A cross-border worker's plea: Don't expel me
An adopted Comasco denounces housing pressure and calls for resident-focused policies
Contesto
In brief - A Comasco by adoption denounces real estate pressure - Boxes at 200,000 euros and parking spots at 35,000 euros - Policies for residents and limits on tourism are needed ## Key facts - What: Letter from a Comasco by adoption - When: May 3, 2026 - Where: Como - Who: Francesco Giuseppe Urbanelli - Amount: Boxes at 200,000 euros, parking spots at 35,000 euros Francesco Giuseppe Urbanelli, a Comasco by adoption who arrived 14 years ago, has written an open letter to denounce the increasingly critical situation in the city of Como. Urbanelli, who now considers Como his home, has decided to share his experience and concerns about the constant transformation of the city's economic and social fabric, following the tourist boom. 'I have restored a house with my own hands, piece by piece. I took out a very long mortgage, one of those that accompany you for a significant part of your life. I did it with conviction because I love this territory: the lake, the mountains, the narrow valley that seems like an embrace between water and stone,' writes Urbanelli. However, today Urbanelli struggles to accept the prospect of being pushed out of the city due to the growing real estate pressure. 'Today I tried to find a box. I found ads like this: a single box of 15 square meters for 180,000 euros, which with VAT and agency fees exceed 200,000 euros. I found parking spots in the outskirts at 35,000 euros!' he denounces. ### Real estate pressure The situation described by Urbanelli reflects the growing real estate pressure in Como, where property prices are reaching unsustainable levels for residents. Despite having a salary double the national average, Urbanelli feels 'poor' and forced to flee from a city he chose and to which he has given everything. 'Tourism grows every y...
Dettagli operativi
Implications for cross-border workers The situation described by Urbanelli has important implications for cross-border workers who live and work in Como. The increasing real estate pressure and the transformation of the urban fabric may make it increasingly difficult for cross-border workers to find affordable housing and live sustainably in the city. ### Comparison with the previous situation Before the tourist boom, Como was a more accessible and livable city for residents. Property prices were lower and the quality of life was higher. Today, the situation has completely changed, with property prices becoming unsustainable for many residents. ### Future scenarios If adequate measures are not taken, the situation could worsen further. Como could become an increasingly unlivable city for residents, with an increase in discomfort and living costs. However, with adequate policies, it is possible to reverse this trend and make Como livable again for everyone. ### Concrete proposals Urbanelli proposes a series of concrete solutions to make Como more livable. Among these, the need to limit bed & breakfasts, stop the transformation of the historic center into a tourist dormitory, and build box units at controlled prices. Additionally, he proposes to improve urban mobility with preferential lanes for buses, ferries, and essential services and to create a circular light metro. These proposals could have a significant impact on the quality of life of residents and cross-border workers, making Como a more livable and sustainable city. ## Useful tools to protect your net income To reduce FX leakage, compare CHF-EUR exchange options and banks for cross-border workers.
Punti chiave
What to do concretely To address the current situation, it's important for residents and cross-border workers to organize and put pressure on local authorities to obtain adequate policies. You can participate in public meetings, sign petitions, and contact local representatives to express your concerns. ### Deadlines and procedures There are no immediate deadlines, but it's important to act as soon as possible to prevent the situation from worsening further. You can contact the Como municipality to obtain information about public meetings and ongoing initiatives. ### Useful tools To calculate the cost of living and compare property prices, you can use the cost of living calculator. Additionally, to compare salaries and working conditions, you can use the salary comparator. ### Conclusion Francesco Giuseppe Urbanelli's letter is an important signal of the challenges that residents and cross-border workers in Como must face. It is fundamental that local authorities take these concerns seriously and adopt adequate policies to make Como a livable city for everyone. With the commitment and collaboration of all, it is possible to reverse the trend and improve the quality of life in the city. Source: comozero.it
Punti chiave
[{"q":"What are Francesco Giuseppe Urbanelli's main concerns?","a":"Urbanelli's main concerns involve the increasing real estate pressure and the transformation of Como's urban fabric, making it increasingly difficult for residents to live sustainably in the city. Urbanelli denounces the exorbitant prices of real estate and the lack of adequate policies for residents."},{"q":"What solutions does Urbanelli propose to make Como more livable?","a":"Urbanelli proposes a series of solutions, including limiting bed & breakfasts, stopping the transformation of the historic center into a tourist dormitory, building subsidized parking spaces, improving urban mobility with preferential lanes, and creating a circular light metro."},{"q":"What are the implications for cross-border workers?","a":"The implications for cross-border workers are significant. The increasing real estate pressure and the transformation of the urban fabric can make it increasingly difficult for cross-border workers to find affordable housing and live sustainably in the city."}]
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are Francesco Giuseppe Urbanelli's main concerns?
- Urbanelli's main concerns involve the increasing real estate pressure and the transformation of Como's urban fabric, making it increasingly difficult for residents to live sustainably in the city. Urbanelli denounces the exorbitant prices of real estate and the lack of adequate policies for residents.
- What solutions does Urbanelli propose to make Como more livable?
- Urbanelli proposes a series of solutions, including limiting bed & breakfasts, stopping the transformation of the historic center into a tourist dormitory, building subsidized parking spaces, improving urban mobility with preferential lanes, and creating a circular light metro.
- What are the implications for cross-border workers?
- The implications for cross-border workers are significant. The increasing real estate pressure and the transformation of the urban fabric can make it increasingly difficult for cross-border workers to find affordable housing and live sustainably in the city.