Residents of Huangpu New Garden have threatened a lawsuit against their property maintenance company if it insists on completing a rubbish collection center in the neighborhood.
Without informing residents, the Shangshi Nankai Real Estate Co, earlier this month, began revamping an office building in Huangpu New Garden into a center, which would be responsible for collecting rubbish in some neighboring residential areas.
"This renovation is illegal," said Bessie Huang, a resident. "The original design for the No. 13 building is for an office. The company didn't show any official approval for the change. It is crazy to build such a rubbish center near us."
In order to stop the "illegal move," resident representatives argued with the company, which agreed to temporarily stop work a week ago.
However, the company insisted it has a permit from the Huangpu District government and plans to continue the project notwithstanding the residents' objections.
"The center was previously located elsewhere in the neighborhood and we showed our permit then," said Feng Wei, a company official. "There, too, we had to stop work because of disagreement with residents."
According to Feng, since a waste collection center is a must for real estate construction, they chose the No. 13 building as the new location. "However, residents opposed it again simply because they don't like such a center. But, it is against government regulation," he said, dodging reporters' request to see the permit.
However, residents insist they have not seen any approval about the center's new location.
Wu Dong, attorney for the residents, said facilities built by a maintenance company should not affect residents' lives, even if there is an approval. "Such a rubbish center should be located outside a residential area," he said. "According to related environment regulations, the company should provide evidence that such a center won't cause pollution or impact people's health."