Are Residents’ Signatures Enough to Save Soiano Grocery?

Would three hundred signatures collected from the population be enough to say no to the closure of Soiano’s only grocery store? Probably not. Because the building housing the “Bottega”, a minimarket managed by Maurizio Bazzoli and Michela Lonardi, located in the heart of Soiano with breathtaking views, is highly attractive to real estate agencies. The asking price, according to sources, would be around 1.2 billion lire, but this is surely an undervaluation. The Municipality, for its part, distances itself. Mayor Roberto Rossato, a former banker, told Bresciaoggi: “This is a strictly private matter, for which the administration cannot do anything. We are not called to resolve the issue.” The matter is causing a stir among Soiano’s residents, who now seem resigned to using their cars every day from January 2nd to buy bread or a hundred grams of ham, since the nearest store is several kilometers away. The alternative? The supermarket in Moniga. The most peculiar aspect of this dispute is that the owner of the “Bottega” is the San Michele Parish, currently led by Don Pietro Urbani. Essentially, it was the Verona Curia—several years ago—that issued the eviction notices to the store owners and other tenants of the building. At that time, the parish priest was Mons. Giancarlo Agnolini, coming from the Desenzano Cathedral, now in Verona. Only the minimarket operators resisted the eviction. An ongoing legal battle that has lasted years, but is now reaching its end: in January 2002, Maurizio Bazzoli and Michela Lonardi will have to close the shop. Bazzoli also attempted to make an offer to the Verona Curia, but nothing more came of it. Local real estate agencies, contacted by Bazzoli and other citizens, estimate the value of buying the entire property at around 1.2 billion lire, noting its prime location in the heart of the historic center. In an open letter to Mayor Rossato and the Verona Curia—whose jurisdiction Soiano falls under—the petition signatories emphasize the “serious situation that will arise if the only general store in Soiano’s town center closes. The residents say that the closure would certainly cause significant hardship for elderly citizens who would find it difficult to reach other shops.” Yes, the elderly. Much talk about “rehousing the elderly in historic centers to prevent marginalization,” yet stores, taverns, and bocce courts are closing to make room for residences, pools, and tennis courts. The inconveniences will affect everyone: seniors, families, and tourists staying in the town during the summer. Starting in January, if nothing changes, everyone will have to drive to Moniga to buy detergent or some sandwiches. And who will accompany the elderly? Bazzoli comments: “The civic list that won the elections declared in its electoral program that it would address the issue of the only shop in the town center, and instead…” Behind the “Bottega,” a plaque commemorates the poetess Diamante Medaglia Faini. She used to come there, to enjoy the view, to inspire herself and write her poems. In the future, only tourists will admire from their balconies this view of Valtenesi and Lake Garda.