Shoalhaven City Council will decide the future of a contentious boarding house development at 4 Sand Drift Way Vincentia at the development and environment committee on October 6.
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Bayswood residents are vehemently opposed to the proposal which would see the house being approved for use as a six person boarding house.
156 submissions were received by council about the development application with 154 objecting to the proposal and only two in support.
Shoalhaven City Council staff have recommended councillors approve the development, much to the dislike of community members.
Bayswood resident of 10 years Ben Krikstolaitis was concerned the original building was approved without the communities knowledge.
"If you look at the original plans... it was always six small units and council never picked it up," he said.
"It just seems sneaky.
"I'd be disappointed if it was passed at council tonight, if they completely ignore the concerns of the people."
Bayswood resident Lisa Burns has sat on a number of advisory boards on boarding houses and affordable housing.
She was concerned the proposed boarding house would not provide adequate protection for its possibly vulnerable residents.
"It is suggested that these residents live together with no on-site manager. How can you guarantee the safety of these vulnerable people given that the manager is off-site?" she said.
"Residents in boarding houses report high use of services, including doctors or hospitals, case management, psychologists, dentists and frequent access of neighbourhood or community centres.
"I know that providing people a home is only part of the solution to addressing homelessness."
She said Vincentia simply didn't have the facilities to cater for a boarding house.
"There is a shopping centre within walking distance of the proposed boarding house but apart from buying general food items and a coffee there are no community facilities at the centre," she said.
"Residents often need more than just general GPs. They need access to psychologists or psychiatrists, methadone clinics and drug and alcohol specialists.
"I am a great supporter of affordable accommodation, but only if it is done correctly. This proposed boarding house does not have the proper and adequate back up infrastructure to ensure its success.
"To be frank it is in the wrong town. I believe this can only end in failure."
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Stuart Thomson
Journalist at the South Coast Register.
Journalist at the South Coast Register.
