SPI Realty Inc has withdrawn its application to construct a 72-story residential tower within Greenhills East subdivision, ending a monthslong dispute between the developer and local residents over urban zoning laws.
The withdrawal was accepted by the Mandaluyong City Local Zoning Board of Adjustment and Appeals on Nov 6, 2025, according to a notice sent to Barangay Wack-Wack officials.
The decision follows a unified campaign by the Greenhills East Village Association (GEVA) against the project, which would have reached a height of 275 meters in an area where local ordinances strictly limit development, the association said in a statement.
Mandaluyong City officials cited Ordinance 664 S-2017 in the proceedings, which restricts building heights to about 10 meters in the targeted commercial section of the subdivision.
The proposed tower would have exceeded these limits, prompting GEVA members to raise concerns regarding traffic congestion, population density, emergency access and the shadowing of existing homes.
GEVA representatives said the withdrawal serves as a precedent for urban governance, noting that the local government unit stood firm in safeguarding zoning rules and heritage.
The association said the victory demonstrates that progress does not require compromising the livability of established communities.
SPI Realty leadership received commendation from the community for the professional response to the opposition.
The developer’s decision to retract the petition was viewed by stakeholders as an acknowledgment of both community sentiment and the city’s longstanding policies designed to ensure public safety and preserve residential character.
The resolution of the case has led urban planners to question if this would mark a shift toward more responsible development practices in the region.
GEVA officials also expressed appreciation to the local zoning board and barangay leaders for upholding the integrity of the city’s zoning framework.
