VIDEO. In Ensuès-la-Redonne, the Coulins real estate project angers residents

This is a project that has not yet started, and yet, it has already caused a lot of discussion. The real estate program for the 3rd and final section of Les Coulins was presented at a public meeting last May.

For this operation, the developer Quartus designed 54 housing units, including 28 villas, including 14 with private gardens, as well as a senior residence of 26 housing units. At the same time, an urban partnership project (Pup) of 570,000 euros excluding tax, voted by the council in September, will make it possible to charge the operator with part of the cost of ancillary equipment.

Namely an intergenerational center of 400 m², video surveillance cameras, and a wooded park of 7,000 m². These were identified as “required” to meet the needs of new populations. But for some, this picture is far too far from the initial promises.

And for good reason, originally, it was rather the construction of a nursing home that was envisaged in Les Coulins by Bouygues and the municipality. Since the City’s announcement of the selected project, the controversy has swelled and sowed discord, even within the ranks of the majority. For Robert Fahl, it was even “the straw that broke the camel’s back“, he lamented last September. Denouncing, in essence, “a lack of consultation with the population and a project already in place.“

The popular revolt is organized

The words are strong, but assumed. Many residents and municipal elected officials say “betrayed” by the town hall. As a result, opposition elected officials, independents and some local residents are leading the revolt against this project. They have also come together as a collective to say “stop” to the municipality.

“The mayor promised that the town would no longer growannoys the leader of the opposition, John Lanne (SE). This housing project was not included in his electoral program. No one was consulted. Of the 28 villas planned, 14 will have their garden in a classified area! As for the senior residence, it includes 30% T1. But who today is going to accommodate their parents in a one-room apartment?“

The elected official also criticizes the choice of equipment planned as part of the Pup between the municipality, the developer, and the Metropolis. “It’s concreting. A wooded area is being concreted near a leisure center. Moreover, the mayor sent a letter to Martine Vassal on July 31 to ask her to remove the EVPs (protected green spaces, Editor’s note). As for the developer selected, there is something fishy under the rocks. I remind you that Quartus is also in charge of the Zac des Aiguilles. I have the feeling that we favor one promoter more than another.”

He is also part of the collective: Former first deputy, who has become the itch of the majority, Frédéric Ounanian protests: “We are betraying our voters (..) No housing was planned there“. As for the choice of Quartus, He recognizes for his part a “funny coincidence. To be honest, it shocks me.”

The citizen collective has already made several appeals to the investigating commissioner, the town hall and the Metropolis to try to stop the Pup. For his part, the mayor is pleased that the municipality refused “unacceptable projects presented by certain developers“The building permit is currently under review.”But by the end of the year or the beginning of January, we will be finishedassures the city councilor. So we will know if it is accepted or not. With the permit, we will answer all the concerns.”