UDINE. The time seems ripe to make Piazza Garibaldi pedestrian, eliminating the parking lot. The proposal launched by the “Spazio Udine” association pleases both the operators in the area and the parents of the 550 boys of the Manzoni middle school. The hope is to be able to recreate the atmospheres of Piazza San Giacomo and Via Mercatovecchio, places where pedestrianization and the expansion of outdoor areas have increased the movement of people.
THE PROJECT. Piazza Garibaldi pedestrian instead of parking benches, greenery and bar area
«I changed my mind about the parking – admits Antonella Colutta, owner of the pharmacy that overlooks the square – which has now become unlivable. This is not the quality of life to which a city like Udine must aspire. I hope that the project presented can be implemented, giving the right prominence to the square ».
The “Spazio Udine” proposal provides for the elimination of the car park (except for some fast-rotating stalls in front of the pharmacy) to make room for an amphitheater with semicircular seats in front of the Manzoni staircase, meeting places, green spaces and Bikes.
There is also the idea of reopening the passage that leads to Largo Ospedale Vecchio through the Nico Pepe arena. «I would like a pedestrianized Piazza Garibaldi without any more cars – assures Romi Bittolo of the“ Al vecchio tram ”bar – also because I am convinced we would gain in terms of work. Making this portion of the city more liveable, perhaps by organizing events and shows, would bring benefits to all operators. Parking in front of a school is a danger that must be eliminated ». In fact, in the rush hours, the situation in front of the Manzoni becomes chaotic, with the boys who are forced to zigzag between the passing and parked cars.
THE COMMENT. Piazza Garibaldi pedestrian. Mayor Fontanini: idea to share
«I am in favor of pedestrianization – says Loris Piccini of the“ Ai Barnabiti ”tavern – as long as the square becomes a container of events and initiatives, and not an empty box as happened with Piazza XX Settembre. We would also like to be able to expand with chairs and tables, recreating those atmospheres that are breathed in the historic center, around Piazza San Giacomo and Via Mercatovecchio. The goal, even in this part of Udine – concludes Piccini – must be to increase the flow of people. And I am convinced that removing the cars could be the solution ».
Even Emilio Tosoratti, who runs the newsagent-tobacconist in the square, considers it a good idea: «The fact of having a parking space, for an activity like this, is not important. In fact, people come here only to ask for the change of coins. I consider pedestrianization an advantage, also to protect the safety of children ».
A theme, that of safety, which is also very close to the heart of the parents of those who attend Manzoni: «The project presented is acceptable – comments Marzia Toso -. The chaos on leaving school is excessive, and therefore I think it is a good idea to pedestrianize the square. I’m taking my third child to Manzoni, I know the situation well ». Gelindo La Targia is also on the same line: «There are two problems in the square: one of safety, due to the presence of too many cars, and one of health, due to what our children breathe. Pedestrianization can solve both of them ».