by InTrieste
Residents of the Borgo Teresiano neighborhood say nightlife around Piazza Ponterosso has become increasingly difficult to live with, citing loud music, trash, public urination and, more recently, prostitution returning to nearby streets.
The Ponterosso Committee, founded in 2017, has seen growing membership as residents from Via Roma, Via Bellini, Via Rossini and Via Trento join those in Via Genova in pressing the city for relief. “We are not against tourism or entertainment,” said Lorella Francarli, the group’s president. “But the high volume of music outside bars affects people’s health.”
In 2023, city officials tightened rules on outdoor music, limiting it to 10:30 p.m. on weeknights and midnight on weekends. Fines and suspensions now apply to repeat offenders. This year, local police have issued 11 fines, 7 warnings and 2 temporary closures in the area, along with 17 cases of noise violations.
City councillor for security Caterina de Gavardo said enforcement has improved and conditions are better than last summer, while also confirming that police patrols have been stepped up in response to reports of prostitution.
Still, residents argue that while tourism benefits city coffers, they are left with dirty streets and neglected public spaces. “One would expect investments in cleanliness and urban decor,” Francarli said. “Instead, we have empty flower boxes and trash.”
