Civitavecchia – In view of administrative elections of Civitavecchia in 2024, Massimiliano Grasso, mayoral candidate for the coalition composed of Brothers of Italy, League, Civitavecchia 2030, The Turning Point, Grasso Mayor List, granted us an exclusive interview to illustrate his visions and proposals for the future of the city. With a program focused on the transformation of Civitavecchia into a modern and integrated port city, Grasso focuses on key interventions in the fields of infrastructure, culture and energy innovation. In this interview, we find out how he intends to create a more attractive, livable and sustainable city for all citizens.
Massimiliano Grasso, what are the reasons that pushed you to run for mayor of Civitavecchia?
“I ran to offer Civitavecchia a vision of integrated and sustainable development. I firmly believe that our city has untapped potential, especially in the port and logistics sector, which deserves to be enhanced through competent and innovative management. My goal is to transform Civitavecchia into an integrated port-city, where the port and the city collaborate synergistically for the well-being of the community”.
His program places great emphasis on transforming the relationship between city and port. Can you explain this vision better?
“Absolutely. The port is a fundamental element for Civitavecchia, but historically it has been perceived as a separate entity from the city. Our program aims to overcome these barriers, creating new opportunities for urban and tourism development. For example, we want to create a large square as an extension of the Marina and make the breakwater accessible again for suggestive walks from the historic port to the breakwater. Furthermore, we foresee the construction of a ceiling barrier that will transform the Marina into the beach and solarium of the Civitavecchia residents, located in the heart of the city”.
Urban redevelopment is another key point of his program. What are the main projects you intend to carry out?
“Our city – replies Massimiliano Grasso -, which developed chaotically in the 1950s, needs a profound redevelopment. We want to create new modern neighborhoods, decongesting the historic center and shifting management activities. A concrete example is the transformation of the Italcementi area into a modern business district with hotel facilities. Furthermore, we intend to recover the FS substation close to the Aurelia to create a new transit station, improving the historic commuter station. These interventions will be financed through public-private partnerships, an approach that I believe is fundamental for sustainable development.”
The theme of the energy transition is very present in his programme. What do you foresee in this area?
“The energy transition is a challenge that we must face with determination and foresight. With the decommissioning of coal power plants, Civitavecchia must become a model of sustainability. Our program includes the development of new energies, logistics and blue economy, focusing on circular economy projects. In the first 100 days of government, we will strive to unlock urban planning constraints to encourage investments in the industrial and retroport area, approve the private thermal park project and create a municipal control room on public and private investments. Furthermore, we will promote the Hydrogen Valley and the offshore wind hub, exploiting the resources of the PNRR”.
Massimiliano Grasso, on the subject of infrastructure, what are your priorities for improving mobility and transport in Civitavecchia?
“A well-organized transport system is essential for a modern and efficient city. We plan to draw up a new traffic and parking plan, strengthening public transport and improving the network of minimum services in collaboration with the Lazio Region. A priority project is the completion of the Civitavecchia-Orte crossroad, essential to connect our port with the Adriatic ones, and the reactivation of the Civitavecchia-Capranica-Orte railway line to support development and tourism in southern Etruria. Besides, we mean complete the last railway mile to the interport, integrating the area into the Italian intermodal network”.
Its program also includes specific measures to support businesses. What are the main ones?
“We want to return to attracting investments by facilitating urban planning and offering subsidized finance tools. We will promote tax exemption interventions for new investors, thus supporting the initial phase of economic activities. Furthermore, we intend to simplify administrative procedures and create a favorable environment for the development of new business initiatives, actively collaborating with new industrial players to bring investments and wealth to our territory”.
Urban safety and decorum are issues that are deeply felt by citizens. How do you intend to address them?
“Improving urban decorum and safety – states Massimiliano Grasso – is an absolute priority. We will create a specific department for urban decoration, responsible for surveying the needs of the various neighborhoods and improving essential services such as waste collection and care of green areas. For security, we will enhance the video surveillance systems and neighborhood control, also increasing the presence of the local police to combat commercial illegal activity, vandalism and harassing begging. We also intend to conduct analyzes to evaluate current risks and resources, improving public lighting and surveillance measures.”
What can you tell us about the cultural sector and the initiatives planned to enhance the heritage of Civitavecchia?
“Culture is a fundamental element for the identity and development of our city. We will organize festivals and exhibitions that will become traditional events, enhancing local artistic and cultural excellence. We will propose the creation of a Thematic museum dedicated to Guglielmo Marconi and we will rediscover Patriots’ Day to honor the personalities of Civitavecchia. We intend to redevelop historic places such as the Terme Taurine and the Casa della Memoria, transforming Civitavecchia into a cultural hub that celebrates the creativity and diversity of local works”.
Massimiliano Grasso, what message do you want to convey to the citizens of Civitavecchia in view of the elections?
“My message to citizens is simple: Civitavecchia needs a clear and shared vision for the future. We want to build a modern and sustainable port-city, where the quality of life is improved through concrete and innovative interventions. I ask for your support to transform Civitavecchia together, making it a more attractive, livable and prosperous city. Together we can make a difference.”
ilfaroonline.it it’s on GOOGLE NEWS. To always be updated on our news, click on this linkand select the star at the top right to follow the source.
