Development Dilemma

While doing right is commendable, doing it at the wrong time might have caused some anxiety. This few days I was fronted by development project proponents on complying with the conditions set by MBPJ. One of them is the need for designing a green building according to the requirement of a local accreditation scheme. After much deliberation, the project proponents confessed that it is rather difficult to comply with the requirement on higher rating simply because the index has been done with little consideration on brownfield development site. For example, it is difficult to meet the criteria on transportation as it is beyond their control or even influence. A win-win solution has to be searched for in order to meet the target of PJ becoming a Green City but with the willing contribution of the project proponents. Perhaps the accreditation scheme authority should do more on encouraging all stakeholders.

There are project proponents complained about contribution with higher amount now. Previously, project proponents will be imposed condition on upgrading infrastructure within the vicinity of their development site, but with the impact of development spreading outward to the regional level, the conventional method is no more appropriate and hence monetary contribution to part share the cost of improving regional infrastructure is imposed. However, while the project proponents reckoned the need for doing so, they complained about the timing of collection for such contribution. They are concerned on making the contribution at the initial stage in which the development project has not even started. However, the authority with the view that since the development projects will have a great impact on the capacity of the existing infrastructure, then by right the capacity should be enhanced first before the development project should go on. I presume both have the logic and justification on their own. Thereby, finding an amicable solution is critical or else stand still on development will be in the near future. This will not help in transforming PJ as a cosmopolitan through urban renewal.