Want to walk a street named after a mayor who championed social housing? That’s Rue Yves Saudmont in Nanterre. This street commemorates Yves Saudmont. He served as Nanterre’s mayor from 1973 to 1988. Let’s dive into the story of this impactful figure.
Yves Saudmont’s journey began far from Nanterre. Born in Cuincy in 1934, he started as a fitter. He worked in several factories. One notable factory was Hispano-Suiza in Bois-Colombes. His political awakening came early. He joined the Communist Youth in 1949. By 1951, he was a member of the French Communist Party.
In 1973, a pivotal moment arrived. Raymond Barbet, the then-mayor, wanted to focus on his parliamentary duties. He nominated Yves Saudmont as his successor. Saudmont, an existing deputy mayor, stepped up. The 1977 municipal elections saw a landslide victory. Saudmont’s left-wing coalition secured 75% of the vote in the first round.
Saudmont’s tenure wasn’t without challenges. In 1979, Nanterre regained control of its Municipal Office. The office was grappling with a massive deficit of 15 million francs. It took until 2000 to fully resolve this financial crisis. Despite these hurdles, Saudmont’s administration achieved significant milestones.
One key achievement was the Les Damades housing project. The first phase in 1982 delivered 298 residences. These included 49 detached houses and 86 owner-occupied homes. Another major undertaking was the renovation of 1,200 homes in Les Pâquerettes. This extensive rehabilitation project started in 1983.
Rue Yves Saudmont serves as a reminder of his dedication. It is a tribute to his commitment to improving living conditions for Nanterre’s residents. Sadly, health issues forced Saudmont to step down before completing his third term. He proposed Jacqueline Fraysse-Cazalis as his replacement. Saudmont passed away in 1998 after a long illness.
Now, think of the Hôte de Ville in Nanterre. Yves Saudmont inaugurated it on October 20, 1973. The modern design was by Yves Bedon and Jean Darras. It features a truncated pyramid shape. The base measures 69 by 57 meters. It stands 15.5 meters tall. Imagine the assembly hall inside. It can seat 1,200 people.
However, the Hôtel de Ville also witnessed tragedy. In 2002, Richard Durn killed eight councilors and injured nineteen others. He then committed suicide.
Rue Yves Saudmont and the Hôte de Ville encapsulate Nanterre’s story. They represent progress, challenges, and remembrance. As you walk along Rue Yves Saudmont, remember the mayor’s vision. Reflect on his efforts to build a better community.