Borgo Nuovo residents protest closure of elderly center: “We are a family here”

Last Updated: May 22, 2024

Palermo, a Borgo Nuovo protesta contro la chiusura del centro anziani: «Qui siamo una famiglia»

“Borgo Nuovo takes to the streets to protest against the closure of the elderly center. Dozens of people gathered this morning (May 22) in Palermo, right in front of the Iacp building on via Cartiera, hanging banners and protest signs against the decision taken by the institutions. The structure has been closed since April 27 due to a bureaucratic issue between the managers of the facility and the City Council, leaving many without a point of reference to spend their days and socialize with the 220 registered members.

“They say we provide elderly assistance: it’s not true,” says Matilde Prestigiacomo, among the members of the elderly center. “People continue to call us and protest. They accuse us of holding private parties. That’s not the case. We are a family of 220 members who gather at free events.”

“In the center,” explains Andrea Aiello, president of the fifth district, “schools are also hosted for cultural activities. The space was used by associations for after-school programs and English courses. I believe we have done excellent work and it cannot be destroyed. The Borgo Nuovo day center cannot meet the same fate as the youth center on via Castellana or the sports facilities in Largo Gibilmanna.”

Meanwhile, only authorized maintenance personnel are allowed to enter the building, and the empty space has already been vulnerable to vandalism: just yesterday, unknown individuals broke in, forcing the windows and causing damage inside the structure. Law enforcement officers arrived at the scene and the managers filed a report. Now, the neighborhood is trembling at the thought of it being occupied: “We are willing to guard it day and night with the citizens,” emphasizes Councilor Salvo Altadonna. “With the closure of the center, Borgo Nuovo has not lost, but the entire city has.” A battle that seems to involve everyone. From the young to the elderly. From the right to the left. “It’s really a shame to see the elderly center closed,” says Councilor Davide Grasso. “Personally, I have entered this place very few times, but on those occasions, I have only noticed positive factors, a real center full of vitality, where people from the neighborhoods of Palermo, but especially from Borgo Nuovo, went to relax. It was great to see so many people today demanding this place, and I am sure that this fight will pay off.”

In the video, the words of Matilde Prestigiacomo and the president of the Fifth District, Andrea Aiello.”