Here’s a level of urban redevelopment democracy I (Storm) haven’t seen at work here in the USA. In the former Portuguese territory of Macau (now part of China), they have a policy known as the “restoration ratio”.
This represents the percentage of condo owners in a residential building whose consent is needed before the building owner can move forward with a major renovation or reconstruction project (one that would temporarily displace them).
Now, Macau’s Urban Renewal Committee has agreed to raise the restoration ratio between 85 and 100 percent.
Furthermore, it’s now been proposed that buildings under 30 years of age should maintain a 100% restoration ratio. Those aged between 30 and 40 years should maintain a 90% restoration ratio. And those over 40 years of age would be 85%.
The only stated exception concerns buildings, of whatever age, with important public interests, which require just 85% consent for renovation.
The purpose of these changes is to facilitate the city’s ability to advance their urban renewal agenda without lengthy delays due to citizen protests.
The Urban Renewal Committee also agreed that the government will provide temporary housing and financial support for residents displaced while their buildings are being restored.
Photo of Macau via Adobe Stock.