Mayor's Weekly Message

Stuart Street - some additional facts

13 Dec 2013

I am determined to right the decision made by the last Council to buy number 40 Stuart Street, Manly for a sum of $4.25million. 

The purchase of this 365 square metre property has caused a huge financial burden on all ratepayers because Council will need to find half a million dollars per year, out of your rates, for at least the next 10 years to pay off on this appalling decision.

Council’s decision to sell 34 and 36 to fund this ridiculous purchase was a sensible compromise because 34 is a local heritage item and 38 has a new house approved by the Court, which means that these buildings will be there for the foreseeable future and in a streetscape that has housed some of the existing properties for almost 100 years.

The recent land classification decision made by the Court means that Council will need to first reclassify 34 and 36 Stuart Street before any sale can take place.

My motion of this week not to proceed with the rezoning was influenced by this decision; however, I am just as determined as ever to right the appalling decision of the last Council.

How Council will proceed on these properties will depend on the recommendations of the Public Domains Advisory Committee to fund the $4.25m purchase.

Jean Hay AM

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