Does it still make sense to think of an even more cemented city, after the lesson imposed by the pandemic? The question refers to Milan, one of the cities most affected by the contagion from Covid-19 and which, in order to relaunch itself, will have to - perhaps - rethink and review its development model and priorities more than others. One of these was, until two months ago, before the virus changed everything, the new stadium of Inter and Milan: it is the San Siro coordination, a citizens' committee that has always been opposed to a new structure and rather asks for "the restructuring of the Meazza and the redevelopment of the area, according to the criteria of urban regeneration inspired by ecological principles".
"Through the way in which the municipal administration will manage the story of the San Siro-Ippodromo district, it will be seen if there really is attention to environmental issues, the protection of public health, the conservation of areas and neighborhoods that offer the entire city a green lung for the well-being of citizens”, reads a passage from the latest newsletter. It is undeniable that the urban development of cities and in particular of Milan, which has changed its face in recent years, is in a historical phase in which it is essential to respond not only to the major climate issues, but now also to health issues. The battle of coordination has always insisted on a series of valid alternatives (and signed by important architects) to oppose a project that would revolutionize the entire area and - according to the point of view of the residents - drastically reduce the urban green.
"Already in early March - denounces the committee -, while we were all closed due to the Covid19 emergency, 80 trees around 50 years old were cut down in the "Bosco La Goccia" area. And this in the face of the heralded ForestaMI project. The area that was deforested would have helped to absorb a large amount of C02, reduce temperature and ozone. Cutting down adult trees to plant young ones has a counterproductive effect. Despite the emergency situation, this new and disturbing overbuilding has not yet stopped which will massacre one of the largest green areas in Milan, the lung of the city, the protection of a citizenry who wants to breathe and who sees in the conservation of the by now rare green spaces Milan is a heritage to be conserved and preserved because it is necessary for everyone's well-being".
All the more reason at a time when health is becoming the priority of the entire planet, and after some studies are demonstrating a link between smog and the spread of the virus. “Inter, Milan and the Snaiteh betting company – claims the Coordination – they are forcing their hand to wreak havoc on a green area which is larger than the park in Berlin”. The committee therefore insists on the possible alternatives, which would revolve around a restructuring of the current Meazza: "It has been certified that this is possible and achievable in complete safety, saving money, without interrupting the championship and guaranteeing work for many employees, as well as preserving the surrounding greenery”. But for now the Municipality is going straight: the news that the plan is going ahead and that the current plant will be partially demolished and transformed into a sports center with running tracks, basketball courts and climbing walls.
