Aler’s Twin Offer for ex-Opg Area Sparks Local Debate and Planning Challenges

There are those who were surprised by the joint offer Aler of Mantova and Aler of Brescia for the acquisition of the ex-Opg area, those who launched into conspiracy theories, and those who finally joked about the presidencies of the two entities. No mention of the issue, however, in the municipal council on Tuesday.

But what does the mayor, Arturo Sigurtà, think of the offer from the two Aler? “If the area were to be assigned to them, considering they are public entities — he responds — they would, on one hand, be less likely to have speculative intentions, which are more probable if the area were assigned to a private, and it might also make discussions on respecting certain urban guidelines for the recovery plan easier.”

“But there is a problematic aspect.” What would that be? The social housing restriction which the Aler are subject to could negatively impact the final result.

Personally, I dreamed of great things for the town center. In any case, this administration intends to carefully oversee how volumetrics and public spaces will be distributed, in the interest of the community.

The issue of pre-emption

What happened to the reservation to exercise the right of pre-emption, decided by the Council on October 3? The decision was communicated to the management of the hospital trust, which responded by questioning our right.

According to them, the law we invoked to exercise pre-emption does not refer to Opg, but only to structures of civil psychiatry. We disagree, in any case, our lawyers are verifying the matter.

Then there is the aspect of financial commitment: it’s clear that the Municipality alone cannot afford to purchase the area. The stability pact allows for a maximum of 3 billion euros of investments in the next budget, far from the amount needed to acquire the area.

I should add that Caristia’s challenge, which called for changing the Prg (Territorial Growth Plan) through a call for tenders in order to restrict the area to a detailed plan, is not feasible. The lawyers I consulted pointed out the possibility of appeals to the Tar (Regional Administrative Court) and the risk of being sued for bid rigging.

The figure of Luigi Cavalieri

Someone pointed out that Luigi Cavalieri is leading the Brescia Aler, a figure well known in Castiglione. Between Concordati (Participants) and Cavalieri, it is undeniable that the latter knows the local reality better: everyone is aware of his longstanding political activity in Castiglione.

Mr. Mayor, your smile seems to give voice to the circulating hypotheses… I dare not think that this Aler offer paves the way for Cavalieri’s return to the local political scene.

He was a councilor in our town; he knows our problems and needs well. I hope that his motivation was for the good of Castiglione.