mr funny
02-06-07, 05:42
June 1, 2007
Replicate Punggol's Treetops project
I REFER to the reply by HDB's Dr Chong Fook Loong, 'HDB remains committed to the Punggol 21 vision' (ST, May 22). One reason cited for the lack of facilities in Punggol is the 'lack of a critical mass' of flats.
However, as can be seen from the overwhelming oversubscription for the recent eco-precinct project (Treetops, where 3,356 applicants vied for 712 flats), there is actually a very large demand for good-quality flats in the Punggol area.
Dr Chong mentioned that HDB would 'announce other new projects in Punggol later this year', presumably under the Build-to-Order (BTO) system.
I would like to suggest that instead of inviting applications for these new projects, the HDB could replicate the Treetops project in other precincts nearby and offer them to the 2,644 unsuccessful applicants of the Treetops.
The HDB, as well as these flat applicants, would then not have to go through another round of BTO applications, thereby saving time and cost for everybody.
Unsuccessful Treetops applicants would also not have to submit a fresh application and incur the non-refundable $10 application fee again.
The added advantage is that HDB would be able to fill up three to four precincts almost immediately, and achieve its desired 'critical mass' in Punggol more rapidly.
Goh Choon Poh
Replicate Punggol's Treetops project
I REFER to the reply by HDB's Dr Chong Fook Loong, 'HDB remains committed to the Punggol 21 vision' (ST, May 22). One reason cited for the lack of facilities in Punggol is the 'lack of a critical mass' of flats.
However, as can be seen from the overwhelming oversubscription for the recent eco-precinct project (Treetops, where 3,356 applicants vied for 712 flats), there is actually a very large demand for good-quality flats in the Punggol area.
Dr Chong mentioned that HDB would 'announce other new projects in Punggol later this year', presumably under the Build-to-Order (BTO) system.
I would like to suggest that instead of inviting applications for these new projects, the HDB could replicate the Treetops project in other precincts nearby and offer them to the 2,644 unsuccessful applicants of the Treetops.
The HDB, as well as these flat applicants, would then not have to go through another round of BTO applications, thereby saving time and cost for everybody.
Unsuccessful Treetops applicants would also not have to submit a fresh application and incur the non-refundable $10 application fee again.
The added advantage is that HDB would be able to fill up three to four precincts almost immediately, and achieve its desired 'critical mass' in Punggol more rapidly.
Goh Choon Poh