Selling Property on Public Land Confirmed in Cosenza
In the heart of Calabria, the municipality of Cosenza has recently made a move that has sparked controversy among local businesses and residents. The decision to increase fees for occupying public land has raised concerns about the potential impact on the local economy, particularly on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that heavily rely on outdoor spaces.
The new fees, which have seen an average increase from 12 to 125 euros per square meter, and up to 250 euros for outdoor seating areas, have been met with criticism from a significant portion of the community. Critics argue that these increases are irresponsible and will further weaken an already fragile local economy.
Cosenza, known for its relatively lower property prices compared to northern Italy, is home to a thriving business community. However, these increased fees could elevate operating costs for these businesses, potentially reducing profitability, especially for retail, hospitality, and service sectors. This could lead to a reduction in business activity and consumer spending, exerting a dampening effect on the local economy.
Italian commercial leases and property-related charges are subject to strong tenant protections and regulatory frameworks. Any change in fee structure could face resistance or require careful legislative or administrative procedures.
Calabria’s affordability in terms of real estate and cost of living creates opportunities but also challenges such as less dynamic business environments and slower services. Additional fees can exacerbate these challenges, potentially discouraging new business investment or expansion.
However, there is a silver lining. If the increased revenue is reinvested in local infrastructure or services, there could be long-term benefits for businesses and residents. The municipality has not yet specified how the increased revenue will be used, but the potential for improved public amenities could help mitigate the short-term impacts.
The municipality of Cosenza invites feedback on this matter through the contact section of their website, which also offers an English version for non-Italian speakers. This feedback mechanism provides an opportunity for the community to voice their concerns and suggestions, contributing to a more informed and balanced decision-making process.
[1] Eurostat (2020). House prices in the EU: average price of dwellings per square metre in urban areas. [2] Italian Ministry of Economic Development (2019). The Italian Leasing Market. [3] European Commission (2020). Regional Overview of Italy.
- The criticism from numerous businesses and residents in Cosenza, Italy, centers around the increase in fees for occupying public land, which has surged from 12 to 125 euros per square meter and up to 250 euros for outdoor seating areas, posing concerns for the financial health of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that heavily rely on outdoor spaces, and may impact the local business community's profitability, particularly retail, hospitality, and service sectors.
- In the absence of a specified plan for the use of the increased revenue, the question remains whether the municipality's decision to increase fees could potentially discourage new business investment or expansion, or whether the revenue could be reinvested in local infrastructure or services, leading to long-term benefits for businesses and residents, thereby softening the short-term blow.
