By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
TRADERS could be “up in arms” over the proposed introduction of on-street parking meters in central Springvale, according to a business group spokesman last week.
Springvale Asian Business Association spokesman Stan Chang said about 40 to 50 per cent of traders would “see the rationale” if the estimated $900,000 annual revenue was invested into improved parking.
He said most would be angered if it was diverted towards the $20 million-plus Springvale civic centre and library redevelopment – nominated as a possibility in a council report last week.
“What we said to council was the funds need to be clearly marked – whether it’s in a trust – for additional parking provisions,” Mr Chang said.
“If they don’t do that, most traders will be up in arms.”
A council report stated that the revenue would be put in a reserve fund for “facilities and amenity” in central Springvale.
The meters would help decongest on-street parking spots which are up to 97 per cent full on Fridays and Saturdays.
The $1.20-an-hour fees were expected to increase over the next four years in line with Dandenong’s parking rates.
Councillor Roz Blades – who opposed the meters – said the move could destroy Springvale business district.
“You stick a parking metre in somewhere and it takes the heart out of it,” she said.
