Gardone Riviera Approves 140 Parking Spaces at Grand Hotel Site

The green light has been given to the preliminary project concerning the construction of 140 parking spaces in front of the Grand Hotel of Gardone Riviera, drafted by architect Giorgio Fortini. Cost of the intervention: one billion. This was decided by the City Council, with the vote of the majority and the abstention of the minorities.

Project details and funding

“Last autumn, we submitted a funding request to Frisi—” explains Mayor Alessandro Bazzani—”. The Regione Lombardia accepted the applications of eleven municipalities, including ours, out of a total of one hundred. Awarding us a contribution of 900 million, to be repaid in 20 years, in installments of 45 million each. An additional 100 million must be provided by us. We were surprised by the unusual speed. So much so that, in a meeting held in Milan, all eleven of us requested a postponement. Instead, nothing happened. By May 27th, the executive project must be approved. Just one more month, and Pirellone will issue the approval decree. Construction to start by September 27th.”

In response to concerns about the timelines, regional officials replied succinctly: those who do not adhere will be canceled. There is a possibility of extensions totaling 120 days, no more. I believe that the project — the preliminary already completed is essentially an executive plan — can be sent by mid-June.”

The parking lot and agreements with the owner

The parking lot will be built on land owned by the Grand Hotel, which currently uses it for its clients. “Ninety covered spaces will remain private, and the 50 spaces above will be public,” adds Bazzani—”. I wonder if this operation is advantageous. Assuming we use our 50 spaces for three hours, 200 days a year, we would generate an income of 60 million. Since the Frisi, the Regional Fund, must be repaid 45 million annually, there is no burden on the community.”

The strip of land, 130 meters long and 15 meters wide, covers two thousand square meters. In the end, it costs half a million per square meter. Naturally, an agreement will need to be signed with Franco Mizzaro, owner of the Grand Hotel, who has expressed full availability. Before giving a final answer, he wants to examine the definitive project.

I add that, in the future, it could be considered to build a four-level underground parking garage, integrated into the rear part, next to the post office and the Garda Community building. This is a matter to be explored further.

Critics from minorities and other interventions

The minorities raised a series of questions. “The main concerns concern the agreements with private individuals,” comments Senator Alfredo Mantica from AN—”. Program agreements seem to be quick processes, but they require a delicate balance and the constant presence of a… lawyer.”

Same Mantica and Davide Calderan also suggested reconsidering the arrangement of the Esso area (there was talk of building a large underground garage, but nothing more has been done), without neglecting the need for a pedestrian link between the upper part and the lakeside, separated by the 45 bis.

Guido Armellini: “I would have preferred a comprehensive project for the entire area, perhaps involving local professionals to express their ideas. Then proceeding step by step.”

The mayor responded, “The timelines imposed by Frisi — demand quick decisions. Take it or leave it.”

Other projects in the territory

The City Council also approved paving work in the historic centre of Morgnaga (costing 250 million), connections to the new sewer network in Tresnico, and lighting installations (75 million, of which 40 will be reimbursed by private individuals), hydraulic restructuring of via Irta in Montecucco (36), and the adaptation of the Casinò to fire safety regulations (131).

There has been an ongoing dispute over the building with Salò for years, which is yet unresolved. After the dissolution of the Tourist Board, which owned it, the Casinò was transferred to Gardone Riviera, following a ruling by the Civil Court of Broscia. However, an appeal by the… cousins, claiming a 50 percent stake, is currently pending in the Court of Cassation.