Farewell to Csoa Il Molino: debris removal begins

Context

In brief

• Demolition work begins at Csoa Il Molino
• Estimated duration between one and a half and two months
• Ongoing investigation into criminal liability

Key facts

• What: Demolition and requalification of the former slaughterhouse area
• When: Starting today, estimated duration between one and a half and two months
• Where: Former slaughterhouse area, Lugano
• Who: City of Lugano
• Amount: 35,000 francs in compensation

The City of Lugano has started today the requalification work of the former slaughterhouse area, marking the end of the symbol of Ticino self-management. The first step consists in the removal and disposal of the rubble, a preliminary operation indispensable for the realization of the architectural project Campus Matrix. The overall duration of the operation is estimated between one and a half and two months.

Csoa Il Molino has always divided public opinion, but today, less than five years after its eviction and partial demolition, the final chapter is definitively written. The decision to start the work came after a long process that involved the city authorities and the self-managers.

Timeline of events

Before the 'night of the bulldozers', the city executive had given an ultimatum to the occupants with formal termination of the convention of 18 December 2002 signed between City, Canton and Alba Association. If the spaces were not freed within the deadline, the procedure would have followed its course as provided by law. To date, no request for mediation has been received by the Executive.

From that ultimatum, little more than a month passed, characterized by weeks of tension between self-managers and authorities. Then came May 29, 2021, when a demonstration 'against eviction and in defense of self-managed liberated spaces' was organized in the center of Lugano. An unauthorized event, but which took place without incidents until Piazza Molino Nuovo. Then the escalation: part of the self-managers temporarily occupied the building of the former Vanoni Institute, in via Simen. The authorities evacuated the annex F of the former slaughterhouse and subsequently the bulldozers demolished the structure.

The rubble, released by the Public Prosecutor's Office last autumn, are now at the center of the removal work. On the matter, an investigation is underway to clarify any criminal liability in the demolition of the structure and in doing so is trying to reconstruct who decided what that night. Something from which political responsibilities could emerge.

On the matter, an investigation is underway to clarify any criminal liability in the demolition of the structure, and in doing so is trying to reconstruct who decided what that night. Something from which political responsibilities could emerge. Meanwhile, at the end of last year, the SOA assembly decided to agree to the release of the rubble and to withdraw the civil complaint in exchange for a refund of 35,000 francs, as compensation for material damages (initially the Alba association had requested 100,000 francs) or, alternatively, the provision of a space deemed suitable for self-management.

Money, which, they communicated later, decided to 'redistribute to similar struggle realities, turning what could have been an epilogue into a new starting point'. They wrote this while taking a jab at the city institutions, which, in their words, 'did not even consider the possibility of making new spaces available'.

As written, an investigation is underway regarding what happened on the night between May 29 and 30, 2021, which will clarify any responsibilities of those who initiated the partial demolition of the former slaughterhouse. On June 28, 2023, the Public Ministry wrote: 'Regarding the criminal proceedings revolving around the eviction of the spaces previously occupied by the Addio Lugano Bella Association C.S.O.A Il Molino and the demolition, at the end of May 2021, of a building part of the former Lugano slaughterhouse complex, it is recalled that on December 9, 2021, the Attorney General Andrea Pagani had issued an abandonment decree to the parties in relation to the hypotheses of the crime of abuse of authority (art. 312 CP), intentional violation, subsidiarily negligent, of the rules of the construction art (art. 229 CP), infringement of the Federal Law on the protection of the environment (art. 60 LPAmb) and damage (art. 144 para. 1 CP). Against the decision, the representative of the private accuser had filed an appeal to the Criminal Complaints Court (CRP). The appeal was accepted, referring the acts to the Public Ministry, so that it may further clarify the facts that resulted in the aforementioned real estate demolition. The evidentiary investigations will be carried out by the Public Ministry according to the indications of the Superior Authority that impose the drafting of an investigative plan to be defined to guarantee the right to the contradictory of the parties. No further information will be released'.

In this sense, the latest news dates back two weeks ago. The Attorney General Andrea Pagani, as written by the Corriere del Ticino, has indeed ordered a new expertise to clarify whether there were alternatives to the demolition of the dormitory that night. In particular, it is intended to ascertain whether other measures were practicable, such as walling up the windows or setting up a police cordon to prevent the re-entry of the self-managed, who a few hours earlier had occupied the former Vanoni.

Operational details

Impact on the community and future prospects

The removal of the debris from the Csoa Il Molino represents a significant moment for the city of Lugano, not only from an urban planning perspective, but also socially. Once the redevelopment is complete, the area of the former slaughterhouse will be destined to host the architectural project Campus Matrix, an initiative aimed at transforming the area into a cultural and educational hub.

For cross-border workers living and working in Ticino, the redevelopment of this area could offer new opportunities for integration and participation in the city's cultural life. However, the question of criminal responsibilities and the decisions made during the eviction and demolition remains open and could have repercussions on the local social and political climate.

Removal and redevelopment procedure

The procedure for removing the debris has been carefully planned to ensure the safety and efficiency of the operation. The estimated duration of between one and a half months and two months indicates a complex undertaking, which requires the collaboration of various authorities and professionals in the field.

For cross-border workers interested in following the progress of the work, it is possible to consult the official websites of the City of Lugano and the Canton of Ticino for updates and detailed information. Transparency and open communication are fundamental to maintaining the community's trust and ensuring that the process is carried out in accordance with the laws and regulations in force.

Comparison with the previous situation

Before the eviction and demolition, the Csoa Il Molino was a symbol of self-management and cultural resistance. Its presence has always sparked debates and tensions, but it has also offered a space for aggregation and expression for many young people and activists. The redevelopment of the area represents a significant change, which could bring economic and social benefits, but which also requires careful management of the community's expectations and needs.

For cross-border workers who frequented the Csoa Il Molino, the closure of this space may represent a loss, but the new area could offer new opportunities for participation and integration. It is important that the authorities involved in the redevelopment take into account the needs and expectations of all citizens, including cross-border workers, to ensure an inclusive and participatory process.

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Key points

What cross-border workers should do

For cross-border workers who want to stay updated on the progress of the redevelopment work and the opportunities offered by the new Campus Matrix project, it is advisable to regularly consult the official websites of the City of Lugano and the Canton of Ticino. Additionally, you can participate in public meetings and consultations to express your opinions and suggestions.

Useful tools

For those interested in learning more about the opportunities offered by the redevelopment of the former abattoir area, you can use the opportunity calculator available on the Frontaliere Ticino website. This tool can help evaluate potential benefits and plan participation in future events and initiatives.

Conclusion

The removal of the debris from Csoa Il Molino represents an important step towards the redevelopment of the former abattoir area in Lugano. For cross-border workers, this transformation could offer new opportunities for integration and participation in the city's cultural and social life. It is essential to stay informed and actively participate in the process to ensure that the needs of all citizens are taken into consideration.

Source: ticinonews.ch