Complications of Social housing proposal

Dear Councillors,
This letter concerns the inappropriate allocation of council resources and reflects a similar position to the recent letter by Geoff Newman that was published recently by media outlets.

The announcement to move ahead with the social housing project in Nixon Street demonstrates a lack of thorough canvassing of all issues for all stakeholders and the consistent poor council decision making regarding the prosperous visionary growth of our beautiful city.

Let me be clear, I am not against taking care of the homeless, it is our duty to look after low-income earners and people who are facing a tough time and it is appropriate that people who don’t have shelter must be provided with a sustainable roof over their head. However, Council’s recent decision to commence the project in the CBD comes with many complications which have not clearly fully researched.

Complication 1, damaging for business, commercial and residential property owners located close to the intended project and CBD,
Complication 2, the proposed 4-storey complex is directly adjacent a school
Complication 3, reduction in Nixon Street car parking spaces due to ramps and pylons
Complication 4, no consultation with rate payers and business
Complication 5, alternative sites should be sourced out of the CBD that provide the necessary direct access to facilities as described in Mr Newman’s letter.
Businesses and landlords have had a very tough two years because of COVID-19. This recent decision will deter new businesses starting up in the city and it will create unnecessary negative financial headwinds for existing operators and landlords.

In conclusion, I am urging Council in the strongest terms to reconsider the location of this project and move it to one of the following appropriate areas away from the CBD.

Location one, council owned land in Mason Street – public transport within 100m of the boulevard, also there is close access to a walking track for recreation.
Location two, Wanganui Secondary School site.
Location three, extend the Graeme Street social housing project footprint by 50-100 percent.

Yours sincerely,
Wendy Elizabeth Watters
Shepparton