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The Jinghua City case has sparked intense scrutiny and controversy in Taipei, centering around allegations of irregularities in the floor area ratio adjustments for the development project. This controversy has drawn high-profile figures, including former Taipei Mayor and Taiwan People’s Party Chairman Ko Wenzhe, into the spotlight.
Jinghua City, a landmark development initially opened in 2001, was once a thriving commercial hub but faced decline and eventual demolition by 2021. The site, previously known for its spherical architecture and 24-hour shopping, is now being redeveloped by Dingyue, a subsidiary of Weiking Group, into a high-end commercial and office park called Jinghua Plaza. The new project is set to feature four 19-story buildings and is expected to be completed by 2026.
The crux of the controversy lies in the significant increase in the floor area ratio of the project. Initially, Weiking Group proposed raising the ratio from 392% to 560% in 2011, a request that was denied by the Taipei City Government. However, after multiple petitions and scrutiny from the Supervisory Yuan, the ratio was eventually adjusted to 560% in 2018. More controversially, in 2021, the Taipei City Urban Planning Commission approved a further increase to 840%, igniting allegations of procedural misconduct.
The Supervisory Yuan’s investigation revealed that the increase in floor area ratio was granted under dubious circumstances, with the Taipei City Government allegedly creating an ad hoc incentive system that was legally questionable. Critics argue that the city’s actions violated the principles outlined in the Urban Planning Act and exceeded permissible limits under the Ministry of the Interior’s guidelines.
Furthermore, the process of awarding additional floor area bonuses was reportedly not transparently linked to the project’s public welfare contributions. The Taipei City Government’s failure to justify the decision has led to accusations of favoritism and corruption.
The implications of this case are significant for Taipei’s political landscape. As the investigation unfolds, it has raised questions about the integrity of urban planning processes and the role of political figures in influencing such decisions. Ko Wenzhe’s involvement, while denied by his camp, has nonetheless attracted considerable attention and criticism, highlighting a broader concern over the transparency and accountability of Taipei’s municipal governance.
With ongoing investigations by the Taipei Prosecutor’s Office and the Independent Commission Against Corruption, the Jinghua City case continues to evolve. The outcome will likely have profound effects on both the political future of Ko Wenzhe and the operational practices of urban planning authorities in Taipei.