Hem Residents Protest: “No to the Tram” on Rue Jules Guesde
- Residents of Rue Jules Guesde in Hem, a town in northern France, are voicing strong opposition to a planned tram line slated to run through their street.the validated...
- While proponents tout the benefits of new public transportation, many opponents, though generally in favor of the tram project traversing Hem, are dissatisfied with the chosen route, expressing...
- Initially skeptical about the tram's feasibility, residents of Rue Jules Guesde are now actively campaigning against it.
Hem Residents Resist Proposed Tram Line on Rue Jules Guesde
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Residents of Rue Jules Guesde in Hem, a town in northern France, are voicing strong opposition to a planned tram line slated to run through their street.the validated layout designates the street’s lower end as the future tram line’s terminus. Concerns range from construction-related disruptions and the elimination of parking spaces to essential objections to the street’s suitability for such infrastructure.
While proponents tout the benefits of new public transportation, many opponents, though generally in favor of the tram project traversing Hem, are dissatisfied with the chosen route, expressing notable apprehension.
Initially skeptical about the tram’s feasibility, residents of Rue Jules Guesde are now actively campaigning against it. Their primary concern revolves around the tram’s proximity to their homes. A petition circulating online states, “Rue Jules Guesde is too narrow to accommodate a tram without compromising the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. Unlike larger avenues designed for this type of infrastructure, forced cohabitation with the tram creates a permanent danger.”
Rosemarie, a 35-year resident of Rue Jules Guesde, voiced her concerns: “We don’t see ourselves living with a 32-metre long tram passing every six minutes, from six in the morning until midnight!” She noted that the street is only 14 meters wide in front of her house, possibly placing the tram within 1.60 meters of her windows. She questions how a tram, cars, sidewalks, and cyclists can coexist in such a confined space.
In response to residents’ concerns, the European Metropolis of Lille, the entity spearheading the tram line project, stated that the project “will constitute a major upheaval but its objective is by no means to degrade the quality of life around this axis today borrowed on average in the morning and in the evening by a car every 5 to 7 seconds (513 vehicles from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., 687 vehicles from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.,counting at the crossroads Clémenceau/J. Guesde carried out on 20/9/2022)”. Hem Mayor Francis Vercamer, acknowledging the mobilization and its impact, asserted the need to “do everything to solve problems one by one.” One proposed solution involves rerouting bicycle traffic to another street, eliminating the need for cycle paths on Rue Jules guesde.
Residents also worry about the potential disruption from construction and the long-term effects of the tram’s operation. They fear that “vibrations and noise, aggravated by the seniority of buildings which are not designed to absorb such constraints” will damage their homes, many of which date back to the 1930s.
rose-Marie and other residents have been actively gathering signatures for their petition, claiming that “almost the whole street has signed.” Signs reading “No to the tram” are prominently displayed in many windows.
The European Metropolis of Lille counters that “The noise of the passage of a tram every 3 to 4 minutes in rush hour (2 senses combined) is to be put in viewpoint of the noise created by more than 30 cars which circulate today in this same time on rue Jules Guesde.” They further state that the tram’s electric motor will produce less noise than older tram models and that the new trams will operate at low speeds (30-40 km/h) and incorporate vibration limitation systems.
Destination Debate: Why Roubaix and Tourcoing?
Adding to the residents’ frustration is the tram line’s proposed destination: Wattrelos, Roubaix, and Tourcoing. Some residents question why the line isn’t connecting Hem to larger hubs like Lille or Villeneuve d’Ascq. One resident questioned the potential ridership, asking, “Will there be someone in their tram?”. Others expressed concerns about the potential influx of young people from Roubaix and Tourcoing,stating,”we have what it takes to go to Roubaix with the buses!”. Furthermore, some residents believed the tram line would terminate at the “laundry” crossroads, avoiding their street altogether.
Tram Project Sparks Debate in hem Over Route and Impact
HEM, France – A proposed tram line connecting Roubaix and Tourcoing is generating both excitement and concern in Hem. While the promise of enhanced public transportation is generally welcomed,the specific route and potential consequences are drawing criticism from residents and business owners.
Mayor Defends Project Amidst Concerns
Francis vercamer, the mayor of Hem, has been a vocal proponent of the tram. He argues that existing bus routes to Villeneuve d’Ascq are underutilized, highlighting the need for improved connections between town centers. “The idea of the tram is to connect the town centers,” Vercamer said.”The high school students of Hem are mostly educated in Roubaix in Tourcoing.they need the tram.”
The Lille European Metropolis (MEL), the regional governing body, believes the selected route will address current transportation demands and accommodate future growth. the MEL anticipates significant population and job increases along the corridor by 2035, necessitating enhanced public transit options.
According to the website dedicated to the future tram, the selected layout will meet growing needs and act as a trigger for new urban dynamics.
Residents Voice Concerns Over Route and Disruption
despite the potential benefits, a collective of residents is urging for a revised plan. “We do not refuse the tram,” the group stated, “but we ask for a better thought outline, which does not sacrifice security, mobility and the local economy for the benefit of an arbitrary choice.”
The narrowness of Rue Jules Guesde, where the tram is slated to run, is a primary concern. The current plan calls for two tram tracks and a single lane for vehicular traffic. The town hall assures that efforts are underway to preserve existing parking spaces or create new ones. Vercamer stated the town is looking to acquire properties to create parking lots throughout the street.
Residents are also questioning how essential services, such as trash collection, and home maintenance, like scaffolding for roof repairs, will be accommodated during and after construction.
Addressing Environmental Concerns
vercamer emphasized the need to reduce car dependency,citing recent pollution alerts in the Lille metropolis. “We had six pollution alerts last week in the Lille metropolis,” Vercamer said, referencing late March 2025.”For the climate, the number of cars must be reduced!” He posed the question, “Isn’t it time to offer more public transport? The MEL tries to do it, I try to do it, you have to create changes of habit.”
Impact on Local Businesses
A petition circulating among residents highlights concerns about the tram’s potential impact on local businesses. Shopkeepers fear that the removal of parking spaces will deter customers. “Less parking lots = fewer customers,” the petition states. “The removal of parking spaces in the street will complicate access to shops,reducing their attendance and weakening their survival.” They also worry about financial losses due to construction-related disruptions.
Vercamer acknowledged the challenges businesses may face during construction and pledged support. “We will accompany them to sometimes move them as close as possible to tram stops,” he said. He added that the town plans to work with each business individually to address their specific concerns.
Property Values and Future Prospects
Residents also fear a decline in property values due to noise, vibrations, and the loss of parking.”The noise, the vibrations and the abolition of the parking will have a direct impact on the value of the real estate, creating an economic damage for the owners of rue Jules Guesde,” according to the petition. One resident, Rose-Marie Fumin, expressed concern about the impact on her ability to leave an inheritance for her children.
Vercamer countered these concerns by citing national statistics indicating that property values typically increase by 15% to 25% when a tram line is introduced.
Real estate agents in the area remain uncertain. Julien Bressan, a local agent, admitted difficulty in assessing the project’s overall impact. He noted that potential buyers face the prospect of major construction and parking challenges, while acknowledging the positive aspects of public transportation. Bressan also pointed out Hem’s appeal as a more affordable choice to nearby cities, emphasizing that the tram is not expected to be operational until 2033 at the earliest.
Looking Ahead
The tram project is still in its early stages, and the mayor believes there is ample time to address the concerns of residents and businesses.A meeting is scheduled in May to provide more details about the project, which aims to connect Hem with four other cities via 45 stations spread over 22 kilometers.The MEL estimates that 60,000 people will use the tram upon its completion.
# Tram Project Sparks Debate in Hem Over Route and Impact
HEM, France – A proposed tram line connecting Roubaix and Tourcoing is generating both excitement and concern in Hem. While the promise of enhanced public transportation is generally welcomed, the specific route and potential consequences are drawing criticism from residents and business owners.
## Mayor Defends Project Amidst Concerns
Francis Vercamer, the mayor of Hem, has been a vocal proponent of the tram. He argues that existing bus routes to Villeneuve d’Ascq are underutilized, highlighting the need for improved connections between town centers. “The idea of the tram is to connect the town centers,” Vercamer said. “The high school students of Hem are mostly educated in Roubaix in Tourcoing.They need the tram.”
The Lille European Metropolis (MEL), the regional governing body, believes the selected route will address current transportation demands and accommodate future growth. the MEL anticipates significant population and job increases along the corridor by 2035, necessitating enhanced public transit options.
According to the website dedicated to the future tram, the selected layout will meet growing needs and act as a trigger for new urban dynamics.
## Residents Voice Concerns Over Route and Disruption
Despite the potential benefits, a collective of residents is urging for a revised plan. “We do not refuse the tram,” the group stated, ”but we ask for a better thought outline, which does not sacrifice security, mobility and the local economy for the benefit of an arbitrary choice.”
The narrowness of Rue Jules Guesde, where the tram is slated to run, is a primary concern. The current plan calls for two tram tracks and a single lane for vehicular traffic. The town hall assures that efforts are underway to preserve existing parking spaces or create new ones. Vercamer stated the town is looking to acquire properties to create parking lots throughout the street.
Residents are also questioning how essential services, such as trash collection, and home maintenance, like scaffolding for roof repairs, will be accommodated during and after construction.
## Addressing Environmental concerns
Vercamer emphasized the need to reduce car dependency, citing recent pollution alerts in the Lille metropolis. “We had six pollution alerts last week in the Lille metropolis,” Vercamer said, referencing late March 2025. “For the climate, the number of cars must be reduced!” He posed the question, “Isn’t it time to offer more public transport? The MEL tries to do it, I try to do it, you have to create changes of habit.”
## Impact on Local Businesses
A petition circulating among residents highlights concerns about the tram’s potential impact on local businesses. Shopkeepers fear that the removal of parking spaces will deter customers. “Less parking lots = fewer customers,” the petition states. “The removal of parking spaces in the street will complicate access to shops, reducing their attendance and weakening their survival.” They also worry about financial losses due to construction-related disruptions.
Vercamer acknowledged the challenges businesses may face during construction and pledged support. “We will accompany them to sometimes move them as close as possible to tram stops,” he said. He added that the town plans to work with each business individually to address their specific concerns.
## Property Values and Future Prospects
Residents also fear a decline in property values due to noise, vibrations, and the loss of parking. “The noise, the vibrations and the abolition of the parking will have a direct impact on the value of the real estate, creating an economic damage for the owners of rue Jules Guesde,” according to the petition. One resident, Rose-Marie Fumin, expressed concern about the impact on her ability to leave an inheritance for her children.
Vercamer countered these concerns by citing national statistics indicating that property values typically increase by 15% to 25% when a tram line is introduced.
Real estate agents in the area remain uncertain. Julien Bressan, a local agent, admitted difficulty in assessing the project’s overall impact. He noted that potential buyers face the prospect of major construction and parking challenges,while acknowledging the positive aspects of public transportation. Bressan also pointed out Hem’s appeal as a more affordable choice to nearby cities, emphasizing that the tram is not expected to be operational until 2033 at the earliest.
## Looking Ahead
The tram project is still in its early stages, and the mayor believes there is ample time to address the concerns of residents and businesses. A meeting is scheduled in May to provide more details about the project, which aims to connect Hem with four other cities via 45 stations spread over 22 kilometers. The MEL estimates that 60,000 people will use the tram upon its completion.