479 housing units in an “already saturated” neighborhood, local residents launch legal battle

“The mobilization continues, we are not giving up. There was a meeting again yesterday evening,” explains Vanessa Krause, resident of the Fresnes district in Montévrain (Seine-et-Marne), contacted on Friday January 10. Opposite her home, 479 housing units could see the light of day. A project which, according to her, “would signify the death of the neighborhood”.

A litigation appeal launched

Firmly opposed to this “disproportionate” densification, she and a handful of residents first attempted a graceful appeal. In vain. “We moved to a litigation appeal », continues the representative.

Eighteen residents sent a complete file on time. “There could even have been more. Afterwards, only one person would have been enough,” explains Vanessa Krause, who recalls that the petition launched in June had collected 1 415 signatures.

Accompanied by a specialist lawyer, also a former resident of Montévrain, the local group hopes to put forward its arguments. “Today, the building permit is still not processed. We save precious time,” says the representative.

A project which totals 479 housing units

The start of the mobilization dates back to the end of spring, when some residents discovered a display in front of the Appart'City Hôtel abandoned since the Covid-19 pandemic. The project, which must be led by the promoter Nexity, thus provides for the rehabilitation of 230 existing housing unitsbut he adds the construction of 249 apartments.

In total, the project would include 251 housing units for home ownership, 120 social housing units and 108 intergenerational rental housing units according to residents. Four four-story buildings must therefore see the light of day near the spa, accompanied by 453 parking spaces.

A saturated neighborhood according to local residents

If Vanessa Krause explains that local residents were in favor of rehabilitating the Appart'City, she describes a “feeling of betrayal” upon discovery of the permit to divide. “Many are afraid of the impact this project would have,” summarizes the local resident. “We must stop over-urbanization. Of course, we need housing but this is nonsense,” said Olivier Pajot, an opposition politician within the Demain pour un autre Montévrain group.

“All life in the neighborhood will be degraded.”

If the surprise was in order, it is also because urbanization of the neighborhood (ZAC des Fresnes) is supposed to be finished since… 2020.

For the opposition elected official, as for the local residents, “ the neighborhood is already saturated” : the roads are no longer suitable, parking is saturated – however, the project does not provide for one space per accommodation – just like public transport. A resident, who prefers to remain anonymous, is indignant:

The buses already can't take everyone.

Another reason for concern, the reduction of green spaces, the saturation of public facilities (schools, nurseries), they cite, but also the concentration in social housing. “We're not against it, but it's a lot in the same place. We don't want a mini-city. This project risks devaluing our real estate, by 20 to 30% according to estimates, in short, the entire life of the neighborhood will be degraded,” fears Vanessa Krause.

The MP denounces “over-urbanization”

For all these reasons, the collective created wanted to continue its litigation action. However, the administrative court has not yet responded. In the meantime, local residents are pleased to have had the support of MP Arnaud Bonnetcame to meet them on November 16. “It’s a problem that I see almost everywhere: hasty construction, without thought, without consultation, obviously it can’t work. Not to mention the questions surrounding financing. We see it in Ozoir-la-Ferrière with the condemnation of the mayor and here, with the management questioning concerning the SEMM.”

An ulterior motive?

The deputy for the 8th district thus echoes the report of the Regional Court of Auditors (CRC) which recently crushed the Mixed Economy Company of Montévrain (SEMM), expressing concern about the very degraded financial situation of this public developer, in which the town hall is a shareholder of almost 80%. Between 2018 and 2022, cumulative losses amount to 7.5 million.

However, the SEMM is in charge of the development of the ZAC des Fresnes.

I think the town hall is trying to reduce SEMM's losses with this project.

The SEMM, although not a stakeholder, could in fact affect nearly 1.7 million euros. “It’s a project that is being done between two private operators, between the owner of Appart’City and Nexity,” recalls the general director of SEMM, Jean-Pierre Bariant. In terms of public facilities built, the developer could indeed receive a nice sum if the project comes to fruition. “Might as well get something back.” »

“Who pays for the rehabilitation of the Appart’City? »

The director insists: “We have no role in the choice of the project or the promoter. We ensure, like the city, that it respects the PLU. Furthermore, the project does not encroach on the park as local residents fear, it is only being carried out on the land which had been sold to the owner.

If he hears the incomprehension of residents to add more than 250 housing units, he assures:

Some would like a park, why not, but who pays for the rehabilitation of the fallow Appart'City? The cost is important, the developer must find the balance. If nothing changes, the building will continue to deteriorate, it could be squatted.

According to Jean-Pierre Bariant, who attended a small committee meeting organized by the town hall with the developer, the latter is committed, if the permit is validated, to organize a public meeting. An ardent wish from the collective.

The collective remains optimistic

Whatever happens, the collective remains optimistic. While awaiting the validation, or not, by Marne and Gondoire of the building permit, the group is continuing its lobbying actions and is calling on all those who wish to make a donation to finance the litigation action. “We have already financed the voluntary appeal,” smiles Vanessa Krause.

Furthermore, in Montévrain, two real estate projects have already failed thanks to popular mobilization: the project near the church, and that of the 58-meter tower in the eco-district, she recalls.

When contacted, the Montévrain town hall did not wish to respond to our request.

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