Warwick braces for parking war

By Nicole Williams
CONGESTION in Warwick Avenue is due to increase with the approval of an eight-storey apartment complex.
A planning application for the building was brought before council on Monday night, and was passed by councillors despite Councillor Roz Blades’ objections that a wavier of 60 car parks would cause chaos on the no-through road. Cr Blades said she had been contacted by Springvale Rise Primary School, business owners, residents and members from Greek Community of Springvale and Districts Senior Citizens Club.
“The school came to us, the senior citizens club came to us, residents came to us,” she said at the meeting.
“They’re all terrified of having a reduction in car parking of 60 spaces – that’s huge in the context of Warwick Avenue.
“Springvale needs more carparking not more pressure on carparking.”
Cr Loi Truong voted in favour of the development and said his children used to go to Springvale Rise Primary School, using access from Union Grove, an argument Cr Blades dismissed.
“The principal of Springvale Rise said there is no other access,” she said after the meeting.
“I’m not sure how the students will get to school while the building is being built.”
Cr Blades said Warwick Avenue businesses and the senior citizens club found parking already ‘difficult and dangerous’ on the street.
“Most days of the week, you cannot park in Warwick Avenue,” she said.
“Approving this is unsafe and irresponsible.”
The application was approved by council, with councillors Truong, Jim Memeti, Angela Long, Maria Sampey and Peter Brown voting in favour of the development.
Councillors Blades, Paul Donovan, John Kelly and Mayor Youhorn Chea rejected the proposal.