Following a substantial amount of criticism, the Greens Minister has now addressed the mobility plan in an open letter, assuring that there is no intention to build a tram line through the municipal park.
In recent weeks, various organisations and individuals, including Natur&Ëmwelt and former Luxembourg City councillor and MP René Kollwelter, have expressed concerns over the planned tram extension along Avenue de la Porte-Neuve in the capital, fearing that parts of the municipal park are in danger of being sacrificed for the project.
Minister for Mobility and Public Works François Bausch has now addressed these concerns in an open letter and ensures that the mobility plan does not envision a tram line going through the municipal park. He further warns that many statements in the debate lack context and even labelled some as outright allegations that he cannot leave uncommented.
"Both Avenue de la Porte-Neuve and the park entry will be greener than ever before once construction is over", guarantees the politician in the open letter. He further notes that the new route will allow trams to run more frequently and that passengers will have to transfer less often.
The letter finishes with a general appeal: "Let us not fall into the trappings of a past-century debate culture. Endless discussions around the first tram line cost the implementation 15 important years. Now, 80,000 people use the tram on a daily basis, the City looks better than before, and everyone is satisfied."
MP and Luxembourg City mayoral candidate François Benoy also weighed in on the plans. In a post on Instagram, Benoy, who also belongs to the Green Party, said "The tram route through Avenue de la Porte-Neuve is necessary for the city's mobility, but can be done without removing any trees. However, the city must take advantage of the road's organisation, i.e without through traffic, and with a safe bicycle lane."
