From the "LinersList" group on Yahoo:
Rotterdam on course again! (14-2-2003)
The negotiations between the municipality of Rotterdam, the investors who intended to
purchase the ship and the developers of the high-rise appartment blocks on the
Wilhelmina Pier will be continued! M.W. van Sluis, the alderman concerned with the
port of Rotterdam, has promised this during the "port committee" assembly, wednesday
the 12th of february. After a powerful speech by K. Krijnen, chairman of the
foundation, there was a debate about this subject, lasting for more than 45 minutes.
ss Rotterdam proved to be very much "alive" among the members of the council, across
all political branches.
Main issue was the much desired berth in the Rijnhaven. The foundation has
demonstrated by means of scale drawings that the ship can be positioned in the
Rijnhaven in several ways, maintaining a distance of at least 340m. from the proposed
"Montevideo"-tower. At such a distance the ship will contribute to the view from the
appartments, rather than disturbing it.
The alderman's promise made further discussion in the council meeting, thursday the
13th of february, redundant. But we did present the collected signatures to mayor
Opstelten. This took place in the grand lobby of the town hall, attended by a large
audience including press. Together, you have sent us more than 1800 signatures and
SOS e-mails; it made up an impressive packet. Thank you very much for that! You have
given a loud blow on the ship's whistle...
Thursday the 13th of february, ss Rotterdam was the main issue in TV Rijnmond news
(by the Rotterdam regional TV station).
***
-James Hefner
Hebrews 10:20a
Steamship Rotterdam Foundation
james1@pernet.net
