Thursday, September 18, 2014

Ammending the local town plans

Ammendments to the local town plans.

Every city or town is developed via a pre planned document known as the local town plan. In most instances, this local plan is an official document made legal by law, ie the plans are gazetted.

The local town plan includes specific details such as identifying green spaces and every plot of land. The allowed use of each plot is mentioned either individually or grouped within a particular zone. Even the nature of allowed business may also be specified.

The purpose of these town plans are to ensure the sustainability of developments as well as the quality of life for its residents.

Over time, such plans may need to undergo ammendments. Ammending the gazetted plan is a serious task and as in the initial plans, it goes through public participation and involvement as well.
In proposing any ammendments, it must clearly state the reasons. It is also important to see each ammendment in the context of the overall plan. Minimum requirements for ammenities such as green lungs, markets, services including fire statio n and police stations, schools and parks must not be compromised. Infact ammendments should enhance these services not reduce it.

The ammendments can only be adopted if the initial infrastructure for that locality can accommodate the increase in traffic volume and density from the changes.

Therefore converting an open space into commercial use and allowing a multi story building should not be taken lightly.
Simple excuse that the open space is underutilised and becoming an eyesore or that its a private land is no reason to allow the ammendment.

It must also take into consideration the surrounding road system, the sewage system, the drainage and power supply grid capacity. These are basic essentials that contribute to the quality of life for residents.

Therefore each and every ammendment to a town plan can have a major impact on the rest of the township. It is a serious matter and should be treated as such.

Residents must also play their part in voicing support or objections to any proposed ammendments. Residents can also suggest their proposals for ammendments too.

Currently, individuals can also object and raise their concerns to any ammendments. It is important that the voice of the individual is also heard.

However, I would prefer to see a situation where for each locality, the individual's voice is grouped and spoken through the local residents associatio n. This means that the individual's concern has been discussed and adopted by the neighbours: giving it more merit.

The current ammendment exercise undertaken by MBPJ is experiencing great interest amongst PJ residents. This is a great step forward in resident interest, concern and involvement.

The proposals are being carefully scrutinised by residents and brought into public discussion. This augurs well for the future of Petaling Jaya.

It may appear to be a turbulent ride for the council to go through. Nevertheless, the long term benefits for the council and to the residents are very important.

For that reason, I would support the call for the current proposed ammendments to be recalled. A committee involving different stake holders should re look again at the proposed ammendments before re tabling it to the public.

The subsequent proposals must take into consideration the longterm public transportation infrastructure plus maintaining and increasing public spaces including green lungs and recreational facilities as part of its objectives and reasoning.

It may be a time consuming exercise but we owe it to the future generation. We must do our minimum best to ensure Petaling Jaya continues to be a vibrant liveable city of choice.