Dear all
Last night’s AGM was a great success. The Minutes are available here and will be circulated to attendees.
Not only did we hear the news that with an additional grant from MCC our Carlton History can go into the publication phase (with a target date of October 2003), we had greetings from many people and organizations we work with during the year, and Barry Dickens gave a very well-received presentation of some of his memories of Carlton life. Of the many locations in Carlton Barry mentioned, the one “Suits gent” was the quirkiest: it appeared to be a sandy square at the back of a house, with no roof, and al fresco entertaining space. Today it would probably be a paved garage space with roller-door and one of those first floor terraces with screening managing overlooking and overshadowing problems with neighbours. The quality of Carlton parties and wine seem to have moved up several levels: no more cubed Coon cheese, cabana sticks and flagons of “red”. We will be on the look out for other presenters steeped in Carlton memories for our 2003 General Meetings. Our struggle against a certain development calls for some light relief this year.
Of which there is some news: there will be a VCAT Directions Hearing on 14th March to determine dates and length of time required to hear the appeal case at VCAT against the Minister of Planning’s decision to approve the Becton plan for a 620 unit 11 storey complex for 1018 students on the Eastern Precinct block (Faraday, Cardigan, Elgin and Swanston Streets block). The scale of the development makes the current 13 townhouse, 2 storey development in the Faraday, Rathdowne, Barkly Streets block look modest. Fortunately the Carlton community recognizes an over-development of a site when they see one, and are rallying to assist in the appeal (likely to be late April or May). Professional friends of friends are providing pro-bono advice, and traders and business people are lending their weight to the cause. The petition in Readings against the proposed development is gathering 100s of signatures. We are collecting the names of people from the community who would like to speak at VCAT against the plan. Let us know (email, phone, letter) before 14th March if you would like to join the list of speakers.
At the AGM I provided a report of our main activities for the year. The report includes current news and meeting dates for the year. In the interest of time and space, I trust the report can act in lieu of the usual Newsletter text.
Regards
Sue Chambers
President