Section 14 folks seek MBPJ approval to convert homes to semi-commercial status

http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2008/7/22/central/21865815&sec=central
By JADE CHAN

SEVERAL RESIDENTS from Section 14 had a meeting with the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) regarding the conversion of several blocks of houses in Section 14 to semi-commercial status.

The affected houses are located in six blocks along Jalan 14/20, Jalan 14/14 and Jalan 14/24.

At the meeting, chaired by Bukit Gasing assemblyman Edward Lee, the council was represented by town planning department senior deputy director Zain Azly Abd Rahman.

Lee said the meeting was held when one of the owners of the Section 14 property requested for a review of the land use of the area to convert it from residential to semi-commercial status.
“Some of the residents made their application for the conversion more than 20 years ago, but MBPJ had not responded. Now they're appealing and have got the consensus of the majority to go ahead with the conversion.

“Most of them agreed to the conversion and would like to carry on living in their houses, which means that the ground floor of their units will be used for semi-commercial activities.

“The conversion, if approved, will follow strict guidelines set by the MBPJ on the activities that can take place,” said Lee.

“The MBPJ has stated that the guidelines allow only limited commercial activities, but they need to define the type of activities that are allowed. These activities will be made known to the owners at subsequent meetings.”

In the meantime, he said, the residents will have to elect a leader to represent each block to further study the proposal with the MBPJ.

“My main concern is that such commercialisation will not further aggravate the traffic situation in the area. The MBPJ will have to look into this aspect and be stringent in their selection of the activities that are allowed,” said Lee.

On the various problems that were raised by the residents during the meeting, including indiscriminate parking, environmental issues and repair works that take place after working house, Lee said that he would talk to the respective department heads at MBPJ and get its enforcement officers to address the problem.

He also urged the residents to keep in touch with their new councillor (Thiruvenggadam Anamuthu).