Naples. The Municipal Police and Regulations Commission of the City of Naples has begun examining Resolution 198, which proposes a series of amendments to the regulations for the occupation of public land, approved in 2014.
The goal is to bring order to a complex matter that has already been the subject of interventions, such as the regulations approved last June for the installation of outdoor seating in the UNESCO historic center and in the Buffer Zone.
Councilor for Productive Activities Teresa Armato illustrated the work carried out in collaboration with a technical committee composed of the Federico II Department of Architecture, the Superintendency, and the Chamber of Commerce.
The aim was to develop rules that combine the needs of commercial activities with respect for architectural features, decorum and liveability of the city.
Simplification and responsibility
The proposed changes mainly concern the way in which applications are submitted. The procedure has been simplified and applicants will have to be more responsible, providing detailed information on surrounding obstructions, such as street furniture and benches.
New opportunities and attention to disability
The possibility of occupying blue parking spaces has been introduced, subject to evaluation by the Municipality and local police. Another new development is the provision of integrated area projects and the definition of a ratio between occupied space and available restrooms.
Gennaro Esposito (Mixed Group) emphasized the importance of considering the current state of the city and the high number of public land occupations in the historic center, which can create problems of livability and safety.
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Massimo Cilenti (Napoli libera) recalled the work of the Social Policies commission to draft a plan to remove architectural barriers, which Deputy Mayor Laura Lieto is working on. A preliminary discussion is therefore necessary to make the new rules compatible with the needs of disabled citizens and tourists.
Towards a more liveable historic center and new opportunities in the suburbs
President Esposito expressed his support for introducing new rules, particularly one allowing the occupation of parking spaces, as already occurs in other Italian and European cities.
This is a way to free up sidewalks and spaces often occupied by abandoned cars. Furthermore, the stricter regulations for the historic center could become an opportunity for new businesses to open in the suburbs.
The director of the Suap Antonietta Rubino has specified that the regulation provides certain criteria to avoid disputes. The presentation of requests accompanied by detailed plans, also with respect to the surrounding encumbrances, facilitates the work of the offices which, in any case, issue the concession only after a favorable opinion from all the competent services.
Next steps
The discussion in the commission will continue in the next few days, with the aim of gathering the observations and suggestions of all participants.
The approval of Resolution 198 would represent an important step toward a more livable and orderly historic center, with new development opportunities for commercial activities even in the city's outskirts.
