Zhongshan Road Urban Renewal Briefing; Residents Divided

[Staff Report / Reporter Chou Shih-chang, North District]

A briefing on the North District Zhongshan Road urban renewal project was held yesterday evening (the 9th) at the borough community center, attended by about sixty residents. The implementing company is Hong-sheng Development Co., Ltd.; land consolidation has been contracted out to a separate firm.

Under the implementer's preliminary plan, the renewal area covers 115 to 131 Zhongshan Road and the surrounding lanes, with two 18-story residential towers planned and shops on the ground floor. Current residents may choose cash compensation or a proportional share of the new units.

Borough chief Chang Chin-shui said most buildings along Zhongshan Road are over thirty years old, the lanes are narrow, and fire safety and sanitation need improvement. Pushing the renewal forward is "good for everybody," he said.

Some residents at the meeting raised doubts about the buyout terms. One resident who runs a food business said most eateries on the street depend on customers at their current location. "If we move, the customers are gone. No amount of money helps with that."

An elderly resident said he has lived there for over forty years and "would not get used to living in a tower." A tenant asked whether renters would be resettled if their landlord agreed to sell; no clear answer was given.

No representative of the implementer attended. The firm contracted to handle consolidation said it would visit residents individually.

After the meeting Chang said the project needs the consent of a certain share of residents before it can proceed, and the borough office will help residents understand their rights. "If you have questions, just come ask at the borough office."