Rezoning will destroy areas' biggest appeal
I was appalled to read about the proposed rezoning of Wan Chai and Causeway Bay from mixed use to single-use commercial and residential zones ('Rezoning plans threaten to mute street colour', February 7).
Single-use zoning is a lifeless idea from the 1960s. At the time, planners in the United States and Europe thought they were cleaning up cities and making them more efficient. It was a terrible idea then, and it is still a terrible idea.
It resulted in sterile urban centres that became abandoned and dangerous at night, monotonous residential suburbs and weaker communities, as gathering places such as pubs, corner shops and cafes were removed from people's neighbourhoods.
It did not even succeed in reducing traffic congestion but generated more pressure on the roads, as people had to drive longer distances between home, work and shopping.
I am amazed Hong Kong is following such policies without much apparent critical reflection.
Simply put, this rezoning policy will eventually kill off everything that makes Causeway Bay and Wan Chai such interesting, diverse and dynamic districts.
