Interesting correspondence this week about development in Leichhardt Council. Yesterday a community action group dropped leaflets suggesting neighbours actively write to state and local government to oppose the development plans lodged by Balmain Tigers Club.
If you live in the area you can’t escape the debate over these plans. In one moveBalmain Leagues Club hopes to redevelop a large swathe of Rozelle. This will provide much needed retail and is a large investment in an otherwise under-funded area. Today the largest retailers in the strip are second-hand clothing and thrift shops. The only grocer isn’t clean and when I tried to buy ice cream cones there the use by date on the pack had expired two years earlier.
I live in the area and am delighted with the plan.
Yet the wonderful thing about democracy is the ability to profer opposing views. I support the rights of opponents of the plan, and am glad they are able to offer their views. Sadly that support is not reciprocated!
The letterbox pamphlet directed people to a site where locals were implored to click a link and launch a mass email. I did just that and wrote in support of the application. This morning Michele McKenzie of Lechhardt Council sent a reply (copying Frank Sartor, Sydney’s lord high on all matters relating to development):
Dear Mr. Jennings,
How kind of you to send me your views. You will be surprised to know that in the entire time that I have been working on this issue: The Tigers overdevelopment, I have not received one email in support until now. I can truthfully say that you have a unique view. The Tigers club has been avidly seeking positive submissions for its overdevelopment from its members, supporters and business associates and I suppose this is one of those.
Public transport is a very good thing but the university takeover is overwhelmingly not a good idea and will sensibly be opposed by many people.
Kind regards,
Michele McKenzie
I know I have a thin skin - it’s my greatest weakness. But tell me - does that come across as snide? I found the tone and approach insulting, especially given the letters to the editor in The Sydney Morning Herald that same day:
Wrong about Tigers
Your article on the Tigers development paints an inaccurate picture of strong community opposition to the proposal (”Towers row heightens fears for Balmain terraces”, October 25).
As a proud life member of Balmain Leagues Club, I can assure you that many local residents actually support the Tigers’ redevelopment. This is reflected in the overwhelming number of supportive submissions that have been made to Leichhardt Council
Why do we support the redevelopment? It will revitalise a dilapidated shopping district and allow the club to continue its 100-year role of contributing to this community and its social fabric. The plans are outstanding, and it will be most pleasing for myself and many other local residents and members to see this go ahead.
John Stapleton Leichhardt
My advice to Michelle McKenzie of Leichhardt Council is to take a letter writing class - or get out of public service if you can’t handle dissent.
Go Tigers!
