Monty Bay Travellers Raise Concerns Over Housing Regulations and Project Use Compliance

The Monty Bay Travellers have raised concerns about a housing development project, questioning whether it aligns with the original intent of the anti-compulsory housing (MIH) regulations. A 311 complaint submitted on December 17 highlighted the community’s ongoing demand for clarity from the City Building Board (DOB) regarding the project’s compliance with these rules. Residents have long expressed skepticism about the project’s initial promotion as affordable housing, which they believe was later shifted to a homeless shelter, a situation they describe as a “bait and switch.”

The dispute centers on whether the development’s final use will adhere to the approved regulations. The community has asked whether the project’s use will remain consistent with the original MIH-approved plans if the land is designated for MIH. They also question whether the developers have fulfilled their obligation to provide affordable housing as required by MIH.

Since August 2018, the DOB has required new construction or major upgrades within MIH areas to be approved by the Housing Protection and Development Agency (HPD) before construction can proceed. In May 2021, the DOB was to enter the DOB NOW:Build Electronics Reporting System, which mandates that if a property is marked as “MIH,” the applicant must submit a notice of HPD permit and a notice of completion. If the property is not deemed suitable for MIH, a separate exemption would be required.

Residents submitted a complaint on June 19, requesting clarification on the building’s intended use. They noted that if the building is used as affordable housing meeting MIH requirements, it would align with the approved regulations. However, if it is used as a tourist shelter or transit home, it may not comply with the regulations or MIH requirements.

The community also raised concerns about whether the building authority has obtained a permit letter from HPD, as required by regulations since 2018. They believe that if such documents are missing, the building authorities may still issue a construction permit, potentially bypassing the statutory review process under MIH.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Mandarin Chinese)