The wind tunnel exists

I support Jane Smith's comments on the seven-storey development on the corner of Memorial Ave and the Esplanade at Ettalong (PN, 11 Jan 2016).

The comment that the development will create a wind tunnel on Memorial Ave, especially during the frequent southerly winds, from Broken Bay requires elaboration.

The wind tunnel exists.

Why is access to Diggers Ettalong and the Mantra resort located on Memorial Ave and not on the Esplanade to take advantage of the Ettalong beach vista?

Is the waterfront an eyesore? Or are there other reasons?

The severe storm of April of 2015 with flood, wind, rain and sand is the answer.

Access to the underground car-park, club foyer and resort foyer are positioned to protect customers and staff and to reduce maintenance costs, risks and hazards, clean-up costs, property damage, energy consumption, inconvenience and insurance claims.

Any building located in the wind tunnel will need to be designed to withstand storm events, more likely with climate change, similar to those in April of 2015.

Has this building been designed to suit local conditions?

Retail developments with a southern aspect will be particularly vulnerable.

As I recall there were major issues with traffic management which were unresolved in the original proposal.

Design limitations of the site may create problems for business owners and their customers in Ettalong.

Be prepared.

Letter, Jan 15 2016

Norman Harris, Umina