hkskyline
July 20th, 2009, 06:24 PM
High-rise will block air flow, Jardine's Lookout residents say
19 July 2009
South China Morning Post
Residents of a private estate in Jardine's Lookout staged a protest yesterday, saying a high-rise being erected by New World Development will encroach on their private space and block the flow of air.
About 10 representatives of the 80 households in Dragon Garden, Chun Fai Terrace, hoisted banners and chanted slogans outside the Villa Splendor construction site.
They complained that an outside wall of the planned 40-storey residential building comes so close to Dragon Garden's car park that it leaves no space for air to flow.
Meanwhile, temporary panels set up around the construction site have blocked almost one-third of a four-metre-wide access road that belongs to Dragon Garden.
Over the past few months, heavy trucks carrying construction materials have damaged the road surface and threatened the safety of pedestrians when they back up on the narrow roadway, they said.
"Neither the developer nor the construction company have consulted our opinions about these issues, which have seriously infringed on our rights," said Tan Kai-nin, 52, a member of the Dragon Garden property owners' committee.
Residents say they are fed up with the government's lack of help and pass-the-buck response to their many complaints to the Buildings Department, Lands Department and other government departments over the past two years.
"We thought about taking it to court, but that would be very costly. To come out and fight for our interests is the only thing we can do now," Mr Tan said.
Eastern District councillor Tsang Kin-shing showed his support by joining the protesters yesterday. Pointing to the unfinished concrete pillars built right next to the estate's car park, he said: "This is totally irresponsible; it will block the air flow into the car park. We urge [New World] to have a meeting with the residents to settle the problems."
Another resident, a Mr Tsui, said the market price of their flats had stalled at about HK$7,000 per square foot since the building work began, while the price for other estate blocks of similar quality in the area had climbed to about HK$10,000.
A New World spokesman said the company would look into the matter and follow up on complaints.
19 July 2009
South China Morning Post
Residents of a private estate in Jardine's Lookout staged a protest yesterday, saying a high-rise being erected by New World Development will encroach on their private space and block the flow of air.
About 10 representatives of the 80 households in Dragon Garden, Chun Fai Terrace, hoisted banners and chanted slogans outside the Villa Splendor construction site.
They complained that an outside wall of the planned 40-storey residential building comes so close to Dragon Garden's car park that it leaves no space for air to flow.
Meanwhile, temporary panels set up around the construction site have blocked almost one-third of a four-metre-wide access road that belongs to Dragon Garden.
Over the past few months, heavy trucks carrying construction materials have damaged the road surface and threatened the safety of pedestrians when they back up on the narrow roadway, they said.
"Neither the developer nor the construction company have consulted our opinions about these issues, which have seriously infringed on our rights," said Tan Kai-nin, 52, a member of the Dragon Garden property owners' committee.
Residents say they are fed up with the government's lack of help and pass-the-buck response to their many complaints to the Buildings Department, Lands Department and other government departments over the past two years.
"We thought about taking it to court, but that would be very costly. To come out and fight for our interests is the only thing we can do now," Mr Tan said.
Eastern District councillor Tsang Kin-shing showed his support by joining the protesters yesterday. Pointing to the unfinished concrete pillars built right next to the estate's car park, he said: "This is totally irresponsible; it will block the air flow into the car park. We urge [New World] to have a meeting with the residents to settle the problems."
Another resident, a Mr Tsui, said the market price of their flats had stalled at about HK$7,000 per square foot since the building work began, while the price for other estate blocks of similar quality in the area had climbed to about HK$10,000.
A New World spokesman said the company would look into the matter and follow up on complaints.