Dear MP, please scrap plans for childcare centre

[metalslug]

http://tnp.sg/news/story/0,4136,247007,00.html?

Dear MP, please scrap plans for childcare centre
Disgruntled residents complain when void decks are converted to serve others
By Shree Ann Mathavan

June 30, 2010




Build a childcare centre at my block? No way.

That's the reaction of residents at Block 602, Choa Chu Kang Street 62, on the planned construction of a childcare centre by NTUC First Campus' My First Skool.

About three-quarters – 56 out of 76 households – signed a petition earlier this month objecting to the building of the childcare centre in their block.

The petition was handed to NTUC representatives in a meeting with residents last week.

In the petition, the residents said they did not want a childcare centre at their block as it would destroy the ambience, obstruct air and light flow, reduce rain shelter and deprive residents of their right to enjoy the void deck, among other reasons.

Members of Parliament told The New Paper that it is not uncommon for residents to gripe about facilities being built at void decks.

Be it childcare centres, eldercare facilities or kidney dialysis centres, disgruntled residents have not hesitated to complain to their MPs.

 

[Leongsam]

The typical "not in my backyard" mentality.

 

[zuoom]

do they need your approval to build something there?

 

[Maximilian Chua-Heng]

10chars

The typical "not in my backyard" mentality.

 

[johnny333]

do they need your approval to build something there?

Only when the PAP is reluctant to do something, they''ll use the concerns of the public as a screen.

 

[scroobal]

The void deck is the great unknown for the HDB residents. Its PAP kindergarten, NTUC affiliated union office, PAP residents club etc. I remember how NTUC Income became the largest chain because of HDB.

There is nothing the residents can do. It has nothing to do with "not in my backyard mentality". It has more to do with they having a say. There are resident's committees all over but they are not involved in what gets place in their own void deck or "backyard".

I feel really sorry for them. In Singapore your views are regarded as "gripes" as in the article.

The other thing I can't figure out why people buy HDB flats, pay it off within 10 years or less but continue to remain in it but start building their savings. If they are this dumb, maybe living in a HDB with no say is right for them. I recall in the early days that people would compliment young and middle aged HDB owners who paid off their flat completely and still remained in HDB.

I got so fed up that I stepped in to help on a more active basis. Eventually I helped move some folks out and essentially taught them Economics 101. The exceptions are off course those past 50 and businessmen who understandably remain in HDB for a number of reasons such lack of future income stream, cash flow and bankruptcy.

Only when the PAP is reluctant to do something, they''ll use the concerns of the public as a screen.

 

[Ramseth]

The void deck is the great unknown for the HDB residents. Its PAP kindergarten, NTUC affiliated union office, PAP residents club etc. I remember how NTUC Income became the largest chain because of HDB.

Genesis

1:1 In the beginning, there were no HDB flats. God saw that's no good and created HDB flats from the soils.

1:2 The island was surrounded by seas and traversed with inward flowing seawater river basins. God saw that's no good and built HDB lifts half a stair-flight up to save lifts from flood risks.

1:3 But the floods did come and the ground floor shophouses got hit. God saw that's no good and invented void decks.

1:4 When drainage systems were modernised and improved, God allowed some establishments to be set up in void decks, e.g. kindergartens, childcare centres, senior citizen corners, police posts etc.

1:5 Most void decks are still kept voided as God saw that's good for Chinese funerals and Malay weddings etc.

1:6 When floods didn't appear for a long time, God saw that's good. Time to build lifts that actually don't require climbing stairs.

1:7 When floods didn't appear for even longer, God saw that's good. Time to barrage the whole Singapore River mouth.

1:8 Then, floods come again, with wrath and fury. God saw that's no good, and is seeking Prophet Yaacob for further advice.

 

[kingrant]

But when the Party wants to serve themselves, they always appeal to a nobler and loftier aim as a govt, and con the ordinary folks who still think the PAP is beyond reproach. Just like the PA. PAP=govt=Singpore.

Ditto for NTUC. They somehow always got the choicest locations and are the first movers. A lot of winks and back slaps along the corridors of power, the Union boss also a Minister...Phey still on the loose and no effort to pursue but if you're Tang LH, even yr wife is not safe.

Only when the PAP is reluctant to do something, they''ll use the concerns of the public as a screen.

 

[johnny333]

The other thing I can't figure out why people buy HDB flats, pay it off within 10 years or less but continue to remain in it but start building their savings. If they are this dumb, maybe living in a HDB with no say is right for them. I recall in the early days that people would compliment young and middle aged HDB owners who paid off their flat completely and still remained in HDB.

.

I know many who have upgraded out of HDB & into the private property. Many are looking to upgrade themselves out of Spore. They have already bought property outside Spore as "investments".

Too many dumb Sporeans out there who keep supporting the PAP. By the time they wake up it may be too late

 

[scroobal]

Thats the idea. Upgrade and eventually migrate. Never get stuck in the heartland trap if you can afford it.

I know many who have upgraded out of HDB & into the private property. Many are looking to upgrade themselves out of Spore. They have already bought property outside Spore as "investments".

Too many dumb Sporeans out there who keep supporting the PAP. By the time they wake up it may be too late

 

[kingrant]

Void decks have a new use today - residents complained that they are being used as hubs for Banglas and FTs to eat, drink, and be merry after a long back-breaking day slaving for Sinkies.

MP for the area promised to create a new hub for them. This is one time you don't need the EDB.

Genesis

1:3 But the floods did come and the ground floor shophouses got hit. God saw that's no good and invented void decks.

1:4 When drainage systems were modernised and improved, God allowed some establishments to be set up in void decks, e.g. kindergartens, childcare centres, senior citizen corners, police posts etc.

1:5 Most void decks are still kept voided as God saw that's good for Chinese funerals and Malay weddings etc.