There are a million questions that come up during an international move, and one of the most pressing for families is: Where do I send my kids to school? This is no simple question. Finding and vetting schools and arranging enrollment can be a challenge, and the choice of a school can shape a family’s social life and cultural adjustment.
Roche Offers "Good-Neighbor" Concessions; Parking Freebie For Holiday Shoppers; Taxi Act Referendum Heats Up Competition; Voters Reject Auto Restrictions
News for 17 November 2015
As the construction continues in the Wettstein Quarter of Kleinbasel, the sponsor of the project, Roche Pharmaceuticals, has come to an agreement with various neighborhood associations. To compensate them for the inconvenience caused by the 10 year construction project, Roche will voluntarily install soundproof windows in about 100 homes close to the site. In addition, some residents have been offered to have 30% of their annual rent paid by Roche. In light of more than 80 formal complaints lodged with the city construction authorities on behalf of the neighborhood, the concessions offered by the Pharma concern have been well received. The company went one step further and offered an "open door" for local residents to lodge complaints and concerns to improve living conditions during the planned construction. *********************** Although parking downtown grows more difficult with each passing year and new parking regulation, a small but temporary reprieve is now underway. An effort dubbed "Pro Innerstadt" by BaselStadt, 2 hours of complementary parking are available for the next six months at the Elisabethen parking facility adjacent to the Heuwaage central shopping district. The temporary promotion is meant to support the flagging sales of Basel's inner city retailers during the previous years' holidays. Rolf Borner, CEO of Immobilien Basel-Stadt stressed that the promotion was not meant to change the public's perception or expectations regarding the long-term plan of Basel to reduce city auto traffic. According to Borner, at the end of the six month program the costs and benefits of the free parking will be evaluated. Hailed by auto owners, visitors and retailers the project is not without detractors: Christine Fuchs of VCS (The Traffic Club of Switzerland) expressed dismay and doubted the benefits of the plan would exceed its direct costs or the interests of the city. *******************************
A highly contested referendum calling for the revision of the Taxi Act passed by a vote of 22,263 for, 14,922 against representing 40% of the eligible vote. The vote, having overcome the vocal opposition organized by the union of Taxi drivers or UNIA, means Basel cantonal laws governing Taxi rules be adapted to conform to the Single Market Act and the Freedom of Movement Agreements Switzerland has with the EU. On the pro side of the referendum, supporters lauded the outcome saying it will improve the quality of Basel taxi service and improve drivers' working conditions. Roman Künzler, spokesperson for UNIA, however, was quite contrary saying "Taxi drivers will suffer from this" and went on to say "Taxi drivers will continue to do everything possible to improve their scandalous working conditions." The main changes expected by both sides are language requirements for drivers, an easing of restrictions on the number of taxis, and also the opening of the market to new competitors like UBER. The changes however are not a complete defeat for the taxi union, because of their organized opposition to the referendum, Mr. Künzler feels they are now better prepared than ever to take on collective bargaining with taxi companies, regulators and UBER to make sure they follow all the rules traditional taxi drivers have to.
***************************** And yet another referendum saw Basler voters reject an initiative to further curtail motorized traffic in the city. The initiative whose title "Road Share - Yes for safe and unobstructed foot, bicycle and public transport" sought more space for everyone but cars on the main thoroughfares, and also to require right-of-way for public transport at traffic lights. Barell Gabriel, director of the Basel Commercial Association was relieved by the outcome and said "for all the people who depend on motorized transport to and from the city" this is a great victory. With a turnout of 38% for the vote and 73% voting against the initiative, a clear mandate was provided for the transportation policy of Basel Stadt.