The decision by developers not to demolish the Hunghom Peninsula estate is a victory not just for people power - but also for common sense.
Sun Hung Kai Properties and a subsidiary of New World Development deserve credit for listening to public opinion and opting not to proceed with this wasteful demolition. The developers appear to have decided it was not in their best interests to press ahead with their plans in the face of such strong opposition from the community.
In the end, the petitions, protests and general public outcry hit home. As a result, Hong Kong has been spared unnecessary environmental damage and the dubious distinction of playing host to the world's biggest demolition of new, unused buildings.
Concerns have been raised that this issue became unduly politicised and that it may harm Hong Kong's reputation as a place which is governed by the rule of law.
But just because a corporation enjoys a contractual right to redevelop a site, it does not necessarily mean the right has to be exercised. The rule of law does not prevent the developer from being swayed by public opinion.
The government argues that the developers did not even have such a right - at least, not without official approval.
This would appear to be borne out by documents released last week under pressure from lawmakers. But the exchange of correspondence does not tell the whole story.