En skok je dovolj, da "zasedete" nekdanji mestni center na aveniji Hungaria

A former civic center in viale Ungheria has become a focal point of concern after local officials from Forza Italia (FdI) discovered it had been occupied by unauthorized individuals during a recent inspection. The building, which was once slated to house the local police command for the fourth municipal district, has remained abandoned for over three years and has repeatedly fallen into the hands of squatters. During their visit, FdI council members Francesco Rocca and Davide Rocca noted that the structure was easily accessible, with broken windows and no security measures in place. They warned that the area could pose serious risks to nearby residents, particularly because the building borders a school and lacks proper alarm systems. The inspection took place amid ongoing concerns raised by the two FdI representatives regarding the lack of adequate safety measures around the property. In the spring of last year, they submitted an inquiry to the city’s assessor, Marco Granelli, requesting immediate action to secure the premises. Despite these efforts, the issue persists, with Rocca reporting that the entrance remained open and the space continued to be occupied illegally. While Granelli claimed that constant monitoring by the local police was in place, the FdI members argued that current measures were insufficient and too lenient. The former civic center, owned by the municipality, was originally planned for renovation starting in 2016 or 2017 with an investment of three million euros. This included the restoration of its façade and other structural improvements. However, the project was put on hold pending clarification of the building's future use. Recently, Granelli confirmed that the structure would eventually serve as the headquarters for the local police department of the fourth municipal district, and preliminary planning steps have begun. Davide Rocca expressed cautious optimism about this development but emphasized skepticism given the current state of the building and the often lengthy bureaucratic processes involved. His concerns were reinforced by the recent inspection, which revealed the continued vulnerability of the site. The FdI members highlighted the need for more robust security measures to prevent further incidents and protect the surrounding community. Meanwhile, another pressing issue has emerged concerning the feline population residing near the Castello in Milan. The Association for Feline Colonies of Milan is working tirelessly to preserve the historic group of cats known as the “Gatti Sforzeschi,” which have inhabited the fortress for over six centuries. These cats, once cared for by noblewomen such as Contessa Clementina and Clotilde Baratieri, are now under the watchful eye of volunteers including Rosi and Sebastiano Orfeo. The colony, which numbered around sixty in 2023, has dwindled to eighteen due to the sterilization program aimed at controlling their numbers. The association faces challenges in maintaining the health and well-being of the remaining cats, especially as some of the dedicated caretakers who have spent their lives ensuring the animals’ welfare begin to age or pass away. Without new volunteers to take up the mantle, there is a risk that the colony could face extinction. To address this, the association seeks support through donations and volunteer contributions, aiming to sustain the care provided to the cats while also assisting other colonies affected by urban development projects. The Gatti Sforzeschi receive high-quality food throughout the year, with excess supplies shared with other feral cat colonies in the city. Veterinary care costs approximately 20,000 euros annually, managed by private clinics available round-the-clock, unlike public healthcare services that operate only until late afternoon and weekends. Volunteers manage daily tasks such as feeding, cleaning, and monitoring the cats, often working alone and facing physical demands that persist even during holidays. To ensure the sustainability of the colony, the association requires twenty active volunteers, two each day, seven days a week, with additional backups to cover absences due to illness or changes in employment. Only seven individuals currently have access to the castle’s grounds, underscoring the critical role of dedicated caretakers in preserving this unique feline heritage.