They are worried about a densification of the district. Work on these new buildings housing social housing should begin in the first half of 2024.

In the Pernon district, in the 4th arrondissement of Lyon, residents do not want new buildings. However, a construction project of three towers is planned in order to create more than 60 social housing units. If these new buildings must be installed at least 15 meters from the buildings already in place, some residents fear a densification of this district.

“I understand that we need social housing. But here, when we look, we say to ourselves: buildings between the towers, people will be opposite. The little green space they have will be completely cut short. I don’t even see how we can install buildings between the towers”, wonders Mireille, a resident of the district.

“It’s a beautiful space, why are we poisoning ourselves by spoiling it? “, Regrets for her part Anne-Marie at the microphone of BFM Lyon.

A risk of “overpopulation”

Like Mireille and Anne-Marie, several residents of the Pernon district fear harmful consequences for the comfort of life of the current inhabitants. They are particularly concerned about a potential removal of certain parking spaces and an overall reduction in the surrounding space for the population.

“There are green spaces which are very pleasant. To recall buildings next door would be absurd,” says Robert, a local resident.

Giulia, who also lives in the Pernon district, underlines the risk of “overcrowding” with the arrival of several dozen additional people. “In the neighborhood, we are already quite packed,” she reminds our microphone.

The Metropolis promises to increase revegetation

Despite these criticisms, the metropolis, led by environmentalists, does not intend to abandon the project, considering the demand for social housing too strong. Renaud Payre, vice-president of the community delegated to Habitat and social housing, however, wishes to allay the fears of the inhabitants. In particular, he asserts that the project will not reduce the number of green spaces.

“We are really going to ensure that no one is in vis-à-vis situations. We have reduced the density and we are increasing the vegetation, the number of green spaces in the neighborhood”, supports Renaud Payre at the microphone of BFM Lyons.

A public consultation has been launched and will take place until next June to allow elected officials and residents to discuss the project. The start of work is scheduled for the first half of 2024. In 2019, the metropolis of Lyon had 162,000 social housing units.