Chisholm land sale sparks parking debate

DANDENONG’S Chisholm Institute of TAFE has defended claims it is not a ‘good neighbour’ to residents following the sale of land on the institute’s grounds.
Cleeland Ward councillor Paul Donovan this week hit out at the recent sale of several Chisholm buildings zoned residential by the City of Greater Dandenong Council.
Cr Donovan said he felt the land could have been utilised for more parking to prevent students parking in residential streets.
“Rather than force their students to park on surrounding residential streets, depriving locals of the opportunity to park outside their own home, the TAFE could have shown some responsibility toward the community by providing adequate on-site parking for their students,” Cr Donovan said. “I now request the council to institute a residents-only permit system in Oswald Street so that the street is not clogged with cars from morning to night.”
Chisholm responded to what it labelled “factual inaccuracies” in Cr Donovan’s claims, saying the sale would enable more student parking.
Chisholm finance and infrastructure director Andrew Hudson said the sale of old Department of Education and Training buildings once used for student accommodation would make way for regular residential properties as well as more parking.
“I expect the residents will be relieved to discover there will be regular residents now living in these houses and additional parking to ease any off-street parking issues,” he said.
In addition, Mr Hudson said more parking near Cleeland Street was planned as part of the institute’s redevelopment, which includes state-of-the-art science and engineering facilities.
“The removal of the institute’s older buildings is welcomed by local residents and students at Chisholm as a good portion of the area will be dedicated to more student parking,” he said.