Community letters of outrage since the decision was made-

“You fought a long war and as a resident I am not surprised about C Moore’s behaviour. During the fight to save the trees in Lillian Fowler it became very obvious that she is more interested in getting her face on TV, attending openings of any kind, or producing the expensive ‘Residents guide’ (which serves no real purpose other than promoting herself) than defending actual residents. I am sure on completion of this project she will be there smiling. During the fight for the trees those of us involved were shocked to discover the outright lies told which we were able to rightly disprove.

I personally am deeply concerned with the relationship council has with developers. The battle for this may be lost temporarily but perhaps we should meet to determine how we can move forward and what approach we can take. I would like to thank you for the work you did.”

“Thanks for all your hard work. I was at the meeting the other night. All we can do now is resolve to boycott that shop.”

“I was there tonight and cannot understand how Clover Moore can talk about a 'City of Villages'. The inconsistency boggles my brain. I know I won't be spending my pennies at any large chain ... Thanks for fighting the good fight.”

“This is very disappointing, sad news. Traffic is already horrendous along Erko road at peak times, it will be impossible once the supermarket is there. I think our only option is to mount a boycott campaign against Woolworths and this supermarket once it is built. Get people to avoid using it - some will, some won't, but even a small dent in business might make a difference. We should also make sure Clover gets plenty of negative publicity about this and her betrayal of the Erko community.”

“I wanted to thank you for the wonderful effort you have put in continually. I was at the meeting last night and although not surprised at the approval (you just cannot beat these BIG guys), I was shocked that after three excellent councillors spoke about the lovely “Erskineville village feel” and put up excellent arguments for the approval to be declined, the approval was given.  None of this makes sense to me at all.“

 

“It just shows me that the assertions about “under the counter payments” and graft that goes on in councils is rife in Sydney City Council.”

 

“Those ridiculous three people that spoke for the approval to be given – and to say that if approval was not given last night, the matter would go the Land & Environment Court and we would lose and it would cost the Council money. I am very annoyed and very sad that our wonderful area is going to be tainted. I live in Gowrie Street and parking and access will be a nightmare.”

 

“It is a devastating shame that this has been allowed to happen but thank you for your wonderful campaign.”

“Dear Clover, “I have lost complete faith in you.

Why, why, why do we need the supermarket development in Erskineville – it will absolutely destroy the Village Life we currently enjoy.   

You should expect a huge voter backlash as a result of this decision, and I would highly recommend that you never set foot in Erskineville again unless you’re wearing a very good disguise!!! “

 

“Dear all, Thanks for all of your hard work despite such a lousy outcome – sad to think that the Lord Mayor cares so little about her constituents’ opinions. Clover Moore is not welcome in Erskineville and I definitely won’t be voting for her in the next elections.”

“Hi, I am really disgusted with Clover Moore and the other councillors as regards their decision. Yes, the city of villages is really just a marketing campaign. “

“Do you think that we should all write to Clover and her fellow councillors individually and express our disgust?”

“Yeah she's nuts! She has wanted this all along...remember her speech at the sausage sizzle? I can't believe her one tracked mind towards homogenizing Sydney...”

“Hi, I’m really disappointed, but I just wanted to say a huge thank you for putting up such a strong fight on behalf of residents like me. Thank you so very much, “

“It’s sad when a council doesn't listen to a majority of the population in a community. Guess all there is to it now is vote with your dollars. I know I won’t be going there. You put a good fight, and thanks as a resident for all your hard work in this one.” 

“Good Morning, I am very sorry to hear about the SCO decision. You all put up an amazing fight.  We at Pyrmont are still having our battles down here, and we have had over a decade of it. Some wins and a few losses as well.  Clover Moore and her team have turned out to be a bitter disappointment to us all. All the best   “

“Hello, Thank you so much for your tireless efforts and the huge momentum that you were able to create around this.”

 

“I certainly agree that the “City of Villages” is a farce. I am so sorry that it did not turn out another way.”

 

“Well, thanks for all your hard work. I never did believe that Clover was for anyone but Clover, so there you go. What a way to treat Marcelle. We can only hope that the residents maintain their integrity and refuse to shop there - and every other Woollies outlet. “

“I have to admit I feel sorry for McInerney & Hoff, as I think they have been sacrificed because of Clover's power..., but that’s politics & the game they play in. The article you discovered on Sunday in the SMH certainly explains Black's arrogance & appalling behaviour in the council meetings....... when a political party gains clear majority, community means nothing.”

“Very interesting about Marcelle getting knifed by her own little Independent Party. Just a shame it didn't stop her from toeing the party line when it came to our interests.”

“This decision has seriously disappointed me, not merely because we will get an unwanted up market supermarket on our corner which is far more likely to lessen competition than increase it, but because it cynically manipulated the idea of democratic participation and made a mockery of the idea of independent advice on traffic and social economic impact. Clearly for  Clover More and  team of so-called "independents",  the City of Villages was just a slogan.”

“As an attendee at the meeting on Monday night, I would like to say how disgusted I am that Clover Moore and her Independent Party chose to ignore the community feeling on this issue. Clover seems to believe that she knows better than the people who are actually going to have to live with this development.
This decision, coupled with the refusal on the Aldi supermarket at St Peters, is a clear indicator that City of Sydney Council are fully aligned with the interests of Woolworths and Coles. The Independent Councillors need to remember that they are elected officials - they can be voted out and will be as the public begins to become aware of just how they operate.”

“That is tragic. Will protest of course but big forces must be at work here.”

 

“The day after the council voted in favour of the supermarket, the traffic on Erskineville Road was some of the worst I have ever seen. It was 5 pm, folks were going home (or to the supermarket as they are want to do) and the traffic was backed up (without gaps) from Wilson street to past the train station.”

 

“This supermarket will reduce the amenity of our neighbourhood – no question. “

“Thanks for all your efforts, you are a great team. I fear we will be re grouping when council bow to the developer and corporate pressure to re open the roads as the trucks and “vans” will not be able to “negotiate safely” the narrow roads and laneways. Can’t wait to hear what they will be doing for our neighbourhood “for our own good!”

 

“A very sad time for Erskineville and its neighbours. It will become just a corridor. What a disappointment Clover Moore is.
I will email her my opinion. That does not negate the fantastic effort of this organisation.”

“I am so saddened by this and well there is nothing that can be done and this was expected from clover Moore and her mob. People lets vote her out at the next council election!!!”