Keeping an Open Mind

Tuesday, 1 September 2009

Keeping an Open Mind

Development must continue to take place if Subang Jaya is to avoid becoming an old folks home
SO much has been written and talked about on Taman Subang Ria.
Vocally-inclined individuals have been objecting to the proposed development of the park by its owners – Sime Darby Properties. They have spoken out in meetings, to the media and in emails without even considering that maybe, just maybe, not everyone agrees to their standpoint.
I would like these individuals who have voiced their objections to ponder over the following questions:
1.    Are we really against a modern Subang Ria?
2.    Are we being led by the nose to simply object?
3.    Are we worried of being accused of being ‘bought over’ for not objecting to the proposed project?
Numerous proposals and comments have appeared in the media lately on the proposed project.
Some have asked for the reintroduction of the boats, the train rides, the Ferris wheel , the go kart as was present in the 80's instead of what is being proposed by the property owner. Have these people ever thought how such ideas will land up drawing crowds from outside Subang Jaya to the area? Having such facilities brought back not only creates more traffic and noise, it will also disturb the peace and tranquility families and friends now enjoy with brisk walks around the park. Let’s not also forget the amount of noise this will create which also disturbs patients at the nearby private hospital.
The contention that any development in the area will create more traffic in the township is unbelievable. With no in-flow of traffic into Subang Jaya, this township will sooner or later become a ghost town.
Subang Jaya is now more than 30 years old. Many of its residents are spotting more white hair than when they first moved in here. Many residents here are now experiencing the “Empty Birds Nest Syndrome”. Their children have grown up and probably many have left for greener pastures elsewhere.
If development in this township comes to a halt, chances are the younger generation who had left home will never return to Subang Jaya. We will never see the day when our children come home to settle down here as we did many years ago.
Progress for this township cannot come if the old folks keep objecting to new development. Without new development, Subang Jaya will slowly but surely be a town for the old folks.
Alan Yip-SS18