Some shopkeepers, mostly closed. It’s Monday, after all. But the avenue is eerily calm. Passersby are disappearing, stores are closing due to insufficient profits.
Patrick Meunier, manager of the pizzeria O Pizzicato, seems disheartened. “No more cars passing by, therefore no more customers. I’ve been working in fast food for 42 years. I used to work in Ariane. Everyone knew me. Now, to survive, I’m forced to make a significant number of deliveries.”
Since setting up on this avenue 12 years ago, Patrick Meunier has been fighting to keep his business, especially for the last 3 years. A more imposing competitor than the usual outsiders is causing problems for the “neighbors” who have to close their businesses in turn. The tramway, this electric vehicle that makes “environmentalists” happy but not the business owners. “The tramway has changed everything. Before, I made 80 pizzas a day. Now, I barely make 3.” Looking irritated, he says, “Public transport is all well and good. Have you seen where the stop is located? Right in the middle of the avenue. As a result, the road is blocked. That means no more customers.” Patrick Meunier states that he started using flyers at his son’s suggestion. “How does one get by making 50 euros a day and paying a rent of 1150 euros a month for a 23 m2 space? So I had to ‘change my strategy’ by adapting to today’s communication methods.”
The Tramway, a Positive Point
Magalie, a retiree, regularly picks up her grandson from the local primary school. “For the past few years, this place has been emptying out. And it’s understandable. The avenue’s redevelopment work caused the disappearance of small businesses. Three years ago, it was impossible to access. Trenches bordered the store fronts. Today, despite the arrival of the tramway, Borriglione has seen a lot of people leave!” Magalie complains about the lack of parking spaces. “The parking problems are significant. Motorists are forced to double park, use delivery spots, and drop-off zones.” She claims her car was towed after double parking. “I couldn’t find a spot. I had no choice because my grandson was waiting. A few minutes later, no car. It’s insane! There are too many tickets here! It’s no wonder no one wants to come here anymore.”
She suggests that to bring life back to this avenue, it must be completely rethought. “In the past, it seemed more pleasant. There were plane trees lining the street. Since the completion of the work, which was poorly finished, there’s hardly any vegetation left. I think if we replant trees, people will be more inclined to stroll, even just to find a bit of shade.”
However, Magalie does not criticize the arrival of the tramway. “Public transport is useful in these difficult times. I refer to the rise in oil prices. Traveling has become a burden. Fortunately, the tramway has appeared. Moreover, the area is rather well served. For residents, it’s a positive point. Shopping is easier because thanks to it, they can access large stores without risking moving their vehicle and losing their spot.”
Exceptions
Few are the lucky ones who enjoy a reprieve for their store and manage to attract a new clientele. This is the case for Azur Groupe et Congrès, a travel agency located at the beginning of Avenue Borriglione. “We never lost customers, even during the construction,” asserts Martine, the agency’s manager. “Regulars never left us, and other people have sought our services. Many couldn’t go downtown. Those are the ones coming to us.” Martine, like many other shopkeepers, states that one of the major problems in this area is parking. “Moreover, the work is still not finished!”
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