Traders hurt

Posted to Greater Dandenong Weekly (23/8/2010) on 27/8/2010 at 11:23pm

Commenting on “Traders hurt”

http://www.greaterdandenongweekly.com.au/news/local/news/general/traders-hurt/1920994.aspx?storypage=2

Dandenong CBD needs more than just revitalisation of the streetscape; it also needs revitalisation of the shops and display windows, and mix of businesses.

Although the ultimate outcome is a plus for the traders concerned, but initial outlay could burn a big hole in their cash registers. There is a distinct disadvantage about the main road, alias National Highway 1 - it is too wide. It does not provide a right ambience for inviting shopping experience. In addition, all the shops in the CBD are spread over a very big area, and on a rainy or windy day, shoppers are likely to stay in the warm and cosy Dandenong Plaza rather than subjecting themselves to the terror of the nature.

Dandenong was once the hub of many big factories, and centre of employment. The wind of fortune has changed. Is the demographics of Dandenong ready for upmarket shopping yet? It is great to be visionary, and hopefully the project pays dividend; otherwise, the ratepayers' and taxpayers' money will be spent on creating a white elephant.

Proposed Monash 6-storey Development

Posted to Letters to the Editor, Monash Weekly 7/1/2011
Title: Proposed Monash 6-storey Development

There are concerning issues regarding the proposed six-storey development including a Karaoke bar with 3 am licence:

• Over concentration of restaurants / food premises will cannibalise existing businesses
• A lot more late-night alcohol-fuelled violence will be in the precinct
• More demand on police and council resources to ensure Monash residents peace and quiet enjoyment of their properties at night
• Possible organised gangs will be attracted and infiltrated to this area with early morning licence
• Non-existing by-laws to ensure balanced mix of business

Although I'm a Chinese by descent, I definitely do not like to see the Kingsway turned into a Chinatown like Box Hill, Springvale, Richmond in Melbourne, or Eastwood, Chatswood and Cabramatta in Sydney - almost filled with Asian restaurants or businesses.

Only a balanced mix of businesses and ethnicity in the City of Monash will ensure racial harmony in the near and long-term future.