Navigli Residents Push Back on Council's Flood Prevention Plan: 'We Need Real Solutions, Not Disruption'

Residents of Milan's Navigli district are mobilising against a controversial flood mitigation proposal put forward by the city council, with dozens of affected homeowners and business owners demanding a seat at the table before work begins next month.

The proposed €47 million project would upgrade underground drainage infrastructure across the Navigli, Ticinese, and Porto Genova neighbourhoods—areas that experienced significant flooding during last October's severe weather events. While city officials argue the improvements are essential, community representatives say the plan lacks transparency and threatens the character of one of Milan's most economically vital quarters.

"We understand the city needs to address drainage issues, but this feels like something that was decided in an office without talking to us," said a spokesperson for the Navigli Residents Association, which has gathered over 1,200 signatures on a petition requesting a public consultation period. "We're not against modernisation—we're against being left in the dark."

The project would require extensive excavation along Via Ascanio Sforza and beneath the historic waterways themselves, potentially disrupting the 200-plus restaurants, galleries, and shops that line the canals. Business owners report concerns about access during construction, estimated to last 18 months, during peak tourist season.

Local shopkeeper associations have called for a phased approach instead of the council's proposed single-phase rollout. "The summer months bring 40% of our annual revenue," noted a representative from the Navigli Business Forum. "If work begins in July as planned, we're looking at catastrophic losses. They need to work with us on timing."

Milan's Deputy Mayor for Infrastructure defended the timeline during a city council session on June 25, emphasising that climate projections suggest increasingly severe flooding in coming years. "Delay means greater risk," she stated, while promising additional community meetings before July 15.

The controversy reflects broader tensions in Milan's rapidly evolving urban development. While the city council has invested heavily in sustainable infrastructure projects—including the expansion of bike lanes and green spaces—some neighbourhoods feel their voices are marginalised in major planning decisions.

The Navigli dispute comes as Milan prepares for the 2026 Winter Olympics, with significant infrastructure projects underway across multiple districts. Community groups are watching closely, viewing this moment as emblematic of how the city balances progress with resident concerns.

A final public forum is scheduled for July 8 at the Navigli Community Centre, where residents will present alternative proposals alongside city planners.

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