Grants for the ‘middle class’ ?
December 20th, 2006
In the face of the ever-dimishing number of inhabitants of the historic centre of Venice approaching the critical mark of 60′000, deputy mayor Michele Vianello considers a financial aid for middle class families who are committed to a life within the alleys and canals. Since it is virtually impossible to acquire a decent home for a price of less then 5.000 € per square metre, Vianello proposed to not only help the proletariat with the so-called case popolare (social housing), but also those who gain less than 50.000 € a year and pay a monthly rent of up to 1.000 €. But as the interview in the Gazzettino newspaper of December, 19, reveals, Vianello’s ‘middle class’ mainly consists of water taxi drivers and motoscafisti, so helping the middle class does imply a further promotion of tourism. This is where the deputy mayor is going round in circles, since it is the acceleration of tourism beyond rationality that led to the current problems. It seems that the municipality wants to continue the administration of inherited nuisances and completely lacks a vision for Venice.
February 3rd, 2007 at 12:59 pm
About city incentives to come and live, permanenently, and do something useful. We are setting up our classic music and media centre in Venice because we love the city so much. The financial incentive is pleasant and somehow assures that, despite the difficulties, our project is welcome because it is permanent and seeks to collaborate with the active musical and cultural life in the city.