http://erskinevillevillage.org/ protecting our Erskineville Village life, part of the City of Villages en-us Nucleus CMS v3.24 © Weblog http://backend.userland.com/rss http://erskinevillevillage.org//nucleus/nucleus2.gif http://erskinevillevillage.org/ http://erskinevillevillage.org/index.php?itemid=27 Sunday, 16 March 2008

Our Sizzle was a great success, thank you for joining us and making it such a wonderful community day.On the day 336 new signatures were received for our petition to Council.We cooked and sold over 500 sausages!!!!. We raised $4,003.95.

The City of Sydney Council was represented by Lord Mayor, Clover Moore, Deputy Lord Mayor Tony Pooley, Councilors Phillip Black, Chris Harris, Marcelle Hoff, Robyn Kemmis and John McInerney.

Apologies were received from Councilors Shayne Mallard & Verity Firth

Claire Buchanan, Public Relations Manager of Woolworths was observed in the crowd.

Our Community Support


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The Entertainment.......DJ Sue Wood, Singer Linda Hansen



The Sizzle.....Preparation





The Sizzle Cook Up....500 Sausages !!





The Petition: 336 new signatures were added to the thousands of signatures already collected.



Speakers at Our Sizzle: MC Brett Mason:

Lord Mayor, Clover Moore, Councillor Marcelle Hoff, Annie Kennedy Producer Erskineville Stories, Saso Bosevski Deli Eskineville.







Consulting with Local Resident



The Drawing of the Raffle Prizes:



Thanks to Robyn O'Grady: Sizzle Organiser.




Official Photographer: Andrew Stuckgold

We received the following very generous donations to support our Sizzle.

Antoun of The Baker
150 Rolls, 15 Loaves of bread
Andrew Stuckgold
Penny Barraclough
$100.00 for balloons
Bitton Gourmet
$150.00
Cafe Sophia
$100.00
Erskineville Veterinary Clinic
$200.00
Erskineville Supermarket
$200.00
Erskineville Newsagency
$50.00
Floral Decorator
$35.00 Voucher
Foodworks Kings St Newtown
Sausages 10kg
Tomatoes Sauce 12 bottles
Paper plates 240
Serviettes 10 packs x 100
Water 120 bottles
Coke 120 bottles
Franklins King St Newtown
500 Sausages
10 Boxes of drinks
Rose of Australia Hotel
Dinner for two with wine in their great restaurant
Four VIP passes to see Sugarland (from USA) and the McClymont Sisters at Oxford Art Factory, Darlinghurst.
Value:$160
]]> 10. Sausage Sizzle http://erskinevillevillage.org/index.php?itemid=27 Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:37:20 +1000 http://erskinevillevillage.org/index.php?itemid=26
Dear Sir/Madam,

Your proposal regarding car parking capacity for the proposed Woolworths development on Erskineville Road is either ludicrously inept or duplicitous and devious. Either way it’s not good.
There are a number of angry, upset residents in Erskineville who feel that their legitimate interests and concerns have been overridden by your proposal, and in particular the lack of appropriate community consultation.
No doubt such objections will be interpreted and ‘spun’ as anti-development. However, I don’t believe this to be the case. The residents of Erskineville are aware that they live in a privileged part of Sydney which has managed to avoid being engulfed by inappropriate and insensitive development. They are understandably keen to preserve the quality of life they have and which the village like atmosphere of Erskineville offers.
We respectfully ask you to place a hold on your development application pending a proper social impact study and broader community consultation than that initially performed. The demands of the Friends of Erskineville deserve to be heard and treated with respect.

We look forward to hearing from you.
Regards
M B & F R
Residents of Erskineville


I'm writing to oppose the planned Woolworths store in Erskineville
Road. I think that a store there will impose an enormous burden on
the surrounding streets. The area is already very heavy with
traffic, and the influx of many shoppers will make it worse.
Delivery vehicles will also take a great toll on the local area.
The nearby Ashmore industrial estate has good access and lots of room
for parking. Couldn't Woolworths look at this far more suitable site?

Yours sincerely

K K

As a long term resident (27 yrs) of Newman street, Newtown I am deeply concerned about this development. The traffic congestion, parking problems and noise in this area have steadily increased making the area more frustrating and unpleasant to live in. I both walk and drive to do my shopping and do not think we need another supermarket, particularly in this location and especially given the other supermarkets or extensions which are being planned.
I am particularly worried about the movement of trucks in an already congested and increasingly noisy area - a family member living in Surry Hills has had many problems with trucks both within and outside curfew times. No they don't stick to their curfew. I have little confidence in Woolworths responding to community concerns if their supermarket is built.
I would like to see an independent social impact and traffic study. I don't think this development is in keeping with the Council's strategic plan for Erskineville village and would like to see a development more sympathetic to the area.

Yours
Sincerely
W S

To Whom It May Concern
I am writing to you as a concerned resident of Erskineville about Woolworths' intention to apply for occupancy of the site in Erskineville on the corner of Erskineville Road and Gowrie Street. I have lodged an objection letter to the City of Sydney Council outlining my strong opposition to the proposed development on the following grounds:

1. Traffic - The streets of Erskineville are already experiencing major traffic congestion, especially in peak hours. A Supermarket development will have a disastrous effect on traffic flow through and around the narrow streets of our suburb.

2. Parking - The provision by the developer to provide 27 car spaces for a Supermarket development of this size is simply ludicrous. The residents are already finding parking outside or even near their homes extremely difficult especially on weekends.

3. Noise pollution in this quiet residential area - the amount of noise the immediate residents will be forced to endure which will be created by delivery trucks accessing the store both inside and outside trading hours, will be excessive. Our research on similarly sized Supermarkets has shown that delivery people often ignore the imposed curfews in order to get their goods delivered as quickly as possible allowing them to move on to the next store. More goods delivered equals more money.

4. The ruination of our village atmosphere. Erskineville is a unique oasis in a bustling city. It has an amazing village atmosphere which, in an inner-city suburb is quite rare. The reason for this wonderful atmosphere and sense of community is largely because of the small businesses, pubs, cafes and restaurants on Erskineville Road which create meeting places for the locals as well as outside visitors. A Supermarket development like Woolworths with its brash lighting and its over-the-top presence will not fit into our village.

The residents of Eskineville are very passionate about their suburb and protecting the village atmosphere from a corporate giant such as Woolworths who have no empathy or understanding of such sensibilites and as a matter of doing every day business quite openly and viciously undercut their competitors often sending businesses bankrupt in the process.

Our area is well serviced by Supermarkets, we neither want your store in our suburb nor do we need it. Should this ridiculously inappropriate development go ahead, you will find very little support in our community and we will do our utmost to ensure the locals do not patronise the store.

Sincerely
M F

I wish to express my concern at the proposed development at the corner of Gowrie Street in Erskineville.

Such a development is totally out of keeping with the newly created Sydney City of Villages and would have a detrimental effect on local small businesses and local residents. You would already be aware of the list of disadvantages of such a proposal and apart from profit for a few, it is difficult to think of any advantages. There are already two other supermarkets within a short walking distance of Erskineville.

A development that is not wanted by a local community is not destined for success. You could check with the Woolworths in Maleny in Queensland. This development went ahead without local approval and is still not supported by locals.

I wish to endorse the outcomes of the community meeting held on Thursday 6 December 2007.

A development of the type being proposed is not only old fashioned, but is out of touch with community wishes.

Sincerely
A Q
Resident of Alexandria

We have been residents in Gowrie street for fifteen years and are very concerned with the planned development for the Hive site for Woolworths.
We have watched with pleasure over the years as the village atmosphere of Erskineville/Newtown has continuously improved. It is a delight coming home through Erskineville, seeing people spilling out onto the pathways, eating and stopping to chat outside the shops, cafes and pubs, especially when the flower boxes are out. The area really has developed a lovely community atmosphere, with small business owners knowing in many cases their customers by name (not to mention their dogs names). A large development such as Woolworths could have a serious impact on some of these businesses that have built up their their business over many years, as well as destroying the overall atmosphere of the area that their demise would bring about.
I can't even begin to imagine the impact of increased traffic, noise and parking problems this site would have not only on the lives of those families living around the site, but also surrounding streets with trucks and extra traffic coming into the area. Not to mention the effect on property prices of those homes in the surrounding streets. If Woolworths had been at the top of the street 15 years ago I never would have bought here.
The very least we would expect for any development would be comprehensive consultation with affected residents/landlords, along with independent traffic, retail and social impact studies. I cannot understand why these studies or consultations have not been undertaken with regard to the present proposal. Instead we get in the mail what seemed to me to be a “propaganda” leaflet from Woolworths.
Please consider the impact on the community. There is already a Woolworths close by, frequented by people in the community where you are able to provide ample parking and little impact on surrounding residents. Don't risk your business reputation by pursuing such a questionable development in a community that as far as I can see really doesn't want or need it.
Yours sincerely

J D

Dear Sir/Madam

As a resident in the Erskineville area I am disappointed with a proposal to develop a new two-storey supermarket in the Erskineville area. This would cause more chaos to residents than it would provide a convenience. It will also destroy the village feel of our community, something which is valued as part of living in the area.
We already have adequate supermarkets in close proximity and do not need another one as it would cause problems with:

• Traffic congestion
• Parking availability
• Discarded shopping trolleys in local streets
• Noise from traffic and trucks
• Viability of local small businesses

These are a few of the major areas of concern.
Currently I do most of my grocery shopping at Woolworths in Marrickville Metro. If the supermarket development goes ahead with any involvement from Woolworths, I for one will transfer my business to one of the other supermarket companies in the local area.
Regards
L B
Harold St

Dear C Buchanan

I am writing this letter to inform you that I am opposed to the development of a two storey supermarket at 21-23 Erskineville Rd. I have expressed this to Sydney City Council because of increased traffic in the local village area, increased pollution (toxicity and noise), lack of parking and road safety.

I understand your organisation will lease the proposed development for a supermarket, as you had not denied it.

Artro Management has claimed that the development application says it will cater for people to buy small amounts. Can I assume that Woolworths will not make available petrol discounts to its customers at this location ? Is this correct?

You may be aware that both Newtown and Erskineville stations do not have disability access. The question of equity of access of all of Woolworth’s customers is of prime importance and your supermarket needs to actively discourage your customers coming by car, catering for “people with small amount of groceries” quoting Artro Management (SMH 15-16 Dec. 2007 p. 7). How does Woolworths plan to overcome this problem?

C S
Rochford St
Erskineville 2043

Just a very short note to say that in the event that Woolworths takes a lease on the Erskineville Road “Hive” site, my family and I will not shop at the establishment, nor any other Woolworths, it's online franchises or associated businesses. We’re very happy to vote with our feet and wallets if your company chooses to blatantly disregard the community’s wishes. As a marketer with 15yrs experience I don’t think Woolworths are doing their brand any favours in being associated with this development. I can only assume that the deafening silence from Woolworths is as good as indicating that the company is poised to impose itself onto the site with the associated impacts. So what’s the plan?
If I wanted to live next to a soulless mall and it’s tenants – I’d choose to reside at Marrickville beside the Metro or in the shadow of the Broadway Centre. I don’t.
I'm alarmed at the impact that siting a supermarket on Erskineville Road will have on resident parking, traffic congestion, security, trolleys dumped in the parks and disrupted amenity to the surrounding streets as a result of the operation of supermarket.
As a local resident I recall the failure of the “Golden Arches” to prosper in Newtown. Those who fail to heed the lessons of history are doomed repeat them.

Your sincerely,

T H & family
Woolworths Customer

To Whom It May Concern:

I’d like to acknowledge that I will be boycotting any Woolworths that is placed in Erskineville Road.
Indeed, I will still continue to shop at Marrickville Metro and will not go to the Woolworths there again if the current DA is successful.
Yours sincerely.
Dr R P

C Buchanan
Please understand that our household will not enter your premises if a supermarket is developed in Erskineville. Hence none of your goods will be bought by us. Erskineville is already well served by supermarkets. We do not want any more of them in this area.
In addition to your redundancy, issues of traffic congestion, noise, air pollution and general nuisance arise.
We hope you will discontinue your pursuit of development in Erskineville.
P K
Rochford St,
Erskineville.

Dear Ms Buchanan
please listen to the residents of Newtown and Erskineville
over 2000 people have signed petitions opposing this development
over 2000 people have registered to receive regular updates on this development
over 200 people turned up to the Community Consultation night and many others had to be turned away due to lack of room. The 5 part motion was passed unanimously by those present.
over 140 already written letters of objection to Mayor Clover Moore and fellow councillors.
Regards
V R

To Whom it may concern

As a concerned resident of Erskineville I feel it necessary to register my feelings about the proposed development on the corner of Erskineville Road and Gowrie Street.
As you are probably aware the fact that we as locals call this area Erskineville Village we would like to keep it feeling like a village and the inclusion of a large supermarket would go a long way to spoiling that.
We already have two supermarkets in King Street and a Woolworths supermarket just ten minutes away in Marrickville Metro and therefore do not see the need for another one in the area.
I also feel concern for the residents of Gowrie Street and Newman Lane who will be subjected to the distruption of a large development and when completed the never ending deliveries by trucks until late at night.
I hope that Woolworths will take all of this into consideration and will not spoil the ambience of this area.

A concerned resident of 24 years.
P V

We do not want a woolworths in our community. Development and gentrification of the city spilling over to the inner west is not welcome. Please re-consider this development.

D P Botany Rd
Waterloo

I am yet enother Erskineville resident who has written to council opposing your development application for the old Mardi Gras workshop site on Erskineville Road.

Not only don't we need the truck and car traffic and consequent road congestion, pollution, parking, safety and noise issues that they bring, we don't even need another supermarket. We're already well served by supermarkets in the area. Where do you think I go to do a big shop? To your store at the Marrickville Metro centre, as do most of the people I know who live in the Newtown, Alexandria, Camperdown and Erskineville area. Opening a store in Erskineville will only decrease the sales at your Metro store. Let's face it, you don't have much of a track record of running commercially viable supermarkets in our area anyway - take a look at the stores you used to have in King St Newtown and Regent St Redfern as great examples.

M F
Morrissey Road
Erskineville

To whom it may concernI am a resident of Erskineville who has recently been
made aware of the DA for a two storey supermarket
complex on Erskineville Road. The residents understand
that Woolworths is planning to open an outlet in the
site.

Please be aware that if this development goes ahead, I
will be boycotting the Woolworths supermarket and will
be encouraging my friends and acquaintances in the
area to do the same.

Sincerely
P H

Dear Sir

As a resident of Alexandria at 00 Copeland Street which is the continuation of Erskinville Road to the east, I strongly object to your proposal for a Woolworth's Supermarket in Erskineville on the following grounds:
Increased traffic on Erskinville Road into an area that has over stretched infrastructure e.g. roads
Not fitting with the Village atmosphere
Damaging Small Business e.g. Mini Market and Deli through increased competition and pricing
There already is enough Supermarkets in adjoining Suburbs
I urge you to reasse your proposal.
Regards
R P

Dear Woolworths,

Your proposed development will forever change the character of our village
and community which is small and vibrant. Myself and many others in the
area moved to Erskineville to enjoy the village atmosphere and escape the
mundane town centres of many other areas. I hope you take the extensive
public opposition to your proposal into account and find somewhere else to
base your development.

Regards,
P K

Hi there,

I'm writing to you to express my opposition to the proposed
supermarket development of the "Hive" building in Erskineville. Our
village is already well served by existing supermarkets, including
the Woolworths at Marrickville Metro, as well as Franklins and
Foodworks on King St. Since people rarely walk very far to the
supermarket, opening a supermarket at the proposed location will
create a traffic and noise nightmare for those who live around it
(this doesn't include me - I live far enough down the next street so
as not to be affected directly). Furthermore, the buying power and
extended trading hours of Woolworths will likely wipe out the
existing convenience store and greengrocer in the village.

Please bear in mind, this isn't necessarily a case of "they don't
want us, so there must be a REALLY good reason why we SHOULD move in"
- most of the down-sides (for residents and other businesses) of
Woolworths moving in are not associated with corresponding up-sides
for Woolworths:

- local area community support, and therefore patronage, is likely to
be very low, since most locals don't actually want the proposed
supermarket
- community opposition and lack of patronage is likely to be a
long-term effect, considering the (typically more informed and aware)
nature of residents (consumers) in this area
- while the proposed supermarket may well bleed off enough support
from the nearby local shops that they go out of business, that is
unlikely to yield enough extra sales volume to have been worthwhile
- the location is poorly served by road infrastructure, so the store
will not be able to draw much patronage from further afield (where
the awareness of and resentment towards the development will
presumably be lower)

Don't get me wrong - I think there is a place for big-chain
supermarkets (otherwise I would not do my regular weekly shopping at
the Marrickville Metro Woolworths) - but Erskineville village is not
such a place. Furthermore, I believe there should be worthwhile
development of that site - just not as Yet Another Supermarket.

Please consider our community, and reconsider your Development Application.

Sincerely,
R D
Union St
Erskineville

Subject: Concern about Over Development in Erskineville

Dear Sir/ Madam,

I write in opposition to Development Application D/2007/1932, address 21-23 Erskineville Road Erskineville NSW 2042.

I have been an Erskineville resident for the last 6 years. Our strip of small businesses provides a great array of goods and services and acts as the hub of our day to day activities. I strongly believe that the presence of one of your supermarkets in our area would lead to the death of our enviable way of life. I implore you to consider withdrawing your DA. From my neighbours, it is clear to me that at the very least, if your plans go ahead, there will be a mass boycott from those living in Erskineville. We have a strong sense of commitment for our wonderful local shop owners, many of whom live in our area. There is also a strong sense of commitment to the owners of the nearby supermarkets in Newtown, both from Erskineville and Newtown residents. We do not need another supermarket.

This would be reason enough although I am also strongly against the presence of all of the service vehicles that would be required, their traffic impacts, noise impacts and environmental impacts. I believe attracting more cars to the already clogged artery of Erskineville Road would increase the safety issues of the area not to mention worsening the pollution caused by all of this traffic. There is no way to deny that people will drive to a supermarket at this location. It is too far from any of the train stations to cart bags of shopping. People will drive. This will further impact traffic problems, pollution and safety issues. The mess that will be created with all of these vehicles trying to enter and exit the lanes around the development is clear.

Finally there is the obvious problem of parking that the DA fails to adequately address. The recommended number of car parking spots will barely suffice for the employees. The increased parking pressure will have a significant impact on the local residents. Local businesses already complain that there is nowhere for their customers to park when they come to Erskineville to use their services.

Yours sincerely,
I F
George Street
Erskineville

Dear Woolworths,

I beg you to please consider an alternative site to the Erskineville village.

I live on the Alexandria side of Erksineville (close to McEvoy St) where there is a complete lack of shops and services. We are in desparate need of a supermarket on our side of Erksineville and I know that there is continual new development in our area that will only strengthen this demand. There is also much more space for large stores and their associated car parks and traffic congestion in and aruond the factories of Alexandria and Waterloo. I love being able to pop into my local shops in the village on the way home from the train, but what we really need is a supermarket on the industrial side of Erksineville.

Surely if you have considered the changing structure of the area you would see that these industrial areas are becoming increasingly populated and will only continue to do so. By putting a supermarket there you would not only service the exisiting residents who currently have to drive to the Metro or Broadway, you would also be servicing the future generations that are certain to continue to fill these areas.

I ask please that you leave what little unique areas - like the Erko village - that Sydney has and look towards a more suitable and future prospective venues that can be found nearby.

Regards,

P E

Dear sir/madam,
I am sending you this email as a resident of the inner west of Sydney
who loves the village atmosphere of suburbs such as Erskineville. I
also happen to be a Woolworths shareholder and a regular shopper at your
stores in Marrickville and Leichhardt.
If you proceed with this development I will seriously consider taking my
business and my money elsewhere.
Australian shareholders are demanding of all corporations that they take
account of the environmental and social impacts of their business
activities. Woolworths is no exception. Ethical investment is proving to
be a highly successful strategy for investors who are increasingly
voting with their dollars to support companies which prove themselves to
be socially and environmentally responsible.
As a shareholder since the Woolworths float, I implore your company not
to build this supermarket in its current proposed form. It spells
disaster for the village of Erskineville just on the traffic and parking
impacts alone.
I note that you used to run the supermarket in Newtown but that it was
sold in the past few years. If you do not want to run a supermarket in
Newtown, why open one in Erskineville?
Please consider very carefully the impacts your current proposal will
have on the local community. If you want this community to support your
business don't destroy it!

Kind Regards
G R

Hi there,

I am definitely opposed of this development.
I do not want the traffic increased here more than it already is.
I definitely oppose the trucks passing in front of my home.
I do not want to have parking issues in front of my home.
I do not want any more noise in this area.
Nobody needs another supermarket in this area! We are surrounded already with them!

Regards,
P

Dear Woolworths,

Please do not develope he Erskineville Road/Angel Street site as a Woolworths. It would pay you to look to the future and instead provide a large Woolworths in Alexandria or Green Square. I do prefer Woolworths to Coles but the Woolworths at Marrickkville is just too busy.

Apparently it will be quite large and threaten the livelihood of our shopkeepers in Erskineville who are all personal friends to the residents by now.

Other problems with the development are the delivery trucks in the narrow one way streets, all the traffic of people coming to shop and the difficulty for local people to park already in front of their hosues as most don't have off-street parking in Erko.

The other problems will be increased litter and shopping trolleys left all over the suburb as our governments still have not worked out how to stop shopping trolleys leaving a shopping centre.

There are still sites in Newtown, which is better served by public transport, for a supermarket.
The historic Hub theatre (my great-aunts worked there in the early 20th century) has never been restored and may as well be a supermarket if it's going to sit there in ruins forever.

Erskineville would be better served by a gym/pool/theatre centre.

R W
Renwick St
Alexandria
(previously Smiths Lane
Erskineville)

I live in Alexandria, the feel in my area is that your company is not welcome
We have a unique suburb and you will be a major negative
Please go way
Thanks,

J Z

Dear C. Buchanan,

I am writing to implore you to reconsider your plan to install a Woolworths on Erskineville Road. The community seem to expend an enormous amount of energy on a regular basis fighting to keep our community a village. Another supermarket will do nothing to help our determination and we will oppose this type of development every step of the way.

I invite you to come down to our end of the woods and walk down Erskineville Road from Newtown Station to Erskineville Station. Please drive here around 5pm so you can experience the traffic congestion and how difficult it is to find parking. But on a positive note and most importantly, when you start walking you will then feel the vibe of our village. It is quite unique in Sydney and many new residents have bought in the area expressly for this charming local and bohemian atmosphere. It is wonderful to stop and have a coffee or drink, and relax and chat to the locals walking by.

I am sure you are well aware that there is a Foodworks and a Franklins within 5 minutes walk from the Hive site and that a third supermarket will simply be overkill. It will cause great resentment and it would not surprise me if the local community boycotted the store.

I am sure there are much better sites and opportunities for Woolworths to expand. Woolworths at Marrickville Metro is already the main supermarket for us locals with a direct bus route. So you will not endear us any further by clogging our already congested roads, endangering our pedestrians with your trucks and taking up our precious parking spaces with your unnecessary plan. Please reconsider your plan immediately.

Kind regards,
S S
Local resident (for 11 years) parent

Dear Sir/Madam

I'm writing to express my concern about the proposed development of a Woolworths store on the corner of Erskineville Road and Gowie Street. My husband and I have owned a house in Erskineville for 3 years now, one of the main reasons that we were attracted to the area was the 'village' aspect. The local cafe's, fruit shop, convenience store, florist and other restaurants add to the flavour of this beautiful little village.

We do all our shopping at Woolworths in Marrickville Metro which is a 5 minute drive from Erskineville, therefore we don't understand the need for another Woolworths in the area. Also opening up another Woolworths store so close to Erskineville village will have a negative impact on small retail business owners in the area. Does Woolworths really want to be responsible for these small business closing down? Apart from the moral issues here, traffic congestion in this area is bad enough, Erskineville Road is a 2 lane road and I can't even imagine the further congestion that will be caused if a Woolworths store was placed into this location.

I could go on about why we are so opposed to Woolworths going into this location, I'm hoping that you understand our concerns and this does not go ahead... and if it does we certainly won't be shopping there. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
R H
Ashmore St
Erskineville

Erskineville Village is one of great atmosphere and community spirit. It's small businesses and hotels create a peaceful relaxing environment for the locals and visitors.

This type of village is a rarity in metropolitan areas and should be protected.

I am sure the locals of Newtown and Erskineville are happy to walk/ride/drive a little further down the road to utilise your services, however, if you destroy such a valued area of Erskineville you may find this is not so. As locals there is a great sense of pride for this village and I am certain that if you choose to go ahead there will also be camaraderie in boycotting your business.

Please reconsider this decision. There are enough eyesores and high rises around town. Can we not keep a little bit of community and nostalgia?

K F

Dear Representative of Woolworth’s,

Please exercise some common sense over the proposal to establish a Woolworth complex in Erskineville Village.

According to your own website there are at least six Woolworth stores within 4 kilometres of your proposed site.

The site is totally unsuitable due to:

Lack of easy access to and from the site
The village atmosphere supported by the small businesses in the area
The increase in noise, pollution and congestion your complex will cause
The strenuous resistance from, not only the residents of Erskineville, but also from surrounding areas, which would indicate that not only would they not go to your Erskineville complex but that they may well withdraw their business from Woolworth altogether.

Regards
J Ml
Enmore 2042
(PS this is the same postcode as Newtown)

Dear Sir/ Madam
I am writing with regard to the proposed development of a supermarket on Erskineville Rd.
As a local living in the area (about 500m away), and presumably a member of your target market, I wish to express my dissatisfaction with the proposal. It is ill-thought-out and an obvious grab for profits against both common sense and respect for the neighbourhood.
I will not shop at any supermarket in that vicinity. This is not out of hubris but out of convenience. I currently walk to do local shopping for milk, bread, veggies and small amounts of groceries. This will not change, nor will where I shop for these items. I currently drive my car to a convenient location which is easy to get to and park at when I want to do a major shop. This will not change either. It is much more convenient for me to go to Woolworths at Marrickville, even though it is geographically further away, than any supermarket on Erskineville Rd, as I don’t have to drive round the one-way streets, and don’t have to spend a long time looking for a parking place. On occasion I go to Coles in Broadway as it has a larger range, and again, is easier to get to and park. I could easily go shopping every time to Coles. And would, in preference to a supermarket on Erskineville Rd.
Please take into account the strong feelings of the locals on this matter, and if that doesn’t work, think out your business plan a little more logically.
Thank you for taking the time to read this email.
Regards
S R

To Whom it may concern,

Erskineville Shopping strip is a small village. It has no room for a big super market. On any given day before and after school the traffic on Erskinevilleroad is a crawl - there is one lane to and from Newtown and if you had a store there it would encourage more illegal parking and traffic. The village area is not built to cater for a super market of your proportions. There will be shoppers double parking etc. Your trucks are not made for our small streets and lanes either.

Why don't you put a woolies in an area that needs it like Alexandria and Mascot? The Bunnings store in Mascot/Alexandria could do with a Woolies next door - have you seen how many people use that store? How good would it be to have a supermarket there too? It would certainly make life easier as I would definitely shop at your store if it was there. Otherwise most people in this area use Broadway and Marrickville and by putting in your woolies in Erskineville doesn't mean we are going to use it as you don't have everything else that those malls have.

Another area that requires a big supermarket is near Domain and Goodguys in O'Riorden STreet. Why can't you make shopping easy for us all and put your supermarket in area that really needs it? Not our tiny and much loved village.

We are not going to give up on this fight - there is no one I know who lives here who wants your store here.
Please don't ruin our peaceful village.
kind regards

S O'L
Rochford Street
Erskineville

Dear Sir/Madam

I frequently shop at Woolworths supermarkets but we do not want one in Erskineville. Either it will need to be small, and won't carry a large enough range of products, or it will create too much traffic for Erskineville, where traffic is already far too heavy. Although I live in Alexandria (adjoining suburb) I will continue to use Marrickville Metro as less traffic congestion.

I will continue to do my local, in-between- major-shopping at the local stores in Alexandria and Erskineville. There is a community atmosphere there which I like and Woolworths is not in-keeping with this.

W C
Maddox Street
Alexandria

I live in Morrissey Road, Erskineville and am extremely concerned about your proposed supermarket development currently known as "The Hive" on the corner of Erskineville Road and Gowrie Street, Erskineville. Whether it's called "The Corner Store" or by any other name, I have looked at the entire proposal and its impact on our small village streets will be devastating, not to mention the incongruence of such a development in this small area.

The proposed development will forever change the character of our village and community which is vibrant but small, with current traffic congestion in peak times and existing competition over car spaces. Our community could not sustain a development such as that which is proposed. The impact in terms of additional traffic, the noise factor in a very contained area with narrow streets, and pressure on car parking would be untenable.

This development is also unwanted because of the extent of access our community already has to surrounding supermarkets and major retail outlets. Just up the street are Franklin's and IGA on King St, Marrickville Shopping Centre is within walking distance, and Broadway and Baptist St. Surry Hills are close by.

There are many other associated factors which make this proposal so unacceptable in Erskineville. Perhaps the one that is most difficult to comprehend is how any responsible major retail group can set up where a community strongly opposes it and demonstrate complete irresponsibility with regard to the suitability of the location and the detrimental environmental impact on the community.

I implore you to walk away from your planned development in Erskineville. I happily shop at Woolworth's in Marrickville as do many around me, but will not shop at Woolworth's again if you proceed to destroy our village vibrancy, attraction and sustainability.

Yours sincerely
B C

Dear Woolworths

As a resident of Erskineville I am unimpressed with the DA presently with council for a two storey supermarket on Erskineville Rd. Even though the DA does not state it would be used for Woolworths, everyone anticipates that it would be the same set up as St. Margarets Bourke St, Surry Hills and Macley St, Potts Point. Erskineville and most importantly, Erskineville Rd. is not as densely populated as the other two areas and Erskineville Rd is already at breaking point with traffic. I presently support BWS on Erskineville Rd and shop at Woolworth’s at Marrickville Metro but I will not support a Woolworth’s Supermarket or any Supermarket in that location.

There is a very active community group who will NOT support this proposal for variety of reasons such as:
We have plenty of supermarkets in our area already, why do we need another one? Erskineville is all ready well served by 5 supermarkets, Erskineville Supermarket, Franklins and Food Works in King Street, Broadway Shopping Centre and Marrickville Metro.
Erskineville does not have the density of population like Macley St in Potts Point our Bourke St in Surry Hills, nor are the streets set up in the same manner i.e.: accessible. We are not comparing apples with apples.
I object to the increased traffic from delivery trucks, garbage trucks and shoppers. Much of this environmental disturbance will occur seven days a week but especially outside of normal 'business hours' and will impact on residents ability to enjoy the amenities of the village. I object to the economic impact on small and local businesses, many of whom have worked hard for many years to build good service networks with residents and to support local institutions like pre-schools the elementary school and churches. We in Erskineville support these people as they have supported us!!
Regards
W B


Very disappointing to see the Woolworths chain proposing an outlet in such an inappropriate & totally unsuitable location – its crazy. I actually wonder has anyone from Woolworths walked our narrow streets. Taken the time to talk to the residents?
I do not want or need this supermarket. It is not going to benefit the community; it is not going to make the residents lives easier. No good will come out of opening here & I quite simply can not see any positives to this proposal.
Please do not open here; this is not a development that is going to make Erskineville a better or safer place to live.
Regards
D D

We are a young family living in Erskineville and have done so for the past 14 years. We are concerned and frankly appalled at this proposal for a Woolworths supermarket in our village. With an IGA in King Street, and another supermarket at the top of Newman Street, Coles and Woolworths within an easy 5 minute drive, a supermarket is definitely not needed. In addition and most importantly, a supermarket would change the feel of the village, which is a major asset to our community. We have several local small business which are well supported within our village and the addition of a large supermarket would have an impact on the small businesses that operate within our village.

For the residents around the proposed site, the high traffic plus parking issues would generate a huge problem, I know parking is to be provided but of course this will never be sufficient and will lead to increased parking on the streets around the site. In addition, the delivery trucks will cause additional pressure on the surrounding streets and will cause disturbance to local residents.

The majority of residents we have spoken to in our area are strongly opposed to this development and we hope you consider the residents in this application.

Regards
N & M

Ms Buchanan,
I write to you as a resident of Newtown. I understand that Woolworths is considering leasing premises along Erskineville Road, Erskineville.
As you may be aware, the DA for this development is currently before the City of Sydney. The City of Sydney is a city of villages, of which Erskineville is just one of those. The community does not want this development. It does not need or want another shopping centre. I ask that you come down to Erskineville and walk around, walk around and experience the village atmosphere, the small family shops along Erskineville Road, visit the small parks, walk the narrow streets, have a coffee at one of the many cafes, have some of the best Thai in Sydney but please don’t drive as parking is difficult.
Parking is critically short and the proposed development will see an unwelcome increase in not only cars trying to find a parking spot but also delivery trucks and semis negotiating narrow streets.
If the development proceeds rest assured that my family and I will never set foot in your store. We may well boycott all Woolworth and affiliated stores (Big W, Dick Smith, Tandy, BSW, Dan Murphy, Caltex).

G & G & R
Wilson Street
Newtown

Woolworths
These issues arise in addition to my previous remarks which oppose the proposed supermarket development in Erskineville Road on grounds of traffic congestion, toxic fumes, noise and road danger. My further concerns are about disability discrimination and encouraging repeated exposure to chemicals.
Disability Discrimination
How does Woolworths propose to ensure equity in a supermarket designed to encourage rail rather than car usage? Discrimination issues arise. Neither Newtown nor Erskineville Station provides access for people with mobility difficulties and disabilities. The supermarket development as proposed would aggravate the inequity which already exists.
Repeated exposure to chemicals
How does Woolworths propose to ensure shoppers do not suffer sicknesses caused by their encouraging increased repetitions of exposure to pesticides and other chemicals used in their shop?
In light of these concerns I vigorously oppose the proposed supermarket development in Erskineville Road.

P K ,
Rochford Street,
Erskineville

please do not follow through with another supermarket & ruin our lovely area of erskineville. i always shop at woolworths at the metro & will keep doing so as there is so much parking & has easy access to other shops. our narrow streets will not welcome your large trucks & you will desroy the small shops of erko. please just stick with what you have or expand into areas of greater population growth., XXXX a happy & proud resident of erko!!!

Dear Sir/Madam,
Your proposal regarding car parking capacity for the proposed Woolworths development on Erskineville Road is either ludicrously inept or duplicitous and devious. Either way it’s not good.
There are a number of angry, upset residents in Erskineville who feel that their legitimate interests and concerns have been overridden by your proposal, and in particular the lack of appropriate community consultation.
No doubt such objections will be interpreted and ‘spun’ as anti-development. However, I don’t believe this to be the case. The residents of Erskineville are aware that they live in a privileged part of Sydney which has managed to avoid being engulfed by inappropriate and insensitive development. They are understandably keen to preserve the quality of life they have and which the village like atmosphere of Erskineville offers.
We respectfully ask you to place a hold on your development application pending a proper social impact study and broader community consultation than that initially performed. The demands of the Friends of Erskineville deserve to be heard and treated with respect.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Regards

M B and F R
Residents of Erskineville

I strongly object to the proposed Woolworths Development in Erskineville/Newtown.

Roads and laneways in the vicinity of the proposed Woolworths development will not be able to handle the added congestion, without completely disrupting the accessibility for residents, as well as the peaceful surrounds that make this such a unique community to live in. There are several other grocery outlets both within walking and driving distance - Woolworths brings nothing unique or different, just more of the same. The traffic on Erskineville Rd can be bad enough at peak times, without the added pressure from yet ANOTHER grocery store. Parking can be difficult enough for residents as it is. I am strongly opposed to this development.

Yours Sincerely
D H
12 December 2007

Re: DA Notification: D/2007/1932, 21-23 Erskineville Road NEWTOWN NSW 2042
Dear Woolworths,
I refer to the above DA notification.
As a local citizen, I am writing to state my strong objection to the proposed development. Council and Woolworths should not underestimate the community protest about this, the need for proper consultation and impact studies regarding the proposed development.

There are various reasons for my objection, including:
1) the adverse effect on traffic on Erskineville Road
2) the potential destruction of the village atmosphere of Erskineville
3) the detrimental effect on local business (eg., grocer on Erskineville Rd)
4) the lack of need for such a supermarket as part of the development mix of the area – Marrickville Metro and Newtown IGA are very close by
d) the serious lack of adequate parking for the development and the parking nightmare it will create for local residents and supermarket shoppers

I urge Council and Woolowrths to reject the proposed development.
Why not have a professional offices, apartment, health centre or art gallery instead which will ENHANCE the area rather than destroy it?
Kind Regards,
S L L

I write to express my disapproval of your organisation coming to Erskineville … the roads will not cope nor will the local village shops. Please think of another venue.

P F

Dear Woolworths,

I'm writing as a resident of Erskineville to advise that if Woolworths place a supermarket on the site corner of Gowrie St and Erskineville Rd that my family and I will not be shopping there. Furthermore we will no longer shop at Woolworths at Marrickville Metro but will instead go to Coles at Broadway.

However, if Woolworths decided to develop a shopping centre in Alexandria that was well serviced by roads with a larger premises ensuring a good range of items, I will be more than happy to utilise those facilities. Surely such a development would be better placed near the filing cabinet apartment blocks near Mitchell St/Sydney Park?

A supermarket on the proposed site seems ludicrous and I can't really believe that this proposal has been seriously thought out rather than just be a quick money grab by the owner/developers of the site.

Please hear the voices of concerned citizens and consider placing a supermarket where it would be more feasible and in keeping with the surrounding neighbourhood rather than cramming a supermarket in a space which is totally inappropriate.

Many thanks,
J M
Gowrie St
Newtown







































]]> 09. and More Letters to Woolworths http://erskinevillevillage.org/index.php?itemid=26 Mon, 10 Dec 2007 21:08:37 +0900 http://erskinevillevillage.org/index.php?itemid=25
To Whom it May Concern,

I'd like to lodge an objection the above proposed development of a supermarket on Erskineville Road, Newtown.

I'm a resident of Gowrie St, the proposed entry point for the supermarket.

My objections are based on the following issues:
1) residential car parking and traffic conditions
2) noise pollution
3) street rubbish
4) lack of plans to ensure safe pedestrian access to the proposed supermarket.
5) the proposed trial of extended trading hours (open to midnight)

1) Residential Parking and Traffic Conditions
As a resident of Gowrie St with a car, I know well the lack of parking that is available in the street. on weekends and after 19:00 on weekday nights. It's not unusual to have to park several streets away when arriving home after 19:00 on weekdays. The streets are narrow and it's not uncommon for parked cars to be swiped and to lose their side mirrors. Walking down Gowrie St, Union St, Angel St and Newman St it is obvious what a common occurrence this is by the number of locals with their mirrors pulled in and the broken ones that are visible.

With the one-way traffic system that is in place in this area to stop through traffic and also ease traffic flow, it is also not uncommon to see people who aren't familiar with the roads pulling out the wrong way down one way roads (entering Erskineville Rd from Union St and Gowrie St is a common mistake). Having a supermarket in the proposed location will encourage even more people unfamiliar with the traffic system in place to drive into the area and not know what they're doing.

I've spent many an entertaining afternoon at the Erskineville Hotel watching the stupid behaviour of motorists. This will only increase with a supermarket being built in that position.

From the supplied Traffic Impact Assessment "The proposed one-way flow-through system for both cars and trucks is considered the optimal arrangement in all the circumstances and avoids intrusion into any residential areas"

This may be the assessment of what will occur, but this doesn't take into account people being people and motorists
a) not wanting to wait behind cars going into the car park,
b) motorists who don't know the area well thinking they'll take a short cut home and getting caught in the Gowrie St, Angel St, Newman St loop.

c) When motorists go into the car park and find it full they will exit right onto Erskineville Rd from Angel St and then right again into Gowrie this time driving down to find street parking.

2) The Environmental Noise Impact Assessment recommendation is for roller shutters to be on the loading dock and car park, with the loading dock shutters closed at all times except when trucks are entering/exiting. This means that delivery trucks will be waiting in idle much longer than the accounted for 20 seconds whilst roller doors are raised, and no consideration has been given to the noise the roller shutters themselves will make. Having lived near commercial sites where roller shutters are used, I can say that it's not an inconsiderable amount of noise that they make.

Also, by using roller shutters to meet the noise pollution requirements, this means that delivery trucks will be idling on the street prevent access while the doors are open, further contributing to traffic congestion.

"No loading dock operation during night time period."
It is also recommended that there be no loading dock operation during night time period. What exactly is night time? Is it after sunset? What about in the middle of summer when there's still daylight at 20:00 - will truck deliveries and rubbish compacting be able to occur then, when locals are coming from work trying to find a car spot, and small children are being put to bed?

3) One thing that I haven't seen addressed in any of the submitted documents (although I could have missed it) is the mention of what the developer plans to do about the increased rubbish that will inevitably find it's way onto our streets if a supermarket is built at that site. Increased pedestrian traffic (which the developer is counting on to make the supermarket viable) also results in increased littering. It will then be left up to the residents to continually pick up after the supermarket visitors have littered and then left the area. A quick look around any area with a supermarket in it and it becomes quite obvious that littering accompanies such a venture.

4) The submitted documents make mention of the public transport infrastructure in the area and how it's well serviced. This is true, however the strip of Erskineville Rd at the site of the proposed supermarket is always congested with vehicular traffic during the days and there are no marked pedestrian crossings in the immediate vicinity - the closest being out the front of the Town Hall to the right and Wilson St to the left. Will pedestrian crossings be put in place should the supermarket be approved? It's also a low gutter from the footpath to Erskineville Rd, will pedestrian safety barriers be erected and if so, will this affect the aesthetics of the area? Bicycle parking is to be provided on Erskineville Rd footpath (see Traffic Impact Assessment) and this too will hamper pedestrian safety.

5) The development application if for trading hours of 0700 - 2200 however it is stated in the other documents submitted that the owners wish to have a 12 month trial run of extended shopping hours to midnight. The noise and traffic assessments have been made however with the assumption of a 2200 closing time. If this proposal is to be given approval please ensure that extended to midnight trading hours are NO permitted.

Whilst the development site is commercial it is surrounded by residential properties and is, in all essence a residential area. The shopping strip of Erskineville Rd is vibrant and the whole area has a feeling of community which is rarely seen in cities. Walking down the street there's at the minimum a nodding acquaintance with our neighbours, we know the local cats and dogs. We keep an eye out for each other and have great pride in this eclectic little part of Sydney we call home.

Please don't approve this development which will help kill the local small businesses, which isn't needed and is poorly positioned.

Regards,
J M
Gowrie St
Newtown

Dear Councillor Moore,

I have been made aware of a proposed development in Erskineville
Village, which I feel will greatly damage the sense of a community
village which currently exists there.
I am a working mother with two children, and I work at a local
university (UTS).
One of the great things about Erko is that everyone trusts each other -
we know all the local shopkeepers, and when my kids use the train for
school they know the woman at the
station will look out for them, Likewise, I can send them up to the
village with no worries. It is really nice to live somewhere which is
central but not stressed.
Even more worrying is the number of cars that a supermarket would bring
to the surrounding streets. They are quite busy anyway, but if they
start turning the streets into what happens at Broadway (which is a
good local shopping centre but not a place anyone would want to live
with kids if they could help it), the City of Villages project will not
look in good shape.
Please do not approve this development. It will destroy the area and
for no good purpose.

best
S D

Ms Clover Moore,
Lord Mayor,
City of Sydney,
GPO BOX 1591,
Sydney 2000.

Dear Lord Mayor

I want to register my concern at the lodging of a DA to develop a supermarket at the corner of Gowrie Street and Erskineville Road.

Traffic on this road is busy all day everyday, and you well know the queue of traffic during the peak times of 8.30am and 5pm during the week and midday Saturday. We also have only a single lane road all the way through the village to King Street, Newtown and this will be dealing with even worse volumes of traffic should the supermarket go ahead. The area behind the proposed site is also made up largely of narrow streets some of which can only manage one way traffic because of their narrowness. The parking provisions are also ridiculously small.

It is madness to locate a supermarket here.

It will impact on the wonderful village that has been created with help from your council. The landscaping and path widening has helped to create a real community and fosters patronage of the local retailers. We do not need another supermarket in this area if it will exacerbate the traffic problems that we already face everyday. If the developer want to service the area I suggest he locates the supermarket along Bourke or O'Riordan Streets where there is plenty of room.

I hope you will take a decision which is in the interests of the local residents.

Yours sincerely
B R

Dear Mrs Moore

Most of the time, Moore is not nearly enough but there are other times when Moore is just too much...

Erskineville Village does not need Moore:

Traffic
Chaos
Noise
Pollution
Jaywalking

I trust that you will support the surrounding residents and will ensure that their quality of life is maintained by rejecting this silly proposal of building a two story supermarket in Erskineville in an area that is obviously not suitable.

As a resident living nearby in Alexandria, I am fortunate in being able to take a leisurely stroll up to Erskineville to enjoy the village atmosphere on a regular basis. Over the past few years, traffic has noticeably increased and the pedestrian access is already suffering. It is obvious that Erskineville cannot withstand the increase this development would demand and would impact very negatively on the positive aspects Erskineville is currently able to offer its residents and visitors.

Please do Moore to stop this particular proposal and do Moore to make Moore appropriate use of this space.

Thank you.

A D

Dear Clover

I have been a resident of Erskineville for 8 years. More than any other suburb in the City of Sydney council area, I believe Erskineville exemplifies the Council’s new slogan, “City of Villages”. I love Erskineville’s village feel - its like nowhere else I’ve found in Sydney. What makes it special to those of us who love it, is that the village provides us with much of what we need and love every day – entertainment, wide open spaces, a relaxed way of life, even our daily groceries.

The proposed 2-story supermarket development on Erskineville Road without parking and with limited access for trucks will cause massive disruption to the way of life for all local residents, especially those living within 2 blocks of the proposed site. It will cause traffic and parking chaos in an area already known for its limited parking, narrow streets and slow traffic. This part of Sydney is adequately served by existing supermarkets. Those who walk are more than happy to walk to King St. Those who drive are more than happy to drive to Marrickville Metro or Broadway. It is the price we happily pay in order to keep our part of the world as beautiful as it is.

Please consider carefully the impact such developments have on the daily life of residents. Erskineville is not – and should never be – a commercial hub.

Thank you.

C L
Railway pde
Erskineville.

Dear Ms Moore

I am both a resident of Erskineville and a Sales agent with Ray White Newtown working predominantly in the area.

My concern about the proposed development includes:

1. Increased traffic congestion on what is already a very congested stretch of road during peak times. I believe peak hour times will blow out as a result.

2. The nightmare that will be created by large vehicles trying to negotiate the narrow one way streets surrounding the site. Further traffic congestion and damage to parked vehicles being the tip of the iceberg!

3. The impact on the quiet enjoyment of the area by Erskineville residents, particularly those located near the site.

4. The lack of ‘need’ for yet another supermarket – we are spoilt with choice.

5. The impact on our local businesses. Erskineville must be considered the ‘shining star’ in our “City of Villages”. Our local businesses (largely operated by local residents) form part of the overall fabric of the area which makes it so appealing.

6. The negative impact on property values surrounding the site.

I believe more consultation must to undertaken with the local community and request that Council only consider the DA approval after an independent social impact and traffic study has been completed including traffic, parking, noise, impact upon community and other potential ramifications.

Yours faithfully

P C

Dear Ms Moore,


I write to you as our Lord Mayor, to express my concern over plans to build a supermarket on Erskineville Rd/Angel St, in Erskineville Village. I am a resident of Union St, Erskineville, and will thus be directly affected by the proposed development.

As anyone who visits Erskineville would know, the history of our area means that street sizes are narrow, predominantly one-way, and don't allow for much parking. It beggars belief to think that the proposed development would only allow for approximately 30 parking spaces in the building itself - where will the increased number of vehicles park? As it is, there is not enough resident parking in the area. I don't own a car, and one of the reasons I moved to Erskineville was that I value the pedestrian-friendly atmosphere of my suburb: I am concerned about the increased traffic flow on my own and surrounding streets.

The density of my suburb also means that noise echoes down the streets of terraces - I don't even want to think about how noisy trucks entering and reversing in this small area will be! Erskineville Rd is already so choked with traffic in peak hours (and particularly on the weekends). How will the extra amount of traffic impact the bottleneck at the railway bridge, and the slow creep up Erskineville Rd to King St?

I'm equally concerned about the effect of a large supermarket on my local shops. If I want the convenience of a large-scale shopping experience, it's not far to drive, walk or bus to a larger supermarket than Erskineville currently offers: Broadway, Franklins on King St, Marrickville Metro, etc. What I prefer, though, is the smaller village shopping experience still available in Erskineville and on South King St - independent grocers, butchers, supermarkets, etc. And let's not even mention how many convenience stores are located in the King St area! I can't understand why we "need" another supermarket in the area, large or small!

I write to ask that Council only entertain the idea of DA approval after an independent social impact and traffic study has been completed. What will the effects on traffic, parking and noise be for my community? How will local business be affected? How safe is it to run so much traffic up and down narrow, one-way streets, inhabited by so many people with young children? It is important to me to hear from an independent group of researchers on this issue, and not only from a report provided by the developer. I am very concerned about this proposal, and will join my voice to my community's by attending residents' meeting and continuing to petition you, my government representatives.

Thank you for your ongoing service to our community, and for your consideration of these concerns.
Sincerely,

K O
Union St
Erskineville

Clover Moore
Mayor
City of Sydney Council. 5.12.2007

Dear Ms Moore,

The purpose of this letter is to inform you and Sydney Council that I strenuously oppose the proposed development of the site of the old Mardi Gras building at the top of Gowrie Street Newtown, to house a Woolworth’s Supermarket, and to outline why.

There is no proven need for a generic chain-store supermarket, such as the proposed Woolworth’s, in this area. There are more than adequate supermarkets and shops within walking distance. There are two in Newtown - Foodworks in Newtown Plaza (which itself will be redeveloped in the very near future) and Franklins on King Street near the Dendy complex. Both of which also have parking. For those with a car there is a Woolworth’s at Marrickville Metro and a Coles and Bi Lo at Broadway.

Erskineville Road is already under strain from the traffic it carries each day. The negative effect of cars, including congestion, pollution and noise, on this area has been steadily increasing over the past ten or more years. I have been knocked of my pushbike twice and have had numerous “near misses” as well.

There is often chaos and aggression on the roads in this area, with people who are visiting the area parking illegally and often blocking residential access. Parking is already at a premium in all the surrounding streets of Newman, Angel, Union, Gowrie and Harold and on the other side of Erskineville Road. Drivers already regularly drive the wrong way down one- way streets in this area endangering pedestrians (including local children) and other drivers and their passengers.

In Gowrie Street itself there is a load limit which is constantly ignored resulting in trucks getting “stuck” down the bottom of the street and having to reverse back up Gowrie Street in order to get out. On more than one occasion cars, property and trees have been damaged by such trucks contravening the load limit and the signs that tell them that it is a local traffic zone.

A supermarket such as the one proposed for this site would see increased number of cars and delivery trucks and will have a profound and seriously adverse impact on an already overburdened road system. One which was originally designed for 19th century traffic.

I have lived in this area on and off for the past 25 years. Twice in Gowrie Street. I have owned a house in Gowrie Street for the past 11 years and it is home to me. I love it here. This area has a soul and a sense of community that I have not experienced in any other inner city area of Sydney that I have resided - and that has been quite a few.

My belief is that this is largely due to fact that the people that live here share a social consciousness that extends beyond the “I” centred commercialism and “me” oriented focus that has been a pervasive force in Sydney for a long time. I am therefore not alone in my opposition to this Woolworth’s supermarket. There are far more appropriate development options for this site that will not have such a hostile and blatantly commercial impact. Woolworth’s is not proposing to open this supermarket to service the population of this area. It is for commercial reasons only. Clearly, as stated above, there is no need for another supermarket in the area.

The council that you head has included Erskineville in its “City of Villages” and I want it to remain a village. The proposed Woolworth’s development is not in keeping with the existing Erskineville Village atmosphere with its small businesses and restaurants. As well as the traffic hazards and pollution issues mentioned, the proposed Woolworth’s would undermine the businesses in this area and ruin the ambience. The success of this project would also set a negative precedent for similar commercial development in the area.

I therefore kindly ask you to reject the development application for this project.

Yours Sincerely,

L M
Gowrie Street,
Newtown

Dear Clover,

Please consider the impact of the proposed development in Erskineville, which is already highly congested.

As one example I am usually unable to park anywhere in my street if I arrive home later than 7pm, which is often the case. The workers cottage style houses in the area are approximately only one car length wide and usually have no off street parking available. As the rising average per capita income of residents has increased the situation has been exacerbated and in the 7 years we have been resident things have already got noticeably worse, especially in evenings and at weekends.

This development, with its woefully inadequate provision for car spaces will be a disastrous inconvenience for local residents. It will not provide any additional benefits since the proposed amenities are already present in abundance locally. Parking, children's safety and noise levels are particular concerns. My understanding is that no independent social impact or traffic study has to date been undertaken.

Our village has improved considerably over the years, with many small businesses moving in and contributing to the atmosphere and community. Developments like this will be ruinous to achievements thus far, many of them encouraged through the good auspices of Sydney Council.

Please do all that you can to ensure that local needs and opinions are considered and that this development application is rejected.

Kind regards,

L H
Union Street,
Erskineville

Wednesday, 5 December 2007
Munni Street
Newtown NSW 2042

Dear Clover,

I write to you because I am concerned about the development proposal D/2007/1932 for the construction of a supermarket at 21-23 Erskineville Rd, Erskineville.
I am a proud resident of the City of Sydney. I have the highest regard for you and the council and appreciate all the work that goes into making my part of the city safe, clean and beautiful. Whenever I seek help from staff and I always receive professional service and follow-up. With this in mind, I ask you to consider my heart-felt objections to this development proposal.
I feel this supermarket development will cause serious traffic problems. Erskineville Rd is incapable of dealing with the large volume of traffic at the moment. The worst time for Erskineville Rd traffic is weekday afternoons which is exactly the same time that all supermarkets are busy. The supermarket will add more west-bound traffic to Erskineville Road for a longer period than present as greater numbers of cars and trucks will have to queue to use it to enter and exit the building. This increase in traffic will make it dangerous for pedestrians wishing to cross: Gowrie Street is one of the only vehicular access streets for the collection of children who attend Newtown Primary School and High School for the Performing Arts. The noise and pollution from additional stationary cars will be extremely unpleasant for a large number of people who live less than 20 metres from the site. The increase in cars will also affect traffic travelling east down Erskineville Road as west-bound queuing cars already make it difficult and dangerous to turn right into Gowrie Street. There will also be noise from garbage collection as well as the difficult problem of storage of smelly organic waste.
With only 31 car spaces, most of which will probably be used by staff, I am very concerned about the affect on already hard to find street parking over a wide radius around the development. Shoppers will undoubtedly park on all surrounding streets: Gowrie, Angel, Union, Albert, Harold, Newman and others close by (like mine) if they are continually unable to find parking in a limited car park or see it as easier than negotiating such a small allocation. This will add more local traffic as shoppers in search of a street parking place who have entered these mostly one-way streets, will have to continue around the circuit to exit.
A supermarket will be a disaster for local businesses. I love the small and diverse village atmosphere of Erskineville, with its range of shops and outdoor cafes that make it a unique and desirable area. A supermarket will swamp these businesses and probably force them to close. I predict it will attract beggars and loiterers like those in front of Franklins in Newtown. There will be need for security as there will be cash collection (more trucks), which will add a further hazard.
I strongly object to the fact that they are intending to trade and take deliveries until late at night and want to trial extended hours til midnight for a year. This is likely to be abused as is the case with Franklins Newtown who show no regard for their neighbouring residents by allowing deliveries throughout the night.
And lastly, I don’t need or want another supermarket in the area. There are already 3 within walking distance from my home. I chose to live in this neighbourhood because it was quiet and offered a feeling of community. This supermarket will have so many detrimental consequences. I ask you to please consider my objections and not approve this proposal.

Regards,

T J

Dear Clover Moore

I express my concern and non agreement in the proposed development. The vision of bringing back the concept of 'villages' and 'green spaces' to the inner city , a concept which was envisioned by you seems to be in direct opposition to this type of development. We do not want the same mistakes made to the city planning done over the years ( as explored and commented on by the Danish Planner , engaged to review the city planning ) repeating itself here.

We need to discern and fully understand the impact of such a development, truthfully and with our eyes wide open. I really believe it will be a great mistake to allow the proposal to proceed. Please review and visit www.erskinevillevillage.org to appreciate all the comments made and rightfully expressed.

Thank you and regards,

K
Swanson Street,
Erskineville

To whom it may concern
Dear Sir/Madam,

RE:DA application for .........21-23 Erskineville road, Newtown.

I'm the owner and resident of ....Angel st, Newtown.My property borders Angel st and Railway Lane.

I and my flatmate, are both shift workers and sleep at different hours of any day. The bedrooms of our property back onto railway lane.

We strongly oppose this developement, on the following points:

1)Traffic Problems...........This developement will cause far too many vehicle movements and associated noise from these vehicles......as mentioned above this will disturb our rest and lifestyle due to being shift workers.....We not only have to contend with aircraft noise, we DON'T need increase traffic noise from 0500 to Midnight......The recent bridge work on Erskineville Road, increased neighbourhood traffic and was a nightmare for all residents of Railway lane, with thie development, vehicals traffic will be horrendous.
Also our 3 garages face directly onto railway lane, it will be very dangerous to back our vehicles out on a busy laneway.
Railway lane is exactly that a lane and should be left as such.
2)We don't need another supermarket in the area, as we already have several close by
3)There is a possibility that this developement will sell liquor, and again we do not need this as there are sereral outlets in Erskineville village and King st. Plus the associated problems with drinking in the streets could occurr in the neighbouring streets
4) We value our Village and this type of development will destory the village status quo
5)The development should have traffic enterring from erskineville road and leaving via gowrie st.....NOT Railway lane.............again i state railway lane is exactly that, a lane and should be maintained as a lane only......
6)This development will have an adverse effect on our community ammenities such as

Increased Noise from customers, vehicles,delievery trucks at all hours
Increased Danger from, Vehicles and delievery trucks, to local residents.
Increased on street arking problems, which are already occurring
Increased Crime and unrulely behaviour if supermarket is able to sell liquor

Will take away the village feel/atmosphere from erskinveille village, which contradicts Sydney city councils own desire to promote villages....
Please hear the residents and decline this application for this type of developement.

S O'Brien and T P
Angel st,
Newtown

Dear Ms Moore

As an Erskineville resident, I would like to express my concerns over the Development Application for the proposed two storey supermarket site (DA Number D/2007/1932), located at 21-23 Erskineville Road NEWTOWN NSW 2042.
I disagree with this DA proposal for the following reasons:
1. There are already more than enough similar services in close proximity and we do not need any more:
o Franklins in King Street
o Foodworks ( Newman & King St ) which is already expected to double in size with a $500,000 upgrade
o Woolworths & Aldi at Marrickville Metro
o Coles & Go Lo at Broadway
o Coles at Surry Hills Village
2. There will be a serious impact on traffic in the general area and specifically on King Street, Erskineville Road, Gowrie Street, Angel Street and Angel Lane due to increased commercial traffic. Commercial traffic is also unlikely to abide by regulated hours of operation etc. resulting in additional noise pre-dawn and late at night as well as during the day.
3. 31 car spaces will be insufficient to accommodate the kind of general commuting traffic that such a development could anticipate. Given that parking scarcity and traffic congestion are already significant issues for residents on and around Erskineville Road/ Swanston Streets and surrounding streets this development would only exacerbate these issues.
4. Increased traffic and heightened parking challenges in the general would also result in decreased safety for pedestrians and cyclists as Erskineville Road would regularly become gridlocked resulting in erratic & potentially irresponsible driving by impatient drivers sick of being stuck in traffic.
5. This kind of development is contrary to the Local Action Plans currently being put in place by City of Sydney Council. One key element of those plans was to identify, enhance and preserve village centres. Erskineville Village would be changed forever by a development such as this and not in any way consistent with these Local Action Plans.
For these reasons, I oppose the development and urge the Council to say refuse its permission for it to proceed.

J B

Clover Moore,

Please do not allow the approval of the Supermarket Development in Erskineville Road (corner Gowrie Street). I plead with you for the safety and sanity of my family who are proud to call Erskineville home.

Supermarkets bring with them Trucks, Cars and Commotion. The beautiful streets of Erskineville are already full of parked cars and congestion (and thats just from local residence), 31 car spots is not enough spots for customers and the surrounding streets will become more congested and dangerous. The suburb just cannot accommodate the trucks that will be making deliveries, not only will this cause congestion around the supermarket but the trucks will need to wait in the streets when the loading docks are full or closed.

I have received many publications from council promoting The City of Villages. Please protect Erskineville Village. Our Village does not need a Supermarket. Everything I need to buy can already be purchased by the local retailers and we are surrounded by major supermarkets in walking distance to Erskineville. Please help to keep Erskineville a Village.

I love living in Erskineville and the city of Sydney. I love our village and all the effort that the local council puts into keeping our village beautiful, like the lovely pot plant displays, Christmas decorations and community family friendly events. I love the community I live in and I hope that my local council will listen to my opinions and support the community that supports them.

Thankyou for listening and I hope you can support Erskineville Village.

C O
Albert Street,
Erskineville

I grew up in the inner west, and moved to Erskineville a few years ago, it
is a slice of paradise in the middle of the inner city, a quiet peaceful
village right in the heart of the hustle and bustle. If this supermarket
goes ahead, there will be more traffic on erskineville road. As it stands
it is bumper to bumper most of the day, I watched an ambulance try and get
through there one day, and the time it took could have been fatal. The extra
traffic will be detrimental to the whole area.

Regards
D P

Dear Ms Moore,

As a resident of Erskineville (37 Pleasant Avenue), I am gravely concerned about the proposed supermarket development. This proposed development would have a detrimental effect on the residents and businesses of Erskineville Village.

I am originally from the U.S., and one of the joys of daily life in Sydney is being able to get my food from bakeries, butchers, fruit-and-veg shops and other specialty stores. This allows me to get the freshest and best-quality goods, usually locally sourced/produced, and support local businesses at the same time. In the U.S., even in my fairly traditional hometown of Boston, we do not have that luxury. Chain supermarkets have taken over and small local providers didn't stand a chance. Many parts of Sydney have yet to succumb to this, instead retaining shopping strips that allow residents to hand-pick their goods. This is something that I brag about to people back home. This is something of which areas like Erskineville Village are justly proud. And this is something that would be irreparably damaged by the intrusion of this proposed supermarket.

Furthermore, I do not believe that there is a demonstrated need for another supermarket in the area: we already have a small neighbourhood supermarket in Erskineville Village, as well as other small supermarkets, a Franklins and a soon-to-be-expanded Foodworks nearby on King Street. Only slightly farther away are the Marrickville Metro and Broadway shopping centres, which add another three large supermarkets to the total. Nor I do not believe that the infrastructure of the area would be able to support the proposed development. The narrow streets and already-limited parking in the area would be taxed to breaking point by the trucks and cars that the supermarket would necessarily bring with it - particularly as current public transport is not routed in a way that would encourage residents to use it when shopping at the proposed supermarket.

Please understand that my concerns do not arise from mere NIMBYism: if I felt that this development would be a short-term inconvenience that yielded long-term benefits to the community, I would not be campaigning against it. But this is not the case. This development would not only spell the end for many, if not all, of the small businesses in the area; it would also cause permanent disruption to the community through the strain on the local roads, the noise and air pollution and the extended hours of operation in a residential area (particularly in an area with many young families). But perhaps most importantly, this development would undermine the sense of 'village-ness' that makes Erskineville such a joy to live in.

Erskineville Village is the sort of neighbourhood that should be preserved and held as an example to the rest of Australia's cities. The proposed supermarket development is neither needed nor wanted by our community. I therefore urge you to refuse to consider the approval of this Development Application until an independent social impact and traffic study (including traffic, parking, noise, impact upon community and other potential ramifications) has been completed. I feel confident that such a study would determine what we in the community already know to be true: that this development would be a detriment to the Erskineville Village community.

Respectfully,

E C
Pleasant Avenue
Erskineville

Dear Ms Moore,

As a resident of 37 Pleasant Avenue, Erskineville, I am writing to oppose the proposed supermarket development. I feel that this development would have a negative impact on the community, bringing more traffic and noise to our crowded streets. It would also have a negative impact on the local businesses and would lead to many closures.

We don't need another supermarket, as there are already several in the area, including a small one right on Erskineville Road, so I believe that residents would be inconvenienced and businesses would be in trouble all for the sake of a supermarket we don't need and don't want. At the very least, a detailed and independent study of the social and traffic implications of the proposed development should be requested by the Council before the development is considered. Please request such a study and publish the results to the community as soon as possible.
Regards,

B W
Pleasant Avenue
Erskineville

Mr Philip Jamieson
Planning Officer
City of Sydney
GPO Box 1591
Sydney NSW 2001
7 December 2007
Dear Mr Jamieson,

I write with reference to DA no D/2007/1932.
I am a local Erskineville resident and I object to the proposed supermarket at 21-23 Erskineville Rd Newtown for three main reasons.
Firstly, I believe the proposal will severely impact Erskineville’s village atmosphere. The Lord Mayor has stated that Council envisages the City of Sydney as a “City of Villages”, and Erskineville is regarded as one of the best examples. The Local Action Plan states, “the people of Erskineville love the village atmosphere”, Erskineville has “a strong sense of local identity”, and “the ‘village feel’ is reinforced by…local shops…”
A supermarket such as proposed is likely to severely impact and possibly destroy the following local businesses:
the local supermarket
the local fruit and vegetable shop
the Deli
the bakery.
It would probably also negatively impact other businesses on Erskineville Rd:
the florist
the bottle shop (unless of course it is simply relocated to within the supermarket as the proposed “specialty shop”)
the newsagent.
These local businesses, run by local people and therefore benefiting the local community, are what creates a village: a locality with individual character and therefore a sense of belonging. Corporations such as Coles and Woolworths are bland, formulaic, anonymous board-driven enterprises characteristic of that anathema to the local village, the shopping centre. If this DA is accepted we may well end up with one large supermarket and a string of empty shops not far down the road. Is this Council’s vision for its City of Villages?
Secondly, I believe a new supermarket is unnecessary. The site in question is within 400m of no less than three other supermarkets: Foodworks at Newtown Plaza, Franklins on King St and of course the independent supermarket on Erskineville Rd. Marrickville Metro and Broadway shopping centres are only a short drive away. With another supermarket proposed for Ashmore Estate, do we really need any more? I note the DA’s Traffic Impact Assessment indicates Bus Route 355 travels right past the door of the site – and directly to Woolworths at Marrickville Metro! Local residents already have ample choice for their shopping needs whether they walk, drive or catch public transport.
Thirdly, I have concerns regarding the Application’s effect on local traffic conditions both from a parking and traffic flow perspective. I refer again to the Traffic Impact Assessment: in relation to parking, the proposed number of parking spaces (31) is less than that required under South Sydney Council’s DCP no 11 (33 spaces) (p8 of the Assessment), even after reducing the number of spaces to 40% of the RTA’s Guideline rate, a reduction based on any assumptions. Also, “the available kerbside parking in the vicinity of the site is generally unrestricted” (p3). Indeed, “it is acknowledged that the reduced parking has a potential to create additional on-street demands” (p9). Clearly the developer’s assumption that parking will be adequate is flimsy, and there is a real risk of significant clogging of local streets with impacts on local residents.
On traffic flow, the Traffic Impact Assessment states, “the one-way flow system creates some limitations on access…” (p3). The authors even acknowledge, “the relatively difficult right turn out of Angel St” (p11) and therefore assume more drivers will choose to exit left onto Erskineville Rd than right! If this were true it must be assumed some vehicles would then head right into Wilson St in order to get back onto Erskineville Rd, further delaying traffic.
Imagine a car waiting to turn right off Erskineville Rd into Gowrie St coinciding with a car wanting to turn right off Angel St at peak hour in the afternoon when traffic on Erskineville Rd is generally at a standstill: it will be an instant traffic jam. And what happens when these vehicles are the 20 to 30 vans expected per day or even worse, the 12.5m long trucks?
I believe the above DA is inappropriate for the Erskineville area on many levels and if passed, would benefit only the developer and the successful supermarket chain. We don’t need it, it will increase traffic on an already busy secondary road and it will greatly reduce the village atmosphere we – and Council – have strived to promote. I believe the site could be developed in ways that would enhance the local community rather than diminish it and I urge Council to reject the proposal.

Yours sincerely,
A P
George St
Erskineville

Dear Sir and Madams,

I write in opposition to Development Application D/2007/1932, address 21-23 Erskineville Road Erskineville NSW 2042.

As an Erskineville resident for the last 6 years I have a wonderful appreciation for the uniqueness of our village setting. Our strip of small businesses provides a great array of goods and services and acts as the hub of our day to day activities. I can honestly say that there is nothing I enjoy more than wandering up to Erskineville Road in the morning to pick up a newspaper from the newsagent, a coffee from one of the cafes, fresh croissants from the baker and maybe a little something from the Deli. This is the sort of lifestyle I feel that the council’s vision of a City of Villages is really aiming for. I am of the strong opinion that a large, chain supermarket is in direct opposition to this vision. Our independent shops will not be able to compete with such a supermarket and will be forced to close down or leave the area. We already have a number of long empty shop fronts and adding more would be the death of our enviable way of life.

I know that many of the owners and employees of the bakery, The Deli, the newsagent and the florist are locals. This means that they all walk to work, thus not adding to the already polluted and congested streets of Sydney. I have no confidence that a generic supermarket will have such a positive environmental impact.

If there was one improvement I could make to improve the Erskineville Village, it would be to reduce the amount of traffic on Erskineville Road. Sitting in any of the pavement seating, it doesn’t take long to see a near miss between cars or worse still, between a car and a pedestrian. Any car trying to cross Erskineville Road, either from or into a side street, first has to avoid the busy traffic and then any possible pedestrian who thought it was safe to cross until a car has had to race between oncoming cars to get across. I recommend an hour sitting out the front of The Rose of Australia to see the chaos at the corner of George Street and Erskineville Road. Many old people and children cross here and it is already frightening. This problem will worsen all along Erskineville Road and it will be recreated and magnified at the intersections around the proposed development.

I believe that adding more cars to this already clogged artery will increase the safety issues of the area not to mention worsening the pollution caused by all of this traffic. There is no way to deny that people will drive to a supermarket at this location. It is too far from any of the train stations to cart bags of shopping. People will drive. Then there are the service vehicles that will have to use these roads and lanes. Buses already struggle getting onto Erskineville Road from the King Street end. This will further impact traffic problems, pollution and safety issues. The mess that will be created with all of these vehicles trying to enter and exit the lanes around the development is clear.

There is also the added danger to bicycles who ride at their peril along Erskineville Road, especially in the vicinity of the complex being discussed. The road gets very narrow with a concrete barrier dividing the lanes. Impatient car drivers often risk the lives of the bicyclists trying to push past them. I fully support all efforts made to reduce the number of cars on the road and encourage bicycle riding. The proposal of a large supermarket in this area, once again does the opposite.

There has been some wonderful work put into finding ways to make Sydney a more liveable city. Many of these require massive changes to existing structures to achieve this. As a result they will be incredibly difficult if not impossible to implement. It is my opinion that preventing this DA from going ahead is an easily achievable way to prolong the liveability of this area. There will be no going back once a large supermarket has been built there.

Finally there is the obvious problem of parking that the DA fails to adequately address. The recommended number of car parking spots will barely suffice for the employees. The increased parking pressure will have a significant impact on the local residents. Just the recent addition of a wine bar at the corner of Erskineville Road and George Street (which we love) has impacted more on residents of George Street and this is only from a handful of extra cars. Local businesses already complain that there is nowhere for their customers to park when they come to Erskineville to use their services.

It really is as wonderful to live in Erskineville as it seems. I implore you to consider what we have to loose here and refuse this DA. I understand that this site will one day be developed and I look forward to supporting any venture that will enhance the area and not detract so extensively.

Thank you so much for your time,
Yours sincerely,

I F
George Street,
Erskineville

Dear Clover,

I am writing in relation to the Erskineville Development of the HIVE building.

Firstly, I am very concerned and disappointed at the lack of local consultation by the developers regarding the proposed development of the HIVE to a supermarket precinct.

I am all for progress, and suitable developments in line with the needs of the area, however question the real thought and the quality and authenticity of the impact studies that have been conducted to date in relation to this specific development.

My initial concerns were around the quantity of traffic that will be created by this development, already we experience congestion on various streets in Erskineville and more specifically on Erskineville Rd, King St, Angel St & Lane, and Gowrie St and I see this development adding to the congestion and choking the local roads, also creating significant noise increases. Parking will be another major issue as currently we already compete for a park for our car, I strongly believe this development will only add to the problem.

Now having more information on the development, what about safety? Large trucks on these small narrow roads lined with parked cars, with minimal visibility, my concern is for the many families with young children with a succession of trucks coming and going on a regular basis up & down these very narrow streets - surely this is a risk to be considered? In addition the added pollution to our area due to the traffic increasing and rubbish generated. I understand the trucks will have access from around 5am through to 10pm, 7 days - this will impact on the Village Atmosphere, outdoor dining (more noise & more pollution) and the general safety and well being of residents.

I was so pleased having recently bought in Erskineville, the reason for me buying in this area was specifically the "Village" atmosphere, which has been lost in so many other areas of Sydney. Many of my friends have also bought in the Erskineville area and we all love and adore living here. It would be such a great shame to lose this unique environment in "The City of Villages", which Erskineville residents clearly love and respect.

Personally, I am completely satisfied with the availability of Supermarkets in Marrickville Metro, Broadway and Newtown, I have also read that Green Square is also planning for a Supermarket to be built, is this not enough to service us all? I believe it is. The local shopping area caters perfectly for Erskineville and surrounding locals, and I would hate to see these hardworking individuals who run these great stores shut down due to losing business to a major supermarket chain and destroying this integral part of our Village in the City of Sydney. This will severely change & most likely destroy the Erskineville Village atmosphere forever.

My suggestion to the Council would be to re look at this development and hear what the community is saying to you. I am not against development, but why do we have to accept a large chain supermarket when the impact is going to be so negative for local residents? Are there other solutions the developer can offer that will gain local support? I believe there is always a solution, something to support our local "village" infrastructure would be most welcome.

Is this development in line with the Council's vision for Erskineville as laid out in the City Plan? Can we have an indendent impact study to address the issues of safety, noise, parking, traffic that is communicated to Erskineville residents?

Thank you and regards,

S H
Burren St,
Erskineville

Greetings! Seasonal and otherwise. My name is K C, I lived in and around Erskineville for the last 14 years and worked on and off in some of the shops as did my kids in some of the cafés. I am very fond of the place and as everyone else witnessed lots of changes not without trepidation. So far Erko has taken it on the nose and remained Erko but the traffic and the scarcity of parking we have learned to accept as a fact of life is not going to improve even without a supermarket down the road but with one it will be absolute chaos. There are two primary school on Swanson Street and most of the traffic would pass in front of them. We had a few accidents on the crossings, I cannot recall how many were fatal but I can think of two.
We were informed at a resident meeting that financial loss does not constitute a valid argument in judging whether or not to approve the proposal but it would seem that financial gain is what motivates it, only not the residents and shop owners gain. I do not and would not own property in this area as I find the asking price ridiculous but I can feel the worry of a myriad of owners-residents who would see a down turn in the market price if the area changed drastically. They are the people have been, are and will be paying taxes, and yes money talks either in one big voice or in a chorus of small ones.
In the years I lived in Sydney I have seen Paddington and Balmain become the "right place to be" only to loose the very character that made them attractive in the first place. Erko is in great danger of becoming the next ex-village please don't allow the threat to turn into reality.
I could fill and feel ten more pages of pleas but I think I will spare you and stop here, at least for today.
Yours most respectfully,
K C

Dear Lord Mayor,

I am writing to you to express my serious concern in regard to a DA
application for The Hive Building 21-23 Erskineville Road, Newtown (Cnr of
Erskineville Road and Gowrie Street, Newtown) My understanding is that site
is now earmarked to be used as a supermarket.

As an owner of a property in the adjacent 34 Gowrie street, I have serious
reservations about its intended use.

Let me be clear I am not anti- development. Development correctly chosen can
be great thing. In this case a supermarket in this location would seriously
harm the quality of life of Erskineville.

Apart from traffic congestion, the effects of noise and pollution in a
nearby residential area would be disastrous. A short visit to the site
would show you the narrow streets, the lack of access and the inability of
the local area to cope with long hours of opening.

Simple mathematics show if the turnover is correct in the DA at $20 million
and the let us assume the average purchase is $40 a visit. This translates
into 1000 visits per week which most of the visits occurring on Thursday to
Sunday. Even if customers use the facility by foot or by car the disturbance
to the local area is massive. Residential parking is already very difficult
in Gowrie from 4pm to early morning so how will customers who access the
site, discard their shopping trolleys in a safe way and supermarket freight
be delivered and waste disposed in such a narrow difficult and intimate
urban village setting.

Clearly a supermarket in this location would generate serious environmental
and lifestyle consequences. So I do not say no to a suitable development
choice but a supermarket option is just plain stupid.

So I strongly encourage Sydney City Council to say no to the use of the
proposed site as a supermarket.

Yours faithfully,

A R
Newtown

Dear Clover Moore

As a resident of Erskineville, I'd like to make you aware of my concerns about the proposed development of a supermarket on Erskineville Rd.

My family and I have chosen to live in Erskineville because of the village feeling here. We love shopping at our local deli, grocer, chemist etc and we choose to support them even though they may not always be able to compete on price with the big supermarkets because they offer a kind of service and community spirit that makes me consider it worthwhile investing in their businesses. I fear for the future of these important local businesses if a supermarket is built, and what will be left of our village when those shops, and their community spirit, are gone?

I can see no need for a supermarket, when the Regent St IGA, King St Franklins and Marrickville Metro are a walk or short drive away. Our community has enough supermarkets, thanks.

I am also extremely concerned about the impact on parking and traffic conditions which are already tight in the village.

I ask that you do not allow this development to go ahead without proper community consultation as well as appropriate research into traffic/parking ramifications.

Kind regards
N G

Ms Clover Moore,
Lord Mayor,
City of Sydney,
GPO BOX 1591,
Sydney 2000.
Dear Ms Moore
I write to express my concern and lodge my objection to the current DA application to erect a two storey supermarket building at 21-23 Erskineville Road Newtown. I believe that the area is more than adequately serviced by supermarkets already (Franklins and Foodworks within walking distance and Coles, Woolworths and Aldi a short drive away), the traffic is already too congested for the area and the village atmosphere of Erskineville will be permanently changed if this proposal was to proceed.
Certainly a better quality fruit and vegetable shop and butcher would be welcome and keep locals shopping closer to home – however, this alone is not sufficient to offset the dramatic and detrimental impact of traffic, trucks and late night shopping.

Regards
M B

Ms Clover Moore,
Lord Mayor,
City of Sydney,
GPO BOX 1591,
Sydney 2000
I object to the proposed Development because it will have negative social impacts on our village and streets.

Traffic on Erskineville Road and Bridge is already over-saturated, as are Gowrie Street, Angel Street, Angel Lane, Wilson Street intersection and King Street intersection. This already impedes pedestrian as well as vehicular traffic but this is now manageable because the Village atmosphere positively affects people’s social responses. The proposed Development will take away the Village atmosphere by increasing traffic, especially commercial traffic, creating health hazards from engine fumes, including fumes of idling engines. Traffic congestion, air pollution, engine noises, parking problems all will impact negatively on Erskineville Village.

Access for Emergency Services is also at issue, especially Fire Engines and Ambulances, which already experience significant difficulty of access. Our City Village needs best practice for its Emergency Services but increased traffic blockages will prevent this.

Road safety issues, include increased risk to vehicles parked in Erskineville's narrow streets, as well as pedestrians, especially children.

P K
Rochford Street,
Erskineville

Dear Sir,

Thank for your recent email. Surprisingly,we live in Northbridge but have developed a fondness for the atmosphere and facilities of the Newtown / Erskineville area.We visit regularly and even attended Thursday's Community Meeting..When we purchasrd in1967,Northbridge had a village atmosphere similar to Erskineville.Over the years, the developments together with the planned DA's will have converted Northbridge into a mini Chatswood. Obviously, all these facilities are not needed by our local residents but attract shoppers from miles around with resultant traffic congestion in spite of the Plaza having a large car park.On Saturday's it is almost imposible for residents to get out of Northbridge or for our friends to visit.
Erskineville residents will have to accept that the approval of this DA would be the beginning of the destruction of the village atmosphere. Woolworths ( or Coles) do not need the extra generated sales. Their main aim is to destroy the existing small business people and ,so, compel residents to shop with them.Woolworths will completely disregard any Council imposed conditions.if thy detract from their operations. Once the supermarket is in operation,very little can be done to punish them. The odd fine will not worry them.
In time, there will be a supermarket and a lot of closed shops. Eventually, these empty shops will be bought by a developer and converted into modern apartment blocks. In 1967, we had 4 independent butchers,now we have 1. We had 2 hardware stores, now, the nearest is at Artarmon.
The approval of this DA for a supermarket will be the destruction of Erskineville as we know it today.Please give the DA careful consideration --especially its social impact on the existing residents.
Yours sincerely
R M

Dear Clover Moore

I have previously written about the esrkineville Road development of a
supermarket. Since then I've attended the community meeting held last
Thursday. It seems the traffic impact is the area that Council can act upon
so I'll address that. I live in Albert St opposite the "hive". Every
afternoon I witness cars and small trucks racing up our street to try to
avoid Erskineville rd which is bumper to bumper between about 4pm and
6.30pm. When they realise they cannot turn right they quite often do anyway
by going up over the median strip on the crest of a hill, very dangerous.
With a supermarket in the area there will be more cars and trucks attempting
this, because as we know most people drive to the supermarket.

Most houses in Erskineville are workers cottages with no off-street parking.
We park our cars on the street and its very difficult even now to get a
parking spot without the added cars driving to a supermarket. On the
weekends many people who drive to enjoy King Street Newtown park in albert
St as there are no meters and King Street is always full. This already makes
it difficult for residents to park in their own streets. If people cannot
find a park they park illegally or on the vacant land on the corner of
baldwin st and Albert st.

Finally, if this development does go ahead does this mean that all the one
way street behind the development will need to be made two-way? How will
cars pass one another in these narrow streets? If all parking goes in those
streets where will the residents park? And how will large supermarket
delivery trucks negotiate these narrow roads?

Regards
J F
Albert Street
Erskineville

Dear Clover

As a resident of Alexandria for 26 years, and a user of the amenities in Erskineville for the same period, I am totally opposed to the idea of building this supermarket.

I am not anti-development. In fact, that last letter I wrote to council was to support a development on Copeland Street, Alexandria. I supported it enthusiastically because it built on the village character of Erskineville and the part of Alexandria bordering it.

The proposed supermarket in Erskineville will have the opposite effect, for two reasons - the type of shop and the traffic created.

I can expand on this if necessary, but think other have already done so most convincingly.

W C
Maddox Street
Alexandria


]]> 08. More Letters http://erskinevillevillage.org/index.php?itemid=25 Mon, 10 Dec 2007 05:16:10 +0900 http://erskinevillevillage.org/index.php?itemid=23 The following are residents letters written to the Lord Mayor and Councillors of the City of Sydney, please join your fellow residents by writing to express your views via this website.

Dear Clover,

We are very concerned long time residents (and rate payers) of Erskineville village. We are horrified to hear that there is a Woolworths or Coles planned for the Hive site on Erskineville Road.

With the railway yards at one end of Albert Street, and now a Woolies at the other, what is Erskineville becoming?

The village is looking great these days, with cafes and local businesses, pubs and even a tarot card reader... We just don't want, and we really don't need, a Woolies in this area. There are plenty of large supermarkets a stone's throw away.

The planned development has ridiculously limited parking and will impact the area very hard in terms of both parking and increased traffic. We're already bearing the burden of ever increasing traffic flows through our little area. We really can't handle any more (particularly on Charles Street which has had a very rough trot in recent years).

Please encourage small business use of the Hive site. We'd love a decent butcher (there's only one in the whole Erko/Newtown area!) and fruit and vege shop. A music teaching school would be welcome, really, almost anything would be better than the monochrome, characterless, mass-produced Woolworths.

We love your approach to building villages in the City of Sydney area. A Woolworths would ruin the Erskineville/Newtown village atmosphere without doubt.

We intend to be very active in campaigning against this proposal. We're sure you wouldn't want it - so please let us know what more we can do to prevent it,

Yours sincerely,
GM
Charles Street
Erskineville

Dear Clover,

I was disheartened to hear this morning that there are plans for
another large shopping centre in our area, which will adversely
impact the viability of the Erskineville Village, and the quality of
the area.

When my husband and I moved to Sydney a few years ago, we looked all
over the inner west and settled on Erskineville. We thoroughly enjoy
living in the area, especially because of the atmosphere in the
Erskineville Village.

I am sure that there are many other viable uses for the Hive site,
that don't require the full trappings of a commercial supermarket,
and can operate without creating traffic chaos.

Regards
S P

Dear Clover,

I live in Morrissey Road, Erskineville and am extremely concerned about the proposed supermarket development currently known as "The Hive" on the corner of Erskineville Road and Gowrie Street, Erskineville.

The proposed development will forever change the character of our village and community which is vibrant but small, with current traffic congestion in peak times and existing competition over car spaces. Our community could not sustain a development such as that which is proposed. The impact in terms of additional traffic, the noise factor in a very contained area with narrow streets, and pressure on car parking would be devastating.

Another issue which makes this development so unnecessary is the extent of access our community already has to surrounding supermarkets and major retail outlets.

There are many other associated factors which make this proposal so unacceptable in Erskineville. Perhaps the one that is most difficult to understand is how someone with your wonderful vision of sustaining village environments in the inner city area could allow something so disastrous as this proposal to even be considered.

I implore you to intervene and bring some rationale to this issue before our village vibrancy, attraction and sustainability are destroyed, along with all of our hopes for visionary leadership.

Regards
B C


Dear Clover,

It is with significant concern that I today received information about the proposed change in the usage of the Erskineville Road site known as the Hive.

Many people comment to my wife and I how lovely Erskineville is and how it has a real community feeling. This is becasue of appropriately sized facilites including shopping which maintain a sense of scale and facilitate direct contact with and between residents.

A supermarket is totally at odds with Erskineville and I call on you to take steps to prevent this application proceeding.

You will remember the community campaigns to save the Erskineville housing commision site and Erskineville public school, you and your Council are about to face a similar campaign.

Please demonstrate your commitment to our environment, listen to the community and stand by your own words when you proudly stated that you wanted to create a number of villages throughout the City of Sydney area.

M B
George Street,
Erskineville

Dear Clover,

I am a concerned resident living in the Erskineville Village. My concerns relate to the proposed development of