Reggio Emilia councilors protest new Conad commercial hub

Local councilors in Reggio Emilia are contesting the development of a new Conad commercial hub in the Ospizio area. The primary criticism, raised by Giovanni Tarquini of Reggio Civica and lawyer Matteo Marchesini, focuses on the planned 691 free parking spaces.

Critics argue that the number of spaces is disproportionately large, potentially exceeding the total number of blue-stripe paid parking spots in the entire city when combined with other local supermarkets. The project also includes a new roundabout on Via Emilia to facilitate vehicle access from multiple directions.

Opponents claim the scale of the project contradicts the administration’s ‘15-minute city’ goals and sustainable mobility policies, arguing that such a large facility cannot be classified as a mere neighborhood structure.