Shezidao Detailed Plan Approved by Taipei City Council, to be Submitted to Ministry of Interior by End of June

The Taipei City Urban Planning Commission deliberated on the "Proposed Detailed Plan for Shezidao Area, Taipei City." Prior to the meeting, members of the self-help association clashed with a large police presence as they were unable to register to speak.

Amidst the self-help association's protest, the Taipei City Urban Planning Commission announced the meeting's commencement. After deliberation by committee members and consideration of procedural issues, it was decided to allow over 30 citizens to speak. The meeting proceeded from 2:00 PM to 6:30 PM.

According to the commission's meeting records, the case involved land expropriation review committee meetings convened by the Ministry of Interior between 2022 and 2024. On December 25, 2024, the Ministry of Interior's Land Expropriation Review Committee resolved to generally agree to the development scope.

Records indicate that the Taipei City Government proposed amendments to the detailed plan to accommodate adjustments in the land expropriation scope, and to establish and designate "redevelopment zones." These amendments focus on road alignments, park configurations, setting aside plaza land for access, and enhancing the preservation of local character.

The commission's deliberations today centered on six points: conditionally excluding six newly petitioned land parcels from land expropriation, adjusting development regulations for redevelopment zones and residential zones, developing urban design guidelines for roads with a high density of redevelopment zones and historical buildings, adjusting parkland scope in coordination with historical building preservation areas, and modifying the excavation ratio and building height limits for special project residential zones.

Most residents petitioned, stating they have lived in Shezidao for a long time, own property and land there, and are familiar with the environment. They expressed concern that the city government's development and expropriation plans would lead to the disappearance of their land and homes, demanding the preservation of their buildings and unconditional exclusion from land expropriation.

After hearing the petitions, committee members raised questions about reviewing the height and population density planning for special project residential zones. Many committee members noted that numerous petitions requested unconditional exclusion from land expropriation, but acknowledged the city government faces difficulties due to the complex land ownership and co-ownership in Shezidao.

Some committee members pointed out that many petitioners wished to be unconditionally excluded from land expropriation, and the city government seemed not to have informed them of the subsequent impacts, such as having to handle drainage independently. They stressed that the city government should continue communicating with residents.

Committee members also inquired whether the city government's loss in the administrative court regarding the Shezidao environmental impact assessment would affect the detailed or main plan if the final ruling remains unfavorable. Some members suggested that AI could be used to provide comparative maps of before and after development to help residents understand the differences.

The Taipei City Land Development Office responded during the committee meeting that the court's ruling against the city government was based on the need for environmental impact assessments for future construction of facilities like sewage treatment plants and dikes. They stated that while respecting the court's decision, they would appeal, believing the ruling does not affect the original urban plan, possibly due to differing interpretations.

Committee members concluded by stating that the Shezidao case has undergone extensive discussion and garnered significant public attention. They emphasized that public departments are sincere in their commitment to continuous communication with residents and that stalemate is unproductive.

Taipei City Urban Planning Commission Chairman and Deputy Mayor Chang Wen-te ruled that the case has been discussed for over 30 years and that the city government is moving forward with a sense of responsibility, respecting differing opinions while seeking consensus.

He stated that regarding the six points discussed by the commission, such as the new six land parcels requiring approval from the Ministry of Interior's Land Expropriation Committee to be exempt from Taipei City Urban Planning Commission review, he asked for committee members' opinions. As there were no objections, Chang Wen-te requested that these points be considered for inclusion.

Following the meeting, Chang Wen-te told reporters that today's discussion confirmed the scope of land expropriation. The Land Development Office estimates that the case will be submitted to the Ministry of Interior for review by the end of June.