In La Mosson, security remains at the heart of residents’ concerns

Le maire de Montpellier Michaël Delafosse était mercredi à la Mosson pour l’inauguration de locaux associatifs. Midi Libre – Valentin Cosson

Le maire tient une réunion publique ce soir dans ce quartier en pleine rénovation urbaine. Que pensent les résidents de ces changements ? Les opinions divergent au gré des rencontres.

Demolition of the Assas Tower, creation of a mixed police station, construction of two new schools… The desire of the municipality to "rebalance the city", with a budget of 500 M€ as part of the ANRU*, is increasingly visible at Mosson.

While the mayor is expected this evening for a public meeting, what do residents think of these changes?? Opinions are divided when we meet people in the street.

Some, like Akli Alliouat who has worked in an association in La Paillade for more than twenty years, consider all these projects as a godsend. "This will allow residents to live more peacefully."

In search of tranquility

An opinion shared by Nezha Hamdi Alaoui, president of the Esprit Libre association. "These works are the symbol of a changing neighborhood. There will be an urban library in the coming days on the Grand Mail, the book will be accessible to everyone. I totally support the bookstore project in the neighborhood."

Other residents are more worried. "Even with the arrival of the mayor or the President of the Republic, it will always be the same here. We want tranquility and respect", insists Enzo Sanchez, who has lived here for four years.

« Incessant rodeos »

Security often comes to the center of the discussion. "Before, everyone talked to each other in the neighborhood. Today we are afraid. We are no longer at peace with the incessant rodeos", confides a former resident as a motocross bike crosses the road on the back wheel.

The scene will recur a little later during the mayor's speech on the occasion of the inauguration of association premises, this Wednesday.

« Everyone parks wherever they want »

Roger, who has lived in La Paillade for almost 40 years, also calls for more security. "The neighborhood has changed a lot, there is a lot of insecurity. There is also a parking problem, everyone parks wherever they want. From May to September, we have to close the windows, we only hear the noise of the motorbikes."

A tumult combined with that caused by the work. The end of the latter is estimated at 2027 with the delivery of the second building of the new school group.

"It has to go quickly", hopes the president of’ Free Spirit. A wish shared by many residents hoping for a new dynamic for their neighborhood.

Public meeting this evening at 6:30 p.m. at the Maison pour tous Léo Lagrange, 155 rue de Bologne.
* National Agency for Urban Renewal.