Displaced Protesters Fight Urban Developers in Taipei

An urban renewal development reaches a violent climax as a clash breaks out between construction workers and protesters.

1 minute read

June 26, 2012, 8:00 AM PDT

By Emily Williams


A residential development in Taipei -- which was meant to spur urban renewal in the area, but has been stalled for more than three years -- caused a violent clash between protestors and construction workers over the weekend. Following the demolition of their two houses, the Wang family and others against the development have been camped out on the site, which is being cleared to make way for a new apartment complex.

The dispute occurred after the construction company, Le Young Construction Co, arrived to the site to remove debris. The protesters grew angry and "pushed and shoved the construction workers, accusing them of trespassing on private property." The construction workers provided paperwork stating that they were sent by the government to clean the site, but the Construction Management Office denies issuing the documents. "Amid the clashes, a member of the Urban Renewal Victims' Alliance, surnamed Kuo (郭), accused construction workers of pushing him and tearing his pants, while police stood by."

"The Taipei City Government has been criticized over its handling of the project", writes Yan-chih, having "evicted the Wang family in March, despite ongoing protests." The government agreed to support negotiations between the construction company and the Wang family, but so far no agreements have been reached.

Saturday, June 23, 2012 in Taipei Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 23, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Green painted bike lane with striped buffer between car lane and curb parking lane.

Why Bike Lanes Are Good: An Explainer for the US Transportation Secretary

Sean Duffy says there’s no evidence that bike lanes have benefits. Streetsblog — and federal agencies’ own data — beg to differ.

30 minutes ago - Streetsblog USA

Yellow electric school bus with preteen students exiting.

California Invests Additional $5M in Electric School Buses

The state wants to electrify all of its school bus fleets by 2035.

April 25 - Associated Press

City Hall building in Austin, Texas.

Austin Launches $2M Homelessness Prevention Fund

A new grant program from the city’s Homeless Strategy Office will fund rental assistance and supportive services.

April 25 - Spectrum Local News