ST Letters : Build 'skywalk' mall as national icon

20 Feb 2011,
Build 'skywalk' mall as national icon

Having successfully completed the two integrated resorts and with the Gardens by the Bay soon to be completed ('Giant dome to play home to cool plants'; last Wednesday), Singapore will have to consider building the next icon to stay on top of the increasing competition for the tourist dollar.

I propose that the authorities consider building a 5km-long, three-storey-high, open-air 'skywalk' pedestrian mall running above the existing Orchard/Bras Basah roads and stretching to the Marina Bay area as our next national project.

Based on the Oriental concepts of the five elements - earth, water, wood, fire and metal - the overhead pedestrian mall can start at the Botanic Gardens/Tanglin area.

The first part of the skywalk can be based on the earth theme, with the corresponding landscaping and designs based on that element.

The rest of the skywalk can be landscaped and outfitted based on the remaining elements.

The skywalk, when completed, will provide much-needed breathing and resting space for tourists and locals alike, as the current ground space in Orchard Road becomes more congested.

Shoppers and strollers will find walking along the skywalk a breeze, as it will be directly connected to the many buildings and facilities at the third and fourth levels.

Lifts, ramps for the handicapped, escalators and staircases will all help to connect the skywalk to the ground and existing modes of transport.

Retailers will also find the skywalk a boon, as pedestrian traffic can be directed to their otherwise less-frequented shops on the higher levels.

As the skywalk starts at the Tanglin area, space can be further reserved there for the staging of various public events, such as Chingay processions, marathons and other parades. Selected sections of the skywalk which run over the Formula One (F1) racing track can also be cordoned off to provide additional seating capacity during the F1 season.

While the technical feasibility of such a project may be challenging, now could be the best time to seriously consider building Singapore's next icon that can outclass other world-renowned shopping districts.

Harry Tong



-- ST FILE PHOTO

ST Letters : En bloc issue raises many questions

20 Feb 2011,
En bloc issue raises many questions

I felt sad on reading the special report on those who sold their apartments en bloc ('For better or for worse'; Feb6).

As expected, there were positive and negative stories. This is to be expected in any collective sale, when not all agree to the deal.

Nevertheless, the issue again raises many questions. For example:

· What is a home? To some, it is not just a house but a place where one can put down roots and bond with one's neighbours, or where one was brought up.

· Does money matter so much that financial gains become more important than everything else?

· Does the right of those who support the sales rank higher than the right of those who do not want to make the change? Should an 80per cent level of consent be the deciding figure? Should it be 100per cent?

· Is Singapore so land-scarce that we need so many collective sales?

· Do such sales improve the quality of life in Singapore?

· Government-built HUDC housing allows people to have a good home at an affordable price. Why do we allow this to be taken away from some people?

My view is that collective sales have created part of the liquidity problem as well as the housing problem here.

People should have the right to remain in their homes until the buildings are no longer suitable to live in.

Ang Miah Boon

ST Letter : No benefit from collective sales

20 Feb 2011,
No benefit from collective sales

I refer to the special report on the experiences of former Gillman Heights residents ('For better or for worse'; Feb6).

The five residents interviewed have all suffered financial or emotional losses from the collective sale of their homes.

As a resident from a condominium unit about to vote on such a sale, I too have been told by the agents trying to sell my condo that I will have to downgrade from my 1,700 sq ft apartment to a 1,300sq ft one if I wish to buy a new property.

My current apartment has three bedrooms plus a maid's room. I will have to downsize to a two-bedroom unit (with no maid's room) or buy an HDB flat - and still be out of pocket after the sale. If I wish to buy a new apartment in the area, I will have to pay about $1million more than what I am selling for.

Whom does a collective sale benefit? Would it not be better to upgrade our existing apartments (I am told it would be about $30,000 per resident) rather than move?

The economics simply do not make sense - and many residents realise this only too late.

If a collective sale pays 30per cent above the market rate, which is the current rule of thumb for developers, it would be better to be prudent and hold off the sale, or face a loss.

In fact, I have friends from Gillman Heights who were out of pocket by more than half a million dollars when they had to move to a similar location. The market continued to move up in the two years before they got their money - as is the case for practically every collective sale I know of.

Harry Tham

ST Letter : Projected value of ageing flats too rosy

May 9, 2010

YOUR LETTERS

Projected value of ageing flats too rosy

I refer to the article, 'What if you can't afford to retire?' (April25).

I am surprised with the example given by the Society of Financial Service Professionals' Mr Leong Sze Hian that a Housing Board flat valued at $200,000 now could be worth $864,388 in 30years.

Suppose a flat has 70years of lease left. In 30years, it would be down to only 40years left. Is it really possible that such a unit can fetch more than $864,000?

Mr Leong's rosy picture is not sustainable. The value of a leasehold property must come down at some point. Where exactly the turning point along the 99-year timeline is depends on several factors, such as government intervention.

It is possible to control the price movement by making available cheap lease top-up options. But if no extension is allowed, the value of a flat can move towards zero when the lease is fully expended.

This uncertainty has never been addressed. HDB flats with less than 65 years of lease left are changing hands as though they are freehold properties. Age is not factored into pricing negotiations. Surely this can't last. Imagine the consequences: A nation with a growing ageing population holding on to fast depreciating assets and not having enough funds for retirement.

Wong Pang Yee

ST LETTER : Ban hourly rated hotels from residential areas

Apr 25, 2010

YOUR LETTERS

Ban hourly rated hotels from residential areas

I refer to last Sunday's article, 'Budget hotels move in... then sex workers follow'.

Budget hotels have no place in a residential area, especially a hotel that offers hourly rates.

The hourly rates are used mainly by sex workers and not by normal tourists or workers. And with the presence of budget hotels offering such rates, sex workers will definitely follow.

The response from the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) - that the Hotel 81 and Fragrance Hotel sites in Upper Serangoon Road are zoned as commercial and residential land - is a weak one.

Citizens depend on agencies like the URA and the Hotels Licensing Board (HLB) to plan the development of land. Thus, they have the responsibility to consider the impact of proposed businesses on a particular area.

It was reported that 'in January last year, the HLB banned all hotels in heritage-rich Joo Chiat from offering hourly rates, to curb vice activities' and that 'if a hotel is found to be involved in such activities, the board can revoke its licence'.

Surely a couple renting a room for two hours do not do so just to watch television or sleep?

Alvin Yip

ST LETTER : Siting govt offices out of city centre a good move

Apr 4, 2010

YOUR LETTER

Siting govt offices out of city centre a good move

I refer to the article, 'Relocation of govt agencies: Good move or not?' (March14).

I believe moving government offices out of their city centre locations is a very good move, both for the government officials and the public.

Being out of the Central Business District means being away from heavy traffic and expensive Electronic Road Pricing charges, as well as being closer to homes.

It helps improve the image that the Government is 'close to the ground'.

Also, the reason for having centralised government offices does not apply to Singapore as our city-state is too small.

The next move for the Government could be to combine its services, and offer them at various locations - like what banks are doing with their branches. As a bank customer, you can carry out almost every transaction at any branch without going to the headquarters.

Calvin Yong

ST Letters : Providing homes for well-off retirees

Mar 28, 2010

YOUR LETTERS

Providing homes for well-off retirees

I refer to the editorial, 'How the old will live' (March 14), and agree that retirees should be given a choice of living arrangements.

With Singaporeans becoming more affluent, there is a segment of elderly citizens who are financially stable but live on their own for various reasons. Examples are elderly couples with no children, or those with children who are all overseas, or who prefer not to live with their children.

The result is elderly folk fending for themselves, with some depending very much on foreign domestic help. An unfortunate few are abused by their maids and neglected by family members as well.

When elderly folk who live on their own grow older and become less mobile, their social lives are affected.

A recent case reported in the media was of a well-off Singapore couple who moved to Australia in 1983. The wife was believed to be suffering from dementia when she killed her husband of 70 years.

Shortly before the tragedy, she reportedly asked a friend to help look for a retirement village for her husband and herself.

So it looks like there is demand for accommodation that caters to this group of elderly people who are financially stable but without family support.

They could be put up in studio apartments or a hotel-style project - with house-cleaning and meals taken care of.

This would free them from household chores so that they can use their time and wisdom to do something meaningful for society.

I hope the authorities will look into this idea.

Doreen Tan (Mrs)

ST Letters : All maze but no real crowd-pullers

Mar 28, 2010

YOUR LETTERS

All maze but no real crowd-pullers

I refer to the report 'Orchard Central: Love it, hate it' (March 14) and doubt that I will 'grow to appreciate it in time'.

I belong to the category of visitor for whom the first time is also the last if my experience is not a positive one.

The layout at Orchard Central gives me the impression that I am entering a maze. The long escalators further confuse me as to the floor I am heading towards. The feeling that I need a global positioning system device to navigate frustrates any desire to stay on and explore.

The complex design is breaking new ground indeed - as a very shopper-unfriendly mall. The architects might have taken a wrong gamble in creating elongated, partitioned zones with narrow aisles and dead ends. The super narrow cubicles with very narrow aisles put shoppers off.

The 313@Somerset mall is also built on a long and narrow strip but its simple layout, with shops on both sides and reasonably wide aisles, is more user-friendly and easier to navigate.

Foodcourts are lunch and dinner crowd-pullers and the absence of a foodcourt in Orchard Central is not making it any more interesting.

With malls sprouting up in this city like green shoots after a summer shower, shoppers are seeing very similar product ranges - like fashion attire and accessories, electrical appliances, mobile phones and jewellery - on display.

Visitors are also unlikely to get very excited seeing the same brand-name shops repeating themselves at every mall.

Making matters worse, an awkward layout will only dissuade visitors from returning.

Paul Chan

ST Letters :HDB subletting serves a need

Mar 28, 2010

YOUR LETTERS

HDB subletting serves a need

I refer to the letter, 'More babies? Ease subletting rules' (March 14).

Just last Friday, a friend approached me about her intention to rent a flat in the northern part of Singapore. She and her husband, both from China, were married last year and plan to start a family soon.

At present, they find renting a whole HDB unit beyond their budget and are thinking of subletting a room.

As a friend, I would like them to establish their nest as quickly as possible, so that they can move on to building their family. But as a real estate agent, I am mindful of the fact that I need to warn them of the restrictions on subletting.

Here is a case of foreign talent - and potential new citizens who are keen on raising a family here - that could do with the easing of subletting rules.

Chan Hock Neo (Ms)

ST LETTER : Big pool of flats eligible for subletting

Mar 21, 2010

YOUR LETTERS

Big pool of flats eligible for subletting

I refer to Mr Tan Siew Meng's letter last Sunday, 'More babies? Ease subletting rules'.

Mr Tan commented that there should be more flats available to sublet to young married couples.

Housing Board flats are primarily meant for owner occupation. However, HDB recognises that the flat is also the single most valuable asset for many Singaporeans, and has a value that can be unlocked to provide some supplementary income for flat owners. Renting a flat is also a viable housing alternative for some families.

Hence, HDB allows flats to be rented out after the minimum occupation period has been fulfilled.

Under current rules, more than 80 per cent of all home-ownership flats are already eligible for subletting of whole flats. Thus, there is no need to relax the rules further.

Other than renting an entire flat, young couples have other affordable options, such as staying with their parents or relatives, or renting a bedroom from flat owners, while waiting for their new flat to be ready. We thank Mr Tan for the feedback.

Foo-Ho Yoke Ming (Mrs)
Deputy Director (Branch Operations)
Housing & Development Board

ST Letters : Citizens first, PRs have other housing options

Feb 21, 2010

YOUR LETTERS

Citizens first, PRs have other housing options

We refer to Ms Josephine Chia's letter, 'Single PR can't buy resale HDB flat' (Feb7), and Ms Teo Wai Lee's letter last Sunday, 'Single PRs and HDB flats'.

The needs of Singaporeans always come first. Permanent residents (PRs) who are singles are not eligible to buy an HDB flat alone under the Single Singapore Citizen scheme. They could consider other housing options, such as buying or renting private properties, renting a room or a whole HDB flat, or staying with their friends or relatives.

In Ms Chia's case, since her sons are Singapore citizens, she can buy an HDB flat together with either or both of them, if they meet the eligibility conditions collectively.

Lily Chan-Wong Jee Choo (Mrs)
Deputy Director (Policy and Property)
Housing & Development Board

ST Letters : Opening above Pinnacle railing not so easy to climb through

Jan 31, 2010

YOUR LETTERS

Opening above Pinnacle railing not so easy to climb through

I refer to the letter from Mr Desmond Teo, 'HDB can still rectify Pinnacle's railings' (Jan17).

Safety and security are major considerations in the design of Housing Board flats. For the Pinnacle@Duxton, the architect provided a 1.8m-tall railing at the common corridor to serve both ventilation and security needs. This design was also chosen to avoid creating a cage-like environment.

At a height of 1.8m and without any step on the railing, the opening above the railing does not allow a person to climb through easily. Anyone who attempts to do so also faces the risk of falling to his death.

Furthermore, the common corridor is an open area shared by six households. It is difficult for anyone to loiter around, and attempt climbing through the railing without being detected.

All the seven blocks at Pinnacle@Duxton have been completed since last month, and we note that some residents have moved in, while others are in the process of renovating their flats.

As with all newly completed developments, some ongoing touch-up works are inevitable, such as painting and landscaping.

During this period, there are also many renovation contractors and workers on site. We advise all residents to be vigilant and take necessary precautionary measures for their flats, such as by locking their doors and gates at all times.

The HDB will work with the police to step up their patrols. We will also monitor the various feedback from residents as they start to move in, including the design issues, and review them collectively.

We thank Mr Teo for his feedback.

Lawrence Pak
Deputy Director
(Engineering Services)
Housing & Development Board

ST Letters : Loan sharks turn dream home into family nightmare

Jan 17, 2010

YOUR LETTERS

Loan sharks turn dream home into family nightmare

My family moved into our dream home, a terrace house, in the east last year.

Our joy turned to shock when we woke up one morning to find our front gate and yard covered with red and blue paint.

There was also a note with the name of the former owner, his mobile phone number and the symbols 'O$P$'.

We realised immediately that this was the work of loan sharks.

We called the former owner immediately and he readily admitted that he had borrowed money from unlicensed moneylenders.

We asked him to inform the loan sharks that his house had been sold to us and to stop harassing us, but the harassment continued.

In the next four months up till last week, my house was splashed with paint in six more incidents.

Once, our main gate was chained with a bicycle lock. Another time, my car was splashed with red paint.

Our neighbours were also not spared. At least four other households were victims of the harassment and vandalism, because of the same borrower.

I have reported all the cases to the police, as well as appealed to my MP for help, but the situation has not improved. I pasted a sign on my gate saying that the former owner had already moved out, but it has not helped.

I also made the mistake of calling one of the loan sharks in an attempt to appeal for his understanding that I am the new owner.

Since then, he has been calling me and threatening to continue the harassment until he is paid.

The police have installed closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in my house but another case of harassment happened on the day of the installation.

Clearly the loan sharks are not afraid, since all the police can do is arrest the runners. The loan sharks can just get other runners to continue the harassment.

I am truly fearful for the safety of my family.

In the latest case, the loan sharks threw two beer bottles filled with paint into my front yard. The glass fragments were scattered all over the yard and could have injured my family.

I cannot imagine what the perpetrators will do next. Will they set fire to my house or break the doors and windows?

My family has been living in a state of fear. Our beautiful house has now turned into a mess with paint all over. I have given up cleaning because I know the loan sharks will strike again.

Right now, I see no end to my misery, and I have not received any updates on my case. I do not know when and how all this will end. What else can I do?

ST Letters : HDB can still rectify Pinnacle's railings

Jan 17, 2010

YOUR LETTERS

HDB can still rectify Pinnacle's railings

I read with interest the article 'High anxiety at Pinnacle over short railings' last Sunday.

When I visited my long-awaited new home recently at Pinnacle@Duxton, I was dismayed to see such railings for both the middle units on every floor.

The height is definitely a design and security flaw. I believe anyone can do a 'Spiderman' stunt to enter our unit.

I also noted that painting work on my block was being rushed, and there were still workers around, taking naps and lunch breaks on my floor outside the other units.

Before I left my unit, I left a pineapple in the kitchen. I did not lock the courtyard door as it was not locked before I entered my unit. Also, there was nothing else in my unit.

However, when I went back to my new place two days later, I found that the pineapple was gone.

In the article, the Housing Board spokesman said the Pinnacle has 'no design flaw' and that 'safety and security are major considerations in the design of HDB flats'.

Yet the board has also said that residents can install grilles with locks and security appliances 'to make their homes more secure'.

So does this mean I can install full grilles for my unit now, in view of this break-in?

The HDB should have done a floor-to-ceiling railing instead of the current 1.8m-high one.

The middle units are very vulnerable to break-ins. Anyone can hang around the corridor, monitor the unit and climb in.

It is not too late for the HDB to rectify this design flaw.

Desmond Teo