Several questions were on the agenda at the Municipal Council meeting that took place throughout yesterday. Who says elected officials don’t work?
Due to the lack of appropriate regulations, a significant number of resolutions need to be debated and voted upon. Considering the lack of method in the presentation of files by the reporters (a good idea would be for them to benefit from the future training courses that will be offered at the Théâtre de l’Artistique), the fragmentation of opposition groups each having the right to speak, the inevitable “mirror effect” syndrome (how can you prevent someone from listening to their own voice?), how can one be surprised that a session can last 10 hours?
Oh, let’s not forget that before reaching the session, the resolutions are examined in committee, and of nearly 150 resolutions, 9 recorded one or more opposing votes, and 31 abstentions.
How can we not see the potential margins for productivity and efficiency?
Works
The requalification and securing of the south sidewalk section of Rue Lenval/Port de Carras, the final act of the Prom’ renovation.
“Preserving and enhancing this emblematic site is part of my concerns. As such, we have initiated the process for the Promenade’s inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage site. To support this initiative, I wanted our Promenade des Anglais to regain all its splendor and thus contribute to improving the living environment. The amount is €10.5 million; the city is contributing €3 million for green spaces. The work will start at the end of 2018 and will be completed in summer 2019.”, Christian Estrosi.
Public Space
Rates for occupying public property. They are revised to eliminate the pricing resulting from resolution no. 1.16 of April 27, 2015. This resolution revisits the regulation known as the Pinel law, as a continuation of the commercial plan and more specifically to support catering and hotel professionals contributing to Nice’s tourist reputation. This law heavily impacted the cost of occupying public property.
“With this resolution, I want to present new aid to the businesses and restaurateurs of our city. I want to eliminate the two mechanisms of the Pinel Law, by unifying the applicable rates. This proposal concerns 324 establishments out of 900 citywide today. More than €800,000 will be reinjected to support investment and employment.”, Christian Estrosi
Urban Planning
The Municipal Council gave a favorable opinion on the project declaration for the redevelopment of the Combes site (Saint-Isidore area), which entails compatibility with the provisions of Nice’s local urban plan.
In fact, it involves completely renovating a vast area (60,000 m2) currently occupied in a disorganized manner, into office buildings, shops, and …some housing (2% of the area).
This option could not be overlooked: Paul Cuturello’s (Un autre avenir pour Nice) sporadic intervention recalled the housing deficit, especially in terms of diversity. The problem is always the same: developers opt for the most profitable solutions, the need for affordable housing increases, and public housing offices will have fewer resources.
Regarding the specific case (the Combes), we are still far from a definitive solution; the resolution is only the first act of a procedure that promises to be long.
Education
The municipal educational project of the city of Nice for three years.
This project includes a “Wednesday plan” (Nice has returned to the 4-day week) and a quality charter.
Its aim is to promote the learning of knowledge, fulfillment, and emancipation by offering a path that presents several differentiated modalities during school, peri, and extracurricular times.
Security
An agreement on the territorial security and delinquency prevention strategy 2018-2021 was reached with the Prefect of Alpes-Maritimes, the Public Prosecutor, and the President of the Departmental Council. By the end of 2018, it will establish a reference framework and action priorities.
The results of this collaboration are conclusive: between 2013 and 2017 (the period of the previous convention), there was a 68% decrease in rapes with violence, a 43% decrease in pickpocketing, and a 57% increase in noise disturbance fines.
Even more significant is the decrease in general delinquency: -15.4% (2012-2016).
It is noteworthy that since November 2015, a House for Victim Support has been opened.
The formula has thus proven itself, the only thing left to do is persevere in this direction to ensure the well-being of Niçois and visitors?
In the same direction, a municipal unit will be responsible for liaising with the Prefecture in the framework of prevention and control of radicalization.
Application for UNESCO World Heritage
In the context of ongoing efforts and to strengthen the application file, Nice will request the Ministry of Culture to grant the national label “City of Art and History.”
Parking
After a laborious start (we want to progress by trial and revise our plan if we realize it is not good” – said Christian Estrosi), paid parking will gradually be extended to the city center’s periphery. The first case is the Boulevard de la Madeleine, where the chaotic situation demands it, according to Gaël Nofri, in charge of the file. Patrick Allemand (Un autre avenir pour Nice), a supporter of free parking, does not share this view.
Even if the situation is far from being stabilized (will it ever be?), the first figures show a favorable trend: 2 cars per spot today instead of 0.6 previously.
