Clementi gardeners get to stay
By Grace Chua, The Straits Times, 16 May 2012.
A compromise has been reached between the Government and the people farming illegally in Clementi.
All 18 who had been tending to crops near Sungei Ulu Pandan will get to stay, but on a smaller plot of land. They will also pay $60 a year to continue farming there.
Member of Parliament Sim Ann said yesterday that when the farmers’ activity came to light in March this year, the Government’s task was to give them ‘a legitimate outlet for their passion for planting’. ‘The legal position is clear – whatever the background reason, encroachment on state land is illegal,’ said Ms Sim, who had been leading the talks between the gardeners and the various government agencies involved.
Source: The Straits Times
President Tan urges govt not to rush plans for Rail Corridor
By Sharon See, Channel NewsAsia, 2 May 2012.
President Tony Tan Keng Yam has urged the government to not rush into coming up with a plan for the Rail Corridor.
He said it is more important to take time to wait for good ideas to come forth.
“Don’t rush into doing things (and) say ‘We must have a plan and we must finish it by 2-3 years’ time’… (Let’s) take our time to study the possibilities,” said Dr Tan.
He was speaking after visiting the “Journey of Possibilities” exhibition at the URA Centre on Wednesday.
The exhibition features about 80 entries comprising 18 winning ideas, 19 honourable mentions, as well as other innovative entries received for Urban Redevelopment Authority’s Ideas Competition. The exhibition also showcases some of the interesting feedback and suggestions received on URA’s Rail Corridor website since its launch in July last year.
Source: Channel NewsAsia
URA establishes Rail Corridor Partnership to explore and promote community activities along Rail Corridor
Press Release by URA.
2 May 2012 – The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) announced today the formation of a Rail Corridor Partnership to look into the programming and promotion of community activities along the Rail Corridor. The Partnership is an expansion of the Rail Corridor Consultation Group, which was formed last July to provide input to the government on charting the future development plans for the Rail Corridor.
With the re-opening of the Rail Corridor on 9 January 2012, the Partnership will look for opportunities to promote community use of the space that spans the entire width of the island from north to south. Representatives from agencies such as the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports, Singapore Sports Council, and People’s Association will join the Partnership to further foster public-people sector collaboration along the Rail Corridor. Read more
Tanjong Pagar and Bukit Timah Railway Stations open for short-term uses
4 April 2012 – The former Bukit Timah Railway Station (BTRS) and Tanjong Pagar Railway Station (TPRS) have received much public interest since last year. They were on the land formerly occupied by the Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) which has reverted to the State. The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) has completed removal works along the former railway land, which has been levelled and turfed end of 2011.
2. Over the past few months, SLA has received several requests from the public to use the former BTRS and TPRS for community events, sports activities and exhibitions. SLA is pleased to announce that the former BTRS and TPRS are now open to individuals and organisations for ad-hoc activities and events, subject to SLA’s terms and conditions.
3. It is hoped that such activities and events will inject vibrancy and life to the two buildings and the surrounding area. Both the TPRS and the BTRS are a part of Singapore’s heritage, with the former being gazetted as a national monument, while BTRS has been conserved. Read more
Winning ideas for Rail Corridor unveiled at launch of “Journey of Possibilities” exhibition
Press Release By URA, 30 March 2012.
Eighteen winning ideas were unveiled at the launch of Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA)’s “Journey of Possibilities†exhibition and awards presentation ceremony today at the URA Centre Atrium.
Minister of State for National Development Tan Chuan-Jin presented prizes to the 18 winners during the launch of the “Journey of Possibilities†exhibition which will open from today to 11 May 2012. Another 19 ideas were recognised as “honourable mentions†for their creativity and surprising qualities. The winners will be sharing their ideas at a Public Presentation following the awards presentation ceremony. Read more
More time for illegal ‘farmers’ at state land, Clementi Ave 4
Press Release from SLA
20 March 2012 – The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) recently received feedback from residents of Clementi Ave 4 on the frequent burning of leaves and branches on the State land near Block 305 Clementi Avenue 4which has affected the quality of air for the residents there and also poses a potential fire hazard. This State land was part of the land formerly occupied by Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) which has reverted to the State.
2. Upon investigations, apart from widespread burnt patches of ground, it was also found that some individuals had not only encroached on state land for their private purposes but also fenced up parcels of land for their exclusive use, and also illegally erected makeshift sheds and an outdoor toilet. Several stagnant ponds of water which are potential mosquito breeding grounds were also found. Read more
Let’s talk, SLA tells farmers
By Grace Chua, The Straits Times, 14 Mar 2012.
The group of residents who have been farming on a patch of state land in Clementi Avenue 4 may now get a little breathing room.
The Singapore Land Authority (SLA), which last week issued an eviction notice on the illegal vegetable garden, is now asking these farmers to come forward to discuss the issue.
If they fail to do this by March 20, their vegetable patches, the sheds and other structures there will be cleared.
An SLA spokesman said it has no choice but to do this, because public health and safety issues – from mosquitoes and air pollution from the burning of leaves on the site – have been raised.
So far, three families have identified themselves.
Meanwhile, Ms Sim Ann, the Holland-Bukit Timah GRC Member of Parliament overseeing the area, has offered to mediate.
Source: The Straits Times
Residents told to clear out “farm” on state land
By Olivia Siong, Channel NewsAsia, 13 Mar 2012.
The authorities are hoping to engage those who have been illegally using a plot of state land at Clementi Avenue 4.
Residents have been farming at the 1,800 square metre site for almost 30 years, but they are now being ordered by the Singapore Land Authority to move out by March 20.
And for residents like Lester Yeong, they are hoping that a compromise can be reached between the authorities and residents.
Mr Yeong and his family have been farming in the area for about two years. They spend about two to three hours daily at the plot and have planted about 20 species of fruits and vegetables there.
Source: Channel NewsAsia
“Journey of Possibilities” – Presentation of Winning Ideas for the Rail Corridor [Press Releases]
12 March 2012 – The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) is pleased to announce that the winners of the “Journey of Possibilities” Ideas Competition for the Rail Corridor will be unveiled on 30 March 2012 (Friday). On that day, the winners will be sharing their ideas at a Presentation which will be held at the URA Centre from 7pm to 9pm. The public is invited to attend this session to learn more about the winners’ innovative solutions and ideas in addressing some of the key challenges/issues that were identified earlier for the Rail Corridor.
The Presentation of Winning Ideas for the Rail Corridor is part of URA’s continuing efforts to actively engage and involve the public in our plans to shape Singapore into a great city to live, work and play in. Through this Presentation, we hope to involve more people to join us on this exciting journey to dream up possibilities for the Rail Corridor that could eventually be turned into reality. Read more
Group told to clear out ‘farm’ on state land
By Grace Chua, The Straits Times, 10 Mar 2012.
For three decades, a group of Clementi residents have tended to a garden in their neighbourhood, coaxing harvests of bittergourd, sweet potato and jackfruit from the soil, mostly for their own dinner tables.
But their ‘farm’ sits on state land.
On Tuesday, they were told by the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) to clear out by March 20 – in two weeks.
The plot in question is bounded by a portion of the former Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) railway line, the Sungei Ulu Pandan canal, Clementi Avenue 4 and Clementi Avenue 6.
A notice from the SLA has been posted on the door of the outhouse on the farm, announcing that these ‘farmers’ had trespassed on state land by erecting an illegal structure and cultivating crops illegally.
