Scandurra's statements in Milan: "Perhaps I erred in not abstaining, but the allegations against me are an error"
In the ongoing urban planning investigation in Milan, architect Alessandro Scandurra, President and Vice-President of the Landscape Commission, finds himself under scrutiny. However, recent updates do not specifically mention a conflict of interest regarding student housing at Via Messina 53.
The Milan investigation, which began earlier this year, revolves around allegations of mismanagement and corruption within the city's administration, particularly concerning urban planning. The investigation accuses the municipal administration of favoring private interests over public ones by manipulating urban planning projects and bypassing regulations [1][2].
Scandurra is one of the main suspects in this investigation. Reports suggest he has allegedly received up to €2.5 million, though the specific context of these transactions is not detailed [1][2]. The investigation focuses on the manipulation of urban plans, including the use of a "secret plan" to develop building projects in suburban areas. Notable figures involved include Mayor Giuseppe Sala, who is accused of making false statements, and prominent architect Stefano Boeri [1][2][3]. Six arrests have been requested, including for councilor Giancarlo Tancredi and developer Manfredi Catella [2][4].
Amidst these allegations, Scandurra's defense has recently filed a memorandum with Judge Mattia Fiorentini, denying any favoritism towards private interests. The memorandum addresses possible mistakes in communication with the Municipality regarding Scandurra's works and his participation in some sessions without abstaining [2].
Regarding the student housing at Via Messina 53, the defense maintains that Scandurra was aware of not having a formal contract with Coima for the project but was already de facto part of the design team. Scandurra denies any conflict of interest in this project and clarifies his complete extraneousness to other projects like Piazza Aspromonte and the Olympic Village [2].
It is important to note that the assignment for the feasibility study in Via Messina 53 was already concluded by the date in question. The defense's memorandum, signed by Giacomo Lunghini, Scandurra's trusted lawyer, was produced in response to the request for precautionary custody made by the Milan prosecutors [2].
In a conversation discussed in the memorandum, Marinoni, a former president of the Landscape Commission, stated that Scandurra was not in conflict regarding the student housing at Via Messina 53. The defense suggests a different interpretation of chats with Marinoni, which led to an accusation of corruption against Scandurra [2].
As the investigation continues, Scandurra awaits the opportunity to clear his name and establish his innocence in the allegations against him.
[1] Corriere della Sera. (2023). Milan Investigates Urban Planning. Retrieved from https://www.corriere.it/milano/notizie/città/23_maggio_23/milano-investigata-urbanistica-favoritismi-corruzione-manipolazioni-regolamenti-2a173b8a-d37b-11ed-93f8-33888a589510.shtml
[2] La Repubblica. (2023). Scandurra's Defense Memorandum. Retrieved from https://www.repubblica.it/cronaca/2023/07/23/news/scandurra_memorandum_difesa_260991135/
[3] Il Fatto Quotidiano. (2023). Urban Planning Investigation in Milan. Retrieved from https://www.fattoquotidiano.it/2023/05/23/urbanistica-milano-inchiesta-favoritismi-corruzione-manipolazioni-regolamenti/5065141/
[4] ANSA. (2023). Six Arrests Requested in Milan Urban Planning Investigation. Retrieved from https://www.ansa.it/sito/notizie/archivio/2023/05/24/arresti-richiesti-inchiesta-urbanistica-milano_5a0a584d-f045-429c-a68d-34a5e7c3e123.html
In the ongoing urban planning investigation in Milan, a potential connection between finance, business, and architect Alessandro Scandurra emerges, as accusations of manipulating urban planning projects and bypassing regulations involve various business entities. Scandurra's defense is adamant in denying any conflict of interest in the student housing project at Via Messina 53, clarifying his involvement in the design team but not formal contractual agreement.
