AD against high-rise projects in Sliema, St Julian's

The change in policy to allow high-rise projects in an already congested and densely populated area was "nothing but the legitimisation of violence", Alternattiva Demokratika said yesterday, referring to the Pendergardens project in St Julian's.

AD chairman Harry Vassallo insisted the policy should be subject to a Strategic Environment Assessment in terms of EU law and that AD would be raising the issue with the EU Commission.

AD has come out in defence of the residents in the area, who are opposing the development tooth and nail, envisaging a decline in their quality of life while a "quarry" is excavated just behind their homes and construction works are carried out over a period of at least five years, tearing apart a quiet, residential zone.

Speaking at the Pender Place site, currently a car park, Dr Vassallo expressed concern at the way both the Government and the Malta Environment and Planning Authority were treating the Sliema/St Julian's area.

"It seems they have forgotten that it is inhabited by people who would like to be able to enjoy their neighbourhood, free from endless development and construction work.

"Rather than safeguarding the people's interests, it is obvious that the construction industry always takes preference with these two state institutions," Dr Vassallo continued.

The three projects planned for the area - Fort Cambridge, Town Square and Pendergardens - were "three projects too many", he said.

Dr Vassallo questioned why MEPA was opting for high-rise buildings when the land made available for housing by the Temporary Divisions Scheme of 1988 was enough to meet twice the cumulative demand at current rates by 2020.

"When these approvals are issued, would the quality of life of residents, who would have to endure years of vibrations, dust and heavy vehicles, be taken care of?"

Dr Vassallo pointed out that it was evident the cumulative impact of these projects on traffic and, therefore, air quality, the sewage system and electricity generation, had not been sufficiently studied.

A disgruntled resident said he moved back to Malta and bought property in the area for environmental purposes, only to end up in a quagmire.

"I have never seen a disaster of this magnitude," the resident said. "They are going to suffocate us; there is no space here; the country is saturated!"

Residents are, however, taking action. The Gardens, St Julian's and Environs Preservation Group recently filed two appeals before the Planning Appeals Board against the approved outline development application and excavation works of the Pender Place and Mercury House sites.

The objectors have also filed two judicial protests against MEPA board members.