A CLEVELAND business owner has objected to council selling land bought with money from developers without consulting ratepayers.
Graham Pearson said his business had paid $9000 in 1984 which council used to buy land for parking between Doig and Waterloo streets.
In 2015, council transferred the 6700 square metre site to Redland Investment Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of council set up to find alternative revenue sources and new business opportunities.
RIC announced last month that a development application had been lodged for a five-storey aged care accommodation, with commercial and retail facilities. The development would include 186 basement and ground-level car parks.
Mr Pearson said he objected to the number of council and public car parks being removed, with no alternative car park sites envisaged.
“In 1984 we paid $9000 to the Redlands Shire Council to provide car parks in the CBD,” Mr Pearson said.
“We were one of many developers to do this.
“This enabled the council to purchase the land at Doig Street, which is behind our building and property in Middle Street.
“My concern is that council has made a decision to sell ratepayer-owned land, paid for by developers like myself, and sell it with no consultation with Redland ratepayers...”
Mr Pearson said he did not oppose the aged care facility.
“I am not trying to stop this development in the Redlands but it has got to be done in a considered way and not to the detriment of existing infrastructure such as parking,” he said.
RIC chief executive Peter Kelley said last month the proposed development would consist of five levels of aged care accommodation, 186 basement and ground-level car parks, and retail, medical and lifestyle amenities.
Mr Kelley said it was expected to provide jobs for about 110 aged care professionals and 50 retail staff.
A council spokesperson said Mr Pearson’s enquiry regarding the car park contributions was being investigated.
“Assuming Mr Pearson’s business was asked to pay a car parking contribution at that time, the parking requirements of the surrounding area have changed significantly and council is currently investigating what those needs are,” the spokesperson said.
“In regard to the parking spaces in the Doig Street car park, these will be available for the next 12 to 18 months.
“During this time, council will be investigating alternative parking arrangements.”
The spokesperson said council had a strategy for Cleveland to create a “more walkable and connected centre”.
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