Plaza Semanggi to worsen traffic jams: Observer<\/p>\n
M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
Despite assurances from the developer of Plaza Semanggi that the
\nupmarket mall would not worsen already severe traffic congestion,
\na transportation observer says otherwise.<\/p>\n
Ahmad Syafrudin of the Environmental Task Force said Wednesday
\nthat the shopping mall would draw more taxis, public minivans and
\nbuses and private vehicles.<\/p>\n
He blasted the city administration for issuing a permit for a
\ndevelopment that would cause extensive traffic chaos.<\/p>\n
"With the opening of the plaza, there will probably be
\nstricter measures to ensure a smooth flow of traffic around it,
\nbut over time it will loosen and public transportation vehicles
\nwill wreak their usual havoc," he told The Jakarta Post.<\/p>\n
He also said that given the difficulty with entering the mall
\non Jl. Jend. Gatot Subroto, patrons would most likely prefer
\nalighting in front of the gate.<\/p>\n
"This means there will be more people gathering in the already
\ncrowded slow lane," he said.<\/p>\n
However, despite concerns of worsening traffic congestion, the
\ndeveloper plans to open the mall in November, vowing it would not
\nadd to the area's traffic woes.<\/p>\n
Mall developer PT Primadana Nusa Indah director Veri Y.
\nSetiady said on Wednesday that a new traffic management policy
\ninvolving the deployment of hundreds of traffic police and city
\ntransportation agency officials to direct the flow of traffic
\ninside and around the mall had been designed.<\/p>\n
He said it was ready to open a new road that would carry
\ntraffic coming from Kuningan and Menteng. "There are problems
\nopening the road but we are ready the build one," he told the
\nPost.<\/p>\n
Veri went further, saying the mall would ease congestion along
\nJl. Sudirman and Jl. Gatot Subroto.<\/p>\n
"During the rush hours, motorists tired of the traffic can
\nchange direction and go to the plaza to refresh themselves in the
\ncafes and entertainment centers inside."<\/p>\n
He said the plaza had 1,900 carparks.<\/p>\n
Plaza Semanggi, which is built around the Sarbini building on
\nthe corner of Jl. Sudirman and Jl. Gatot Subroto, will have a
\ncultural and art center in the Sarbini building.<\/p>\n
Just like other malls, it will also have restaurants,
\nboutiques, entertainment centers, electronic stores and health
\nand beauty shops.<\/p>\n
Reports said that 92 percent of the 400 units were already
\nrented. Each unit cost between Rp 300,000 (US$35.3) and Rp
\n500,000 per square meter per month.<\/p>\n
Prior to construction of the mall, areas around the Sarbini
\nbuilding were a place for street vendors and a temporary terminal
\nfor illegally operating public minivans.<\/p>\n
The developer reiterated it would clear the area and give
\nspace inside the mall to all street vendors.<\/p>",
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