City of Dreams turning into Tanjung Tokong residents’ nightmare BY DALBINDER SINGH GILL Published: 25 May 2015 7:02 AM

Residents showing their displeasure at the site of the new high density project. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Dalbinder Singh Gill, May 25, 2015.

Despite objections from residents and the local assemblyman, the Penang Island City Council has approved yet another high-density development project in the Tanjung Tokong suburb of George Town, Penang.

Avalon and Acacia Residents Association (AWA) of Seri Tanjung Pinang are strongly opposing the project dubbed as the "City of Dreams" (COD) comprising 572 units of service apartments which translates into a density of 156 units per acre (0.4ha).

The project will be constructed primarily on a piece of state government reserve land known as Lot 702, Section 1, Tanjung Pinang Town, measuring approximately 3.67 acres which is part of the reclaimed land under Seri Tanjung Pinang(Phase 1).

Planning permission was applied by Consortium Zenith Ewein Sdn Bhd(CZBUCG) and granted by the Penang City Council on February 17 for the 40-storey project.

The project comprises two blocks of service apartments, both 32-storey tall on top of a seven-storey car park and wellness facilities which in turn sit on a basement level housing electrical and mechanical facilities. 

“According to the city council’s guidelines, only 30 units per acre is allowed for service apartments, but this project is five times the allowed density,” said Ung Chirt Kye, one of the residents, who is also a lawyer and spokesperson for the group.

Only a total of 10 residents had received notices from the city council following the council's law under Section 21(6) of the Local Government Act 1976, which requires a notice to be sent out to the owners of the neighboring lots 20 feet away and adjacent from the project site.

“The notices sent out were insufficient as many residents were caught unaware. Only 10 residents were notified and this isn’t enough as the entire neighbourhood will feel the ripple effect from this project,” said Ung.

The planning permission was issued to the developer by the city council just a day after the residents had filed an appeal to the Appeals Board.

Residents also pointed out that in the Draft Local Plans 2005-2020 of Penang Island,  Lot 702 was zoned for an “institution”.

They also questioned when Lot 702 was alienated to Consortium Zenith BUCG Sdn Bhd.

“I came to Penang many years ago and never expected that something like this can happen on a neighbouring piece of land” said an oil and gas executive from Norway, who wanted to be known only as Dagfinn.

The Penang state government, through its various administrative arms, has played a central role in this project as confirmed by state executive councillor for public works, utilities and transport, Lim Hock Seng, in the Penang State Legislative Assembly.

Lim had said that Lot 702 (3.67 acres) worth RM135.08 million had already been given to Consortium Zenith BUCG as part of its said payment in kind for the feasibility studies for three proposed roads which were 97% completed.

Local assemblyman for Tanjung Bungah, Teh Yee Cheu, who was present to support the  residents, said he had objected to the project right from the beginning.

“I objected to the proposal to rezone Lot 702 on August 12, 2014. The Penang Structure Plan is due for a review,” said Teh.

He also noted that the Penang Local Plan was still at the draft stage and had yet to be gazetted by the state government.

“Under Section 25 of the Town and Country Planning Act, the state can withdraw the approved plan by paying compensation to the developer,” added Teh. – May 25, 2015.