The Climate Plan was the main course of the Metropolitan Council meeting held yesterday at the CUM. A rather quiet session (could it be due to the absence of the passionate Christelle D’Intorni?), except for the always eruptive intervention of the fiery ecologist councilor Fabrice Decoupigny.
If the first Climate Plan (2013-2018) allowed for a 10% reduction in emissions, the one covering the period 2019-2025 is intended to be more ambitious: a 22% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (a trajectory towards carbon neutrality is envisaged for 2050… but let’s not get into cosmology!). In figures, this involves saving 182,000 tonnes of carbon equivalent.
The plan—with the steering committee chaired by the Deputy President of the Metropolis and Mayor of Cagnes, Louis Nègre—is focused on 4 levers (the sub-plan on mobility was presented by Philippe Pradal, housing by Dominique Estrosi-Sassone, energy by Hervé Paul, waste by Pierre-Paul Leonelli) and consists of 160 actions.
The process includes public consultations for possible amendments and integrations until approval next November after administrative procedures.
Fabrice Decoupigny’s (EE-LV) intervention was mentioned earlier, accusing the President of the Metropolis of failing to grasp the urgency of the issues and describing the plan’s proposals as “minor measures,” advocating instead for a true “Marshall Plan” before concluding his speech with a spectacular but unproductive sign reading “Act now, not in 50 years.” But we know this academic with his amusing yet inconsequential outbursts!
Marie Christine Arnautu (RN) chose to delve into a lengthy economic explanation with references not necessarily relevant to the topic.
For the socialists, Patrick Allemand (Another Future) returned to the issue of public transport (trams, trains) with a necessary reminder of the extension of line 1 towards the east (Ariane-La Trinité).
To all, Christian Estrosi responded by listing all the accomplishments already made (with tram lines 2 and 2 at the forefront), which are indeed numerous, although logically insufficient compared to expectations. Specifically, to Patrick Allemand, he attributed a delay in the Region’s actions (the socialist elected official was the first Vice-President of this authority for 18 years) in rail matters.
A Partnership with ADEME (Agency for the Environment and Energy Management)
A collaboration agreement was signed with this association—represented by its national President Arnaud Leroy—recognized for its expertise and neutrality, to develop innovative projects and strengthen actions in the service of the energy transition.
The Prefecture was the third leg of the table, and Ms. Françoise Taheri, Secretary-General representing Prefect Leclerc, welcomed this agreement which will enable the implementation of shared territorial projects. The state will contribute 7 million to their completion.
EcoVallée 2026-2032
The national interest operation of the Var plain is in its final phase for certain lots and in the executive project phase for others, with a temporal limit set for 2026.
“The steps taken are immense since the creation of the OIN 10 years ago. The decisions made were the right ones, the path is set, we must continue to move forward,” stated Christian Estrosi, who is not proud of this achievement.
In terms of results, 100,000 m² of floor space and more than 5,000 jobs have been created (editor’s note: we will return to this figure). The contributions of public partners have had a leverage effect for 900 million in private investments.
An extension of the operation (PPA, Partnership of Development Project) by 6 years was deliberated by the EPA Council (public establishment), with an additional program providing for 3 new operations: Grand Méridia (a future district), Lingostière (non-commercial economic activity), the Hameau de la Baronne (a living hub), and other public facilities, including the bus station in Saint-Augustin, a 20 ha landscaped park in the Var plain, a new college, and a nursery and socio-educational center.
Financially, the leverage effect will allow for 3.5 thousand euros in private investments.
Upon the completion of the various phases, EcoVallée should accommodate 50,000 jobs and 30,000 homes.
Regarding these forecast figures, Marie-Christine Arnautu (RN) and Patrick Allemand (Another Future) have requested clarifications on the actual current situation (how many new jobs? what occupancy percentage of buildings?).
The cunning behind seemingly innocuous requests did not escape Christian Tordo, President of the EPA and “political” soul of the OIN, who emphasized the strategic value of the operation, as a rebalancing of Nice’s economic model adding and further enhancing innovative activities in the traditional tourism sector.
“Sophia Antipolis celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, we are 10 years old. The results, even if not yet apparent, will come,” was Christian Tordo’s sharp response as he briefly abandoned his managerial style for the straightforward passion of a rugby enthusiast!
The Water Services of Eau d’Azur Extended to All Municipalities of the Metropolis
Statutory modifications made will allow all metropolitan municipalities to benefit from the services of this Authority. Many municipalities, the most important being Cagnes, Carros, Saint Laurent, Vence, will benefit from it as of January 1, 2020.
Designation and Classification of a Protected Agricultural Area in the Commune of Saint-Jeannet
This initiative will protect nearly 74 hectares of municipal land from real estate pressure and preserve them for agriculture.
Housing
The *Real Solidarity Lease*, proposed by Dominique Boy-Mottard (DvG), could be trialed in renewal projects in Les Moulins. The President of the Housing Commission Dominque Estrosi-Sassone confirmed that studies are ongoing.
*The Housing Office*
Within the framework of PPGDID (Partnership Plan for the Management of Social Housing Demand and Applicant Information), which aims at simplification (editor’s note: couldn’t we start with the acronyms?), transparency, efficiency, and fairness of processing, a Housing Office will be set up over the summer in the new Gare du Sud district. It will bring together all concerned parties (State, landlords, and other reservists) and serve as a place for reception, information, and registration of social housing requests.
The initiative could not escape the vigilant eye of Paul Cuturello (Another Future), who wanted to remind us of a few truths: 70% of residents are eligible for social housing, which represents 10.8% of the rental stock compared to the 20% provided for by law.
He took the opportunity to reiterate his leitmotif: “To allocate social housing, first we must build social housing.”
Regarding transparency, the opponent reiterated his proposal to randomly draw the President of the Allocation Commission: oh, oh, how could Ms. Estrosi-Sassone not give him a fiery look?
Public Service Delegation / Sonitherm Company of the Ariane Energy Recovery Plant
The contract is extended until March 31, 2021. An incident occurring during the renewal procedure of the concession has resulted in its cancellation and an extension of 2 years.
The Shared Services of the City of Nice and the Metropolis at Grand Arénas
Municipal and metropolitan agents will be progressively gathered in the buildings that have been purchased (Plaza, Connexio) to mutualize costs and promote complementarities.
A study will set the contours and conditions. To date, the services are hosted at more than 140 addresses.
A Kilometric Allowance for Bicycles for Agents
Its amount is 25 cents per kilometer, with an annual cap of 200 euros for those who ensure at least 2 kilometers a day round-trip on a regular basis.
When will there be an allowance for “pedestrian travelers,” who would, in terms of carbon footprint, be the most deserving?
