What should be done with the land in front of IFC? Updated on Feb 28, 2009 – SCMP I refer to the report (“IFC owner opposes plan for neighbours”, February 24). The joint-venture developers of IFC have stated that they are against the construction of two medium-rise commercial blocks in front of their property, because [...]
Posts from ‘February, 2009’
Planners Lose Appeal On ‘Toothpick Tower’ Limits
Yvonne Tsui and Olga Wong – Updated on Feb 28, 2009 – SCMP Town planners are being too picky about Swire’s “toothpick tower” plan for Mid-Levels, a court said yesterday. They had no right to consider the visual impact and effect on traffic of the development, a three-judge panel ruled. The Court of Appeal judges [...]
A Real World Crisis
Updated on Feb 26, 2009 – SCMP As the world faces a breakdown of the global financial system, governments are negotiating a new climate-change deal this year to reduce carbon emissions. It is unclear whether the current problems will hinder or help the climate negotiations. Many say governments and business leaders will probably focus on [...]
50% Tobacco Tax Increase
The Financial Secretary today announced that the excise duty on tobacco products will be immediately increased by 50% to HK$ 24 per pack above the current levels of just over HK$ 16 per pack. Whilst we have sought a 100% tax increase, Clear the Air estimates that the new increased tax will hopefully: – Reduce [...]
Sustainable Features Offer Viable Option
Fulton Mak – Updated on Feb 25, 2009 – SCMP Green features are still hard to find in Hong Kong’s concrete jungle, despite the rhetoric on sustainable and ecologically friendly construction and mounting concerns about environmental protection. The chief obstacles to going green highlighted in a number of surveys are perceptions among developers of higher [...]
Proposed Idling Ban To Be Eased For Taxis
Daniel Sin – Feb 24, 2009 – SCMP The proposed ban on idling engines would be relaxed, but not dropped, for taxis, the environment chief told lawmakers. Secretary for the Environment Edward Yau Tang-wah told the Legislative Council’s environmental affairs panel that the legislative proposal to ban idling engines would be revised for taxis. The [...]
Appalling Pollution A Nightmare For Elderly
Appalling pollution a nightmare for elderly Yau Ma Tei residents Updated on Feb 22, 2009 – SCMP It is a sad fact that people living in Hong Kong suffer from noise and air pollution particularly in Yau Ma Tei district. Residents are unable to enjoy peace and quiet and breathe fresh air. The Highways Department [...]
Retrospective Rezoning Of QRE Plaza
Retrospective rezoning of QRE Plaza has set a dangerous precedent Updated on Feb 22, 2009 – SCMP With the retrospective rezoning of QRE Plaza, in Wan Chai, from open space to commercial, the Hong Kong town planning process has crossed the Rubicon and ushered in a whole new era of over- development. Developers using this [...]
HK Academic Spreading The Word On Air Pollution
SCMP – Updated on Feb 21, 2009 A Hong Kong University of Science and Technology professor has been appointed editor-in-chief of a leading academic journal on air pollution. Professor Chak Chan, associate head of chemical and bio-molecular engineering, is the first Asian to be given the post at Atmospheric Environment.
Beijing’s New Year Lunacy
Zhuang Pinghui, SCMP – Updated on Feb 20, 2009 After the capital’s disastrous celebrations, there is public support for a ban on fireworks. But not everyone agrees it will be effective. Because of her job, Wang Qunying has not been able to have a relaxed Lunar New Year celebration for four years. As a security [...]