The reasons for the pause in this criticized construction site in Cogolin

24 HOURS AFTER the protests by shopkeepers—and Cogolin residents—the municipality has taken a step back. The time has come to assess several factors surrounding this much-maligned renovation project on Place de la République, the epicenter of Cogolin life. This will result in the disappearance of several parking spaces, a sensitive issue in the city for several months.

The strong turnout recorded on Tuesday evening - with 374 signatures collected - has caused the municipality's initial intentions to waver. Mayor Christiane Lardat has justified the suspension of the work by the desire to open "a real phase of consultation, essential to hear and involve all the stakeholders concerned, particularly shopkeepers and local residents."

On hiatus until October ^1st

"Dialogue," "listening," "mutual respect" are the words used by the municipality to calm the climate surrounding the construction site, which was due to begin on September 4. The new mayor is planning a break until October ¹ , without the installation of fences or the start of work.

A new atmosphere that she envisions as serene where "we can collectively build a redevelopment project that meets everyone's expectations: shopkeepers, local residents and inhabitants of Cogolin." In just one month? Will the construction site really be reconsidered in all its configurations?

A war memorial can't be moved like that.

Christiane Lardat also emphasizes that this project must be carried out with complete "transparency" and "in compliance with legal obligations ." One point in particular, raised by the traders' collective, is blocking any immediate projection into the progress of the work.

"I was recently informed that the project involved moving the war memorial. The municipalities own it and are responsible for its maintenance," the chief magistrate acknowledged.

However, any relocation of a patriotic stele must receive the approval of the state authority and then be adopted by the municipal council.

Cogolinois vigilant

The workers' collective accepted this declaration from the municipality as a sign of goodwill, but remains vigilant: "This initial progress is encouraging. However, there is still work to be done and solutions to be built. Let us remain united, mobilized, and constructive for the future of our businesses and our city." N. SA.