The commercial development of a city includes increasingly complex variables, in line with the social, cultural and economic changes of the reference territory. This was clarified by the Confcommercio Vittoria sectional president, Gregorio Lenzo, presenting yesterday afternoon, in the Rosario Iacono room of the Palazzo di Città, the commercial urban planning plan that Lenzo himself has prepared in his capacity as consultant to the municipal body. The meeting was chaired by the mayor, Francesco Aiello, and saw the presence of numerous representatives of the Confcommercio system of the province of Ragusa as well as the regional president of Confcommercio Sicily, Gianluca Manenti. There were also representatives of other trade and employer associations.
“The new trade plan presented in Vittoria – underlines Manenti – offers an exemplary model that could be successfully replicated in all Sicilian municipalities. Its integration with regional and national laws demonstrates a concrete approach that complies with current legislation, providing a solid basis for the development of coherent and effective commercial policies. The promotion of a more united community and accessibility to essential services reflect the universally recognized needs of all Sicilian citizens.”
“This plan – clarified Lenzo, who availed himself of the support of Jordan Donzelli, a graduate in Architecture who carried out a free internship in the Urban Planning sector of the Municipality – presents itself as a fundamental tool for effectively governing commercial development within of the municipal territory. This is why through an analysis of the current state of medium and large businesses present in the area and the identification of clear objectives, the plan aims to promote the quality of city life and satisfy the needs of the community. The concept of “city of proximity” emerges as a promising perspective for the future, in which accessibility and proximity become fundamental elements for improving the quality of life and promoting the construction of solid and inclusive communities”.
It was explained that the municipal administration, in exercising the power to direct and control the commercial network through the urban planning forecasts of the sector, therefore entrusted the study and analysis of the plan to the project consultant, Gregorio Lenzo, in order to to actively involve the local community for a participatory approach to community growth and development, contributing to building a balanced, sustainable and inclusive future. Promoting a more united community and accessibility to essential services reflects the universally recognized needs of citizens.
“The recognition of changes in consumption models, with the increase in online purchases – was clarified by Lenzo – becomes a crucial element that requires an adequate response. The idea of involving both the regional government and private companies in commercial districts suggests a collaborative and synergistic approach. This partnership can lead to innovative and sustainable solutions that promote the economic and social development of the regional territory as a whole. In cities where many commercial activities close, there are fewer proximity facilities for citizens; where empty vacant premises multiply, urban decay and the perception of abandonment and insecurity increase. This is why it is necessary to carry out an anti-desertification plan that has three directions: regulation, local alliances and economic levers. Regulation allows, through urban planning plans, the possibility of implementing measures for the recognition of proximity economies that play a social aggregator role. More commitment, therefore, to the valorisation of public spaces, those with shop windows and dehors, of historic shops, for the regeneration of urban areas and markets. Local alliances allow, through public/private partnerships (an example are the commercial districts for strong cooperation between institutions, businesses and citizens) to carry out integrated planning projects that can revitalize neighborhoods. The economic levers allow us to support tertiary companies: we are talking about reliefs, contributions and financing that can facilitate the start-up of new activities. A true involvement of the territory and greater planning integration between urban and economic themes are the essential factors to seize the financing opportunities available also starting from the opportunities contained in the Pnrr”.
Lenzo then added that, “while waiting for it to be regulated also within the Sicilian regional law n. 28/99, as has occurred in various regional regulatory frameworks, an interesting model of public-private collaboration is represented by trade districts, instruments which in turn are characterized by a strong transversality that contributes to improving the economy and well-being of city. Various small local entities can be aggregated in the commercial districts and benefit from the opportunity to network in terms of planning and access to dedicated funding, including European ones”.
Tags: Vittoria commercial urban planning plan presented
