The story is one of those that deserve to be told in front of a cozy fireplace if those still existed. We could call it the prison that everyone demands but nobody wants!
It’s just one more case in this modern society where the notion of public interest has become a slogan, only useful for stuffing a few speeches.
The story of the Nice prison is one of these, a small provincial saga where no one can see beyond their own little garden plot.
In fact, unanimity is reached regarding the analysis and even its synthesis: The current prison no longer meets the criteria and standards of a modern penitentiary facility, whether it is a place of rehabilitation as some claim, or of expiation as others assure.
Located in a densely populated neighborhood, with outdated premises, a shortage of spaces leading to occupancy rates reaching 200% of its capacity, and living conditions below standards and regulations, a simple renovation would not suffice.
Hence the need to consider a new site located in a new place. All agree then. Yes, provided that the “sacrifice” goes through others because personally, no one wants it.
So, between changes of majority, government crises, ministers coming and going, studies, vetoes from local officials, neighborhood or village committees… Time passes, the problem persists, and the situation worsens.
What do we call that: Reformism or management efficiency?
Recently, the Ministry commissioned one of its technical services to identify a possible site, and rumors circulated about a potential option: The Iscles land in Saint-Laurent du Var.
As soon as this hypothesis was suggested, it was strongly opposed by the city’s mayor and the President of the Metropolis: “Building a prison in the very heart of Eco-Valley, in this preserved space primarily focused on sustainable development and the green economy, is unthinkable and I will fight it with all my strength,” said the official.
That said, Christian Estrosi, whose approach can be criticized but who has nothing to learn in the art of gauging public opinion, had understood well that a solution needed to be proposed to avoid it being imposed on him sooner or later.
So, like a modern-day Fregoli, a plot twist: “I want to tell you today that there is no doubt for me. I am fully in favor of a Nice-based real estate solution,” he announced during a visit to the penitentiary facility.
The motivations for this stance? Here they are, still from the voice of the mayor of Nice.
First, because the Palace of Justice is located in Nice. To avoid costly transfers for the State, the detention center must be situated nearby.
He also added: “Because all major cities in France have a prison, and Nice handles all administrative centralities (hospitals, University, Taxes, Palace of Justice…). It must also take its share in the penal domain.”
To finally conclude: “because we cannot advocate a policy of firmness, denounce the Taubira law and the socialists’ laxity, and not want a prison in Nice.”
Regarding this last statement, the correlation between the two is unclear, but the essence of the announcement lies elsewhere.
Finally, the three hypotheses are:
- Restructuring the prison on its current site
- Utilizing the grounds of the Auvare barracks and military holdings for the construction of the prison and a police station. The Ministry of Defense owns 37,000 m² of this land, and the Ministry of the Interior 20,000 m².
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Utilizing the RFF holdings of the Saint Roch station (21 hectares)
The current prison has a total area of 23,218 m². It shows an occupancy rate of nearly 200%. The Mayor would like to increase the capacity to 800 spaces.
These three hypotheses will be studied by the prefect of Alpes-Maritimes to assess all the pros and cons of the solutions, – financial cost, administrative constraints, etc. –, so that a decision can be made as everyone wishes. The question of timing remains… which, considering the urgency, could play a key role.
We are awaiting reactions from elected officials, parties, and political movements to understand if this initiative by the Mayor of Nice and President of the Metropolis will find unanimous support or if the time for controversies, roadblocks, and stumbling blocks is about to begin.
