3139 Edition
April 23-29, 2012
Headline News

Reported by Chiou Kuo-rong
Translated by Tsai Sheng-hsin

The Wenlin Yuan Urban Renewal Project has not only revealed some shortcomings of the Urban Renewal Act, but also made the people in Taiwan think seriously about housing justice. On April 19, 2012, Kuo Kuan-chun, who represents the Taiwan Alliance for Victims of Urban Renewal, held an urban renewal symposium at Shihlin Presbyterian Church.

“From the Wenlin Yuan Urban Renewal Project, it may be seen that current urban renewal projects have been undertaken for the benefit of construction companies, and not for the benefit of residents. The renewal of urban functions, improvement of living environment, and improvement of public interest should be achieved as promised in accordance with the Urban Renewal Act,” Kuo said.

Kuo indicated that the meaning of urban renewal should be the activation of old communities as well as helping residents have a place to live. However, seeing the situation of the Wenlin Yuan project, Kuo sadly wondered about the purpose of urban renewal projects and whether these projects were designed and implemented for the sake of resident or for the interest of construction companies?

The symposium was co-hosted by the Original Culture Society. Chen Sheng-de, elder of Shihlin Presbyterian Church as well as executive committee member of the Society, talked about the pressure that a certain company had given the residents in the Shihlin urban renewal project. He alleged that this company even threatened residents that unless they signed an urban renewal project agreement letter, their land would be changed into a park project. Afraid of losing everything, the residents had no choice but to sign the agreement letter.

Lin Chi-sheng, President of the Original Culture Society, stated that their major concern now is housing justice because, in addition to the Wang family, there are 36 other households that are victims of the Wenlin Yuan project. These families also need assistance to solve their housing issue.