Category Archives: General

Build bridges instead of unsightly developments

Posted on 21 May 2013 | Comments Off on Build bridges instead of unsightly developments

There has been a lot of talk about the importance of neighbourliness, and I have a suggestion as to how the authorities can do better in this regard.

My wife and I spent 20 years cultivating neighbourliness in our previous neighbourhood; we literally knew everyone in our vicinity.

We loved it there so much that we swore never to sell our house. But we did last year.

Someone bought the adjacent house and received regulatory approval to tear it down and rebuild it twice as high and twice as long, which makes it stick out like a sore thumb in a lovely estate of 36 cottage-like, two-storey houses.

Recently, my other neighbour also moved out and sold his house.

A First World country should not let such things happen. My friend and relatives who migrated to Australia said such ugly developments would not happen there, as the authorities would consult the neighbouring households before giving any approval.

Singapore should do the same.
FROM JACK KOH CHIN GUAN

Source Today – 21 May 2013

Comments Off on Build bridges instead of unsightly developments

Posted in General

Tagged ,

Surcharge for second car owners being considered

Posted on 16 May 2013 | Comments Off on Surcharge for second car owners being considered

Those who wish to buy more than one car in Singapore may need to fork out more cash on top of their Certificate of Entitlement (COE) in future.

The government is considering imposing a surcharge for the second car onwards – owned by the same person.

The move aims to better spread car ownership more evenly, given the limited COE supply.

If implemented, the surcharge will not apply to existing multiple car owners.

Buyers of mass-market cars who are currently competing for COEs in Category A with buyers of luxury cars may also see some relief.

The government is looking at factoring engine power as a way to better delineate Category A from Category B to improve the COE system.

In 2012, models that are commonly viewed as higher end options such as Mercedes Benz, Audi and BMW, made up more than one-third of category A registrations, compared to less than seven per cent in 2010.

The government will begin seeking views from the public and motor dealers on the possible changes next month.

The process will likely take about two to three months.

Source – CNA – 16 MY 2013

Comments Off on Surcharge for second car owners being considered

Posted in General

Tagged , , , , , ,