For example, redevelopment projects with higher density are totally fine as long as it is connected to MRT or LRT networks, and property prices are kept affordable due to the number of units for Malaysian households.
However, we should not support developments that have not taken the concerns of all stakeholders into consideration, such as those that may have dangerous elements, or were not informed to the authorities earlier.
Perhaps the local authorities could be the mediator in such cases.
According to the New Straits Times, Penang condominium residents are fuming over the dangerous encroachment of new projects into their neighbourhood.
The article mentioned that residents of a condominium in Sungai Ara are furious that the current entranceway to their condo will be narrowed to make way for a new condominium development.
The building’s joint management committee (JMC) chairman K Raj Kumar said they were only informed of the matter in December 2018.
In a hearing of the case at the Balik Pulau land office last month, the residents were informed that nothing could be done because the new project has been already been approved by the local authorities.
Raj said, “Usually, for such projects, there would be a road safety assessment or traffic impact assessment. But this proposal was made some time in August and was completed and approved by November.
“The following month, we were notified through our developer that the land at our entrance (had been acquired) and that part of it will become the entrance for the new condominium.”
He added, “There was no communication at all with us as the affected parties. We were left in the dark – and suddenly, hit with a bomb. No consultation, no meeting whatsoever.”
Beyond just the entranceway issue, there will be an additional 800 condominium units and affordable homes built on the parcel of land next to their building.
It is believed that a different route to the new condominium – on the other side of the parcel of land – was initially drafted by the developer, but residents of nearby terrace houses had objected to it.
Another JMC member, Dr PL Narayanan, said that the planned narrowing of their condominium’s entranceway will pose a danger to residents who will have to make very sharp turns when driving into the development.
He said, “Imagine having hundreds of vehicles entering and exiting the same small road. This is ridiculous and dangerous.”
The residents are hoping that all parties involved in approving the project will hold discussions with them to find an amicable solution to the issue.
Hopefully a meeting can be held at the land office as soon as possible, facilitated by the authorities. In fact, someone from the state government should be present – isn’t this why Malaysians voted them in?
It will not be possible for a one-side-wins-all kind of situation. Perhaps it’s best to get people with engineering expertise to be present as well so that the solution can be based on alternatives and not just be a debate on who’s right and who’s wrong.
Continuous delay will not be beneficial for all parties.
This article first appeared in kopiandproperty.com
Charles Tan blogs at property investment site kopiandproperty. He dislikes property speculators and disagrees that renting is better than buying. He thinks it’s either property or poverty. He is presently the CEO of an auction house auctioning assets beyond just properties.