Letter from Resident

Hello Sonja,
I would like to add my voice to a majority of Frankston residents who are questioning why you have listened to the objections of a small group of people who have voiced their objections to developments being allowed on the Nepean Hwy in Frankston.

I have been a resident here, other than a few years in a neighbouring suburb, for 30 years, and in that time have seen it decline dramatically from the thriving area it once was.

It is now increasingly becoming ghetto-like, with numerous empty shop fronts and vacant lots and little foot traffic anywhere except for the cinema hub.  It is only in the last few years that I have felt unsafe walking around my own town.

Of the vocal minority who object, many have a vested interest as they live in the more exclusive areas and enjoy magnificent views or own beachfront properties. Ironically, Gould St, otherwise known as Long Island, limits accessibility to the beach for other residents of the City. They have already built their wall, and are hell bent on making sure that others can no longer enjoy what was once such a wonderful place to live, or just spend a day.

Frankston needs development. The lack of activity in the CBD has turned it into little more than a ghost town. Small businesses are struggling, as have the large ones, with Myer recently closing it’s doors.  Without attracting residents and businesses back to the area, and in large numbers, many more will cease to exist, driving even more people to shop, dine and enjoy facilities in neighbouring LGAs.
You need to visit what was once such a fantastic place-see the squalor it has become. You may also wish to view the Horizon Apartments development-it is stunning, while blending in perfectly with the local landscape.

Frankston Council, and ratepayers should be the ones who determine the future, and the viability of our own city.  We need to make sure that Frankston is not just the road people drive through to get to somewhere else. It could have so much to offer, and as charming as 1960 probably was, it’s time to move forward and embrace the opportunity for the progress we must have to revitalise this town.

I hope you can reverse your decision to halt any planning applications, and to see what is needed to make us proud to say, once again, that we live in Frankston.

In anticipation of your reply,

Christine Uhrmacher