what future for the La Chaussée residence?

The Solange's house is on the “heights” of the La Chaussée residence, in Bricquebec (delegated municipality of Cherbourg-en-Cotentin (Manche), against the greenway and the former Gloria site. The land, on a gentle slope, crosses the 19 accommodations of subdivision delivered in 2015 via the Cités Cherbourgeoises, the Les Hortensias nursing home, then the Les Peupliers autonomy residence to Aizy, problematic stream.

Work costing 2.5 million euros

At 82 years old, this tenant from Bricquebec is, like all her neighbors, preparing to leave. Last week, she learned of her landlord's decision to end their lease in six months, as a precaution. In 2017 and 2024, 15 houses were affected by flooding. Solange has never been affected. Like eight other homes where the water has never passed the threshold, she nevertheless has to move.

In October, I saw the water coming like a torrent. It didn't just come from the Aizy which was going up, it also came from the greenway.

The octogenarian went to look for her neighbor, slightly below: “I had water on my shoes on the way there and on my knees on the way back. » This act of solidarity by the retiree reflects the life of this residence, made up mainly of elderly people or people with reduced mobility, or even people with disabilities.

In their misfortune, they also have a thought for the residents of the nursing home: “They must have taken a dim view of our rehousing. They must wonder if they will be flooded too, since they are on the same level as some houses. »

“Why was it built there? »

The question keeps coming up, with no one yet providing an answer. “At some point, someone made the wrong decision,” whispers a local figure. The flood-prone nature of this land was known, but was it officially recognized? This is a sad loss for Bricquebec. And what will the neighbors of the residence feel? » Monday, Mayor Denis Lefer was on site alongside state services, and soon alongside those of the Cotentin urban community. The elected official remains upset by this “brutal” decision of the Cherbourg Cities.

The sub-prefect of Cherbourg, who is closely following the case, has a clear position: “It is a radical and global decision which is not based on any expertise. » For Jean Rampon, ending the lease of all the tenants is discrimination which is not based on any objective fact.

What is the level of hazard? Weak, moderate, medium, strong? There have been two floods, thinking about rehousing is fully justified, but putting everyone in the same package is not relevant. Studies and assessments are underway, why rush?

“There were other arrangements to be made beforehand”

The state representative confirms that GPS surveys of the area are currently being conducted. “They will make it possible to describe and document the dangerousness of the area. Which does not exempt the lessor from doing so too. » Jean Rampon is not surprised by the consequences of the latest bad weather either: “A week before, the DDTM had held an awareness meeting with the lessor regarding the dangers. We knew that this part was very exposed to risks. »

For the moment, he is asking the Cities of Cherbourg to review their decision to evict all the tenants. “There were other arrangements to be made beforehand than giving everyone notice of the end of the lease. I do not interfere in the private affairs of a lessor, but the unanimity of the board of directors is surprising. »

“Losing the youngest social residence in Bricquebec is huge”

Another tenant of the Chaussée shares her feeling: “We see that the Cities, the town hall… everyone is very annoyed, but they are doing their best. The fact remains that since 2017, nothing has been done. Losing the youngest social residence in Bricquebec is huge. The whole city is in a funnel, but there is also adjacent land which belongs to the Department, to the Region… The procedures and work can be long. We can also clean the Aizy upstream and modify the pipe under the road, we might get there. Before, the ancients did everything by hand. We have to get used to the idea that today, nothing is done the way it used to be. »

“When I went to school, I passed by there. Some days we couldn't get through because it was blocked by water. The ancients knew that it was a damp and capricious place. »

Fortunately for her, a “small clearing” is on her horizon: “I didn’t want to leave, but a friend has just offered me a small apartment in Bricquebec. I am very spoiled, but when I see the misfortune of my friends… I am devastated. I look at this magnificent, functional, cute little house. But the water has gained too much, we must resign ourselves. »

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