Development projects under review

Several development projects will be reviewed during the municipal council meeting in Besançon this Thursday. The operations of Saint-Jacques, Viotte, the Vaites, the Haut-du-Chazal, and Vauban will be discussed, with some adjustments needed for certain projects.

Saint-Jacques project adjustments

The Saint-Jacques project requires adjustments following the departure of Vinci and the complete reworking of the plan. Additional studies have increased the city's contribution from 18 to 20 million euros, reflecting the changes in the project's scope and complexity.

Vaites project status

Regarding the Vaites project, Mayor Ludovic Fagaut states that no changes are planned and that work is currently underway. He also mentions that he has always opposed the initial R+9 and R+10 plans for the three towers, which proposed nine to ten floors.

School construction at Vaites

A school is planned as part of the Vaites project, with an estimated cost of around 12 million euros, according to a press conference this Thursday. The mayor notes that this cost is equivalent to the renovation of the school, though opinions differ on the actual figures.

Legal challenge to the Vaites project

Six organizations, including Jardin des Vaîtes and France Nature Environnement, announced a legal challenge to the coordinated development area (ZAC) and the school project in September 2026. They oppose the project due to a renovation estimated at 4-5 million euros.

Mayor's response to legal challenge

The mayor states that he has received the results of a study and prefers to build a new school to install a geothermal system. He criticizes the Vaites association for using figures that suit them and notes that renovating the school was barely more expensive.

Projected student numbers

The Vaites project plans to welcome 120 nursery school students and 160 elementary school students at the start of the school year in September 2028. The mayor also mentions that the legal challenge does not delay the project, as it is not suspensive.

Financial breakdown of the Vaites project

Guillaume Bailly, the elected official in charge of urban planning, provided a detailed financial breakdown of the Vaites project. The city of Besançon is committed to 16 million euros out of a total cost of 32 million euros, with various expenses and revenues outlined.

Financial deficit and recovery

The mayor recalls that there is a deficit of 58 million euros for all structural projects, which is being recovered during the current mandate. This financial context will be a key point of discussion during the meeting.

Changes to internal regulations

Another point of discussion is the modification of internal regulations. The mayor plans to allow two five-minute speaking slots per political group and faction, following the lengthy previous community council meeting.

Rationale for regulation changes

The mayor cites democratic obstruction by the opposition and the need for a more substantial and readable debate. He contrasts this with the shorter speaking slots in regional debates, emphasizing the need for a more efficient municipal council meeting.

Extended speaking time for budget debates

The mayor also notes that opposition members will be able to speak longer during budget debates. This decision aims to balance the need for efficient discussions with the right of opposition members to voice their concerns fully.

Legal challenge and anti-aggressive begging decree

Regarding possible legal challenges, the mayor highlights the "political victory" of his anti-aggressive begging decree. This point underscores his broader approach to governance and legal challenges.