Clash erupts at Rivoli's CHP facility
Counting Down the Days:
The anticipated ruling on the controversial cogeneration plant project in Via Ciamarella is just around the corner (set for Midweek). Despite the construction work continuing unabated, the ** passionate activists from the Rivoli citizens' committee** show no signs of backing down.
Warning Bell for the Municipality and Metropolitan City
"Approximately three weeks ago, we served a formal lapse notice to the Metropolitan City of Turin and the Municipality of Rivoli, outlining that, as of January 10, no construction work had commenced", the grassroots committee elucidates. They claim that the building permit issued by the Metropolitan City last year should supposedly have lapsed** under these circumstances.
Disputed Progress by Municipal Technicians
However, their claims were refuted by the municipal technicians, who, when contacted by the Metropolitan City, instead reported the initiation of the laying of utility networks and pipes, thereby justifying the ongoing construction.
Launching the Stop-Works Campaign
Consequently, the committee decided to ** launch a petition, which was shared around on social media platforms, urging the administration to halt construction and to propose Edison and the Metropolitan City an alternative site for the plant, which is currently planned near a residential area**.
Calling for Consistency from the New Administration
"Last year, the main opposition party in Rivoli declared itself against the cogeneration plant. Now, with them in power, do they still share the same sentiments?", the activists ponder aloud, whilst having recently reactivated the fundraising campaign on GoFundMe to cover the legal expenses involved in this battle.
Mayor Alessandro Errigo's Counter Punch
"During the election campaign, we never promised that if elected we could bring a halt to the works - the mayor, Alessandro Errigo, emphasizes - but I did pledge open communication and collaboration with the citizens and I have remained true to my word since the first day of taking office. I have encouraged discussions between Edison, the residents, and the council, organizing numerous meetings to draft a shared agreement".
Renouncing the Agreement with Edison to Respect the Appeal
The mayor continues: "Realizing the requests of the committee and not wanting to compromise the outcome of the appeal they had initiated with the TAR, the administration waived the signing of the agreement with Edison and relinquished the potential benefits for the community".
Alternative Proposals to the Current Plant
Among the suggested alternatives are a donated solar panel farm for the city, the camouflage of the existing structure, and the ** arrangements for an environmental education program at local schools**.
Limits on the Municipal Administration's Regulatory Power
"I don't have the regulatory powers to stop the construction" - Errigo reiterates - "The permit for the plant was granted by the Metropolitan City, making them the only entity with the authority to revoke it".
- The Rivoli citizens' committee has served a formal lapse notice to the Metropolitan City of Turin and the Municipality of Rivoli, stating that no construction work had commenced as of January 10.
- The committee is urging the administration to halt construction and propose an alternative site for the plant, currently planned near a residential area.
- The mayor, Alessandro Errigo, emphasizes that he has encouraged discussions between Edison, the residents, and the council, organizing numerous meetings to draft a shared agreement.
- Among the suggested alternatives are a donated solar panel farm for the city, the camouflage of the existing structure, and arrangements for an environmental education program at local schools.
- The mayor reminds that he does not have the regulatory powers to stop the construction, as the permit for the plant was granted by the Metropolitan City, making them the only entity with the authority to revoke it.
- The grassroots committee reiterates their plea for the industry to invest more in renewable energy, such as photovoltaics, to address climate-change concerns and promote a greener environment-science and finance for sustainable development.
