SPH + SOS + CTA

Joint Press Release 22 July 2005

TPB meet again in two weeks to discuss CRIII

The Society for Protection of the Harbour (SPH), Save Our Shorelines (SOS) and Clear the Air (CTA) jointly express appreciation that the Town Planning Board (TPB) decided today (Friday) in contrast to earlier assertions that the meetings would be behind closed doors, to invite all three organizations to send representatives to attend its next meeting on 5 August to present their submissions for rezoning of the Central District (Extension) Outline Zoning Plan (CDOZP) before the TPB decides whether to accept the submissions.

“This is the right and proper course for the TPB to take. It does not serve the cause of fairness if the proponents for rezoning are not given a chance to answer questions which members may have and to present their case directly,” said Hardy Lok, an SPH board member who waited outside the TPB meeting today with representatives from CTA and SOS.

“We wish to thank the non-official members of the TPB for having spent today discussing the important procedural point of whether our three organizations should be allowed to present our submissions and in deciding that the public may attend. However this is still only the first step after waiting 8 months. The real test comes on August 5 th when the Board will have the chance to more openly review three very viable alternatives to the reclamation work that is already in progress ” added John Bowden of SOS

“By giving us two weeks to prepare for the presentation and by opening up the next meeting, the spirit of the Town Planning Ordinance amendment is being met. We look forward to it,” Annelise Connell concluded.

The three submissions are all well supported by expert studies and reflect the public’s expression of how the CRIII development should be modified

• SPH’s submission calls for reducing the size of the reclamation, reducing the size of the P2 road networks and objects to major commercial developments allowed under the CDOZP.
• SOS urges a 70% reduction in the current zoned reclamation through using an immersed tube tunnel to build the Central Wanchai Bypass, and a substantial reduction in the P2 road networks.
• CTA proposes an immediate implementation of Electronic Road Pricing to reduce traffic congestion thereby lessening the need for new roads.

T he current CDOZP allows the building of a 4/6-lane highway (CWB), a substantial surface highway network (P2), a massive “Groundscraper” that has as much potential square footage as IFC2, as well as a massive development in front of City Hall. The government’s promised open spaces and a promenade are subsidiary to these very large constructions.

The three groups are looking forward to a more balanced TPB meeting that genuinely involves public participation. www.harbourprotection.org

For any enquiries, please contact Angus Ho at 3101 8191/6176 1757 or Elizabeth Chan at 9741-0652.

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