Misuse of Building

Under the Broken Window Policy, one's has to fix the problem the moment it was discovered and no lax of time is allowed. If we have spotted a problem but do nothing and let it there idle, the chances for it to become worse will be there. For example, a mountain of rubbish might be accumulated if at first only a small pile of rubbish was found at the road side and nobody cleared it the first time. The newcomers might have thought that the side is reserved for rubbish throwing or since nobody cares about clearing it, then perhaps it is all right to do so. For city management, solving the problem as soon as possible without the problem becoming worse and beyond remedy is critical and important. I attended a meeting to discuss possible solution on the widespread of building being abused for use that is different from the original approved use. For example, houses on the main road being used for commercial activities. We see the rampant existance of car showrooms along the main road. All these happened because lacking of enforcement at the first timer. Most of the time we saw the starting of a house being used for other than residential purpose and do nothing as the magnitude of problems generated is not that great. However, once a house being "successfully" converted to other use without any hazzle, it will give encouragement to the adjoining lot owners to follow suit. At the end, it gains momentum and involves with so many owners that taking enforcement actions become a very difficult task as socio-political consideration will come in. If the Broken Window Policy has been implemented earlier, I believe cases of misuse of building and land might not have occurred.