Opportunity for Toronto
I notice Lake Macquarie City Council has finally published a report on its proposal to make improvements to the Toronto foreshore land which it owns.
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The western side of the lake has been asking that council show recognition and provide improvements to Westlakes towns, as council has done in places such as Warners Bay and Speers Point.
The only apparent objection appears to be the building of a private- and public-use building next to the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Toronto, because some people believe it will restrict public use and access to the lake.
If the set back from the lake is minimal then, yes, it will restrict access. But if it set back at least 20 metres or more then, no, it won't. So l suggest people wait for the final draft then decide whether they approve.
It would be a shame if, after years of neglect, we finally have a chance for recognition but are held back over petty issues.
l see this proposed development as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
- Carl Stevenson, Dora Creek
‘Unitsville’ in Toronto
MY mother and her sister enjoyed buying a treat from McDonald’s and going to the seclusion of the waterfront near the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Toronto. They felt it was special. They were in their 80s.
Will Lake Macquarie City Council now allow the building of waterfront units on their own land?
We will no doubt get units on the old Hirecraft site. But what about the traffic chaos? And the infrastructure support?
‘Unitsville’ will consume our precious waterfront. What next?
- Jan Leckie, Coal Point
Bouquet and brickbat
THANK you so much, Wes Hain, community planning manager for Lake Macquarie City Council, for sharing your views with David Stewart who reported them (“Your say on Toronto”, Lakes Mail, August 16).
I find it hard to believe that some local residents are opting for a “do nothing “ approach. The locals, myself included, want the foreshore improved. We want footpaths, walkways and dedicated cycle tracks.
Our opposition is to the high-rise development on the foreshore. This was mentioned briefly in the story, but absolutely no input was provided about the associated demands on the already limited infrastructure in Toronto, parking and traffic congestion, safety issues around the school, and intrusion into the “heritage nook” of Renwick and Day streets.
Mr Hain, I appreciate the demands on council are huge, and there are many positive things happening. The main street, The Boulevarde, in Toronto, is coming along nicely. Congratulations.
Please keep up the good, positive work and use foresight. Do not proceed with the high-rise development.
Remain transparent and please ensure all your positive words about the Toronto foreshore come to fruition. Warners Bay and Speers Point look fantastic and, I note, there is no high-rise building on the foreshores there.
Please feel free to attend the public meeting at Toronto High School on Tuesday, September 4, at 7pm, and talk directly to the local residents you refer to.
- Robin Bastian, Marmong Point
Worrying precedent
LAKE Macquarie City Council could be about to set a dangerous precedent on the foreshore at Toronto. Their support for a high-rise development could see the foreshore of Lake Macquarie changed forever, with far reaching community and environmental effects.
In addition, council will shortly consider a DA for a huge 37-unit development of the current Toronto Lifestyle Marina site and adjoining properties, fronting Brighton Avenue, which could create significant traffic challenges for motorists and pedestrians.
- Reg Crick, Toronto