On Sunday, October 23, 2005, Mrs. Marland, accompanied by Auguste Vérola and members of the A.D.R.I., visited the residents and merchants of the Notre Dame district to gauge the atmosphere.
The A.D.R.I. is pleased with the attendance of many residents despite the spontaneous organization of this visit. This is further proof, if any were needed, that more and more people are mobilizing because they feel their neighborhood is in danger and it is time to rally for it.
Mrs. Marland could see that the tension is high in the neighborhood, especially since the recent episode involving the Notre Dame parking garage. Its construction has been postponed yet again due to a dispute over funding (see the rant section on this site).
Everyone was able to take a complete tour of the neighborhood and witness firsthand the recurring problems in the streets behind the Notre Dame church, although a slight improvement was noted on the higher part of England Street around Saetone Square:
– Dirtiness of the streets, accumulation of garbage in the streets and gutters, dumping of waste on Switzerland Street next to the church.
– Sidewalk congestion, difficulty in passing for strollers or wheelchairs, cars being left indefinitely (on Italy Street and Paganini Street).
– Safety issues, increasingly frequent street fights between rival gangs. Drug trafficking, threats to merchants.
– Delay of major projects:
– Notre Dame parking essential for renovation.
– Early childhood center still not inaugurated.
– Lack of a significant commercial project for this square, 50 meters from Jean Médecin Avenue (with Tramway and FNAC). What does the FISAC Tramway plan entail?
The A.D.R.I. and the residents themselves were able to voice their grievances and demands:
– Simple and unique respect for the laws of the Republic by everyone (hygiene checks, respect for labor and commerce laws, cleanliness of sidewalks). More presence from various control services.
– Reducing the exploding insecurity in this neighborhood by increasing police presence and closing businesses with dubious activities.
– More active fight against unhealthiness and incivility (2 cases of illegal dumping were observed).
– Respect for private garage exit lanes. The impossibility of moving through Martin passage was noted due to improper parking of cars and trucks. The usual traffic jams, and their chorus of honking, at the Italy/Paganini intersection were also noted.
– No abusive occupation of public space.
– Revival through the FISAC Tramway of an innovative commercial project for Notre Dame square. To bring more people, more diversified and quality shops. The FISAC Tramway, which not only affects Jean Médecin Avenue but also the perpendicular streets within a radius of about 300 meters, cannot forget the Notre Dame square, 50 meters from the FNAC and numerous quality hotels.
Mrs. Marland, after this visit, realized the state of poverty was far more advanced than she had anticipated. After the South station and Buffa city, she wishes to act more actively for this neighborhood and discusses the prospect of visiting every week. However, the residents will judge based on the results.
To end on a positive note, everyone had a drink at the newly opened café at 2 Switzerland Street, proof that thanks to active merchants, this neighborhood has everything to become popular, multicultural, quality, and not an impoverished ghetto.
A.D.R.I.
Notre Dame Neighborhood Defense Association
