REGGIO EMILIA – The city's urban growth plan until 2050 has been outlined, allowing for the addition of up to 133 hectares to the urbanized area, accounting for just 3% of its total territory. This expansion has stirred discussions on whether the proposed amount is sufficient for future development.
Carlo Pasini, the city's Assessor for Urban Regeneration, spoke on this topic during a recent meeting, emphasizing the structured approach to manage urban growth sustainably. "These 133 hectares are available from now until 2050 for new settlements. During the city’s strongest developmental years, 133 hectares were used within 7-8 years," he explained, highlighting the rigorous parameters set for development within the framework of the new general urban planning.
The excitement is palpable, as there have already been 22 expressions of interest for new productive settlements primarily from outside companies. Pasini noted satisfaction with the variety of proposals received, which range from apartments and affordable grocery stores to logistics facilities. Nevertheless, the administration is inclined to prioritize investments likely to create significant value for the city.
With the stricter regulations implemented, land consumption is capped at just 3% of the urban area, translating to 133 hectares over the next 25 years. This is aimed at avoiding previous urban planning pitfalls, particularly the mistakes of the 2001 regulatory plan, which left more than 600 unsold apartments on the market.
Another pivotal aspect of the new plan involves the expiration of approvals for projects not initiated within two to three years from the date of council approval. This constraint is strategically introduced to mitigate the issues faced with previous planning efforts where numerous approvals led to stagnation.
Highlighting recent developments, Pasini also addressed the aftermath of the incident involving the local companies, INALCA and Quanta, which suffered after the February 11 fire. The city is currently identifying alternative sites for these companies to relocate to without severing their connection to Reggio Emilia. Pasini remarked, "We must provide these entities with multiple opportunities, ensuring they can continue their operations within our city."
This discussion holds weight not just for Reggio Emilia but for broader urban planning and sustainable development strategies across Italy and beyond. The city's measured approach should serve as a template for balancing growth and sustainability, providing insights for similar regions facing rapid urbanization challenges.
Reggio Emilia is poised at the crossroads of development and sustainability. By strategically limiting growth and aligning with businesses and residents' needs, its leaders are demonstrating a commitment to ensuring the city develops responsibly for future generations.