Congestion to worsen in TTDI

PETALING JAYA (July 1): The proposed development of nine blocks of high-rise homes on a 12-acre parcel next to the Taman Rimba Kiara in Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI) is expected to worsen traffic congestion as the existing transport infrastructure is inadequate, said property agents and consultants.

The project — which is coming up on Lot PT 9244 owned by Yayasan Wilayah Persekutuan — encompasses a 29-storey block of affordable housing with 350 units of affordable homes, eight blocks of serviced residences that range from 42 to 54 storeys comprising 1,766 units, and a commercial development, according to submissions by Memang Perkasa Sdn Bhd, a company linked to the Pavilion Group.

“TTDI is already overdeveloped. As of now, the traffic congestion is horrendous day in and day out. I am not against the development but there needs to be proper planning in terms of how the place will accommodate such a high volume of residents such as having proper parking spaces,” said Synergy International Realtors principal Terry Wong.

“Just looking at the number of incoming units, which is almost over 2,000 units set to be built, if we take a conservative approach of a headcount of four members in a family, TTDI will see some 8,000 residents coming in, in the future,” he told TheEdgeProperty.com.

JS Valuers Research and Consultancy Sdn Bhd director Chan Wai Seen said the neighbourhood will likely be cluttered during the construction period and could become more congested after the project is completed.

“But whether the proposed development will negatively affect the liveability of TTDI will depend greatly on the planning, implementation and management of the project. New and improved accessibility, infrastructure and amenities need to be put in place,” he said.

“The optimal density of a development will depend on the infrastructure and amenities in the neighbourhood. Development of a mass rapid transit (MRT) station at TTDI may have encouraged the authorities to increase the development density because the MRT will be able to cater to a larger population,” Chan noted.

“Personally, I would prefer high-density developments in highly established locations, which encourage vertical developments as opposed to horizontal developments. The latter will consume more development areas and may involve larger green areas,” he added.

On whether the development will have an adverse impact on the prices of the surrounding properties, Chan said it is still too early to say.

Synergy’s Wong, however, highlighted that the development will not negatively impact surrounding properties.

“TTDI is a very established and mature area with excellent connectivity and amenities nearby. In addition to that, there will be an upcoming MRT station which enhances the connectivity even further. If the proposed development takes place, it will not impact the prices of the surrounding properties,” said Wong.

“Having said that, TTDI is certainly not prepared for such a big impact until adequate facilities and amenities are in place,” Wong concluded.

Residents of TTDI have organised protests over the proposed development over concerns that the development will encroach into Taman Rimba Kiara park, a popular green lung in the neighbourhood.

The development is expected to raise the density of the area by 13 times to 979 people from 74 people per acre.

The objection period ended on June 29.

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