Shanghai's first underground garage to be built below a greenbelt in an old neighborhood is scheduled to be constructed this year in Pudong New Area's Zhuyuan community.

City government initiated the pilot program as a result of a suggestion by a local National People's Congress deputy in an attempt to solve parking shortage in old downtown neighborhoods.

The deputy, Li Guodi, suggested that the government make use of the large areas under community parks.

The government adopted his suggestion and will invest more than 60 million yuan (US$8.8 million) in the construction of the 10,000-square-meter garage below the Zhuyuan green area.

The plan is slated for consideration today by members of the Zhuyuan property owners committee.

"The neighborhood is packed with cars at night," said a community official surnamed Shen.

"More and more people have cars thanks to the rise in local life quality. But neighborhoods built 20 years ago can't hold so many cars," she said.

Faced with similar congestion, some developed countries such as Singapore move ground-floor residents to make way for garages, according to Shen. But she said this method is not viable in a developing country with so many people.

Shen said the pilot project will not only resolve the parking crunch in the neighborhood but will also help ease parking congestion along Pudong's Century Avenue.

Parking spaces will be opened to the public after satisfying the needs of community owners.

All the proceeds after maintenance and management fees are deducted will belong to community members.

(Shanghai Daily October 14, 2008)