Residents, properties to be affected by new expressway

Residents, properties to be affected by new expressway
By Lynda Hong | Posted: 20 January 2011 2119 hrs

SINGAPORE: The North-South Expressway is good news for motorists but not so for some residents and establishments whose buildings will be affected by the development.

Residents who have been affected by the development said they want more lead time to move out.

The Good Shepherd Convent on Marymount Road which has been around for over 40 years and served thousands is facing an uncertain future.

"What affects us is that there are works here, services here, that we provide, help people - their lives are affected," said Sister Joan Lopez.

"If the owners were informed beforehand, given notice beforehand and discussed with - there was, I think, no discussion - so there could have been an improvement in the way the notice was delivered to us," Sister Delphine Kang added.

Some of the fences, boundary walls and grass verges of Nuovo, one of the affected condominiums along Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6 leading to Lentor Avenue, have also been gazetted.

Residents of the affected condominiums said they have not been informed of the partial land acquisitions of their homes.

Channel NewsAsia understands that residents will soon receive circulars or letters on which part of their properties will be acquired by 2013.

The expressway, which will incorporate tunnels, will be Singapore's longest road viaduct.

Analysts said the type of expressway built could affect property prices, especially condominiums that have been partially acquired.

"The most disruptive type is actually the viaduct. If there is a viaduct that is constructed right next to the boundary of the existing condominium, basically some of the lower floors from level one to five will be adversely affected from the duct noise and dust and pollution from the viaduct. The one that affects the value and attractiveness least is a tunnel," said Nicholas Mak, executive director, Research & Consultancy, SLP International Property Consultants.

- CNA/fa

- wong chee tat :)