A helicopter flies above the sky of Caivano, and guards and dozens of police, carabinieri and army vans in every corner of the Green Park. The State now returns with 1,200 people to the former Chamorra stronghold to evict 36 families who were living illegally in their public housing. The new chapter of the “cleaning” operation of the neighborhood and the entire municipality of Caivano announced by the Prime Minister in the summer of 2023 during her first visit here, was born from the appeal of the parish priest, Don Maurizio Patriciello.
But these 36 evictions did not fall on Parco Verde like a bolt from the blue. Already last February, 254 orders were notified to as many families without housing titles: a third of those who live in the neighborhood. Those carried out yesterday, explained the North Naples prosecutor, Maria antonietta Troncone, are evictions related to families whose income does not justify a presence in public housing or where there are people with heavy sentences of more than seven years brought to an end. Among them are some of those Camorra members who have transformed the Parco Verde into a vast network of drug dealing squares.
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For the other families among the 254 people who have not yet been shown the door, a path opens that could regularize their position. Many of these families have already submitted an application for regulation to the Municipality, which is currently being administered by an remarkable commission. Their fate depends on the possibility of implementing a regional regulation that also provides for an amnesty for their case, born from many years of Anarchy regarding the assignment of public housing in Caivano. The same Public Prosecutor’s Office in North Naples, which issued the 254 eviction orders last February, will have the final word at the end of a process that was inevitably gradual.
The prosecutor Troncone and the rector of Naples,Michele di bari,wanted to meet the families who had been evicted shortly before,who gathered for the whole day in front of the parish church of the Parco Verde. Don Patriciello was also with the two. «In the first place there is a dialogue - the rector told the people present on the street -, but we are doing a legality operation. Though, this does not mean that there will not be a social pathway that has already been identified for vulnerable people.”
These words did not convince people. There were moments of tension: some women tried to enter the church before. The only thing that prevented him from doing so was the blockade set up by the police in front of the holy building. “We will sleep in front of the church tonight, we don’t know where to go”, answered the mothers on the street.
In a note,the rector of Naples also announced the safety of the 750 properties that are part of the Green Park,redeveloped by the extraordinary commissioner of the government for the territory of the Municipality of Caivano,Fabio Ciciliano.It is indeed “phase 2”, which Giorgia Meloni also announced. “Today – declared the Prime Minister – the State keeps another promise given to the citizens. On the occasion of the inauguration of the new center “Pino Daniele”, we announced that the work of the government in Caivano was not finished at all and that it would continue. so it was. “phase 2” of the urban redevelopment and regeneration program carried out over the past 15 months began today, with the expropriation of the accommodation illegally occupied in the Parco Verde by individuals convicted of Camorra crimes. The journey continues – Meloni extra −. We plan to make a model of Caivano, and then export that model to the other Caivanos in Italy.” For the Undersecretary of the Presidency of the Council, Alfredo Mantovano, “the clearing operation carried out in the Green Park confirms reassurance the right started on August 31, 2023 in Caivano”. Mantovano expressed his “thanks and gratitude” to the “1,200 men and women belonging to the police force and with the Italian Army” who were involved in yesterday’s blitz.
The tension does not explode in all its strength,compressed by the security machine established by the State,in Green Park which has received many shocks – the most it has seen in many years – since August 31 last year,the first day Giorgia Meloni’s visit to the neighborhood. It all started from the healing of Caivano’s wound – the rape of two young girls – and from the healing of Don Patriciello’s desperate appeal to the institutions. That time they answered “present” and now they are asked to complete “phase 2”: that is the redevelopment, the most tough one.
how is the Italian government addressing the issue of organized crime in urban areas like Caivano?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Expert in Urban Policy and Crime Prevention
time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome too Time.news! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Elena Rossi, an expert in urban policy and crime prevention, to discuss recent developments in Caivano. Dr.Rossi, thank you for joining us.
dr. Elena Rossi (ER): Thank you for having me. I’m glad to be here to discuss such an crucial topic.
TNE: The italian government has taken a significant step by deploying 1,200 personnel to Caivano to evict families from the Parco Verde area. What led to this decisive action,and how does it fit into broader urban policy strategies?
ER: The situation in Caivano is quite complex.The government’s decision stems from a long-standing issue of illegal occupation of public housing, especially within a context where organized crime has thrived.The former Chamorra stronghold, as you mentioned, has become synonymous with drug dealing and crime. The recent evictions aim to reclaim public spaces and reinforce the rule of law in areas critically affected by criminal activities.
TNE: You mentioned the role of organized crime. How prevalent is the influence of the Camorra in these neighborhoods, and what impact does it have on residents?
ER: The Camorra’s presence has deeply affected communities like Parco Verde. They not only engage in drug trade but also exert socio-economic control, limiting opportunities for legitimate livelihood. This leads to a cycle of crime and poverty where families feel trapped, and many, unluckily, become involved in illicit activities as a means of survival.
TNE: the North Naples prosecutor indicated that some evicted families had criminal ties or were living beyond their means. What criteria should be used to determine who should remain in public housing?
ER: It’s crucial to implement a extensive assessment process. Factors should include income verification, criminal background checks, and an understanding of tenants’ social circumstances. The aim should be to prioritize housing for those genuinely in need while addressing previous abuses of the system. However, it’s essential to approach this with sensitivity to avoid further stigmatizing those who are already vulnerable.
TNE: In yoru view, is the approach taken by the Italian government sufficient? what more can be done to rehabilitate areas like Caivano?
ER: While evictions are a necessary step to reclaim control, they alone won’t solve the underlying issues. A holistic strategy is needed that includes social programs, community engagement, and economic progress initiatives. Investing in job training, educational resources, and community policing can help create a safer surroundings and empower residents rather than displacing them.
TNE: That sounds like an approach that would require significant resources and long-term commitment. What role do local stakeholders, such as the parish priest Don Maurizio Patriciello, play in this process?
ER: Local leaders like Don Maurizio are vital to bridging the gap between the community and the state. Their influence can foster dialog, build trust, and facilitate access to support services for families in need. They can also serve as advocates for community interests, pushing for additional resources and policies that address root causes of crime.
TNE: Lastly, what message do you believe this operation sends to other municipalities grappling with similar issues?
ER: It sends a dual message: that the government is willing to take action against the misuse of public resources and the influence of organized crime.However,it’s crucial that municipalities also understand that successful long-term solutions depend on collaboration with the community,not just enforcement measures. A proactive approach that combines law enforcement with social services is key.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Rossi, for your insights.The situation in Caivano highlights the complexities of urban policy and crime prevention, and your perspectives are invaluable in understanding the holistic approach needed to address these issues.
ER: thank you for having me. It’s essential to keep these conversations going.