Community neglect and failed investments hamper Arco’s social and civic growth

“Arco felix” is an excellent book by Prof. Grazioli about Arco’s past, when brave, open-hearted men—true lovers of their land—began transforming the village into the residence of the Archduke of Austria and the associated entourage of nobles and aristocrats, who built villas, hotels, and commercial activities. I am not so naïve as to believe that even then there were no disputes, personal rivalries, or disagreements, and I know that many poor people struggled to make a living.

However, common sense prevailed, and the people who “knew how to do things” had credibility. Today, however, we witness confusing city council meetings, disputes over whether there are “beggars,” or media reports highlighting situations unworthy of a well-ordered and well-managed community. The musical school lacks an adequate location? The blame is cast on alleged ideological machinations. The Cri headquarters, a narrow point of reference, has been deprived of a “toilet,” and poor volunteers will have to go to Varignano to urinate or stop for a coffee at bars to use their toilets?

The famous and commendable Coro Castel has, for years, been precariously “housed” in the basement of the Casinò, perhaps because those in charge cannot sing? There are also the philharmonic groups, cultural associations (remember, elderly residents, the notable activity of the “La Palma” circle or the medical association?), youth groups, and finally the seniors’ club, forced into inadequate, uncomfortable premises lacking space for social, cultural, or simply socializing activities.

Problems of structures and associations

A few years ago, I denounced the resolution (which was immediately withdrawn) to renovate Casa Berlanda, at a cost of about 300 million lire, which, according to many, should be demolished to expand the gardens. Meanwhile, a poorly designed shed was constructed, an urban eyesore justifiable only as an emergency response after an earthquake.

Mayor Ioppi, Morandini, Morandi, Mantovani: how many times have pensioners’ associations gone up the stairs to the Municipality asking for appropriate spaces for everyone (meaning all associations) and found doors metaphorically closed, delays, or fears because behind the proposed solution, that is, using the Quisisana, there were “powerful interests” with large entrepreneurial projects, forgetting that maxim that says: “The civility of a people is measured by how it treats its youth and its elderly.”

There is no community gathering place because we have failed to find them, while we have managed to find spacious offices for assessors and municipal structures because, at Casa Bresciani, they were “too small” (though I remember how arrogantly it was declared that this location was the most suitable at the time).

I read that the assessor Morandi will establish “participation committees”: I hope he does not give life to bodies of great (on paper) commitment but no real power. No assurances are needed—because they would be obvious—but instead, we need, to start, a location where decisions can be made and documents consulted: is it so difficult?

I remember an article about the Arco retirement home and the feelings of discomfort it caused visitors. When volunteer work and solidarity are penalized by neglect, while initiatives that generate consensus are privileged (all free efforts are always welcome, even from those with ample availability), it’s useless to be sad or cry; instead, one should ask: “What have I done to solve these problems?”

Many have peace of mind because they give a thousand lire alms to those who ask for a handout, but they do not give a ounce of solidarity to those who live with and understand the problems of self-sufficient seniors, non-autonomous elderly, or disabled persons. And there are so many that it would be enough to despair—yet some walk around with arrogant self-assurance, proposing questionable initiatives or taking advantage of this city council, like a “degenerate empire,” where it would not be surprising if some Caligula made his horse senator (this phrase, admittedly strong, should be considered parodic, but the paradoxes we constantly observe are now too many).

Final considerations and invitation to reflection

And now, although it has nothing to do with the above, I hope there are no official ceremonies to inaugurate the ring road: it would be like celebrating a son’s graduation after thirty years of “off-course” studies, reaching that coveted milestone; let’s open this road quietly, not wasting time, and confront community issues with more realism.