies.

    Working groups: Defining the preconditions for establishing a working group.

    The House Rules document sets out the requirements for a working group. (Approval at the 2025 residents’ meeting)

    Functions: Describe and document the board’s functions so that future candidates can understand its work. Responsibilities and authorities are also specified in this document.

    These documents will be completed by the end of 2025 and available on Google Drive and the website. (SBOB Board)

    Reglement: Drafting regulations that define the (house) rules.

    This document will be on the agenda for the 2025 residents’ meeting and will be posted on the website and Google Drive after approval. (Secretariat)

    1. Year 3-4:

    Evaluation: About the progress and impact of the plans.

    1. Year 5:
    2. Anniversary: ​​in 2026 and 2031 respectively, the SBOB will celebrate its 45th and 50th anniversary.

    Finance

    • Budget: Prepare an annual budget for the coming year.
    • Transparency: Ensure transparent financial reporting and accountability to stakeholders.

    Working groups

    Every resident of the neighborhood can develop an initiative and apply for a subsidy. They can establish a working group to organize an event or activity. This can be done independently or with the help of the SBOB, with a maximum subsidy of €750.00.

    For activities that are in the general interest of the neighborhood, a working group can contact the SBOB. As a legal entity, the SBOB can act as an intermediary and, if applicable, apply for subsidies.

    The SBOB has the following criteria:

    • The activity serves a general interest and aligns with the SBOB’s mission;
    • The working group must consist of at least a chair and a treasurer;
    • The working group must hold a meeting at least once a year and prepare a report. This report is shared with the SBOB and can also serve as the annual report for the residents’ meeting;
    • The working group is accountable to the SBOB treasurer for its finances; the report must at least state how the money has been spent; The working group consists of at least one board member. The board member reports to the general board meeting.

    The SBOB offers the working group the following:

    • Support in activities and/or contacts with organizations such as the Municipality of The Hague.
    • Where applicable, contacting neighboring neighborhood organizations with the same goal.
    • Mention on the website and in the digital newsletter or the Boomgaard.
    • Point of contact for residents, organizations, or local businesses.
    •  Assessment against the stated objectives.