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Noble reasons and passionate plea but given that our HDB always insist on charging "market" rates for their units, residential, commercial or industrial, this reader is unlikely to succeed convincing them. Besides, aunty lucy's chain and other similarly-theme super-markets are now almost everywhere and most traditional heartland shops stand no chance competing with them. It is inevitable that the majority of these type of shops will go the way of the dinosaurs eventually... From ST Forum: http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/Story/...ory_757687.html Do more to protect heartland vibrancy Published on Jan 20, 2012 I AM happy that the Housing Board has set aside $11 million to upgrade the common areas of heartland shopping zones and fund promotional activities for up to six years ('HDB to give shops $11m boost'; last Saturday). But the authorities can do more to protect heartland businesses that are an essential part of the way of life of most Singaporeans. Given rising inflation and rentals, coupled with the aggressive encroachment of megamalls into our housing estates, many of our locally owned and operated shops - be they traditional provision shops or food stalls - are struggling to survive. Some shops which have served the community for decades are giving way to rows of nondescript, low-price chain stores that stock a limited range of substandard products. Instead of allotting shops to the highest bidder, the HDB should consider giving more leeway to traditional provision shops that have defined the neighbourhood for decades and are now a part of Singapore's urban heritage. Shops within HDB estates can also be a seeding ground for encouraging potentially promising start-up businesses by aspiring young Singaporeans, many of whom would not stand a chance in a mall with a rental rate of about $25,000 a month. The authorities can even consider letting out units at token rates to arts groups which could use the space to create and exhibit their works. Preference should be given to residents in the vicinity of the estates. As for the process of selecting the types of activities and businesses, the Government should establish a more inclusive system with local committees comprising a mix of grassroots volunteers, community organisations and ordinary residents. Like our public housing, the value of the shops leased out by the HDB should not be pegged to short-term fluctuations of the private market. The shops should aim to give Singaporeans a greater sense of ownership and belonging to their homes and to Singapore. Liew Kai Khiun