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ITALIA NOSTRA APPEALS TO STOP CARPARK UNDER OLDEST CHURCH IN MILAN
nov 01
Italia Nostra has appealed to the recently elected mayor of Milan to stop the construction of an underground carpark under the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio in Milan. A petition collected more than 800 signatures, including that of many intellectuals and representatives of Italian heritage and environmental organisations.
The original project of 581 parking spaces was approved in 1985 and transport policies and circulation rules have moved on. A congestion charge for the centre of Milan is currently operating and the area is now well covered by public transport, there are also two other underground car parks in the surroundings. However the city of Milan faces a hefty fine from the developer if plans are halted, as some lots have already been sold.
More than 1 million euros had to be paid for lifting the permission to another carpark development in the city, but this one would entail a price tag of 10 millions euros for Milan city council. The mayor said: "I don't like it but if I stop it I would do a bad service to the city."
Giovanni Losavio, former president of Italia Nostra, suggested to prove that there is no more public need for the parking, therefore reducing the fine. Local resident and architect Cini Boeri said that if it's just a matter of money she would be ready to start an international money collection to stop the plans.
