Stories of the decadence of Italy’s largest city, at least economically. For some Lombards, not just politicians, Milan is the center of a region that goes beyond administrative borders, a rich Land, the richest in the country, among the richest in Europe. There are, between Milan and Monza, 110 companies that are top in the world. The region is led by the center right while the city is in the hands of the leftist junta headed by Beppe Sala of the PD.
There are no harmonious agreements between the two worlds. On environment, security, immigration, safety. In short, on everything. I live near Lavater Square, a poetic square with big trees and twentieth-century buildings, an elementary school at the heart of it. It is the Venice neighborhood, not far from downtown and considered one of the 300 most livable in the world. There was a dog area, beautiful little gardens that encroached on the elegant Via Morgagni. Then money was spent to beautify it, away with space for 4-legged friends, concrete and benches and more visual order.
Result? Filth, disorder and insecurity every night. Bands of youths of various backgrounds barbaric masters of the territory. Walking – not strolling – there in the evening became dangerous. As soon as the mothers have retrieved the children, with the evening and especially with the night the landscape changes. How does this happen? How in Paris have center and suburbs blended forever? And what to do? Is it enough to clean up the dirt every morning?
The discussion is open, but it must be embedded in the sociological ugliness of our cities. Less money, less culture, fewer community centers. And now everyone regrets the merry brawls of our domestic friends in the somewhat primitive land of that country rectangle in the city. The residents protest. Stop. And yes the dogs were eventually more civilized than our youngsters, certainly not all of them but a good portion of them were. With good grace to those who take offense.
The article Italian urban stories comes from TheNewyorker.
