By Matthew Sims
Maribyrnong council has deferred its decision on a proposed development on Gordon Street in Footscray following a number of objections from residents of Park Street.
At the Maribyrnong City Development Delegated Committee meeting on Tuesday, May 24, councillors moved a motion to defer a decision on the proposed development at 104 Gordon Street, Footscray.
A number of Park Street residents addressed the committee to object to the 14-dwelling development proposal, with a number of their objections relating to the proposed entrance being via a laneway on Park Street.
Park Street resident Regan Ireland said the Park Street residents were “grateful” for the council’s deferment of its decision.
“However, it is frustrating that it had to get to this point of community escalation and anger before the council and developers actually engaged in some rational and pragmatic thinking,” he said.
“The access proposal as presented remains completely unacceptable and pushes significant negative externalities upon the Park Street community.
“We maintain it is deplorable to put the safety and quality of life of our community at risk for the sake of a ‘cleaner facade on Gordon Street’.”
Mr Ireland said the Park Street residents were looking forward to seeing the amended proposal.
“We trust the developer to act in good faith and submit a viable alternative for using Gordon Street access to the appropriate authorities, and eagerly await further feedback,” he said.
“We thank both the council and developer for their words, but now wait to see action.”
Speaking on behalf of developers Inland Property, Steven Lionakis addressed the committee and said the developers were open to deferring the approval of the planning permit to consider an entrance to the property on Gordon Street.
Maribyrnong mayor Anthony Tran said the committee was grateful for the Park Street residents’ expression of their objection to the proposal.
“I am actually really grateful for the approach that you’ve taken in that you acknowledge that there is a need for development in the city…but you also acknowledge that there is a need for a development that is a sustainable model,” he said.
“You’ve demonstrated the power of the people.”
Maribyrnong deputy mayor Sarah Carter said she was looking forward to ongoing discussions regarding the development.
“What I am heartened by is the approach taken by the developer tonight…in committing to look at, and hearing the concerns of residents, other access points,” she said.
