Residents of Sint-Genesius-Rode gather 400 signatures for debate on Sand Pit: "Do not build in this nature reserve"

Residents of Sint-Genesius-Rode gathered over 400 signatures to discuss the future of the Zandgroeve, a nature area near the bankrupt furniture company Vastiau-Godeau. This marks the first time a citizen-initiated agenda item will be addressed in the municipal council. The Zandgroeve, nearly 5 hectares, was purchased by the municipality in 2022 for €242,000. Concerns arose after a study suggested the municipality might exchange the Zandgroeve for unused residential land. The citizen collective argues for the preservation of the Zandgroeve as a nature area, emphasizing its ecological value. They propose that the municipality officially recognize the Zandgroeve as a nature reserve, separate it from the Vastiau-Godeau project, and maintain its natural space. The council will discuss this on November 17.