"Paris is the center of France. All useful reforms made in Paris will promote the development of the entire country.
Let me beautify this great city as much as possible, improve the living conditions of its citizens, and inspire them to discover new interests. Let me rebuild new streets—a street that runs through this Paris region, cleansing the densely populated areas lacking in fresh air and sunlight, allowing beneficial sunlight to penetrate every wall, just as the light of truth shines in our hearts.
Now I announce that the first phase of the Paris urban renewal project is officially open!"
On November 13, 1851, at the invitation of Georges Ossman, the then-governor of Seine Province, Jerome Bonaparte, wearing a cotton coat, braved the cold wind roaring from the north to attend the city renovation opening ceremony hosted by Paris City Hall.
