17 Jul 2012, 10.30PM
Original thread created on 06 Mar 2012, 00:39
Title: Original Plan for Studio Apartments Along Toh Yi Drive Stays
According to a Straits Times report, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) has decided to proceed with plans to build 130 units of studio apartments for the elderly at the junction between Toh Yi Drive and Toh Yi Road. This decision comes a month after residents of Toh Yi submitted a petition to their Member of Parliament, Ms Sim Ann, in a bid to oppose plans.
The Straits Times had earlier reported that the residents who petitioned against the chosen site have come up with an alternative location, which is near the main road as well as amenities like the wet market and clinics. This proposal, however, upset some 50 residents living near the newly suggested site, who started another petition to move the apartments elsewhere. Stating in their petition, 'By suggesting that it (the studio apartment block) be relocated, they have made it someone else's problem', they added that the suggested location would rob them of the 'open view' which they have 'paid a premium for', and that the elderly may find the location near the main road too noisy and dusty.
Under the original plan, the block of studio apartments was supposed to be sited on a plot of land at the junction of Toh Yi Road and Toh Yi Drive in Bukit Timah. A basketball court, a jogging track and a small garden at the site will have to make way for the project.
Addressing residents’ concerns, HDB explained that the other alternative sites were not feasible as they are either too small, or have been set aside for other future development. To allay residents’ concerns of losing the estate’s main recreational facility, HDB will be incorporating a children’s playground, elderly fitness corner and community garden with the studio apartments.
For more information, read:
Updated on 17 July 2012, 10:30 PM
Toh Yi residents can look forward to more amenities in their estate as part of the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme! The proposed plans were unveiled by Bukit Timah grassroots adviser Sim Ann, who is also Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Law and Education, ahead of a ministerial visit to the ward on Sunday by Health Minister Gan Kim Yong.
The plans were drawn up with residents’ feedback gathered at dialogues and during house-to-house visits. Residents will also be consulted on some of the proposed new facilities in September before voting on a final plan in November.
Ms Sim Ann said, “Bukit Timah is a rather historic division with a long history, which our residents are very proud of. I think we are very conscious of the fact that, there are vivid collective memories here. And really, the people make the place.”
What are your views on the more active consultation process under the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme where residents are given more say on improvements to their precincts?