City Hall met yesterday to discuss demands made by families slated for eviction from the Boeung Kak lakeside, though one official said afterwards that no decision on them had been reached. The families said earlier this year that a controversial real estate project at the lake should be modified to accommodate on-site replacement housing. According to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, those in attendance yesterday concluded that they were not authorised to rule on the demands. “The city authorities do not have the power to decide on this issue if not approved by the government leaders,” he said. More than 4,000 families face eviction to make way for a 133-hectare housing and commercial development. Ing Navy, a representative from Village 24, said yesterday that despite being offered compensation in exchange for relocating, most residents would prefer to remain where they are. “Despite being poor people, we want to live close to the development area,” she said.