SCHAERBEEK,
THE PLACE TO BE
Education
Open Vld places the future of our children at the heart of its priorities, with a strong commitment to education and the well-being of younger generations... also in Schaerbeek! In our municipal schools, the Mayor's List will work with school principals to ensure the acquisition of basic skills, particularly for children whose mother tongue is neither French nor Dutch, while actively fighting against bullying and cyberbullying. These are crucial issues for the safety and well-being of our students. We will continue the development of early childhood infrastructure, including Dutch-speaking municipal nurseries, thus increasing the number of nursery places. We will also expand the offer of accessible extracurricular activities, allowing each child to flourish and discover their passions. In collaboration with parents, we will promote a healthy lifestyle.
Local business
Schaerbeek, with its diversity and dynamism, is a municipality where commerce plays a central role in the lives of its residents.
However, our local merchants face challenges, particularly in terms of accessibility, adapting to new trends like online commerce, and often burdensome administrative procedures.
I aim to strengthen the vitality of commercial hubs by simplifying administrative procedures, improving accessibility, and supporting merchants, whether they are established or just starting out. To this end, we will create a Schaerbeek Trade Council (STC) to listen and propose concrete improvements.
Maintaining the vitality of key commercial areas, such as Rue de Brabant, Helmet, Haacht, Rogier, and Dailly avenues, will be a priority, as well as supporting sustainable business initiatives. We want to create a favorable environment for independent entrepreneurs and SMEs.
Urban Redevelopment
In 25 years, Schaerbeek has completely transformed: its public spaces have been redesigned and beautified, its heritage has been restored, and housing, facilities, and green spaces have been renovated or created, notably thanks to neighborhood contracts.
Every new project should contribute to the quality of life for its residents, workers, and visitors, through controlled density and a mix of functions that promote shops and services close to the people. We must continue to revitalize neighborhoods while preserving their character. The goal of a "10-minute city" must be pursued in consultation with residents.
Schaerbeek should also be a municipality where every green space contributes to the quality of life for all its residents. To achieve this, we need to create new parks, playgrounds, improve existing spaces, and ensure their regular maintenance.
Quality of Life
As a densely populated urban municipality with numerous activities, Schaerbeek is currently facing a security challenge.
This difficult situation, particularly in certain parts of its territory, is exacerbated by drug trafficking, an increase in incivilities, and a growing homeless population.
Security, which is the foundation of a harmonious community life, has been undermined by these recent developments and successive crises.
We must intensify prevention programs in collaboration with local actors to tackle the root causes of petty crime. The police are the force of order, but more importantly, a trusted partner, close to citizens, local associations, and prevention services.
For decades, Schaerbeek has worked to keep its streets and green spaces clean, a crucial issue for the quality of life of its residents.
Acts of littering must be severely punished, and every effort must be made to identify and penalize offenders, if necessary by using modern technologies such as smart cameras. At the same time, awareness and citizen participation must be intensified, as cleanliness is everyone's responsibility.