Retain Umina's village atmosphere
I wish to thank Mr Wales for the lecture on the subject of how to build a successful town centre (Peninsula News, December 10), even though it was unnecessary.
The target audience for this lecture would prefer to retain a village atmosphere in Umina.
We have no interest in converting West St into Westfields Umina.
Residents in the immediate area have become victims of a sordid, uncontrolled, game that is a fusion of Monopoly and SIM City.
The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce is planning a metropolis, Gosford Council is working on a "village plan" and the residents are left with what is quickly evolving into a US style ghetto.
Every victory claimed by the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce results in a decline in the quality of life for local residents at inverse proportions to the benefits alleged by Mr Wales.
More traffic, more noise, parking issues, more litter and more anti-social behaviour are unacceptable trade-offs.
Quality of life in Umina is not an item on the balance sheets of national chain stores or international corporations.
It would be appreciated if Mr Wales' next lecture could address the subject of how residents can prevent greedy developers from introducing high rise residential home units to Umina.
In the meantime I will continue to enjoy "vibrant" Umina.
Maximum vibrancy is usually achieved after dark when the Beirut style shutters are lowered and when elderly residents refrain from walking on West St without a bodyguard.
God help us, Gosford Council won't.
Email, 16 Dec 2012
Tim Haylor, Umina