The application of Camella Homes to develop a new housing project in Dumaguete City has hit a snag, following the refusal of the City Council to reclassify almost nine hectares of productive farmlands in barangay Cantil-e into residential areas.
At the instance of Councilor Franklin Esmena Jr., the Council agreed not to entertain the request of the developer because of their inability to provide a socialized housing component.
Developers of proposed subdivision projects are required by law to develop an area for socialized housing equivalent to at least 20 percent of the total subdivision area, or total subdivision project cost.
Camella Homes had opened Phase 1 and 2 of their housing project in barangay Candau-ay, but eventually established their socialized housing projects for these phases in Sagay, Negros Occidental, and in Plaridel, Bulacan.
Vice Mayor Woodrow Maquiling said he was informed by the engineer of Camella Homes that they cannot put up the socialized housing project in Dumaguete because of the “very high appraisal” of land in the City.
With this information, the City Council said they will not entertain applications for a development permit, and reclassification of the lot affected by the proposed housing subdivision, unless 20 percent of Phase 1, and another 20 percent of Phase 2, are also established right here in Dumaguete.
Maquiling said to entertain the request at this point will just add insult to injury.
