Despite the progressive development of some areas of the historic center of L'Aquila, fifteen years after the 2009 earthquake, around fifteen commercial activities will close their doors over the next few weeks. The alarm was raised by
Lorenzo Rotellini
, a young municipal councilor of the capital.
"Since I was elected - he explains - one of the commitments I have made towards my city is to monitor the evolution of resettlement in the historic centre. Alongside the central axis which is continuously developing - he adds - there are numerous areas of the center where the situation is very different. The loneliness that is perceived among the deserted alleys is also a symptom of a lack of safety and lack of services for residents and businesses. Some commercial activities are affected by this, especially those in the fashion and clothing sector "Shops that have relocated to streets close to Piazza Duomo such as Via Patini and Via Marrelli are in trouble. Some are thinking of returning to the suburbs, others will lower their shutters forever."
Right in via Patini, traders have tried to attract visitors with street art and themed decorations, the latest on Valentine's Day, but the situation remains delicate.
"We need to intervene immediately - underlines Rotellini - with a re-elaboration of the trade plan, encouraging the opening of new businesses and supporting those already started. We need to encourage the natural shopping centre, added to all this are the now well-known difficulties in getting to the center and the lack of parking".
"The ruling class has responsibilities - he continues -. The entire city is asking to repopulate the centre, to revive it and rekindle it. L'Aquila has asked the people of L'Aquila to make their dreams come true here. Now we cannot abandon them and let them agonize. It would mean having failed". The historic center is still far from being repopulated and commercial users are just over two hundred. "In this period - specifies Rotellini - there have been no closures among pubs and restaurants which continue to operate steadily. This historic center is a wedding favor - he concludes - but more targeted policies are needed".
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