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Johan Leman, 6 April 2022

We don’t allow ourselves to be talked into feeling guilty when we oppose the domination of the unilateral interests of the real estate market in Brussels and stand up for a longer and healthier life for ourselves and our children.

Nor do we allow ourselves to be talked into a debate “for or against high-rise residential buildings”. We also know that there is something to be said for both positions. The question is: where do they belong? Where there is an urgent demand for more green space than is currently the case, or elsewhere, where there is sufficient green space, not counting the Forêt de Soignes of course.

The same goes for all new large projects that take away green space. Where do they belong? Where there is already traffic nuisance, or elsewhere?

This should not be determined by the priorities of the property market or by land prices. It should be determined by the inhabitants’ chances of better health and longer life.

And that authorities don’t come and tell us that these new buildings are making the canal zone more beautiful. Have you had a good look at the new buildings next to the canal that you can admire from the avenue du Port? Do you enjoy it? Like walking in Barcelona or along the Seine?

Objectively speaking, the only real service that can be rendered to the current inhabitants of the Brussels canal zone or the “première couronne” is to plant trees, for example to help capture water during heavy downpours and to cool down when it is too hot. The rest are fake arguments…

So let’s not get caught up in the idea that we are “nimby” activists when we oppose projects such as the planned 15-storey residential tower on Place Sainctelette, or when some residents elsewhere in Brussels also stand up for more quality of life in their neighbourhood.

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