Supermarket 2 – residents to fight again

Last month a community meeting was chaired by Councillor John McInerney, where organisers spoke of the need to sign a new petition against the latest plans.

Mr McInerney said he regards Erskineville as the most successful example of the vision for Sydney as a “City of Villages”, and that he was impressed by the capacity of residents to band together to fight this threat to their community.

Professional advice obtained from supermarket location planning experts has revealed that despite the new proposed supermarket being smaller than the original, the impact on the area known as “The Hive” will be just as serious as in the last DA. Community concerns include negative effects on the amenities, traffic, parking and businesses in the village.

The campaigners agains t the supermarket, known as the Friends of Erskineville (FOE), say that evidence shows that the small business and retail community will most likely become unviable, with fears that only a café strip will remain.

But concerns about the future of Erskineville are not just confined to issues related to what has been described as “Supermarket 2”. One person at the town meeting told the SSH that local shops need to lift their game and provide better service if they want to avoid the risk of residents shopping elsewhere.

Despite their clear opposition, campaigners alternatively support development of a building that was approved by the City of Sydney in 2005, as it is a balanced mix of commercial and small retail outlets.

The FOE website says: “We believe development which promotes the developer’s interests and preserves the positive aspects of Erskineville Village is entirely possible.”

This view is echoed b y Mr McInerney who said he is confident that with good communication between all parties, a satisfactory solution can be worked out.

Submissions to the Council have been extended to Thursday June 4 and further information about the campaign can be obtained from the website at www.erskinevillevillage.org  .

Source: South Sydney Herald June 2009 www.southsydneyherald.com.au