Mixed-use development with affordable housing - Marquet and Mary Street, Rhodes

How could this additional levels be approved while we already have very limited resources such as very cogested roads, crowded train stations? It is a very irresponsible and greedy action from the government to approve this project.
The proposed additional level is completely inappropriate and will only worsen the already bad conditions of the local traffic, and will cast more shadows on our aparments' balcany.
Without any good means to improve the current Rhodes traffic from the state and council, I object this project.

To whom may concern,

I am writing as a concerned resident of Rhodes to formally object to the recent approval of additional high-rise developments in our suburb. While I understand the demand for housing in Sydney’s metropolitan areas, I am increasingly concerned about the impact that high-density developments are having on the quality of life for Rhodes residents.

Our suburb is already experiencing substantial congestion, both in terms of pedestrian crowds and vehicle traffic, which has worsened considerably as more high-rise apartments have been built. The local infrastructure, particularly public transport, parking, and roadways, is struggling to keep up with the rapid influx of new residents. This has led to frequent traffic delays, overcrowded public spaces, and long wait times for public transit.

One of the most pressing issues, however, is the lack of adequate green spaces. Rhodes is currently underserved in terms of parks and natural areas, which are essential for the wellbeing of residents and the preservation of the local environment. High-density urban areas need sufficient green spaces to offer residents a place to unwind, children a safe area to play, and the community a shared space to come together. Without proper consideration for open spaces, our community risks losing its appeal as a livable, balanced environment.

I urge the council to consider these concerns and prioritize sustainable planning practices that will preserve our community’s quality of life. If development continues at the current rate, we risk losing the unique character of Rhodes, along with the livability that originally attracted so many of us to this area.

Thank you for considering this feedback, and I hope that the planning department/ council will take these concerns into account in future planning decisions.

Sincerely,
G Zhang
Resident of Rhodes NSW

Please see attached response.

1) Rhodes is already a very high population area.
2) No other affordable apartments in Rhodes.
3) Marquet Street and Mary Street is too busy already.
4) There are many new construction sites in Rhodes already. Further new building construction site will cause heavy traffic in Rhodes, especially around Mary Street and Marquet Street as there is the only carpark entrance for Rhodes Central.
5) Noise pollution and air pollution will be getting
worse in Rhodes.
6) There is an Early Learning Center at Mary Street, so there is potential safety hazard for the children from the loading truck.

1. Infrastructure Overload:
○ The proposed development will significantly strain Rhodes' already overburdened infrastructure, leading to increased traffic congestion, parking difficulties, and pressure on public services, thereby reducing the quality of life for current residents.
2.. Construction Disruptions:
○ The noise, dust, and general disruption caused by the construction of this large-scale project will significantly affect the daily lives of residents, particularly given that the area is already experiencing substantial development activity.
3. Affordability and Market Dynamics:
○ The high price of these new units will likely attract overseas investors, driving up property prices even further and making it difficult for Australian citizens, particularly first-time homebuyers, to enter the market. We believe that if the government is serious about addressing housing affordability, developments should be directed to less saturated and more affordable areas, not high-demand, overpriced locations like Rhodes. "With affordable housing" seems only deceiving just like the currently proposed development of the mixed-use and in-fill affordable housing project at 9 Blaxland Road, Rhodes, NSW. If you closely look at the new developments (Baia/Rhodes Bay/Marquet and Mary) 2-bedroom options, they are hovering around 1.3-1.8 mil, which is far from "affordable"

I strongly oppose this development for several reasons:

Overcrowding: Rhodes is already congested, especially with Rhodes Central and the upcoming Rhodes East projects. The train station cannot support more residents, and traffic is unbearable during peak times. The area doesn’t need more high-density residential buildings.

Traffic congestion: Marquet Street is a vital traffic corridor, and adding this development will exacerbate congestion, making it even harder to enter or exit Rhodes.

Affordable housing concerns: Affordable housing in this area may lower property values and diminish the competitive nature of Rhodes. The area should maintain its appeal and standards.
Additionally, the platform at Rhodes station is already too crowded as attached, and this project will make the situation worse.
In conclusion, Rhodes is already overburdened with high-density developments, and this project will only worsen the situation.

NSW Government
Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure

Dear Members of the Planning

Subject: Objection to Proposed Affordable Housing Development in Rhodes - Marquet and MAry Street

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing as a concerned resident of Rhodes to formally express my objection to the proposed development of affordable housing at [Location or Project Name]. While I understand the need for affordable housing in our city, I believe that this particular project is not suitable for our neighborhood due to several important reasons.

1. High-Density Area Concerns: Our area is already densely populated, and adding more housing units will exacerbate existing issues such as overcrowding, traffic congestion, and strain on local infrastructure. The current density in our neighborhood is challenging enough to manage, and additional units will only worsen the situation.

2. Infrastructure Strain: Our schools, public transportation, and roadways are already under significant pressure due to the high density of residents. Adding more housing units without a corresponding investment in infrastructure will decrease the quality of life for both current and future residents. These essential services are struggling to keep up with demand, and further expansion will put them under even more strain.

3. Parking and Traffic: The proposed development will significantly increase traffic in an area that is already facing congestion, particularly during peak hours. Additionally, the availability of parking spaces is already limited. More units in the area will inevitably worsen parking shortages and further inconvenience local residents.

3. Impact on Property Values: The proposed affordable housing development could potentially have a negative impact on property values in our neighborhood. Many residents, myself included, have made significant investments in our homes, and we fear that this project may not be in line with the long-term interests of our community.

4. Character of the Neighborhood: The proposed development does not align with the current character and aesthetic of our neighborhood. While affordable housing is important, I believe that the design and scope of this project are out of scale with the surrounding homes and would disrupt the established sense of community.

In light of these concerns, I respectfully request that the committee reconsider the approval of this development, or at the very least, impose stricter conditions that address these potential issues before moving forward with the project.

I trust that the committee will give careful consideration to the concerns of the local residents and find a solution that balances the need for affordable housing with the well-being and sustainability of our community.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response and hope to engage further in discussions about responsible development in our neighborhood.

Sincerely,
YY TANG