THE Fiteni Homes advertisement (RCB, December 10) seeks to mislead the public with regards to the Wellington Street, Ormiston, development in several ways.
1. That Fiteni Homes is somehow responsible for the creation of 4900sq m of new parkland is simply untrue, as this land is classified as Open Space Zone, and hence never available for residential development.
Fiteni Homes is simply avoiding stating this fact in an attempt to create the impression that this new park will be created as a result of its good will.
2. That the native gum trees to be removed are not growing strongly is a strange assertion given that local residents see these healthy trees on a daily basis, typically hosting koalas and joeys that thrive and depend upon these mature trees.
3. Perhaps the most misleading statement by Fiteni Homes is the assertion that safety is its first priority.
If this was the case, then Fiteni would not be proposing access to this new development by extending Tolson Terrace, a road that by the council's own admission is narrower than regulation width.
By adding traffic from 17 new residences to this narrow road frequented by young children and pets of local residents, Fiteni is almost certainly guaranteeing that there will be serious accidents during and after construction of the new residences.
Sustainable and safe communities are built on responsible decisions made by developers and regulators alike.
While I do not oppose the development of this vacant lot, Fiteni Homes would be better served by developing this lot in an environmentally responsible and safe manner, much in line with what it claims to be doing in this disingenuous advertisement.
Construction started today, but there is still time for a better design to safeguard residents and the environment alike.
Alan Wilson, Ormiston
