In case you've been living under a rock, a bunch of would-be residents of Fernvale Lea in Sengkang are up in arms about an upcoming columbarium nearby the HDB estate. And they've actually gone beyond Facebook rants to start an online petition to nix the development, securing more than 800 signatures. At a meeting with Lam Pin Min, MP for Sengkang West, a group of them went as far as to ask the HDB for a refund on their flats.
'This is a young estate with young familes [sic], we do not want our children to be exposed to these kind of things so young in their lives!' yelled the petition. You’d think that the columbarium, set within an existing Chinese temple, would be a hotbed of vice. Future Fernvale Lea residents, there are worse things to have next door. Here are five we can think of.
1. A 24-hour McDonald's
Photo: Fritz Saalfeld
The only thing you should be scared about at midnight is the munchies that will have you scurrying for a Big Mac. Not ghosts. Plus, which do you think is worse to ‘expose’ your kids to: a quiet place of worship or millions of calories and a bucketload of fat?
2. Singapore EXPO
Photo: User:Sengkang
Have you seen the insane line of cars and taxis waiting to turn into Expo Drive? And the herds of bargain hunters that descend upon the never-ending expo halls? Good luck getting a cab when you're in a hurry to head out.
3. Schools
Photo: Montyred
Apart from traffic jams, you can look forward to hourly (or twice-hourly) sonorous ringing of the school bell, early morning singing of the national anthem and perhaps even a physics lecture or two delivered in a droning voice.
4. The National Stadium
Photo: MICA
Sure, the fireworks are gorgeous but you’ll also suddenly find yourself exceedingly popular whenever National Day and Chinese New Year roll around, just because every one wants a piece of the pyrotechnic action. Good luck playing the Grinch then.
5. Sewage treatment plant
Photo: Rjgalindo
Really, do you need us to elaborate?