The political conflict over the management of Messina’s archaeological heritage does not subside. With a vitriolic note, the former councilor Enzo Caruso responds directly to the recent demonstrations organized by the candidate Sciacca and the architect Principato, most recently today’s one to turn the spotlight back on the tomb of Largo Avignone.
Caruso’s first thrust concerns the form of the protests. “For days we have been witnessing gatherings that Sciacca defines as flash mobs, but it confuses us”, writes the former councilor, underlining how the essential component of such events is missing: the choreography. “On these two occasions we did not see dances, ballets or songs. So let’s call them by their name: gatherings to express dissent”.
The Largo Avignone case: the numbers of the Basile Council
The heart of the replica concerns the Chamber tomb of Largo Avignone. Caruso denies the accusation of inaction on the part of the administration led by Federico Basile, reeling off the details of an already approved plan: the council has already given the green light to the planning document for the reconstruction of the Zuccarello staircase and the restyling of the entire area. An amount of 325,000 euros is expected and the project includes a walkway requested by the Superintendency, necessary to guarantee public use in total safety, overcoming the “occasional openings” of the past which did not comply with current regulations. The intervention has an estimated time of 18 months.
Caruso does not spare personal criticism of the architect Principato, accusing him of fueling an inexplicable hatred. “I wonder what action he ever took, unlike me, to make dreams and desires come true during his many years of service in the Municipality office”, attacks the former councilor, recalling that the archaeological site has already been included in a large tourist map that connects Palazzo Weigert to the Gran Camposanto. The note ends with an ironic challenge to political opponents: “We are waiting for the next ‘Flash Mob’, hoping that this time there will be a choreography capable of truly surprising us.”