COMMUNITY feeling is strong when it comes to the proposed changes to built height in the Nelson Bay Strategy which is on review for public comment.

 

 

Kate Washington told News Of The Area, “I think that it is really important that Council understand that the communities sentiment is strongly against the proposed increase in built heights in the Nelson Bay CBD.

“This is an important issue that needs to be put to bed, the community does not want to keep fighting to keep on the right path… however the strategy is clearly different to the community’s needs and wants.”

She believes that we can give Nelson Bay a strong heart, and have a township like Noosa and Byron Bay and attract visitors, but not by becoming the next Gold Coast.

“I encourage everybody to make comment on the Nelson Bay Strategy,” she said.

Representing the Tomaree Residents and Ratepayers Association Geoff Washington said, “It is important that the community realises that the proposed new heights is the height of the boom of the crane currently on Church Street, and that developers can apply to go even higher that that which will have no limit.”

He also raised the concern of the number of currently empty high rise apartments in the CBD which are occupied on a temporary nature over the summer and Easter holiday periods.

Alan Barnes of the Nelson Bay Bowling Club said, “The Club has made significant investment in the premises and that the members are appreciative of the environment.”

He understands that the new strategy would see much of the view corridor from the clubs grounds and restaurant blocked out by new buildings.

“I cannot conceive that Council would even think about building heights which would block view corridors, we support the community 110 percent in fighting this proposal,” he said.

 

By Marian SAMPSON