KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 2, 2014:
The Vivekananda Ashram Kuala Lumpur is a heritage site and therefore any building on the land cannot be demolished, said the city's mayor Datuk Ahmad Phesal Talib.
He said the 110-year-old building was on land that could be developed, but its heritage elements must be maintained either by keeping its façade, or incorporating it into the proposed development.
He also said for any development plan which affected the land's density, ratio, and the nature of its use, consent from the adjacent landlords must first be obtained.
"We have received the board members' application to build an apartment there since early this year.
"As a planning authority, we can consider the application based on the prospect and potential of the land's usage."
Phesal was speaking at a press conference after attending the 1Malaysia People's Breakfast at the Kuala Lumpur Library this morning.
The Mayor added for the development plan to be approved, city hall has to look into the trustees' actions which must be taken in accordance to the set rules and laws.
"We advise the trustees to get together and hold a session with the public to explain and consult them on the necessity of the development plans.
"We will give the adjacent landlords some time to oppose the development, then we will hold a public hearing before deciding on the matter.
"But as there is a lot of sentiment for the Indian community, we want the trustees to understand the need to work around it."
The land's board members have cited the need to raise money for their charity fund as the reason behind the development project.
As the building is held dear to the Indian community, owner of Brickfields Asia College Raja Sigham has offered to donate RM500,000 to the board members, an offer which they are yet to accept.
Have something to add to this story? Let us know with a comment below.
Source : http://www.therakyatpost.com/news/2014/11/02/vivekananda-ashram-kuala-lumpur-heritage-site-says-mayor/
