Wednesday, December 21, 2011

MPPP to arrange public consultation over Pykett Avenue

MPPP to arrange public consultation over Pykett Avenue

GEORGETOWN (July 28, 2011): The Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) will arrange a public consultation with residents living around Pykett Avenue where a high-rise condominium project is being planned on the site of an illegally demolished colonial-era bungalow.

Penang Local Government Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said the blueprint of the four towers, which are being planned by developer Klassik Tropika Sdn Bhd, will be displayed to the public and residents in the neighbourhood for their feedback.

"We are waiting for the applicant to submit the subsequent plan with more details," he said after a dialogue session with more than 50 residents last night.

Klassik Tropika, a subsidiary of Mah Sing Group Bhd, submitted a proposal to the MPPP on Oct 6 last year for an apartment complex with four towers on the site.

This was after it had torn down the old structure at 20 Pykett Avenue without approval on July 26 last year.

On Jan 11 this year, MPPP issued an order to Klassik Tropika to rebuild the double-storey bungalow. The building was originally owned by Khaw Bian Cheng Sdn Bhd, which is connected to the 19th century magnate Khaw Sim Bee who became governor of Phuket in the 1890s.

Klassik Tropika said it had complied with action taken against it, including a fine of RM6,000 set by the Georgetown magistrate's court on Jan 17 this year for demolishing the bungalow without permit.

The demolition last year caused an outcry from heritage activists and nearby residents.

"The developer would have to take note of various MPPP departments' conditions to ensure the convenience of the existing community around the area. We want the developer to look into the interest of others as well," Chow said.

He added that the residents had expressed deep concern about how the high-density project would affect the infrastructure in the neighbourhood, including roads, the drainage systems, the water and electricity system.

No comments:

Post a Comment