Today he is a senator of Forza Italia but the architect Mario Occhiuto does not lose sight of his city. And those who were his creatures, above all the Wellness Park. That Viale Parco then named after Giacomo Mancini who had wanted it. From car traffic jam to green lung in the city centre, where it is always a pleasure “every afternoon to see the park full of kids playing and practicing physical activities freely!”, writes a citizen in the comments on the post published by the former mayor of Cosenza on Facebook.
“I understand the perplexities that change can raise, but – writes Occhiuto – it is surprising and disappointing to see self-proclaimed progressive commentators criticize urban transformations that are universally recognized as sustainable and beneficial. The conversion of a car-dominated avenue into a linear park was not a “destruction” but rather a transformation designed to improve the quality of urban life. These green spaces not only enrich the environment but also offer tangible benefits in terms of public health and pollution reduction.”
“It is paradoxical that, in an era in which the climate crisis requires decisive action to reduce the environmental impact of our cities, there are still those who, despite declaring themselves in favor of progress and the left, choose to oppose measures that promote a greater urban sustainability. Such criticisms – adds the former mayor of Cosenza – not only demonstrate a lack of coherence with the principles of sustainability, but also an ignorance of the urban planning practices that are becoming the standard in more advanced and responsible cities on a global level”.
“The decision to transform the roadways into a park was driven by a vision of the city that puts the health of citizens and the environment before the convenient but unsustainable dominance of cars. This is a choice that I strongly support, despite the criticism, because it is based on principles of collective well-being and environmental responsibility. I hope that over time – concludes Mario Occhuto – even critics can see the benefits of these choices and join us in supporting a greener, healthier and more livable city for everyone”.
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