The first section of Avenue Jean Médecin has been delivered. With the developments completed, Christian Estrosi wanted to observe the new arrangements of this so-called pedestrian area. The sole aim of the work is to beautify the district.
After six months of work, the first section of Avenue Jean Médecin has been delivered. The arrangements planned to “pedestrianize” the avenue began last August on the western side of Avenue Jean Médecin. To make the avenue suitable for pedestrians, the city of Nice undertook numerous projects, including aesthetic work (sidewalk surfacing, paving…) and “readability” work (the trace of the former roadway was not conducive to pedestrian passage).
“Allowing the beautification of the district”
For the Mayor of Nice, this work is primarily to “allow the beautification of the district.” “I expect the avenue’s establishments to comply with a true ‘harmony charter.’ I no longer want to see overly flashy and colorful signs that spoil the district,” he added. This harmonization policy adds to the one already applied to the shops on Rue Saint François de Paule, where merchants will be subject to “aesthetic” rules once the work is completed, with, for example, uniform store awning colors. In this regard, the Nice elected official expects exemplary cooperation from the establishments adorning Avenue Jean Médecin on both sides.
A model project
Just like his collaboration with the neighborhood’s merchants, Christian Estrosi praised the smooth progress of the work undertaken in this area. “What we have learned about proximate relationships with the merchants and the population has allowed us to set aside all the usual tensions encountered on construction sites. We will continue on this path and apply this method to all future work in Nice!” he explained. At the same time, Christian Estrosi explained that they “used new technologies, which allowed, among other things, to reduce noise pollution. Another positive point for the residents.”
More work ahead
Even if they are going well, the works are far from finished in the district. Following this first section, two other sections will undergo new arrangements. The second section, between Boulevard Dubouchage and Avenue Clémenceau, is expected to be delivered by mid-July 2011. As for the third and final section, between Avenue Clémenceau and Avenue Thiers, the work will be done in the context of redeveloping the public spaces around the Notre-Dame Cathedral and within the PNRQAD (National Program for Redevelopment of Degraded Old Districts). The completion of the work is scheduled for June 2012.
