The World Edition - Government - Development Restrictions in Beijing

Development Restrictions in Beijing

By Alexander H. Johnstone
SEPTEMBER 4, 2007

It can be difficult for city governments to properly manage rapid urban growth. There are positive and negative aspects of a growing city and the government has a responsibility to make wise decisions.

The city of Beijing has experienced rapid development in recent years, but it has suddenly come to complete halt. The Beijing Municipal Institute of City Planning and Design recently released a detailed plan proposing new regulations for construction and development throughout the Chinese capital city. The Beijing Municipal Institute of City Planning and Design is a unit directly under Beijing Municipal Commission of Urban Planning. The purpose of the plan is to strictly limit growth within the city's boundaries. It is concerned with the Second Ring Road, which is in the central core of the city. This particular area of Beijing has been divided into 33 parts according to major roads and rivers and incorporates eight districts, covering approximately 385 square miles. The plans limit construction within this area to necessary public facilities and little else. The regulations include height restrictions, population density, construction, infrastructure and public facilities.

The city has been the center of attention with rebuilding in preparation as host of the Summer 2008 Olympic Games. There has been much debate throughout the city concerning the destruction of historic areas of the city to make room for Olympic related complexes. If all goes according to the plans of the Beijing Municipal Institute of City Planning and Design, the population of the central city should experience a decline within the next few years.

It is vital that the government of Beijing takes steps to manage its growth. Some people are going to be displeased, but decisions are made to benefit the city as a whole. It has been difficult for Beijing to embrace its traditional heritage between preparing for the international spotlight and accommodating its expanding population. The decisions of the government will be the center of attention once the torches are lit less than one year from now.