Two distinct security services, one for the provincial building, the other for the Inail offices and appurtenances. And a supermarket. And then the Province is thinking about whether it is appropriate to redevelop or perhaps sell the Plaza to repurpose it for residential use, as was initially planned, over three decades ago. There is hope, in short, for the area on the corner between Via del Ronco and Viale Europa, whose basement floors and garages have for too long been a destination for drifters, drug dealing and drug consumption, at night and even during the day, as demonstrated broken glass, writings, vandalism of all kinds.
The inspection
The news emerged yesterday during a meeting held at the request of the two municipal councilors of Team K, Matthias Cologna and Thomas Brancaglion, attended by the provincial director of Inail Christof Liensberger and the director of the Province’s public works department, Daniel Bedin . The councilors posed the problem and asked if it was possible to sit together, including the Municipality and the private property, i.e. the Tosolini family’s Habitat, around a table to try to resolve an unfortunate situation for the entire neighborhood. «A large space, in the center of a populous district, with population density problems, where there is a lack of parking», so the councilors of Team K. «Three-four floors of half-empty parking. For public, social purposes, they would be additional spaces. Then the decorum and security that are lacking today should be brought back here.” Here, at one time, the area was manned: there was the Sports Medicine, the Assb district, a supermarket. Today Provincial offices in the Plaza, INAIL offices in the other building. For the rest, it’s scorched earth. And whoever passes here is afraid. The mental health center and the addiction service are across the street, and their presence weighs heavily.
The status quo and the future
As clarified yesterday by Bedin, «the thirteen floors above ground of the Plaza and the basement, used for the employees of the Plaza, where the school management is located in Italian, belong to the Province. The open-air car park is owned by Tosolini. The part of the basement, currently unused, partly belongs to Inail, partly to the private sector.” The other building, however, houses three families plus the Inail offices. Department head Bedin yesterday clarified to Team K that the Province «is evaluating whether it is appropriate to sell the Plaza, a building created in 1990 for residential use, then converted into offices. We are evaluating whether it is appropriate to renovate it, but it would be a major intervention, or sell it, returning the volume to residential use. The council has not yet decided, technical evaluations are being carried out. In this case, the offices would be located in a peripheral area, as per the coalition agreement, which provides for the decentralization of public buildings to the suburbs”.
The two securities
However, it has just been awarded the security service of the Plaza. «It will be similar to the one in Piazza Magnago: non-routine checks, that is, not as regular as timetables, but constant». Because even public buildings, not frequented and occupied in the evenings and weekends, are increasingly vulnerable in this historical period. A general problem, which however also applies to the Via del Ronco area.
The supermarket
The problem is that as long as there is no life, if cleaning and maintenance is not done, the situation will only get worse. «But there is some good news», clarified Bedin, after contacting the responsible municipal offices yesterday, who confirmed that they had issued the necessary concession: «A supermarket will be located in the basement. The legal dispute over open-air parking has been resolved, ownership is the same.” The Inail leaders confirm the news: «Life will return, from what we know four shops are ready to enter». Yesterday, Inail admitted that it hopes that the private sector needs to expand towards them, making space available also to the Province, which it has not excluded. Now discussions will begin in this regard, because the associations in the neighborhoods are very hungry for space. Director Liensberger also announced the start of the 24-hour security service for exteriors and garages. The lighting has been improved. We try to keep it clean because dirt invites degradation. «But they enter everywhere, they sleep, eat, deal, take drugs», says Inail technician Marco Saggion. So, welcome to the supermarket. Also because INAIL had attempted to reopen its basement, «a beautiful, large space. We have tried in every way, but the systems are not up to standard, everything needs to be redone. Reopening would cost us 900 thousand euros. We had to give up.” Chiosa Bedin: «The Province is also happy that the situation is about to calm down. Among other things, supermarket opening hours are long, including Saturdays and Sundays.” Will peace return to Via del Ronco? Many hope so.
– What are the main challenges in redeveloping underutilized public spaces in urban areas?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Urban Development Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to another edition of our insightful discussions. Today, we’re diving into a topic that is of great importance to urban communities: the redevelopment of underutilized public spaces. Joining us is Dr. Elena Rossi, an expert in urban planning and community revitalization. Thank you for being here, Dr. Rossi!
Dr. Elena Rossi: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss the potential for revitalizing neighborhoods.
Editor: Recently, there was a meeting involving local councilors, provincial directors, and private stakeholders regarding a central area in a province that has become somewhat abandoned. Can you set the scene for us? What is the current landscape of this area?
Dr. Rossi: Absolutely. The area in question, located at the intersection of Via del Ronco and Viale Europa, has been largely neglected. It features provincial offices alongside empty basements and garages that have unfortunately turned into hotspots for antisocial behaviour. The councilors highlighted serious safety concerns and the need for more community-focused spaces.
Editor: It sounds like a classic case of urban decay. What steps are being proposed to address these issues?
Dr. Rossi: The discussions have focused on two main approaches: redeveloping the existing structures for residential use or selling them to allow private investment. As mentioned by the provincial director, there’s also the potential to bring life back to the area with the opening of a supermarket in the basement, which could serve as a cornerstone for revitalizing the neighborhood.
Editor: The idea of a supermarket sounds promising. How do you think that could impact the community?
Dr. Rossi: Bringing a supermarket to the area can significantly enhance foot traffic, which fosters a sense of safety and community. Economic activity often leads to more vibrancy—people are likely to want to shop, eat, and socialize. This could attract additional businesses, creating a ripple effect that helps address those issues of dereliction and crime.
Editor: The local councilors emphasized the safety concerns surrounding the area. As a part of the revitalization plan, how important is it to include security measures?
Dr. Rossi: Very important! Security has to be part of any redevelopment strategy. The plan to implement a non-routine security service, similar to what’s in place at other public buildings, is crucial. It helps deter crime and restores public confidence in using these spaces. However, security alone will not solve the problems; we need engagement and regular activity in these areas to create a genuine sense of community.
Editor: There’s also talk of potentially changing how public services are located within the city—moving them to more suburban areas. What are your thoughts on this decentralization approach?
Dr. Rossi: Decentralization can be beneficial, especially if it helps to distribute resources and services more equitably across the city. However, it’s essential to ensure that these suburban areas are connected to the city via reliable public transport and other infrastructures. The goal should be to create a balanced urban environment where everyone has access to necessary services.
Editor: The state of the area sounds quite dire—problems with drug use, vandalism, and overall decay. What would you say is the psychological impact on the residents and how does that play into urban planning?
Dr. Rossi: The psychological impact is significant. Residents living in areas with high rates of crime and neglect often experience fear, which can lead to social isolation and lower quality of life. Urban planning should focus not only on physical improvements but also on enhancing the social fabric through community events and public engagement. A well-designed environment can foster pride and encourage residents to take ownership of their spaces.
Editor: This sounds like a multifaceted issue requiring collaboration among various stakeholders. What steps do you see as essential to facilitate this collaboration?
Dr. Rossi: Collaboration is indeed key. Stakeholders—including municipal leaders, private investors, and community members—must be brought to the table. Initiatives like community workshops can help gather input and demonstrate what types of development would truly benefit residents. Transparent communication is essential to build trust and ensure that the redevelopment efforts genuinely reflect the community’s needs.
Editor: Fascinating insights, Dr. Rossi. As we wrap up, what potential do you see for the area at Via del Ronco and Viale Europa in the near future?
Dr. Rossi: There’s significant potential! If the plans for the supermarket and security measures are implemented effectively, along with a thoughtful approach to redeveloping residential spaces, this area could transform into a vibrant community hub. It’s all about creating spaces where people feel safe and want to be.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Rossi, for your valuable perspectives. It’s exciting to think about the possibilities for revitalizing urban spaces and enhancing community life. We look forward to seeing how these plans unfold!
Dr. Rossi: Thank you! I’m hopeful for the future of urban development and the positive impact it can have on communities.