Residents of Aalborg discuss noise complaints and proposals at town meeting

During a recent town meeting in Aalborg, local residents, business owners, and representatives of the city’s socially vulnerable gathered to discuss growing complaints about noise and disturbances in the city center, particularly around Frederikstorv and John F. Kennedys Plads. These areas have become gathering spots for a significant group of homeless and socially disadvantaged individuals during the day and evening hours.

The meeting aimed to foster dialogue among all parties to collaboratively address the emerging challenges. However, many attendees felt that a single meeting would not suffice to resolve the issues.

Several proposals surfaced during discussions, with three key suggestions being repeated. The first proposal suggested relocating the city’s night shelter away from its central location near the pedestrian zone and Vor Frue Kirke to reduce activity in the area during morning and evening hours. Another idea was to allocate additional resources to the municipal outreach teams to enhance supervision and assistance for those in need. The third proposal discussed was a potential ban on alcohol in key public squares.

Some neighbors expressed interest in the alcohol ban, believing it could create a more inclusive environment. In contrast, representatives from the vulnerable community raised concerns that such proposals might marginalize them further. Bente Brink Hansen, formerly homeless, highlighted fears that the needs of socially disadvantaged individuals might be overlooked in favor of more affluent residents.

Approximately 100 attendees participated in the meeting, aiming to address the noise issues impacting the city center. While some politicians present expressed willingness to explore concrete solutions, the hope remains that the discussions could lead to more visible support for outreach teams throughout the day.