A wonderful adventure that lasted a good three years is coming to an end. Is that a bad thing? No! Is it a shame? Yes
Last Monday, Godfried van Gestel stepped down as Alderman and Spatial Planning in Geldrop-Mierlo. He looks back on an intense period filled with tangible results. He is also looking forward with enthusiasm to the time he can now spend—more than ever—with his six-week-old grandson.
He addressed the city council one last time before a packed council chamber. He began his speech with the words: “Tonight marks the end of a wonderful adventure that has lasted a good three years. Is that a bad thing? No! Is it a shame? Yes. I’m going to miss working with my colleagues in the city administration and the city council. Geldrop-Mierlo has a group of highly competent, hardworking, and loyal civil servants and a city council that does not shy away from the challenges we face. Over the past few months, I’ve made no secret of the fact that I would have liked to continue, but a political and administrative position is always uncertain and can end abruptly.”
The best thing I've done in 45 years
It’s not the usual path: from security advisor and coalition negotiator to Alderman. But for Godfried van Gestel, the move felt right from the start. When the CDA asked him to succeed Marc Jeucken as Alderman and Spatial Planning, he didn’t have to think twice. “I’ve always thought a position in public administration would be incredibly rewarding,” he says. “And I felt right at home here from the start.”
Now, as his term in office comes to an end, Van Gestel calls the position of alderman the best role he has held in his 45-year career. “The energy I drew from working with my colleagues, and from seeing concrete results emerge from decisions, was something I found truly special.”
Proud of what has been achieved
In the area of housing, Van Gestel is proud of what has been achieved. Under his leadership, plans for 500 to 600 homes have been launched, with approved zoning plans and successful appeals before the Council of State. Projects such as Lommerrijk, Bezorgershof, Grote Bos, and plans for the old town hall in Mierlo, Luchen, and De Appelaar in De Akert are now in the pipeline. And that was necessary. Geldrop-Mierlo still needs to build about 2,000 homes, spread across 75 projects. “We’re a small municipality without much open land to expand into,” Van Gestel explains. “So we have to focus on infill development and build in areas that are already developed or becoming available.”
Patience and backbone
His successor, Fiona Bijl (PRO), offers Van Gestel some clear advice: patience is a key factor for success in this field. “Housing is a complex policy area governed by regulations. You have to know the rules and dare to push the boundaries. There will always be people who object to construction plans. As a result, it sometimes takes years for a housing development plan to go through all the necessary steps. It’s a challenging playing field, but it’s important to keep looking for opportunities. And yes, I understand the concerns of local residents who object, but I also ask for their understanding of the bigger picture. Decisions about housing will be important for at least the next 80 years—for our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.”
First Greece, then back to work
Van Gestel isn’t completely stepping away from public life. He would like to continue working until he turns 70. He plans to breathe new life into his own company and focus on interim roles as a project initiator and in conflict mediation. He will also remain involved in politics as a member of the CDA Geldrop-Mierlo. “I don’t want to get in my successor’s way. But first: vacation. Greece is on the itinerary. And at home, a six-week-old grandson is waiting.”
"I could never have imagined, even in my wildest dreams, that he Alderman become Alderman ," Van Gestel said upon taking office. Now that he is leaving, there is no regret, only satisfaction. In his closing remarks, the outgoing Alderman wished Alderman council much wisdom. “Although there are plenty of plans that can be carried out, there are also plenty of issues that remain, such as grid congestion. I wish the council the best of luck as it takes on these challenges. I hope that one day I’ll be able to show my grandson around the projects I’ve had the privilege of working on together with the council and the civil service.”