The ombudsman is investigating the government and the Urban Renewal Authority over claims that it mishandled the Wedding Card Street redevelopment, those affected by the plan have said.
Residents and printing merchants hope the investigation will force the Housing, Planning and Lands Bureau to suspend the order for the resumption of land in Lee Tung Street, Wan Chai, on November 15.
Their wish was expressed when about 40 affected residents and shop owners recently celebrated what could be their last Mid-Autumn Festival in the street famed for its concentration of shops that print wedding cards.
'We hope the government will suspend the land resumption order. Otherwise by the time the ombudsman completes the investigation, the street will be gone,' said Kam Fok Lai-ching, a representative of the H15 Concern Group.
Residents and shop owners formed the group after the government announced its plans to raze historical buildings and replace them with high-rises. They named the group after the redevelopment's reference number.
Early last month, the Lands Department gazetted the long-anticipated resumption order for the land, allowing it to take over properties from unwilling owners if they do not agree to sell to the authority within three months.