Calls for response to parking squeeze Author: By DAMON CRONSHAW Lake Macquarie Reporter Date: 05/03/2008 Publication: Newcastle Herald
RESIDENTS and businesses are demanding that Lake Macquarie City Council act to ease a parking crisis in Charlestown.
Residential streets around the central business district have become congested with parked cars since work began on Charlestown Square's redevelopment last month, residents say.
Construction workers building two high-rise buildings in the area were contributing to the problem.
Hallvert Crescent resident Andy Penman said yesterday his street had become dangerous to navigate because only one car could drive down the road.
"I was almost hit by a car last Thursday," Mr Penman said.
He said shopping centre owner General Property Trust (GPT) had recommended making his street one-way in its parking plan, but the council had not acted on it.
"The council should have managed this better; this should have been sorted out before work began," Mr Penman said.
He did not mind if workers parked in the street because they were "young people trying to earn a quid", but traffic safety needed to be improved, he said.
Donna Newham, who co-owns Hughey's Pies opposite Charlestown Square, said council rangers issued her a $71 fine last week for parking illegally.
Ms Newham said it was difficult for her staff and customers to find parking.
"They've taken our parking away, but haven't replaced it," Ms Newham said.
The council will prepare a short-term parking plan for the CBD at the request of Cr Paul Scarfe.
Cr Barry Johnston has suggested that the shopping centre provide parking for staff at Central Charlestown Leagues Club with buses to take them to work.
The council's acting development manager, Greg Brook, said GPT had withdrawn plans for a 284-space temporary staff car park on a site opposite Charlestown Public School.