Second seniors' proposal for Catholic land

A 71-unit four-storey "Seniors Living" development is being proposed to be built on Catholic land at the corner of Morris St and West St, Umina.

The proposal is the second recent proposal for Seniors Living developments on Catholic land on the Peninsula.

The West St proposal follows the recent approval and commencement of a 37-unit Seniors Living development on rare bushland owned by the Catholic Church at the corner of Veron Rd and Hillview St, Umina.

Proceeds from the sale of the developments will be used to finance the new Catholic church in Woy Woy, as well as with pastoral care.

The proposed development to be known as "Tewantin" is for people aged over 55.

Development adviser, former real estate agent Mr Jim Hawkins, has asked residents to inspect plans for the proposed development before signing a petition against it.

Mr Hawkins, who is the acting trustee for the development, said that a petition had been launched against the proposed development.

"I just want people who are registering their vote to be educated about the proposed development," Mr Hawkins said.

Mr Hawkins said the main issue raised in the petition was the height of the proposed development.

The development has a four-storey frontage to West St, which is stepped back to three and two storey as it falls further into the development site.

"Less than 10 per cent of the development is four storeys".

Mr Hawkins said the more units, the more cost effective the proposal would be.

He said that 50 per cent of the proposed development would be open space, and would include community facilities.

"The only way to offset density and to retain open space was to go vertical," Mr Hawkins said.

The proposed development contained no steps into the home, with living area, kitchen, bedroom, shower, toilet and handbasin all on one floor in all units.

The units are also said to be wheelchairs access friendly, with lifts provided to access all units.

Mr Hawkins also noted security as an important part of the development, with access only for residents or those allowed in by residents.

He said 50 per cent of the units would be sold for under $500,000.

Mr Hawkins invited people to view the plans at Hawkins Property Corp, 191 West St, Umina.

He said a poster of the proposed development would also be provided in the businesses window.

"I just want to get rid of the fallacies and the hysteria about the development," Mr Hawkins said.

"I don't mind people stating their opinion as long as they are educated about the proposal."

Mr Hawkins said the development had taken two years to research and would fully comply with State Environment Planning Policy for Seniors Living developments.

Lyle Stone, 14 Aug 2007