Bosco Ospizio redevelopment sparks legal and social tension in Reggio Emilia

Tensions are escalating in Reggio Emilia over the redevelopment project of the Bosco Ospizio area. The conflict involves environmental associations, local residents, and the company Conad, which has obtained permits to build a supermarket and public service buildings on the approximately 45,000 square meter site.

Residents of the Sergio Stranieri neighborhood have expressed growing fear via an open letter to the mayor and prefect, citing concerns over potential urban guerrilla warfare and the safety of private property once construction begins. While some residents support the new plan for its potential to bring services and green spaces to a neglected area, others remain opposed.

Legal and political actions have intensified. Conad Centro Nord has filed a lawsuit against unknown individuals for private violence and trespassing, and has requested the prefecture to dissolve or relocate the permanent protest camp currently monitoring the site. Meanwhile, a parliamentary inquiry has been submitted to the Chamber of Deputies to explore alternative designs that could preserve the forest entirely. The controversy has also caused political friction within the local municipal government.