This week Council considered an application by developers of a new commercial precinct in the Faraday Park complex at Meadowbank to install signage directing traffic to the new shopping precinct. The proposal was to erect signs at six locations, including some nearby locations as well as others on main roads, (Victoria Road and Church Street).
The Meadowbank/West Ryde Progress Association has been struggling for years for Council to take action to reduce traffic in Meadowbank to essential local traffic. Naturally the Association is opposed to signage on the main road system that has the purpose of directing traffic to enter residential areas of Meadowbank. I have supported the Association's position on this. There should be no objection to local signage directing traffic that is already in Meadowbank to the new shopping area. But there is no necessity to divert traffic from the main road system that would not have otherwise entered the residential area.
The purpose of the new village commercial centre is to service the local area which is fast developing with new residential units. If the developers are concerned that there are not enough customers in the local area at this time to make the commercial development profitable, then they should delay its opening until more units are finished. Councillors were elected to represent the people, not commercial interests that have not even moved into the area at this time. The main outlet will be a member of a national supermarket chain. Surely that organisation can carry the start up costs of a new site without Ryde having to sacrifice the amenity of a residential area.
At the Public Facilities and Services Committee meeting on 2 October, I was the only councillor to stand up for the Meadowbank residents. If you agree with the Progress Association, please contact any of the other councillors before the final decision is made on 9 October.
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