Retain parking spaces

I refer to Item TR.11.09 on Council's Business Paper dated Wednesday, March 2, in relation to the request from Busways to extend the bus stop on the northern side of Ocean View Rd between Memorial Ave and Broken Bay Rd, Ettalong.

I understand that the Traffic Committee has agreed to Busways request.

On behalf of Peninsula Chamber of Commerce members, several of which own affected properties and conduct business at this location, we have requested that this decision be reviewed and the two half-hour parking spaces be retained.

The loss of these spaces will have a severe adverse impact on the viability of the existing commercial premises in this section of Ettalong Beach which is already under considerable stress.

Notwithstanding that parking is available at the rear of the affected properties as within so many of our strip shopping centres, convenient kerb side parking is essential for the survival of small business so that customers can park conveniently, undertake their business and leave.

The parking at the rear of the properties has always served as "overflow" parking when kerb side spaces are not available.

Shoppers will always seek out kerbside parking first and are more inclined to seek out other business with parking at the front if spaces are not available elsewhere.

I understand that several property owners have also written to Council making similar requests.

Email, 27 Mar 2011 Matthew Wales, Umina