Riva Market Proposal Sparks Vendor Opposition Amid City Center Concerns

Last year there was some controversy, but now, between traveling vendors and those from Riva, there is complete consensus. The same Municipality of Riva, which in recent days proposed relocating the market to the square of the former bus station, the one near the Post Office, and the one beside the Apt offices, was instrumental in creating this sort of alliance.

Proposal and resistance

This idea, developed by officials from the commerce office, is expected to materialize in the coming months of February or March, but it appears destined to face considerable opposition from both categories of vendors.

“Moving the market to that area – explains Franco Gamba, president of the C9 retailers – makes little sense. First of all, vendors would face technical issues related to the strong winds that always blow from that side, so close to the lake. It goes without saying that the covers of the 143 stalls would have significant stability problems.

Furthermore, decentralizing the stalls would undoubtedly have serious repercussions on vendors’ income, as they would have to operate away from the city center, thus effectively losing a substantial part of their clientele.

Not to mention that those square areas are crucial for the numerous parking spaces they offer, and covering them with stalls would risk plunging the entire city of Riva into chaos.

Additionally, these areas are vital for the Palazzo dei Congressi and, during the nice season, represent very important spaces for the Fraglia della Vela, which hosts numerous regattas, attracting hundreds of boats and thousands of sailors.

Alternative proposals

On the other hand – continues Gamba – we propose keeping the stalls where they are, fixing the bi-weekly market to all twelve months of the year, and, very importantly, closing it by 2 PM.

In our view, it is necessary for the market to take place through the streets of the city center to be a characteristic event for residents, tourists, and even for the Riva merchants themselves, who undoubtedly benefit from the presence of stalls.

In all other lakeside locations, stalls close by 1 PM, at the latest by 2 PM, and I find it hard to understand why the Municipality of Riva insists on keeping vendors until late afternoon, preventing them from leaving.

We have already been in contact with representatives of the vendors, and it seems that the vast majority share our views, including regarding the market hours.