TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Taipei Dome has helped bring NT$200 million (US$6.16 million) in business to the Eastern District, according to Taipei Deputy Mayor Lin Yi-hua (林奕華).
However, residents have complained that an increase in garbage and traffic has disrupted their peaceful community. As the dome prepares to celebrate its first anniversary on Dec. 2, local residents have mixed reactions about the multipurpose facility, per UDN.
Lin said the dome's opening ushered in a new era for Taiwan baseball, with many looking forward to an expanded schedule of games next season. In addition to sports, city officials hope the facility will connect nearby attractions such as Taipei 101, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, and a future National Railway Museum into a corridor for culture and entertainment.
Wang Chiu-tung (王秋冬), commissioner of the Taipei City Department of Information and Tourism, said the dome's opening has led visitors to nearby Songshan Cultural and Creative Park to increase by 22%. Wang said the National Day Gala on Oct. 5 drove the number of visitors to the Eastern District to increase by 30%, with store performance up 20%.
Lin Chia-bao (林家葆), owner of a popular dessert shop said the opening of the Taipei Dome has boosted business at an important time as the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall undergoes major renovations. Lin said nearby businesses will benefit from more events planned next year.
Han Hsiu-ho (韓修和), honorary chair of the Taipei Eastern District Business Association, said, "The Eastern District is slowly coming back after being beaten down by the COVID pandemic." Han said the vacancy rate for storefronts in the area has dropped to about 8% and is gradually moving to zero vacancy.
However, for some residents living near Taipei Dome and Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, the arrival of crowds has led to more litter and garbage, with smokers leaving cigarette butts in adjacent streets and alleys. Local borough chief, Wu Chien-te (吳建德), said residents just want peace and tranquility, not business opportunities.
Wu warned that a noisy environment will eventually lead housing prices to fall. “If residents continue to be dissatisfied, I will have no choice but to take these complaints to Taipei City Government.”