110 Heirs Found for Forgotten Land Stalling Rotterdam Housing Project
A 144-square-meter plot of land in Rotterdam-Zuid is delaying new housing construction because the city had to track down the descendants of Willemina Fokkelina Meppelder. After national news coverage, 123 family members came forward, creating a complex legal puzzle for the municipality to resolve before building can begin in the Tweebosbuurt neighborhood.
How a “forgotten” plot blocked city development
The municipality of Rotterdam intended to build new homes in the Tweebosbuurt, but one small piece of land on the Hilledijk remained a hurdle. While nearly all surrounding land is city-owned, this specific parcel remained in private hands. The city is legally required to locate the owners before proceeding.
The land originally belonged to Willemina Fokkelina Meppelder, who was born in 1852 and died in 1955. A family home once stood on the site, but it disappeared in the early 20th century. Despite the house being gone, the land remained registered to Meppelder and her family.
Why finding 110 heirs created a legal puzzle
The search for owners began with local advertisements in house-to-house magazines, which yielded no results. However, once the story reached national news, the response was overwhelming. While 123 family members reported themselves, the city must now determine who is a legal heir.
Anita Schaaij, a 72-year-old great-granddaughter of Meppelder, told Rijnmond that the large number of claimants is not surprising. She noted that her great-grandmother had twelve children, and her grandfather Folkert had six, who in turn had children of their own.
Genealogy expert Maryssa Mann explained that the process is complex because the ownership deed lists not only Meppelder but also her children. Since those children are also deceased, researchers must now examine old deeds, wills, and marriage records. This includes investigating the “cold side”—spouses who may have acquired rights through marriage.
What may happen next for the Meppelder heirs
The municipality is expected to make a financial offer to every person identified as a legal right-holder. However, the heirs do not expect to become wealthy. Much of the land will remain public greenery, with only a small portion designated for housing.
For descendants like 73-year-old Sjaak van der Stoel, the value is emotional rather than financial. He expressed that the discovery of such a large family is more important than the money. Some heirs, including Anita Schaaij, have suggested the city could install a commemorative plaque or a bench for “Oma Schaaij” on the land.
A possible next step could involve a gathering of the descendants on the family plot. The family believes such a meeting would be a fitting way to bring the descendants together, fulfilling a perceived wish of their ancestor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How large is the disputed piece of land?
The parcel is 144 square meters and is located in the Tweebosbuurt in Rotterdam-Zuid.
Why did the city have to search for heirs?
The municipality is legally obligated to find and notify the owners of private land before it can be acquired for new housing construction.
Who was the original owner of the land?
The land was owned by Willemina Fokkelina Meppelder, who lived from 1852 to 1955.
Do you think cities should have a simpler way to reclaim “forgotten” land for public housing?