TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taipei First Funeral Parlor, originally scheduled for demolition on April 19, has been given a two-month extension, as capacity expansion at Taipei Second Funeral Parlor fell behind schedule.
Taipei City Mortuary Services Office (MSO) postponed the demolition work until June, per UDN. To ensure the new funeral parlor will not be overcrowded, shuttle bus services will be provided, and another parking lot will be opened, with real-time parking lot occupancy information.
MSO Director Chang Shih-chang (張世昌) said demolition of the older funeral parlor has been delayed because of permits associated with the expansion of Taipei Second Funeral Parlor. This includes external landscaping and drainage work.
Chang said that despite delays, Taipei First Funeral Parlor remains closed, with only Jingxing Hall open for funerals. It was originally open until April 18, with six funerals scheduled, but subsequent delays will allow it to remain open until April 30 and possibly longer.
Many Taipei citizens are worried that Taipei Second Funeral Parlor will not be able to handle the extra volume after the older funeral parlor is demolished. Family members struggled to find parking as the funeral of their loved one was taking place.
Many local funeral directors questioned why Taipei is demolishing a funeral parlor while funeral facilities in various counties and cities are already considered insufficient.
Chang responded that the expansion of Taipei Second Funeral Parlor will be greater than the current capacity of the first and second funeral parlors combined. He said it will be able to meet the capacity demanded by Taipei citizens.
As for the parking problem, Chang said plans are in place to open overflow parking at National Taiwan University Cancer Center and National Taiwan University of Science and Technology. Visitors can take a 10-minute ride on the S35 shuttle bus.
The MSO acknowledged that parking will be a problem on auspicious days, regardless of capacity expansion. The office said it is better to encourage more visitors to switch to “park and ride” services.
