PlanningAlerts

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1. I am writing to express my objection to this development at the proposed location.

   Russell Street is already struggling with traffic and parking issues. There is a large amount of properties that accommodate townhouses and units, bringing more vehicles than parking facilities.

   Due to the high volume of vehicles needing to park on the side of the road as result of the lack of parking available at many of the strata type properties, both sides of the road are congested with parked vehicles. This in itself currently causes many near misses with drivers having to manouvre the parked cars and oncoming traffic.

   This issue is heightened when occupants are placing bins for collection and causes vehicle owners to move the bins off the road to the reserve strip.

   I believe a business such as this with small children and families is not appropriate for this location, and is high risk for injury. This is without consideration to employee parking!
   Approval of this development will only make an already dangerous and congested living area worse!!!

2. 60+ cars in and out of a culdesac every week day?

   No, terrible idea. Should not go ahead.

   Wrong place for this development.

3. I object to this development. The area concerned is primarily residential and as mentioned previously is already over maximum density in regard to vehicle parking and traffic movement in the street. The right turn into Russell Street from Robert Street is already hazardous an additional 60 cars plus staff vehicles moving in and out twice daily will cause many accidents at this intersection and could possibly have potential for serious injury or fatal consequences. In addition, parents dropping children off at the end of the street will block the turning circle and cause further traffic hazards not to mention highly unsafe conditions for the children. This is not a suitable or safe site for a childcare centre.

4. As a resident of woonona I object to this development as the over population to this street now is at its maximum , I have been involved in many near misses and many times there has been accidents in the street, side mirrors off cars as it’s not safe to have 2 cars travel down the street together with parked cars on both side.
   A lot of residents of Russell street refuse to use Robert street as it’s a blind corner and no vision to see the cars coming up the street at a fast pace and you the limited vision when there are cars parked on both sides of the road it’s a dangerous corner, another 60 cars would cause this to be a greater issue and could lead to more accidents or the fatality of a young child if some parents decided to walk there child to the childcare centre in question
   The street is far too narrow to handle this many cars which already includes residential homes and many strata properties which congest the road now being there would be major safety concern to now have more cars and young children.
   Russell street is already a cultersac street and this would cause major congestion issues at pick up and drop off times for residents an not to mention the childrens safety.
   This is not a safe or suitable site to have this child care centre and would be a major issue to Russell street residents and the town of Woonona.

5. I object to this development. Russell Street is already at capacity with the current housing situation. There is barely any room to put our bins out safely as the street is full of parked cars. It can already be quite dangerous trying to cross Robert Street without an additional 60 - 70 cars each day trying to access the street. There is limited capacity to turn at the end of the street now without having parents parked there.
   Whilst I understand the need for more childcare centres there are more appropriate places for such a large centre to be constructed.

6. As a resident of Russell Street Woonona I too have very grave concerns as to the proposed application for a child care centre at 74 Russell Street, Woonona.
   I have been a resident in Russell Street since 2002 and once construction of the Northern Distributor was completed some years ago resulting in Russell Street being closed at the eastern end, parking in Russell Street is now at a premium due to limited parking spots available because of the many unit/townhouse blocks in the street with limited parking spaces available to these complexes. This has resulted in parked cars constantly occupying both sides of the street for most of the time, and drivers entering or leaving the street having to to give way to vehicles coming from the opposite direction with little or no room to pass those oncoming vehicles.
   On garbage collection days motorists often place the bins on the nature strip so that there is sufficient room to park their vehicles.
   Should the application be approved, access to Russell Street will also pose problems,
   1. Access to Russell Street by traffic travelling north along the Princes Highway cannot turn right at Russell Street so would first have to make a right hand turn into Campbell Street and then a left hand turn either at Haddon Lane or Robert Street and then proceed to Russell Street before turning right into Russell Street to arrive at the proposed destination of 74 Russell Street. Haddon Lane lies between the rear of the shops and businesses facing Princes Highway on the left and the carpark and IGA supermarket on the right.
   Caution must always be exercised at this intersection as there is constant traffic which has turned left at the lights at Princes Highway, a large amount of which then makes a right hand turn at Haddon Lane to enter the carpark at the rear of IGA .
   There is also a lot of pedestrian traffic in this area and many pedestrians are elderly.
   Should the second option of Robert Street be taken, once the corner of Robert Street and Russell Street is reached, visibility on the left before making the right hand turn into Russell Street is limited due to parked cars near the corner.
   2. Traffic heading north along Memorial Drive has to exit at the Campbell Street exit and turn left into Campbell Street before proceeding to either Robert Street or Haddon Lane as above. Campbell Street is also a very busy street with constant traffic entering from the exit lane as above or from the roundabout at Carrington Street from the popular beach areas to the east.
   3. In addition to the above there will be extra traffic delivering to and collecting from the child care centre the proposed 66 children, not to mention cars being driven to and from the centre by the workers to be employed at the premises.

7. As a resident already struggling to find a car park or travel onto or along Russell street due to current congestion, I agree with all the comments and concerns raised above!! The introduction of a 66 place preschool , and addition of busy parents competing for turning and stopping positions at an already overcrowded culdesac is a disaster with an accident waiting to happen!!
   This would further inconvenience already frustrated locals on rubbish collection evening/ mornings who compete with bins, but how will a poor counsel truck navigate even more chaos than it already has to!
   Please consider the dangers and further inconveniences to local residents and stop this centre from going ahead!!

8. I completely object this development, as a resident living close by the parking is already at an absolute premium with cars already resorting to parking on the council strip especially on bin day!!
   The extra traffic chaos the culdesac is going to cause is not just a headache for residents but a flat out safety concern for all involved!
   I have also been witness to several accidents on the entry to Russell St from Robert St due to lack of vision from the already heavily parked vehicles in this street. Another 60+ vehicles coming and going in this area is a disaster waiting to happen.
   This area of Russell St is not the correct location for this construction

9. We object to this development.
   There are already too many dwellings in Russell St.
   Driving along Russell St is currently a hazardous and stressful experience as the road is too narrow to accommodate the steady stream of traffic and parked cars.
   The area simply cannot support the increased traffic flow which will result from the development of a day care centre.

10. i object to this development. As a resident of Russell Street, Woonona I echo all of the comments made above with regard to the increased traffic an additional 60+ cars per day would cause in an already very congested culdesac. Also the increased safety risks for both drivers and pedestrians, and the further inconvenience it will cause on rubbish collection day for your council colleagues driving the garbage trucks.
    As a mother of a small child I absoluteluy recognise the need for another childcare centre in the area, I waited 8 months to secure a spot for my son, however it needs to be built in an accessible and safe location that doesn't so negatively affect the existing residents and community.

11. I am a resident of Russell Street, Woonona, I object to this development, and agree with all previous comments made on this submission.

    Along with all the other residents of Russell Street, I have to deal with an already very congested cul de sac, an already dangerous road junction with poor visibility at Robert Street, and weekly problems on rubbish collection day for residents and council colleagues driving the garbage trucks.

    Adding an extra 60-70 cars per weekday would only make those problems and dangers worse. It’s only a matter of time before a serious traffic accident happens on this street, and the proposed development would increase those chances.

    Being the father of a small child I totally understand the need for another childcare centre in the area, I waited 8 months to secure a spot for my son nearby. But, any additional centres need to be built in a far more accessible and safe location that doesn't so negatively affect the existing residents and community.

12. Russell Street Woonona currently suffers from traffic conjestion due to excessive strata development . Street parking is at a premium due to a high population resulting from this over development. Russell Street is narrow and two cars travelling in opposite directions cannot pass when inevitably there are cars parked at the kerb. The Russell Street/Robert Street intersection is another hazard as parked cars limit driver vision. The property nominated in this proposed development is situated at the end of the street on a cul de sac. I witness, on a daily basis cars frequently trying to use Russell Street to access Woonona east only to have to turn around after finding the cul de sac. This development, if approved will cause further unnecessary traffic problems and issues to the already frustrated residents of Russell Street Woonona. It will be noted as another poor decision made by the Wollongong City Council Planning Authority.

13. I live and own a property on Russell Street. I have a young family and use the end of Russell Street to gain access for walks, cycling and general exercise with the family reasonably safely, considering the amount of current strata properties and separate dwelling (houses) on this street.
    My kids use the end of the street regularly, biking, running, walking and skating, away from other traffic that turns regularly from West Russell into Robert Street connecting to Campbell Street which leads to other main arterial routes and vica-verca.

    East Russell Street past Robert Street has on average 28 separate dwellings (houses) X that by 2 cars per house on average = 56 cars. East Russell Street past Robert Street has on average 8 Strata type dwellings = on average 10 units per strata X 80 units on average, X that by 2 cars per unit on average = 160 cars + 56 cars = 216 permanent cars on East Russell Street past Robert Street not including West Russell Street dwellings past Robert Street, also not including visitors driving down Russell Street already struggling to find a park. THATS ALOT OF CARS IN ANYONES BOOKS.

    Lets talk about Robert Street crossing to and fro from Russell if you add more cars lets say 66 cars heading East off Russell to the Day Care Centre in a hurry turning to and fro from Roberts street or off Princess highway or Hadden Lane into a already congested Russell Street someone is bound to get hurt or heaven forbid killed by a car.

    The maths and safety of the proposed development does not add up to what I see and and others that live on Russell Street that is already congested enough.

    I strongly vote against it for the safety of our children, elderly and other everyday users that can simply walk safe enough to our local community amenities.

    Regards Jeremy Wallis

14. All the above Objections Ring very true. This is a Residential St, Full to the brim with Strata Development, Parking is at a premium . Since the Opening of the Expressway traffic from the Western end of Russell St at 7 30 to 9 30 am, is, Unbelievable. Coming down from Woonona Hts to access the the Expressway, through Russell St and Roberts St then to Campbell St.
    This also would be the peak time for the Childcare Centres extra 60 odd cars, Morning and evening And, All in a hurry to drop off children.
    Planners come and have a close look, This is not the right place for this development

15. The residents of the street have largely objected on the basis of traffic concerns affecting a street currently zoned residential.
    Other concerns include:
    2) Noise
    3) Commercial valuations affecting residential values
    4) Visual affects - downgrading of community ambience
    5) Telecommunication downgrades
    6) Environmental: Changed building footprints and drainage; exposure of children to toxins and increased risk
    7) Access
    8) Security
    9) Precedent for continued commercial development
    10) Evening activities

    Firstly, it is helpful to know whether this is a long day care centre or not. During playtime the combined sound of many children moving around will register at a very high level of decibels. For those immediately adjacent there will be little respite from this noise. Further up the street, the noise will be muted but will still intrude on owners in what is a very quiet residential street which has not been zoned for this activity.

    The introduction of commercial buildings will depress the values of residences as the area is no longer deemed entirely residential. It also sets a precedent that other commercial buildings may be allowed once the zoning has changed.

    Furthermore, this street needs continued greening: already two fine specimens of Harpephyllum caffrum have been removed in the last 18 months and the visual appeal of the street has decreased as more units/ buildings can be seen. Placing another large structure and removing a number trees will lower the aesthetic appeal of the street again with an impact on property values but also contribute to the downgrading of the environment. Removal of trees contributes to climate change: significantly, studies of micro climates show that the ambient temperature in a local area can rise significantly by as much as 8 - 10 degrees when all trees are removed and radiant heat comes from buildings and asphalt. This large structure suggests that there is insufficient room to include play areas for children AND will be an additional heat sink. Furthermore, this is a street with significant drainage issues. With climate change comes an increase in storm events depositing large amounts of rain: several have been experienced in the last few years and these have been exacerbated by over development. Increasing the built surface area in the street provides less opportunity for water to be absorbed naturally by soils and increases the damage caused to other built structures through flooding and excessive run off. These storm events with strong damage have occurred twice in our complex in the last 5 years. This building is at the top of the hill and it will inevitably cause problems for those further down the hill. Is the current sewage infrastructure capable of sustaining the toileting needs of another 60 individuals?

    The proposed complex is directly adjacent a major arterial route. The pollution from tyre wear (compounds) will inevitably be deposited on the grounds of the day care centre and children will have direct exposure to tailpipe gases throughout the day - a matter of a few metres away: the nature of the onshore breezes pushing against the escarpment gives little opportunity for these deadly chemicals to disperse and be escaped by the moist vulnerable age group and will certainly have a deleterious outcome on health.

    This street is at the end of the line from the Corrimal exchange: whilst NBN is a significant outcome. there is still significant copper wiring and threats to internet speed need to be explored.

    The end of the street provides significant pedestrian access to the beach: will this be interrupted? Do we want a high degree of foot traffic going past small children: does this pose a danger to young children? Will further development provide a greater likelihood of break and enter offences?

    Owners of large buildings which have a significant investment will seek to maximise returns. Will this centre be used for evening events which are noisy and impact neighbours in diverse ways? Will it also be used for elections and other community events which may bring a level of traffic creating gridlock due to the extremely narrow streets?

    Ultimately this is a quiet, residential street which already has reached its capacity to sustain and this is whist it is entirely residential. It is a street of a certain character and charm although council needs to consider further tree plantings and other visual enhancements. As the current residents have indicated it is straining to support the current traffic: the addition of further traffic may lead to an increased number of serious traffic accidents and this in turn will put council in the invidious position of solving a problem of its own making - and the solution will not be simple or inexpensive.

16. The residents of the street have largely objected on the basis of traffic concerns affecting a street currently zoned residential.
    Other concerns include:
    2) Noise
    3) Commercial valuations affecting residential values
    4) Visual affects - downgrading of community ambience
    5) Telecommunication downgrades
    6) Environmental: Changed building footprints and drainage; exposure of children to toxins and increased risk
    7) Access
    8) Security
    9) Precedent for continued commercial development
    10) Evening activities

    Firstly, it is helpful to know whether this is a long day care centre or not. During playtime the combined sound of many children moving around will register at a very high level of decibels. For those immediately adjacent there will be little respite from this noise. Further up the street, the noise will be muted but will still intrude on owners in what is a very quiet residential street which has not been zoned for this activity.

    The introduction of commercial buildings will depress the values of residences as the area is no longer deemed entirely residential. It also sets a precedent that other commercial buildings may be allowed once the zoning has changed.

    Furthermore, this street needs continued greening: already two fine specimens of Harpephyllum caffrum have been removed in the last 18 months and the visual appeal of the street has decreased as more units/ buildings can be seen. Placing another large structure and removing a number trees will lower the aesthetic appeal of the street again with an impact on property values but also contribute to the downgrading of the environment. Removal of trees contributes to climate change: significantly, studies of micro climates show that the ambient temperature in a local area can rise significantly by as much as 8 - 10 degrees when all trees are removed and radiant heat comes from buildings and asphalt. This large structure suggests that there is insufficient room to include play areas for children AND will be an additional heat sink. Furthermore, this is a street with significant drainage issues. With climate change comes an increase in storm events depositing large amounts of rain: several have been experienced in the last few years and these have been exacerbated by over development. Increasing the built surface area in the street provides less opportunity for water to be absorbed naturally by soils and increases the damage caused to other built structures through flooding and excessive run off. These storm events with strong damage have occurred twice in our complex in the last 5 years. This building is at the top of the hill and it will inevitably cause problems for those further down the hill. Is the current sewage infrastructure capable of sustaining the toileting needs of another 60 individuals?

    The proposed complex is directly adjacent a major arterial route. The pollution from tyre wear (compounds) will inevitably be deposited on the grounds of the day care centre and children will have direct exposure to tailpipe gases throughout the day - a matter of a few metres away: the nature of the onshore breezes pushing against the escarpment gives little opportunity for these deadly chemicals to disperse and be escaped by the moist vulnerable age group and will certainly have a deleterious outcome on health.

    This street is at the end of the line from the Corrimal exchange: whilst NBN is a significant outcome. there is still significant copper wiring and threats to internet speed need to be explored.

    The end of the street provides significant pedestrian access to the beach: will this be interrupted? Do we want a high degree of foot traffic going past small children: does this pose a danger to young children? Will further development provide a greater likelihood of break and enter offences?

    Owners of large buildings which have a significant investment will seek to maximise returns. Will this centre be used for evening events which are noisy and impact neighbours in diverse ways? Will it also be used for elections and other community events which may bring a level of traffic creating gridlock due to the extremely narrow streets?

    Ultimately this is a quiet, residential street which already has reached its capacity to sustain and this is whist it is entirely residential. It is a street of a certain character and charm although council needs to consider further tree plantings and other visual enhancements. As the current residents have indicated it is straining to support the current traffic: the addition of further traffic may lead to an increased number of serious traffic accidents and this in turn will put council in the invidious position of solving a problem of its own making - and the solution will not be simple or inexpensive.

17. I am a resident of Russell Street, Woonona, I object to this development, and agree with all previous comments made on this submission.
    Many of the tenants in high populated townhouses, units and homes dont all use their personal driveways to park their vehicles so the road is always full with local vehicles as it is. Adding a commercial development at the end of a cul de sac will be a safety hazard with the continuous flow of traffic which even now cars have to pull over to allow other cars to pass by. Robert street is a safety hazard already due to poor visability in turning right into Russell Street as it is. I do not want a commercial venture at the end of my street. Its an inappropriate location for a child care centre or any other commercial venture. Find another location.

18. My concern is the pollution coming in from Memorial Drive. This would be a nightmare for children with asthma or other respiratory issues. Also, has anyone considered what will happen in the event of an emergency? With only one way in and one-way out, how do you safely evacuate the children from the centre if the top end of Russell Street is blocked? I wonder if people even bothered to consider the children's health and safety when going ahead with this development. I thought under Wollongong DCP, only childcare centres with a maximum of 49 places could be built in residential areas. Does this not matter anymore?

19. I strongly object to this application for 74 Russell Street. As a resident living in this street i have seen first hand the issues pertaining to traffic flow. Every week the garbage truck has great difficulty squeezing through the cars parked either side of this street. I often have to wait 5-10 minutes before i can leave my driveway to get down the street as there is no room to pass. Having an extra 60 cars each day will create mayhem! I also choose to own and reside in this street as it is a quiet street and i am a shift worker. Having a daycare centre will create extra noise and impact significantly on fatigue management. I have also seen ambulances struggle to get down this street on many occasions due to the problem with traffic flow and parked cars. More cars would delay response times for emergency vehicles potentially having very serious outcomes!

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