A Statec study was published earlier this week reminding us that money does not guarantee happiness, and urging political decision-makers to invest in sustainable well-being, such as creating of green spaces and providing efficient public transport.
A lesson that Luxembourg City's deputy mayor Serge Wilmes (CSV) put forward during Wednesday morning's City Breakfast.
First, he announced that the development of Gasperich Park would start in February. The Ministry of the Environment finally gave the long-awaited go ahead. The green light comes after extensive calculations regarding the park's environmental impact using the "ecopoint" scale.
Wilmes stressed that the initial project has not changed. With 16 hectares of green space it would be the largest park in the capital, and a hub for all residents and workers. The works are to last two years, with an inauguration planned between spring and summer 2022.
While there has been a lot of talk around the recent closure of downtown businesses, city officials advocate for a positive attitude, with Mayor Lydie Polfer maintaining that we don't talk enough about the fact that when some shops close, others open.
They also highlight the new "pop-up stores" which the City made available at a preferential rent. After the first two stores opened in December, a call for the next candidates is being launched for the second round. The concept involves changing occupants every six months which means that new operators will be in place next May. This provides a way for businesses to test their products and audience reception before getting started in a more sustainable way.
DP deputy Patrick Goldschmidt (DP), in charge of mobility, announced the arrival of ten electric buses at the end of the year. An application to order 15 more was also filed.
These buses are fully electric and can travel 200 km without being recharged. They will complement the current fleet of hybrid and electric buses.
