Geraardsbergen council debates Moerbekeplein redevelopment

The redevelopment of Moerbekeplein in Geraardsbergen has sparked debate within the municipal council. The project, estimated to cost approximately 1.7 million euros, aims to transform the area into a multifunctional green space featuring trees, play areas, and water-permeable surfaces to improve water management.

Opposition members, including Filip Pletinckx of Vlaams Belang, have criticized the plan, citing a significant reduction in parking spaces from 193 to 77. Pletinckx argued that the project fails to address the needs of commuters and questioned the accuracy of parking data. In response, Mayor Fernand Van Trimpont defended the initiative, stating that the number of parking spaces was increased from 60 to 77 following research and noted that commuters could utilize the nearby NMBS parking facility.