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 the “hive” site.
I believe if a major supermarket was to be introduced at this site it would be absolutely detrimental to the entire Erskineville suburb.
It would unquestionably change our suburb forever, introducing intolerable and unnecessary levels of noise, traffic and congestion.
This proposed development would introduce an unnecessary and inappropriate style of business to an attractive inner west area that maintains a strong level of real estate value due to its village atmosphere. A development like this would definitely detract value from the suburb. Not to mention the already existing numbers of supermarkets in the area. We just don’t need another supermarket.
When reading the literature published by the “Friends of Erskineville Village” it concerns me that there has been a lack of consultation and impact studies done for this proposed development.
The council’s strategic vision for the city of villages is wonderful. So much work has already been done.
It would be a shame to have a development that does not fit in, put together in haste when a little more thought can provide a solution. At the very least, we believe we deserve the benefit of a proper independent impact study and community consultation with you and the Councillors, similar to your engagement with Fowler Reserve.
Yours faithfully
J B
Dear Clover,
I went to my local “village” bread shop in Erskineville this afternoon to buy some fresh bread and I was confronted with details of a proposal to build a supermarket on the corner of Gowrie St and Erskineville Rd….You have to be joking!!!!!!
Erskineville is one of the oldest suburbs in Sydney, with a number of small businesses servicing the locals. Building a major supermarket would tear out the heart of the village and send most of the existing businesses broke. I must add that many of these businesses began in Erskineville when it was considered an undesirable and dodgy suburb. City of Sydney Council has a morale obligation to make decisions in consultation with all who could potentially be affected by development proposals. In this case you had better consult with every person living in Erskineville!
I would also encourage you to get in your car this week and to drive up Erskineville Rd between 5 and 6pm. You will see the traffic congestion, the lack of parking and the mayhem that develops around peak hour traffic. As a local, I don’t mind driving to Marrickville Metro to do my shopping because…Guess What?…It’s down the road! Why on earth would we want a supermarket to be built right in the middle of our village when it could potentially revert the village back to a ghost town ghetto of the past. I am all about providing facilities to make life convenient for residents, however I strongly believe that we already have those facilities in surrounding Newtown, Marrickville, Marrickville Metro and Broadway.
I expect a response from council and would like an outline of what community consultation has taken place and what will take place in the future. Erskineville is a community and we all know each other very well. I am including a number of my Erskineville friends in this email and I imagine that you will receive many more emails relating to this potential DA (Friends in Erko – Please forward to everyone you know in Erskineville as we may have a fight on our hands)
It’s about time councils stopped thinking about money and started thinking about their residents (Those who page their wages).
I look forward to hearing from you.
Regards
C T
George St
Erskineville
Dear Clover,
My home has been in Newman Street, Newtown for seven years and I am very fond of the area.
As such, the proposal to create a supermarket in the ‘HIVE’ building on Erskineville Road troubles me greatly.
The area is more than adequately served already by four supermarkets of various sizes within easy walking distance.
Traffic congestion and non-availability of parking are extremely problematic. Frequently, especially late at night, I am forced to park several hundred metres and several streets from home because there is nowhere nearer to park.
I am very worried by the threat to my village way of life posed by large commercial projects developed without adequate community consultation and which are out of step with the broader strategy of creating a City of Villages.
I am not opposed to development of the ‘HIVE’ site per se, but believe a large supermarket is not what the area needs.
Yours sincerely
R G
Dear Clover,
We are concerned residents of Erskineville and oppose the proposed two storey Woolworths or Coles on the corner of Erskineville Rd and Gowrie Streets Erskineville. My wife and I don’t believe the proposed development would add anything to the area or the community. Our needs are already well met by supermarkets in Newtown, Broadway and Marrickville. It wouldn’t be practical for us to shop there as there would be restricted parking (20 spaces?). Other factors causing us great concern would be the addition to the already heavy traffic on Erskineville Rd, the affect it will have on the existing businesses in Erskineville village and the impact on residents in the immediate vicinity.
However, we are in favour of a development of the site but only one which is harmonious in character and scale with its surroundings and where the following has been done comprehensively –
1. a consultation with affected residents/ landlords
2. traffic, retail and social impact studies
It is a source of great disappointment that these studies or consultations have not been undertaken or done in respect of this supermarket proposal.
Let’s do the right thing for the long term for the area and its community which we strongly believe it not a supermarket!
Regards
I & I
Bridge Street,
Erskineville
Dear Ms Moore,
I am emailing you on behalf of myself and my family who are residents of Erskineville. We recently moved to Erskineville (12 months ago) after having lived in Potts Point for twelve years. The reason we were so drawn to Erskineville was our relief to have found what we think is the last real village left in Sydney. It streets are reminiscent of something that was once unique to this city and has, since the 2000 olympics, been destroyed by development. The quite, communal nature of our shopping strip makes it a breath of fresh air to frequent. Our local grocers know us by name, what we like, what we need. parking is always available for the quick drop in for milk etc.
I fear this will be destroyed by the opening of a large supermarket. I have seen this happen in Potts Point and in the kings Cross area. The opening of woolworths on mcleay street, within such close proximity to an already existing coles was unecessary and saw the closure of many of the small businesses in the area which resulted in Kings Cross looking like a FOR LEASE ghost town (now inhabited by overpriced luxury homewares stores). Erskineville does not need to go down this path. It was the reason that families like ours moved out of the kings Cross area that was once synonymous with its bohemian village atmosphere and has today ended up like double bay. we don't want that happening to erskineville too. Erskineville is the last village that is truly left in sydney "the city of villages". Please help us to save it.
Your's Sincerly
C F
hi,
thank you so much for the effort you are putting in to stop this
ridiculous development. i've just returned from 4 months overseas and
only now become aware of the proposal.
i would like to offer whatever assistance i can. i am a professional
town planner (don't shoot me!) with 10 years experience. i work for the
state govt. obviously i can't offer assistance in my work capacity but
as a concerned resident of erko i'd certainly like to do my bit.
i'm on maternity leave 'til january so have some time, but also need to
work around my baby.
can you tell me whether a DA has been lodged for the proposal with syd
city council? if so, when and what supporting documents were supplied,
and who is looking after the DA in council? also who is the owner of
the site? is the owner and the applicant the same person/company?
looking forward to hearing from you.
P
hi,
it is disgraceful even to think of adding another development in the erko area. it is so good with our narrow streets to try &limit traffic flow & therefore making living in erko so much more enjoyable. to put a supermarket there with the narrow streets would make living in this lovely part of sydney unbearable!!! the noise, pollution, traffic increases would be hideous.
the slower village atmosphere is wonderful while the bustle of newtown only minutes away if one wants to go there.there are more than enough shops to serve our purposes with plenty of supermarkets nearby. please dont pass this application. it will destroy erskineville as we know it & to which many people have moved here to enjoy it as it is.
j h
Ms Clover Moore,
Lord Mayor,
City of Sydney,
GPO BOX 1591,
Sydney 2000.
Dear Ms Moore ,
DA for SUPERMARKET STRUCTURE ERSKINEVILLE RD – INAPPROPRIATE DEVELOPMENT
Erskineville village is a real gem, and provides local residents all the amenity needed in the area. We don't need another supermarket in the area, nor the heavy truck traffic, influx of cars and other disruptions from a large retail development. Erskineville Road can't take any more cars (or especially trucks) - the village risks becoming as noisy and unwelcoming as King Street
I support the friends of Erskineville village proposal that the council considers the DA approval only after an independent SOCIAL IMPACT STUDY has been completed including traffic, parking, noise and other potential ramifications.
I concur with the friends of Erskineville village claim that the development in its current form is inconsistent with the character of the Village, and ask that you and the Council reconsider if this is an appropriate use of the site, given the accessibility limitations and character of the village.
Yours Sincerely,
T L
Watkin St,
Newtown
Dear Clover,
DA for SUPERMARKET STRUCTURE ERSKINEVILLE RD – SOCIAL IMPACT & TRAFFIC
We applaud the work that has been undertaken by the council to enhance Erskineville Village (and other City of Sydney villages such as Glebe). The councils strategic vision for the city of villages is wonderful.
However, we are very concerned about the proposed development for the Hive site on Erskineville Road, in particular the impact of traffic on local streets and resident parking availability.
The streets around this site are already narrow and have been structured to encourage local traffic only. If the temporary road closures over the last 6 months due to the construction of the new Erskineville railway bridge are any indication, then the traffic impact for the surrounding streets will be extremely significant of this proposal.
More work needs to be done to understand the TRAFFIC & SOCIAL IMPACTS on Erskineville Village
We would like council to undertake much more community consultation before considering this application to determine the SOCIAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND TRAFFIC IMPACT ON our Village & life?
v parking scarcity & traffic congestion in local streets ?
v large trucks & significant noise pre-dawn, morning, day and night?
v the impact on local businesses?
v will an alternative commercially viable mixed use development type enhance the village and meet developers needs (some residents consulted with a developer/builder who thinks it is entirely possible).
We propose…
C the council considers the DA approval only after an independent SOCIAL IMPACT STUDY has been completed including traffic, parking, noise and other potential ramifications. Can any actions that can be taken to improve the result for developer, residents and visitors alike?
At the very least, we believe we deserve the benefit of a proper independent impact study and community consultation with you and the Councillors.
Yours Sincerely,
M & R
Newman St,
Newtown
Dear Lord Mayor,
I'm extremely concerned about the possibility of a supermarket on the
site in Erskineville Road known as The Hive.
I think that the narrow streets will not support the traffic flow or
the parking requirements.
The main road, Erskineville Road, is already under great pressure,
and the influx of shopper and delivery traffic will make things worse.
I like the idea of a new supermarket in the area, but I think that
the Ashmore Industrial Estate is a much more appropriate venue.
Yours sincerely
K K
Jennings Street
Alexandria
Ms Clover Moore,
Lord Mayor,
City of Sydney,
GPO BOX 1591,
Sydney 2000.
Dear Clover,
DA for SUPERMARKET STRUCTURE ERSKINEVILLE RD – SOCIAL IMPACT & TRAFFIC
We applaud the work that has been undertaken by the council to enhance
Erskineville Village and we believe the proposed development in
Erskineville Road will detract from what has been an excellent job.
We do not need another supermarket, when there's:
• already a Franklins in King Street,
• a proposal to expand and renovation of the Foodworks supermarket
corner of Newman and King street (to become a 1 full floor
supermarket), and
• 4 supermarkets are planned to be built in the Green Square area.
More work needs to be done to understand the TRAFFIC & SOCIAL IMPACTS
on Erskineville Village
No one really knows exactly how yet, but one thing is for sure, our
Village will be changed forever.
We need proper consultation to determine the SOCIAL IMPACT ON our
Village & life?
• parking scarcity & traffic congestion (attracting from Alexandria area)?
• large trucks & significant noise pre-dawn, morning, day and night?
• will your favourite small businesses on Erskineville Road survive?
• will an alternative commercially viable mixed use development type
enhance the village and meet developers needs (some residents
consulted with a developer/builder who thinks it is entirely
possible).
We propose…
the council considers the DA approval only after an independent SOCIAL
IMPACT STUDY has been completed including traffic, parking, noise and
other potential ramifications. In particular is such a development in
its current form consistent with the character of the Village ? Can
any actions that can be taken to improve the result for developer,
residents and visitors alike?
The councils strategic vision for the city of villages is wonderful.
So much work has already been done.
It would be a shame to have a development that does not fit in, put
together in haste when a little more thought can provide a solution.
At the very least, we believe we deserve the benefit of a proper
independent impact study and community consultation with you and the
Councillors, similar to your engagement with Fowler Reserve.
Yours Sincerely,
B G
Newton Street
Alexandria
Dear Clover,
This email is written as a strong protest regarding the proposed turning of the building known as ‘the hive’ into supermarket shopping. There is plenty of within walking distance shopping up on King St. For those with cars, who like to do a big shop – Broadway and Marrickville are not too far away. When I voted for this council, I did so confident that Sydney had a eye to overdevelopment.
We have two small green parks on Erskineville Road thanks, not to councils but workers’ green bans. We lost the parking areas near the railway bridges ( about 10 years ago ) when council would not come to the party and do a deal with the rail authority to secure those parking spaces. Now, I see that business in Newtown is struggling because of all the metred parking along King st.
Perhaps a better use of the’Hive’ site would be to for council to provide parking for those who wish to come and enjoy the delights of Newtown and Erskineville. Even better, perhaps we could get a building union to slap on green bans with regard to tearing down and rebuilding the site. It would achieve yet another itsy bitsy green space in our very much depleted green grass space in this part of town.
The last thing I want to see on my dog walking exercise is more abandoned shop trolleys
Erskineville is not one of those sprawling mall building suburbs. Please come up with a more amenable to the area design.
G M
Wilson St.
Newtown
Dear Clover,
Please don’t let the developers ruin our beautiful
peaceful small inner-city village that we all love so
much called Erskineville. Please keep the big players
out and give the small shop owners a fair go.
Also our streets are now full of kids riding their
bikes, playing and walking to and from school - more
traffic will undoubtfully make this a more dangerous
excercise. And a SUPERMARKET always attracts vehicular
traffic and dangerous parking practices if there is no
big car park provided.
Why don’t they put a super market near Bunnings or
Domayne Shopping malls where they really could really
do with a grocery supermarket and where they have
plenty of space and parking and lots of new housing
developments?
Kind regards,
S O
Dear Clover,
Our household is so concerned about this development. It is a huge store for
such a small community and Erskineville Rd is already so congested. We have
plenty of supermarkets in the area: Foodworks (which is large and set to
expand) and Franklins on king steet, as well as the mall with Coles and
Bi-lo at Broadway. This is just unnecessary. This is not the kind of village
atmosphere you have portrayed in your city of villages materials. We finally
have some great little delis and cake shops and restaurants in Erskineville
and this will ruin their businesses. Please do not let this development
through!
Regards
J F
Resident/Owner
Albert Street
Erskineville
Dear Clover,
I was astounded to read of the proposed development of the Hive buildiing in Erskineville Road. It would absolutely ruin the village atmosphere of the area, create hopeless bottlenecks of traffic, make living in the village a nightmare with noise and parking problems and is unnecessary anyway. The suburb is well served with supermarkets and certainly doesn't need a Coles or Woolworths with their accompanying liquor stores. Please do your utmost to stop this crazy development. I visit my family at least once a week as a grandparent and would be devastated to find the suburb ruined for my children and grandchildren.
Regards
D M
Dear Clover,
I am greatly concerned about the supermarket development planned for Erskineville Village. As I'm sure you are aware this small suburb enjoys a truly community feel and this would be destroyed by the proposed supermarket. As one of the only true villages in Sydney it would be a sad day to allow developers to take over an area that is much loved and admired by many. If you wish to stay true to the Council's vision of "a city of villages" then I urge you to strongly oppose this suggested development and ask for community consultation to ensure a happy outcome for all concerned.
Regards,
W M
Dear Ms Moore
We were alarmed to hear today of a proposal to develop the Hive at Erskineville into a two level supermarket. Our key concerns are as follows:
1. Overall impact on Erskinveville Village
We are proud of our village and the community feel it provides to local residents and visitors. We believe that the development would be inconsistent with the character of our village and the council's strategic vision for Erskineville Village as articulated in the new City Plan.
2. Existing adequate provision of supermarket facilities in our local area
We as Erskineville/Newtown residents are more than satisfactorily serviced by supermarkets on King Street (Franklins and Foodworks), and nearby Marrickville Metro (Woolworths) and Broadway (Coles, Harris Farm and Bi Lo). In addition there are plans to build four supermarkets in the nearby Green Square area. Within Erskineville village we enjoy the services provided by high quality local businesses, including a deli, green grocer, baker, fresh food providor, liquor store, chemist, newsagent and mini market, in addition to the numerous food and other retail outlets along King St.
3. Impact on traffic
The impact on traffic would be serious, in an area which already suffers significant traffic congestion, a lack of parking and traffic noise. This has been highlighted during the recent construction of the train stabling facility at Macdonaldtown, with increased commercial traffic causing congestion on Erskineville Road. Delivery and garbage trucks servicing the proposed supermarket would be forced to use narrow side streets, causing significant noise and delays. Local residents already do battle with visitors to our area for parking outside our homes and this would likely be exacerbated by any users of the proposed supermarket given the inadequate number of parking spaces included in the plans.
4. Lack of community consultation
We are concerned that there appears to have been very limited community consultation with directly impacted residents and the wider Erskineville community.
We request that the council completes an independent social impact and traffic study, including traffic, parking, noise, and other community implications prior to considering approval of the proposed development. We remember in your address at the opening of our Town Hall you spoke of your own pride in Erskineville's place in the City of Villages. We look forward to our village continuing for ourselves and our children for many years to come.
Yours sincerely
P & N
Copeland Avenue
Newtown
Dear Clover,
How can this possibly be allowed in a suburb like Erskineville?
- Little or no community consultation
- massive social impact
- traffic congestion that will impact the whole suburb
- impact on the local stores
- parking for local residents will be obliterated
This is completely unacceptable and our suburb will hold you accountable if it is left to go ahead.
Concerned Resident,
L J
Dear Clover
Please help us preserve the village community and spirit of Erskineville by reviewing the DA of the HIve. You have promoted the “City of Villages” – now put your support where it counts.
We have no need for a supermarket, and the congestion and noise will destroy the atmosphere of Erskineville, let alone the local small businesses.
Thank you
S R
Dear Ms Moore,
I am writing to you to express my concern over the proposed supermarket in Erskineville.
I believe the impact on traffic including on King Street, Erskineville Road, Gowrie Street, Angel Street and Angel Lane with increased commercial traffic will be serious. Parking scarcity, traffic congestion and significant noise are important concerns.
Do we need another supermarket when we already have a Franklins in King Street, Foodworks ( Newman & King St ) is doubling in size with a $500,000 upgrade, Marrickville Metro and Broadway are very close & 4 supermarkets are planned to be built in the Green Square area.
I request that Council only consider the DA approval only after an INDEPENDENT SOCIAL IMPACT and TRAFFIC STUDY has been completed including traffic, parking, noise, impact upon community and other potential ramifications.
Is such a development in its current form consistent with the character of Erskineville Village (and further reinforcment of the council's push for a 'city of villages')? Can any actions that can be taken to improve the result for developer, residents and visitors alike?
Regards,
S T
Brennan St
Alexandria
Dear City of Sydney
I am seriously concerned about the direction this "Hive" development is going. There are so many reasons why it is enjoyable living on GOWRIE STREET. I have owned a house here for ten years and I have worked very hard my whole life to have a house in this neighbourhood. I implore you to not agree to develop the Hive on Gowrie Street into a supermarket complex.
This development idea is horrible and this is why:
It is very community orientated mentality, we know all of our neighbours and their pets! We do not want a large complex with another shopping centre. There are many in the area such as FOODWORKS, MARRICKVILLE and BROADWAY, FRANKLINS and SURRY HILLS CENTRE This will cause much havoc and will pollute our community on many levels - Large commercial complexes and commercial vehicles, do not belong in a community of this size. How on earth can you justify that this small neighbourhood can support the ramifications of a complex like this? The vehicles, the amount of traffic and people will be be too much for our community infrastructure. The parking and traffic is appalling and pushed to the limit already.
We do not need additional traffic noise or black soot created by car and truck exhaust fumes.
We have enough traffic congestion and the parking situation is appalling. After you crawl along Erskineville Road and other surrounding streets at a snails pace, it now has become extremely difficult to get a parking spot in the neighbourhood.
More and more restaurants and cafe, bars and other businesses are opening in the area. More people are driving to the area to frequent the local venues. We have enough commercial businesses - the area can not sustain the impact.
Thank you for you time and consideration
P K
Gowrie Street
Newtown
Dear Mayor,
I think the proposed supermarket development on the corner of
Erskineville Road and Union Street would have major negative impacts
on the neighbourhood and the village, and it would make the already
congested traffic even worse. A two-storey supermarket in a
residential area with narrow streets with no parking to speak of
would be a disaster. Please reject the application.
regards,
M F
Belmont Street
Alexandria
Dear Village Friends Organisers,
Thank you so much for all your work and effort as it is greatly appreciated. I have written to Clover Moore and indeed received a response. I have also signed the petition and so has my sister in Newtown, my son and his wife in Newtown/Erskineville.
I am now enthused to write again to Clover Moore as like you I too am adamant that such an huge commercial corporate development is not allowed. it was work towards destroying the delicate fabric of our little Erskineville village.
with thanks
yours sincerely,
J L
Dear Lord Mayor,
We are writing to indicate our wholehearted support of the Friends of Erskineville Village network in our rejection of the planned Woolworths at the former Hive property, on Erskineville Road.
We wish to support their request for a suburb-wide consultation. We doubt this proposal will be sustainable in view of such a consulation - otherwise residents as far afield as ourselves (in Charles Street for example) will bear the brunt of an increased community burden - including terrible traffic - when our residential roads are already overloaded.
We do not want yet more heavy vehicles using our street and yet we are the rat run that produce trucks will employ to access the new supermarket, 24/7.
Please consider this application in view of the serious impact it will have on the neighbourhood. Should the proposal go ahead then as long term residents and ratepayers, we request a full review of the Erskineville amenity - including traffic flow and parking restrictions - and then the application of appropriate measures to contain and mitigate the substantial on-flow effects.
Yours sincerely,
N & G
Charles Street
Erskineville
I note that the proposed development will involve trucks exiting the site via Angel Street. This will present a problem due to the fact that as a result of work being undertaken on the railway bridge, Angel St will be significantly narrowed at its junction with Erskineville Rd. A truck will have difficulty turning around this corner and would, I suspect, be unable to turn left into Erskineville Rd without blocking traffic flowing eastwards.
Also, what will happen if more than one truck wants to use the delivery dock at any one time? Where will the other truck(s) wait?
I hope you can include this in any objection to the proposed development.
Regards,
G N
Dear Ms Moore,
It is very upsetting to see a development of such a large scale is being considered for Erskineville Village.
Over recent years Erskineville has been transformed into a charming inner city oasis. The area has a welcoming feel & a real sense of community is growing which is so nice in this day & age when many people have forgotten to smile & say hello to a passer by. The social impact a development like this will have on the area is extremely high & totally unnecessary. Another supermarket, not to mention 2 supermarkets are not needed.
Surely an independent social impact & traffic study is required. This should be mandatory for such a development and truly hope council will see this is completed.
Careful consideration needs to be given to this development. Several parts of this proposal are a concern – impact on increased traffic to the area, parking issues, impact to the environment, narrow streets ability to service increased movement of large trucks, increased noise from trucks & shoppers up to 10pm! every night !!
This area is surrounded by families with small children & older residents, safety issues to them are a huge concern. Especially considering there are several better locations close by that would better suit a development of this type & size.
Please help, this is not a development that is going to benefit the community or make Erskineville a better or safer place to live.
Regards
D D
Regarding DA Notification: D/2007/1932, 21-23 Erskineville Road NEWTOWN
NSW 2042
Dear Mr Jameson,
I wish to lodge my objection to the above development.
Erskineville has a wonderful, unique village atmosphere. I believe a two
story supermarket, with all it brings: increased traffic, increased on
street parking and noise from delivery trucks will have a serious impact
on the quality of life of local residents and the general ambiance of
our community.
Erskineville Road is already a traffic nightmare, which regularly
bottlenecks as it approaches King Street; this is precisely where cars
and trucks will be turning to enter the development. The reality is the
majority of people drive to the supermarket, the impact to the traffic
on Erksineville Road will be devastating. What I find particularly
troubling is the impact it will have on the smaller streets surrounding
the development. Constant traffic of people looking for parking, not to
mention large delivery trucks, will ruin the ‘flavour’ of these Erko
backstreets and have a seriously impact on the quality of life of
residents.
Parking in the inner city is already at a premium, 31 car spaces is no
where near enough to cater for the needs of staff and customers. No
matter how much people should walk and use public transport, when it
comes to shopping most people drive. What is the alternative: resident
parking only where people cannot have friends and relatives visit
without fear of a large parking fine? That is if they can get a park,
which is hard enough now.
Such a development, with a large potential to get so many things wrong,
needs broad community consultation. I look forward to the Council
providing such before any further decisions are made.
Kind regards,
A N
Allen Lane,
Alexandria
(I may not live next door, but I am part of the community impacted by
this development)
Dear Clover,
I would like to inform you of my disappointment, in learning of this proposed development of a supermarket by either Coles or Woolworths. Myself and my partner Narelle, believe this would be devastating for the local area.
Erskineville is very congested at peak times with vehicle traffic and has been slowly getting worse in non-peak periods. The quietness that is appreciated in the late hours of the day and early morning, shall be disrupted by more heavy vehicles making daily deliveries. Increased noise levels generated from those going to and from, because of the long operating hours. The supermarket shall also attract those of us that are less well off, to gather and ask for money etc. This is a very well known common problem in Newtown and it would be unfortunate for this to spread to Erskineville.
Lastly might I add a suggestion with so much negativity J I believe a development this large, would obviously be more suited to an area like Alexandria or Green Sq, NOT Erskineville.
Yours Sincerely,
A C & N W
Lawrence St,
Alexandria.
Dear Ms Moore,
As a home owner in John Street, Erskineville for the last few years, I’m deeply concerned about the impact of the proposed development at The Hive Building, Erskineville Road.
My primary concerns centre around both the lack of consultation and independent social impact and traffic studies that have taken place, and more importantly the impact to the lifestyle of the people that live in our community, the local businesses and the impact to property values.
Any resident in the area knows the current difficulties in parking and the congestion already that exists as traffic heads to Newtown. The beauty of Erskineville is its tight sense of community in a world today that so lacks that. Residents feel safe, secure and a sense of loyalty and pride to the local businesses that service the area. The thought of a major supermarket is disturbing. I personally would boycott any use of such a business and continue to favour the many other supermarkets located in the area. I’m sure I am not alone in this view.
I would seek to request that Council only consider the DA approval only after an INDEPENDENT SOCIAL IMPACT and TRAFFIC STUDY has been completed including traffic, parking, noise, impact upon community and other potential ramifications. In particular is such a development in its current form consistent with the character of the Village? Can any actions that can be taken to improve the result for developer, residents and visitors alike?
Your consideration as to the wishes and needs of the people in this small village would be greatly appreciated.
Kind Regards
A H
John Street
Erskineville
To whom it may concern,
As a resident of Newman St (around the corner from the proposed site) I am extremely concern with some major issues of the development of 21-23 Erskinville Rd.
The parking in our street
This will be of a great problem to us, as now there is hardly any parking let alone once the customers of the shop and employees taking the few parking spaces we have. Our end of Newman street has a no limit parking, Which employees will take full advantage of taking all our limited parking.
Increased traffic.
As Erskinville Rd is only two lanes. The increased amount of cars coming from king street turning right into the Gowie Street parking, blocks all traffic from passing and will increase the all ready busy traffic jams on a week day afternoon. Not to mention the delivery trucks trying to make that corner.
Noise.
The hours from 7am till 10pm, seven days are week are a complete miss regard for all of the residents living in the area,
Weekends from 7am till the middle of the night.
I don't think that it anyone wants beeping delivery trucks and extra traffic throughout the early hours of morning and night,
Would you ?
Not to mention the extra foot traffic at night and rubbish.
I think that a proposal to develop the site is a great idea. The space has been empty for too long, but we don't need another shop let alone a supermarket.
Why not a Gallery or cultural centre ? with reasonable opening hours that will lift and improve the Erskinville community.
Please let us stay the little village we are with small shops and atmosphere and keep the big businesses out, they will only destroy our village heart.
Yours sincerely
E B
Newman St
Newtown,
Dear Ms. Moore,
As a resident of Erskineville, I am gravely concerned about the prospect of the new supermarket development being proposed. Firstly, there are many supermarkets in close proximity to Erskineville, and I am very worried how such a development will affect parking in the area, which is already problematic. Also, Erskineville is one of the few suburbs that still has a ‘village’ feel, and in such an urban city, I think most residents would agree that this is rare and it should be restored.
If I can provide any further information, or if it would be helpful to voice my concerns in another form, please let me know.
Yours faithfully,
E C
Dear Clover
I believe that the New Woolworths that is planned will completely destroy the village feel of Erskineville. Not only that but it will put a lot of strain on the small businesses in the area by price cutting them and putting them out of business.
Erskineville is not suitable for a large supermarket as it has enough traffic and lack of parking already, how can it handle more traffic flow due to the supermarket.
The facilities are already suitable enough for Erskineville and if people want to go to a large supermarket they can go to Franklins in Newtown or Woolworths in Marrickville. We have been doing this at the moment and it is very convenient so there is no need for another supermarket in the area.
Please keep Erskineville quaint and small, people enjoy coming to our area because it has a village feel. If we start adding large supermarkets the whole suburb will change. Why do we need it?? Is it really necessary to ruin one of the nicest suburbs in Sydney by putting in a large supermarket and commercialising it?? Soon it will be like every other suburb with all the normal shops along it and no independents. Is this what we want for Erskineville?
Thank you for your time and I would really would hope that you can fully look into this before you approve its construction.
Regards
A H
Lawrence Street
Alexandria
Dear Ms Moore,
As a new homeowner in Erskineville, I am very concerned at the recent
letterbox drop regarding the "corner market" on Erskineville Rd.
Most of all, I'm concerned that the marketing of this market seems to
be deceptive - from looking elsewhere, I gather that not only will it
be (more or less) just another supermarket, but even worse will be
operated by Woolworths and/or Coles, so we can look forward to the
same anti-competitive duopoly tactics being brought into our village.
A major attraction of living in Erskineville is the village
atmosphere, which includes having the small, independent
grocery/convenience store and greengrocer, just down the road. I'm
afraid that opening a Woolies-in-disguise just up the road would
likely send such small businesses to the wall.
I personally don't live close enough to be bothered by the inevitable
increase in noise from that development, but decent consideration for
others requires that I ask you to consider that impact.
Compared to what *could* be put on that corner (which is an excellent
location for development consistent with the feel of Erskineville),
just-another-supermarket is not only a tragic waste of opportunity,
but also completely unnecessary: we have a local grocery store just
down the road, a Franklins on King St, and a Foodworks (soon to be
even bigger) next to Newtown station. On occasions when I need a big
supermarket (and let's face it - on those occasions, I'm buying too
much to carry by hand), a 5 minute drive gets me to Marrickville
Metro. We simply don't need another supermarket.
Please conduct a proper study of the impact on the local community
and businesses prior to considering the DA that has been filed. I
personally would like to see the application in its present form
rejected, but at least it should not be processed until a genuine
community consultation takes place.
Sincerely,
R D
Union St
Erskineville
Dear Clover,
First let me say I think you are doing a fantastic job for the people
of Sydney. I know you will listern to the concerns of residents in
the Erskineville area. I live and work in the area and I am very
concerned about the proposed two storey supermarket development in
Eskinville.
The main areas I am concerned about is the increase in trafic and the
reduction in diversity of little shops. If you want to shop at a
supermarket there are already plenty in the area. I personally do my
major shopping in Marrickville Metro.
Esrskinville really does have a village atmosphere with little streets
and little shops - the supermarket will cause real problems with
traffic - has someone really thought through the impact. Parking is
in short supply at the best of times.
We still have old fashion green grocers and other shops this will most
likly go if a supermarket arrives - these shops offer a service that
can not be obtained in a supermarket.
regards
M R
Alice Avenue
Newtown
Ms. Moore,
I am e-mailing you in relation to the proposed development on the corner of Gowrie Street and Erskineville Road. I'm sure I'm not the first and I'm certain I won't be the last.
First of all I would like to commend you on much you have done so far for the city of Sydney. Your recent efforts to establish small liquor licenses is a wonderful idea and would certainly add some much needed alternatives to the boorish drinking establishments that litter this city.
With that said, you must surely realise how a development such as the one proposed is horrific to the residents of the area. I purchased a property here in Erskineville over two years ago exactly because of the type of atmosphere it has at present, i.e. a quiet village style presence which is still close to a bustling city. Having moved here from Surry Hills I know exactly what a two storey shopping centre would do to the ambiance of Erskinville; I'd say with some certainty that you do yourself.
Traffic is already ludicrous in this area; due to the one way system (which is completely necessary) and the narrow but charming streets. To have a continuous stream of not only non residential cars but also large supply trucks in here would absolutely, without a shadow of a doubt, ruin the place!
Currently the upgrade to the Railway bridge gives us a taste of what this would be like, and that in itself is awful. I have broken beer bottles and hoons up and down the street after these episodes. I would be left with no choice but to sell up and move out if this development were to go ahead.
I implore you, along with all other residents of the area, NOT to allow this tragedy to take place.
Yours Sincerely,
K A
Dear Ms Moore,
My husband & I have recently moved back to the Erskineville area. Why? because of the exact tag line that you use to promote the City of Sydney - because it is indeed a village. It has a community spirit that is second to none within the inner city & I believe that the proposal for a new supermarket to be located on Erskineville Road is completely unnecessary.
Not only do we have a Franklins located a short walk away on King St, but we also have the Marrickville Metro only 5 minutes drive away. And I, like I'm sure most of the residents in Erskineville, don't mind purchasing the odd item from the local mixed business if only to keep them in business.
Please don't allow a decision as important as this one make an impact so great that it could change an entire community's spirit.
Kind Regards
S A
Bridge St
Erskineville
Dear Mayor,
I think the proposed supermarket development on the corner of
Erskineville Road and Union Street would have major negative impacts
on the neighbourhood and the village, and it would make the already
congested traffic even worse. A two-storey supermarket in a
residential area with narrow streets with no parking to speak of
would be a disaster. Please reject the application.
regards,
M F
Belmont Street
Alexandria
Clover
This is yet another example of overdevelopment in Erskineville/Newtown.
We are still adapting to the imposition of the Macdonaldtown Stabling Yard which has opened to awakening us at midnight through staff entering and leaving the site. (this has been raised with Railcorp).
From the plans on the DA site and the overview provided by our neighbours I can see no way of residents around the Hub site not being similarly inconvenienced. The site is NOT well suited to a supermarket development. The proposed entry and exit paths cannot possibly handle the traffic without removing the parking currently used by residents. We currently are well served by the existing supermarkets in the area – there is an IGA on King Street not 2 blocks from where this development is proposed and one in the building on King st at the end of Newman st which I understand will be upgraded.
In addition we have Marrickville, Broadway and a host of others not too far away.
We are already well-serviced by liquor outlets on Erskineville road – two bottle shops in the local shopping strip and the various pubs. There is no need for the inevitable Liquorland or the like that will come with the development.
This is yet another example of the City Council negotiating with developers and not consulting with those residents who are directly impacted – I bring to front and centre the Stabling yard and Noise wall development which is loathed by all – we don’t need another industrial development as a Blot on our landscape
One of the key attractions for Erskineville is our delightful shopping village – we would like more small shops and restaurants encouraged along the strip. A large supermarket will detract trade from the existing shops which we have all come to know and love and discourage others from opening.
Erskineville is a fabulous example of what an inner city urban Village can become – don’t let this development destroy our village
Yours sincerely
G M
Burren St
Erskineville
Dear Clover,
I have lived in Erskineville for 17 years & enjoy the village atmosphere & laid back attitude of most residents. I also own a terrace within 150 metres of the proposed development (ie 32 Union Street, Erskineville).
First & foremost I can’t see a need for another supermarket. The area is already well serviced by supermarkets. I can walk up to either Franklins on King Street or Foodworks at Newman Street. That is what I should do. I’m ashamed to admit that I usually drive to Marrickville Metro (where there is ample parking). Alternatively there is the longer excursion to Broadway shopping centre.
I am a keen cycle tourer who hasn’t quite integrated cycle commuting into every day life. [I gotta get an el chepo bike that I don’t mind being stolen whilst I shop]. Consequently, I think that the council should be discouraging developments that offer car parking. This just encourages the use of vehicles & we all have to face up to the fact that car usage isn’t viable with intercity densities growing & climate change concerns. The proposed DA would seem to contradict the City of Sydney’s commitment to decreasing reliance on cars & encouraging the use of bicycles, walking & public transport.
Erskineville Road is already bumper to bumper traffic jamb each day from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. Cars bleaching CO2 into our neighbourhood as it takes 30 minutes to travel the 1km from Mitchell Road to Wilson Street.
I think that traffic flows in & around the area bound by Union Street, Newman Street & Angel Street will be increased phenomenally. I adore the quiet back streets in amongst the terrace homes. Erskineville was originally extremely working class. The blocks of land are small here. A four metre wide terrace is big in this area. Everything is on a more compact scale here. There are NO grand Victorian terraces in Erskineville. They are all smallish. People often walk on the street rather than the footpaths because (the roads are quiet) & the footpaths are narrow. The tree planting policy is great but it can make using the footpaths hard work dodging around discarded furniture, garbage bins, trees, etc. But we have this wonderful, casual culture of strolling down the middle of the street & getting up on the pavement when you hear cars approaching. The traffic routing/street closures on Erskineville back streets have helped to ensure that only local traffic brave the rabbit warren. Everyone else gets lost in here. This has helped to keep the streets quiet since the late 1970s.
Erskineville is a little handkerchief patch of terrace homes huddled side by side along narrow streets. The south eastern corner is experiencing big changes in character with the huge apartment sites being built down in Eve Street & Coulson Street. This is bringing big increases in traffic flows down here & overshadowing of pre-existing terrace homes. Many more apartment complexes are under construction in this precinct. I have been disappointed that these sites have not been developed as town houses/terrace type villages. Instead the feel of Erskineville is being undermined by towering, ugly apartment blocks.
One of the best features of Erko Road is that it is quiet & laid back. People go there if they don’t want the ‘full on vibe’ of King Street. I think that the proposed development will erode the village-y atmosphere that we now have in the existing shopping centre at Erskineville.
I would like to request that the 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. In particular is such a development in its current form consistent with the character of the Village? Can any actions that can be taken to improve the result for developer, residents and visitors alike?
Thanks very much for your attention to this matter.
S G
Dear Clover
Is City of Villages just a slogan, or is it a vision of what Sydney could be if we planned new buildings appropriately?
It is time for the City of Sydney to take seriously the idea that Sydney could be a city of villages. A village atmosphere. People walking to shops. Friendly conversation. Local people doing local shopping. Hey, we have this already in Erskineville! Let's keep it.
This site in Erskineville is not appropriate for yet another supermarket.
Keep our village at Erskineville - their aren't many left.
Regards
P B
Kingsclear Road
Alexandria
Dear Clover Moore
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 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.
The majority of residents we have spoken to in our area are strongly opposed to this development and we really hope you listen to the residents in this instance.
We believe you have done a wonderful job as major of City of Sydney and have seen many improvements during your time and we do hope that you support the residents of Erskineville in opposition to this development.
Regards
N & M
To Whom It May Concern:
I like the village of Erskineville for its local charm, friendly people and village like atmosphere.
I believe that the New Woolworths that is planned will completely destroy the village feel of Erskineville. Not only that but it will put a lot of strain on the small businesses in the area by price cutting them and putting them out of business.
Erskineville is not suitable for a large supermarket as it has enough traffic and lack of parking already, how can it handle more traffic flow due to the supermarket.
The facilities are already suitable enough for Erskineville and if people want to go to a large supermarket they can go to Franklins in Newtown or Woolworths in Marrickville. We have been doing this at the moment and it is very convenient so there is no need for another supermarket in the area.
Please keep Erskineville quaint and small, people enjoy coming to our area because it has a village feel. If we start adding large supermarkets the whole suburb will change. Why do we need it?? Is it really necessary to ruin one of the nicest suburbs in Sydney by putting in a large supermarket and commercialising it?? Soon it will be like every other suburb with all the normal shops along it and no independents. Is this what we want for Erskineville?
I like to be able to go separately to the butcher, the grocer and the local store, it provides me with a locality and friendliness.
Thank you for your time and I would really would hope that you can fully look into this before you approve its construction.
Regards
J H