Why no notice on high-rise project

Application withdrawn: A developer had submitted their plans to build a SoHo and serviced apartment on the land that is currently used as a hawker centre in Section 19 this year.

The Forum 19 development in Section 19, Petaling Jaya was the hot topic at a meeting held between residents of SS2B, the police and the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ).

During the dialogue, residents raised their concern over the 34-storey Small Office/Home Office (SoHo) units and serviced apartment development, and the lack of feedback from the relevant department on the status of the developer’s application.

According to SS2B Rukun Tetangga chairman Willie Tan, the developer had submitted the plans earlier this year for the land that is currently used as a hawker centre.

A few residents were informed about it before word spread. Tan said MBPJ should have informed all the residents since the development would affect them as the neighbourhood was next to Section 19.

“No signboards for objection had been put up. Of course we would be concerned with the development as the road is already congested” he said.

The residents sent several letters to MBPJ, objecting to the project but none received an official reply. Only a statement was seen in a local daily stating that the developer had withdrawn the application.

“Some of the residents received a letter last week about the withdrawal. We were dissappointed that we were only informed after the withdrawal was done, which would mean the MBPJ left us in the dark during the application process. This is not right,” added Tan.

The residents brought up the topic again, concerned that the project might take off once the area is re-zoned.

However, Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua assured the residents that only projects that fulfil the requirements will see the light of day.

Zone eight councillor Tony Cheong who was also present said they have upgraded the system for e-mail complaints from residents that will help with the follow-up of complaints made.

Apart from that, the residents complained that the trees in front of their homes had not been pruned properly. This obstructs light from the street lamps, making the area unsafe for residents.

Cheong said he would personally visit the site and notify the relevant departments.

Also present at the meeting was Seapark police station Chief Inspector Gunam Resul Gulam and Damansara Utama assemblyman Dr Cheah Wing Yin’s representative Robert Tan.

Some of the residents of Jalan 19/1 also complained about vehicles including lorries which double park on the road, causing massive congestion during peak hours.

C/Insp Gunam assured the residents that he will place two officers to issue parking tickets to the vehicle owners.

By The Star