Como mayor's school and daycare closure plan faces opposition over waiting lists

During a city council session in Como, Democratic councillor Patrizia Lissi disputed Mayor Alessandro Rapinese's proposal to close several schools and nurseries. She highlighted extensive waiting lists at the Caravelle nursery in via Giussani (11 children waiting, 14 already placed elsewhere), Babylandia nursery in via Palestro (3 on the list, 7 for second or third choice) and Fantasia nursery in via Italia Libera (four families waiting for first choice, five for second and third). Lissi argued that the demand contradicts the mayor’s claim that declining birth rates justify the closures, suggesting instead that financial savings drive the reorganisation.

Lissi also raised concerns about traffic congestion on via Napoleona and overcrowded buses that impede parents with strollers, as well as limited parking near schools. The mayor responded by pointing to the distribution of children among existing schools and defended the municipality’s actions. The debate also touched on the future investment for the former Ticosa site, with councillor Vittorio Nessi calling for greater transparency.