Le Figaro Bordeaux
“Marshes of Bordeauxhe will lose his soul. Soon the residents of Chartrons will be the only ones who will be able to drive through this famous district. On November 15, ten automated terminals will be operational at the Xavier Arnozan, Portal, Verdun and Martinique courts, as well as along the Chartrons quays. a new phase ofurban area regenerationWanted by the Municipality of Environmental Protection. A big project, which, however, has not yet convinced local residents and merchants.
More than 18 hectares are affected by this new development, in addition to the already 40-hectare pedestrian area in Bordeaux city centre. This expansion of areas for soft mobility comesmeet the expectations of all local residents“, Bordeaux Mayor Pierre Hurmik clarifies. With the installation of these automatic terminals “Residents of Bordeaux will be able to walk around in complete safety“, rejoices the city councilor, who specifies that “it is not fashionable“but an arrangement which”corresponds to the time“.
For Anna, a longtime resident of Chartrons, however, this sidewalk is not considered auspicious. “It’s losing a bit of the soul of the neighborhood, which has really become too boho– he laments. This local resident fears that the limited access to vehicles “escape the last-hand dealers and artisans who sell their stuff in concept stores at exorbitant prices“. He also fears being a targetunpleasant and stigmatizing behavior” when he has to pick up his car.
“status quo” between antique dealers and the municipality
“Many residents fear that we will lose the identity of the neighborhood, which is absolutely magicalsays Raphael Pipat, an antiques dealer on rue Notre Dame. This iconic artery in the heart of the new pedestrianized district has many antique dealers worried about their future. “I think it all came together very quickly.“, Raphael Pipat laments. “Even if they give us flexible hours and preferential access, it will really complicate our lives.“For this merchant.”there was insufficient consultation with traders“.
However, after several meetings with the mayor of the region, Bernard Blanc, a compromise was reached that would allow them to continue their profession in good conditions. Vincent Onchalo, also an antiques dealer, admits that “status quofound with the municipality. The sidewalk is preserved, but the entrance to antiques is expanded.under better conditions than originally intended“, including access via digicode.
Bernard Blanc says that he wants.meet the expectations of all local residents“. The activation of the terminals scheduled for early November has also been delayed by two weeks to allow residents of the district.time to prepare“, and register on the city’s website to take advantage of constant access to the district. For local residents,zero changesince November, in particular, thanks to the system of automatic reading of license plates.
Pierre Hurmik also remembers that he “nothere is no question of banning economic activity in pedestrian areas“but on the contrary”.to help them“. Highlighting the link between walking and relaxation (discovering what one is not looking for), the chosen ecologist predicts that walking and cycling will allow Bordeaux residents and tourists to better discover the city.
Chartron market square also needs development. A public consultation is underway. This is the only place in the neighborhood where parking can be removed to make more room for soft mobility and landscaping. A stone’s throw from the Chartrons hall, Notre Dame owner Thierry Britt takes a good-humored look at these changes. “Waiting to see and will review later“, he admits.
Source: Le Figaro
