CLOSE to 700 people were privy to the launch of the Acacia show unit at the Park Residences Resort Style condominiums at Bangsar South recently.

Khor: This luncheon is to celebrate the early completion of the project.

The guests were privilege card members and existing buyers.

“This luncheon is to celebrate the early completion of the project as well as to allow the existing buyers to view the actual units during the event,” said UOA general manager David Khor.

There are a total of 470 units in two blocks, Acacia and Begonia and 67% have already been sold. During the event, existing buyers brought along friends and family who were interested in the properties as well.

Khor admitted that building a mixed development in Kerinchi was not without its challenges but they persevered in making the place suitable for future buyers.

“When we first embarked on this journey many people questioned our success.

“This place was known for traffic jams and illegal hawker stalls but through careful planning and hard work we changed it into a vibrant development,” he added.

UOA built a hawker centre and with the help of Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) relocated the stall owners to the new centre and they also upgraded the LRT station for the people’s convenience.

“Since we share the same postcode as Bangsar, we decided to name this area Bangsar South and DBKL has officially recognised the name,” added Khor.

Prospective buyers: The guests mingling during the luncheon.

During the luncheon, a host of games and entertainment were also arranged. A clown with balloons entertained the children while performances by The Monti and Logi Show as well as David Lai’s magical act blew the crowd away.

A special 6% discount was given to buyers introduced by friends and family while existing buyers who purchased additional units were given an 8% discount during the event.

Members of the public will be able to view the showrooms during the official launch on Sunday.

The starting price for the units measuring 1,260sq ft is RM636,800.

BANGSAR will be going green in honour of Earth Day this week.

Until April 25, Jalan Telawi in Bangsar Baru will play host to variety of green-themed events, including games, workshops, movie screenings and performances.

Those looking for something more active can join in the Bangsar nature walk or the mini rock climbing session.

Visitors can also kick back and relax to performances by groups like The SNL Singers, Markiza and Peter Brown, and The KL Players.

For the full schedule, visit www.facebook.com/earthdaybangsar.

KUALA LUMPUR mayor Datuk Seri Ahmad Fuad Ismail has agreed to organise another dialogue with the various stakeholders in Brickfields following objections to the one-way street proposal for Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad.

Ahmad Fuad said this after the residents submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s political secretary Datuk Shahlan Ismail.

Shahlan had attended a meeting with some 40 NGO representatives and other Brickfields stakeholders to find out their objections to the proposal.

He also assured them that he would speak to the Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin and the mayor about the matter.

“Once I have heard both sides of the story, I will meet the PM to discuss the matter after his return from the United States,” he said.

Here you go: Representatives from the stakeholders handing over the memo to Shahlan (with jacket).

Shahlan added that he wanted to visit the people and feel the atmosphere of the place to better assess the situation.

“Changes today have to be better than yesterday’s situation. All projects should benefit the people and it has to be value for money,” he said.

During the three-hour session, stakeholders from residents’ associations, religious bodies, schools, traders and cultural organisations put forth their objections and views about the proposed development in the area.

Among the key issues brought up were safety, parking woes, congestion and the tranquility of Brickfields. Residents are suggesting that flyovers be built connecting KL Sentral with Jalan Travers and the Federal Highway.

A representative from the trading community, K. Jyothi, said 40 out of 116 business owners in Brickfields had their licences cancelled.

“After the directive for traders to move to a plot of land on Jalan Chan Ah Tong, these people’s licences were cancelled.

“They have been asked to relocate to Cheras and they cannot afford to do so,” he said.

Shahlan said he understood the adversities the traders would face in light of the situation.

Malaysian Association for the Blind (MAB) representative Godfrey Ooi said he hoped the government would look at the problems that will arrive once the one-way street is implemented.

“I am sure all the cars cannot wait for us to cross the roads and just how many bridges can you construct for our convenience?” Ooi, who is MAB deputy executive director said.

The meeting was also held to launch a new organisation, Pertubuhan Kebajikan Masyarakat Bersepadu Kuala Lumpur dan Selangor that looks into the welfare of people who need assistance.

“Our aim is to help people who do not have the avenues to approach certain issues,” chairman Zakaria Salleh said.

He also said the organisation would help the Brickfields community to solve its problems.