It’s like a match whose extra time can’t decide between the two adversaries. The first blade of grass on the synthetic pitch of Les Foulets is not regarding to see the light of day. According to a document consulted by RTN, the Council of State recently agreed with the residents of this residential district of La Chaux-de-Fonds and admitted their appeal, thus concluding that the lifting of opposition decided by the City should be cancelled. 2020.
Information to be included in the building permit file
The standoff has been going on since 2019 and the vote of an investment credit of nearly 2 million francs by the General Council. We even have to go back to 2014 to see the first sketches of the project, before it was frozen, like others, due to the financial crisis experienced by the City. Residents fear various nuisances, related in particular to noise, visual impact or even health.
In its decision of August 31, the cantonal executive points out certain shortcomings. He believes that the file for the public inquiry, in particular the plans, does not give enough information or guarantees to residents on certain angry points. Thus, the color, shape and materials of the barriers and other ball-stops are not mentioned. The obligation to choose a noise-efficient coating might also be included in the document, for example through the installation of rubber fences or gratings. Finally, it does not include an operating agreement for the site, particularly with regard to timetables. On the other hand, the Council of State sweeps away the arguments of the residents as to the risks of the synthetic surface for health, by relying in particular on an explanatory sheet from the Federal Office of Public Health.
The file returns to the City
Contacted, the City took note and renounces to oppose this cantonal decision, in particular not to lengthen a file which has been going on for several years. The head of the Sports Department of the Watchmaking Metropolis, Michel Villarejo, says he wants to take over the file and move it forward. But the final whistle is therefore by far not yet given. /lre