Wed, Sep 30, 2009 - Page 1 News List

Security fears may affect Boai buildings

UNWANTED ATTENTION A high-rise complex has been at the center of controversy as residents of the 23-story building have a clear view of the official presidential residence

By Ko Shu-ling And Mo Yan-chih  /  STAFF REPORTERS

GUN RANGES

Hau said the NSB determined the expansion area according to different gun ranges to protect the president’s safety, and the city government was simply cooperating with the Presidential Office’s plan.

Hau acknowledged that the plan affected the city’s urban planning projects, calling on the Presidential Office to reexamine its plan when asked to comment on the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) criticism of the government’s decision to expand the district.

“I will relay public opinion to the Presidential Office and ask the Presidential Office to reexamine its plan,” he said.

Ting Yu-chun (丁育群), commissioner of Taipei City’s Department of Urban Development, said 29 construction projects and 10 urban development projects would be affected by the rezoning and height restrictions.

COMPENSATION

The department would seek to resolve the issue by offering construction companies building capacity transfer as compensation.

As for buildings taller than 24m that have already been completed, Ting said the department has the authority to demolish part of the buildings after the directive takes effect in February according to the Construction Law (建築法).

Taipei City councilors yesterday challenged the Presidential Office’s move, urging the city government to insist on its authority over urban planning in the city and protect the rights of Taipei residents.

“Urban planning is under the authority of the Taipei City Government, and it’s the National Security Bureau’s problem if it has trouble exercising its duty. In this case, the president should move to another location,” New Party Taipei City Councilor Huang Shan-shan (黃珊珊) said yesterday at the Taipei City Council.

Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Taipei City Councilor Chen Cheng-chong (陳政忠) joined Huang in urging the city government not to sacrifice the rights of Taipei residents and said the Presidential Office should not expand Boai District to protect certain individuals.

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