[A+} Letter to the editor

Dear 6AB1 students, 

I would like to give you a real sample of a letter to the editor. This is a good sample showing you how the government (or government-related organisations) responds to criticism from the public. Take a careful look at how the author refers to the original letter and how she responds to the criticisms point by point in the letter. I think you can base your writing on this sample.

Regards,

Mr. Fu.

No wall-like buildings in Central revamp

I refer to the letter by Katty Law ("URA's plans will ruin historic and unique part of Central", May 8), about the Urban Renewal Authority project at Staunton Street in Central.

The planning brief which guides the preparation of the master layout plan was endorsed by the Town Planning Board in November 2007. The proposed density of eight plot ratio on net site area is lower than that normally permitted in the area. While preparing the project's master layout plan, we solicited the views of the public and the district council and came up with the development plan incorporating their aspirations as far as was practicable.

We consider conservation of the existing street/lane pattern as the most important element, manifesting the history of urban development. None of the tenement buildings there is a graded historic building. Owing to the poor building conditions, only the blocks at 88-90 Staunton Street (the oldest in the area and with some architectural merit) and 10-12 Wing Lee Street will be preserved while 4-9 Wing Lee Street will be redeveloped into three-storey low-rise buildings, which is consistent with the existing terrace characteristics.

As the project site is sub-divided into three small development sites and separated by existing streets, there will not be a chance for any wall-like buildings. Indeed, adopting the public's preference, the middle site will be developed into a building of only seven storeys, providing a valuable breathing space for the adjoining high-rise environment, enhancing visual and air ventilation quality.

The Bridges Street market, which was the first permanent public market after the war for public use, will be conserved while ways to commemorate Sun Yat-sen's association with the place will be explored.

There is public open space on the rooftop of the market which is accessible from Shing Wong Street and an enhanced pedestrian linkage, open space and greenery network to improve the living environment of the area and social integration. Results of a wide range of impact assessments indicate that the proposed development will not generate an unacceptable adverse impact on surrounding areas.

We believe the three conserved elements of our project will contribute towards the holistic conservation approach in the area.

Angela Tang, general manager, external relations, Urban Renewal Authority

SCMP. May 22, 2008.