City Council Debates Piazza Redevelopment and Traffic Management
Traffic issues are back in the spotlight after Wednesday evening’s city council meeting, which featured a lively back-and-forth between Mayor Sigurtà and the majority group leader Mattioli.
Discussion on the redevelopment of Piazza della Repubblica
The contentious topic was the recent redevelopment of Piazza della Repubblica, the former Olimpo, with concrete blocks, vertical signage, and white lines to mark parking spaces. “The project needs to be reconsidered,” stated Mattioli. “Especially regarding the yellow blocks. They are unsightly, unnecessary, and perhaps even dangerous. The lines on the ground could have been marked differently, and the signs should be reduced because they spoil the square and serve little purpose.”
According to the leader of Castiglione Domani, traffic management decisions should be more thoroughly discussed and deliberated in the council beforehand. Responding to the councilor, Sigurtà reiterated that he has received many positive comments about Olimpo from citizens and has no intention of making changes, except for removing some vertical signs.
In his reply, Mattioli said he was dissatisfied with the mayor’s responses, announcing that he would request a future city council meeting to discuss this issue and traffic more generally. “All council members should be able to express themselves,” he concluded. “Because I find the decisions made to be not very fortunate.”
Question about road circulation
Another question regarding road circulation was raised by Paolo Padovan, a minority representative from the Ppi. Discussing upcoming zoning variations to be discussed in the council, Padovan asked: “Once the lots in the Belvedere, Fontane, and Monterosso areas are developed, which roads are planned for the transit of future residents, without creating additional hazards compared to existing ones? What tools are available to create new streets that avoid bottlenecks like those at Fontane?”
The Urban Planning councilor, Pier Mario Azzoni, reassured that the developers will carry out all urbanization works required, including roads necessary for the new residential areas.
