Isaiah Prasad
Object
Isaiah Prasad
Object
NEW BERRIMA
,
New South Wales
Message
Please see attachment to improve readability. Just in case, here are the contents:
Objection to Proposed Hotel Development at Berrima Gaol
To: NSW Planning
Re: Proposed Berrima Hotel Development at Berrima Gaol
Date: 19/11/2025
I am writing to formally object to the proposed hotel development at the Berrima Gaol site. My concerns relate to significant environmental impacts, inadequate traffic infrastructure, and adverse effects on the heritage character of Berrima village.
1. Environmental Impact on Sensitive River Ecosystems
I have serious concerns about the environmental impact of constructing buildings outside the gaol walls that will encroach on the Berrima River corridor. This development poses a direct threat to the sensitive and rare platypus population inhabiting the river.
Drawing on my professional experience with the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment, and Water, as well as my broader knowledge of similar developments affecting sensitive species, I can state with confidence that developments of this nature consistently result in species loss.
The impacts include:
• Habitat disruption and fragmentation during construction and operation
• Increased light and noise pollution affecting nocturnal species like platypuses
• Water quality degradation from increased runoff and human activity
• Loss of riparian vegetation critical for the river ecosystem
• Cumulative pressure on an already vulnerable species
Platypuses are particularly sensitive to environmental disturbance, and any development in proximity to their habitat requires extraordinary caution. The proposed hotel's location and scale appear incompatible with protecting this rare species and the broader ecological values of the Berrima River.
I urge NSW Planning to commission their own independent comprehensive environmental impact assessments, including detailed surveys of platypus populations and habitat mapping, before any approval is considered. While the developers may submit their own studies, my experience has shown that assessments funded by proponents are frequently skewed to minimize reported impacts and support the desired outcome. To ensure objective evaluation of the genuine environmental risks, NSW Planning should conduct or commission truly independent studies free from developer influence.
2. Traffic Congestion and Infrastructure Inadequacy
The proposed hotel will generate significant additional traffic in an area already experiencing capacity constraints. Berrima serves as a gateway to the Southern Highlands, with many visitors traveling through the town via the Old Hume Highway to access destinations including Bowral, Joadja, Mandemar, High Range, and other areas.
My specific concerns include:
• Increased traffic volume from hotel guests, staff, deliveries, and associated commercial activity
• Summer peak congestion when tourist numbers are highest and the road network is already strained
• Bottleneck creation on the main road through Berrima, which lacks the capacity for significant additional vehicles
• Safety risks for both residents and through-traffic
• Lack of adequate road infrastructure to support a development of this scale
Without substantial upgrades to road infrastructure—which do not appear to be part of this proposal—this development will create a significant bottleneck that will degrade accessibility and amenity for residents and visitors alike.
A traffic impact study should be required to model the additional vehicle movements and identify necessary infrastructure improvements before any approval is granted.
3. Impact on Heritage Character and Community Values
Berrima is one of Australia's best-preserved 19th-century villages, with a unique heritage character that attracts visitors seeking an authentic historical experience in a peaceful rural setting. This character is central to both the community's identity and the local economy.
The proposed hotel development threatens to fundamentally alter this character by:
• Introducing inappropriate scale and density inconsistent with the village's heritage fabric
• Creating a precedent for further commercial intensification that could erode Berrima's unique appeal
• Transforming the town into a busy commercial hub rather than maintaining its current character as a quaint country town
• Undermining the very qualities that attracted current residents and continue to draw visitors
The heritage values that make Berrima special—and economically viable as a tourist destination—depend on maintaining appropriate development standards. Large-scale commercial developments like the proposed hotel risk destroying the attributes that give Berrima its distinctive appeal.
My wife and I relocated to Berrima specifically for its quiet, heritage character and close connection to the natural environment. Many others in the community have made similar choices. This development would fundamentally change what makes Berrima a desirable place to live and visit.
In discussions with friends and family who regularly visit Berrima for recreation from other areas, there is a consistent view that this type of large-scale hotel development would make the town feel overly commercialised and significantly reduce its appeal as a destination. Visitors are drawn to Berrima precisely because it offers an escape from heavily commercialised environments. The proposed development risks undermining the authentic, low-key heritage experience that currently distinguishes Berrima from other tourist destinations and drives visitation to the region.
Conclusion
This proposed development presents unacceptable risks to:
• Rare and sensitive wildlife populations
• Already constrained traffic infrastructure
• The heritage character that defines Berrima
I respectfully urge NSW Planning to refuse this application unless the proponent can comprehensively address these concerns through:
• Detailed environmental impact assessments with appropriate mitigation measures
• Traffic studies and committed infrastructure upgrades
• Design modifications that respect Berrima's heritage character and scale
Thank you for considering this objection.
Isaiah
34 Argyle St, New Berrima, NSW, 2577
0450883277
[email protected]
Objection to Proposed Hotel Development at Berrima Gaol
To: NSW Planning
Re: Proposed Berrima Hotel Development at Berrima Gaol
Date: 19/11/2025
I am writing to formally object to the proposed hotel development at the Berrima Gaol site. My concerns relate to significant environmental impacts, inadequate traffic infrastructure, and adverse effects on the heritage character of Berrima village.
1. Environmental Impact on Sensitive River Ecosystems
I have serious concerns about the environmental impact of constructing buildings outside the gaol walls that will encroach on the Berrima River corridor. This development poses a direct threat to the sensitive and rare platypus population inhabiting the river.
Drawing on my professional experience with the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment, and Water, as well as my broader knowledge of similar developments affecting sensitive species, I can state with confidence that developments of this nature consistently result in species loss.
The impacts include:
• Habitat disruption and fragmentation during construction and operation
• Increased light and noise pollution affecting nocturnal species like platypuses
• Water quality degradation from increased runoff and human activity
• Loss of riparian vegetation critical for the river ecosystem
• Cumulative pressure on an already vulnerable species
Platypuses are particularly sensitive to environmental disturbance, and any development in proximity to their habitat requires extraordinary caution. The proposed hotel's location and scale appear incompatible with protecting this rare species and the broader ecological values of the Berrima River.
I urge NSW Planning to commission their own independent comprehensive environmental impact assessments, including detailed surveys of platypus populations and habitat mapping, before any approval is considered. While the developers may submit their own studies, my experience has shown that assessments funded by proponents are frequently skewed to minimize reported impacts and support the desired outcome. To ensure objective evaluation of the genuine environmental risks, NSW Planning should conduct or commission truly independent studies free from developer influence.
2. Traffic Congestion and Infrastructure Inadequacy
The proposed hotel will generate significant additional traffic in an area already experiencing capacity constraints. Berrima serves as a gateway to the Southern Highlands, with many visitors traveling through the town via the Old Hume Highway to access destinations including Bowral, Joadja, Mandemar, High Range, and other areas.
My specific concerns include:
• Increased traffic volume from hotel guests, staff, deliveries, and associated commercial activity
• Summer peak congestion when tourist numbers are highest and the road network is already strained
• Bottleneck creation on the main road through Berrima, which lacks the capacity for significant additional vehicles
• Safety risks for both residents and through-traffic
• Lack of adequate road infrastructure to support a development of this scale
Without substantial upgrades to road infrastructure—which do not appear to be part of this proposal—this development will create a significant bottleneck that will degrade accessibility and amenity for residents and visitors alike.
A traffic impact study should be required to model the additional vehicle movements and identify necessary infrastructure improvements before any approval is granted.
3. Impact on Heritage Character and Community Values
Berrima is one of Australia's best-preserved 19th-century villages, with a unique heritage character that attracts visitors seeking an authentic historical experience in a peaceful rural setting. This character is central to both the community's identity and the local economy.
The proposed hotel development threatens to fundamentally alter this character by:
• Introducing inappropriate scale and density inconsistent with the village's heritage fabric
• Creating a precedent for further commercial intensification that could erode Berrima's unique appeal
• Transforming the town into a busy commercial hub rather than maintaining its current character as a quaint country town
• Undermining the very qualities that attracted current residents and continue to draw visitors
The heritage values that make Berrima special—and economically viable as a tourist destination—depend on maintaining appropriate development standards. Large-scale commercial developments like the proposed hotel risk destroying the attributes that give Berrima its distinctive appeal.
My wife and I relocated to Berrima specifically for its quiet, heritage character and close connection to the natural environment. Many others in the community have made similar choices. This development would fundamentally change what makes Berrima a desirable place to live and visit.
In discussions with friends and family who regularly visit Berrima for recreation from other areas, there is a consistent view that this type of large-scale hotel development would make the town feel overly commercialised and significantly reduce its appeal as a destination. Visitors are drawn to Berrima precisely because it offers an escape from heavily commercialised environments. The proposed development risks undermining the authentic, low-key heritage experience that currently distinguishes Berrima from other tourist destinations and drives visitation to the region.
Conclusion
This proposed development presents unacceptable risks to:
• Rare and sensitive wildlife populations
• Already constrained traffic infrastructure
• The heritage character that defines Berrima
I respectfully urge NSW Planning to refuse this application unless the proponent can comprehensively address these concerns through:
• Detailed environmental impact assessments with appropriate mitigation measures
• Traffic studies and committed infrastructure upgrades
• Design modifications that respect Berrima's heritage character and scale
Thank you for considering this objection.
Isaiah
34 Argyle St, New Berrima, NSW, 2577
0450883277
[email protected]
Attachments
Jennifer Jackson
Object
Jennifer Jackson
Object
BERRIMA
,
New South Wales
Message
I have grown up in Berrima and currently living in the home I grew up in we have a clear view of the riverside of the Gaol where the proposed accommodations are to be built. From the plans that have been submitted it is really quite obvious that the proposed redevelopment is not the right use of this historic site and it will really impact the village as a whole. Berrima is a popular tourist attraction that draws people for the historical experience if a redevelopment for accomodation purposes the owners would be better off containing the accommodation within original walls give guest the experience of staying in a cell. By cutting a huge hole is the wall and adding on modern buildings that are multi story that is destroying the very thing that people are drawn to the village for our history. There are other factors that also need to be considered any building on the river bank will change the river potentially leading to flooding of existing housing along the river. We also have a diverse range of wildlife that reside along the river that they call home any buildings that go there will affect them. Berrima also does not have the infrastructure that will cope with the proposed plans.
Consideration should also go to the residents that will have an altered view or will loose their sense of privacy and peace. I do understand that there is a vision that the developers have but it really comes across that they do not know or appreciate the area, the appeal of the village and why for current residents and visitors. My objections are not only my own but others share my concern for this project as is it is not what it should be and should it go ahead as proposed Berrima will loose it's identity and there will be nothing here left for the guests to visit. The developers can rethink their plans and listen to the community before it's too late
Consideration should also go to the residents that will have an altered view or will loose their sense of privacy and peace. I do understand that there is a vision that the developers have but it really comes across that they do not know or appreciate the area, the appeal of the village and why for current residents and visitors. My objections are not only my own but others share my concern for this project as is it is not what it should be and should it go ahead as proposed Berrima will loose it's identity and there will be nothing here left for the guests to visit. The developers can rethink their plans and listen to the community before it's too late
Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
RUSSELL LEA
,
New South Wales
Message
I completely object to this proposed development. I am originally from England, where there is much history which is respected, preserved and cherished. Australia has but a fraction of such heritage and the Berrima Gaol is part of this. If the Gaol is redeveloped and altered in the ways suggested by this proposal the nature of the village of Berrima will be lost. Once it has gone, it cannot be replaced. It is ludicrous to imagine how one short-sighted company has the potential to destroy a unique and cherished icon of Australian colonial heritage which has stood proud and strong for more than 150 years. How can such a thing even be considered?
In England, in Europe and other parts of the world, beautiful historic treasures are kept intact to be admired and learnt about by future generations. Our children nave a right to experience such treasures. For knowledge, understanding and sensitivity towards the past, for the rest of us who share interest and intellect and sense please don't allow for this to happen. The southern highlands, NSW, Australia already has enough hotels and developments. Please don't allow a charming heritage village to be destroyed by this development.
In England, in Europe and other parts of the world, beautiful historic treasures are kept intact to be admired and learnt about by future generations. Our children nave a right to experience such treasures. For knowledge, understanding and sensitivity towards the past, for the rest of us who share interest and intellect and sense please don't allow for this to happen. The southern highlands, NSW, Australia already has enough hotels and developments. Please don't allow a charming heritage village to be destroyed by this development.
Louise Bruce
Support
Louise Bruce
Support
BERRIMA
,
New South Wales
Message
I feel this is a wonderful opportunity For the Berrima Community. It will help local businesses with the tourists that will visit. It will also help provide the necessary funds for the upkeep of a wonderful heritage building that we are lucky enough to have Berrima. I applaud this development and wholeheartedly hope for its every success.
John Oliver
Support
John Oliver
Support
BERRIMA
,
New South Wales
Message
1. Adaptive reuse ensures the Gaol remains a positive ground for the Community, increases villages tourism and economic life and transforms the gaol into an inclusive hub.
2. Opposition to Hotel suites inside Gaol would restrict public access to the gaol. The design proposal indicates that 2885m2 of development is proposed inside the Gaol walls while 2537m2 is proposed externally. If the external area is brought inside the walls there would be no room for F&B, Function Space or Wellness.
3. Opposition to the new opening in the Front Wall has been addressed in a number of selected concepts which indicate minimal disturbance and ability to “Close the Door.
4. The subterranean carpark will address the shortage of carparking on busy weekends, and the landscaped top will enhance the Villages accessible open spaces.
5.The Raising of the floors will minimise the potential to unearth human remains, reduce damage to heritage and provide better accessibility.
6. The Northern zone of the Hotel suites has sympathetically been reduced in height while the brutalist Southern end has been increased and indicates a 12m high 15m wide wall of building very close to Wingecarribee Street. To put this into context the lower parts of the Gaol wall is 7-8m high along Argyle Street and 11m high at its highest point. A new gaol wall will not be a benefit to the village and a stepped approach with a maximum one storey above the tiered carpark should be encouraged.
7. The bulk of the Hotel facing West is seen as a better view than looking at the blank gaol wall from the other side of the river.
8. There are many opportunities for Art and storytelling in the concept.
9. The Stated design review panel have considered the concepts and have led and endorsed them.
10. The Concepts align with the Berrima Village DCP Objectives
2. Opposition to Hotel suites inside Gaol would restrict public access to the gaol. The design proposal indicates that 2885m2 of development is proposed inside the Gaol walls while 2537m2 is proposed externally. If the external area is brought inside the walls there would be no room for F&B, Function Space or Wellness.
3. Opposition to the new opening in the Front Wall has been addressed in a number of selected concepts which indicate minimal disturbance and ability to “Close the Door.
4. The subterranean carpark will address the shortage of carparking on busy weekends, and the landscaped top will enhance the Villages accessible open spaces.
5.The Raising of the floors will minimise the potential to unearth human remains, reduce damage to heritage and provide better accessibility.
6. The Northern zone of the Hotel suites has sympathetically been reduced in height while the brutalist Southern end has been increased and indicates a 12m high 15m wide wall of building very close to Wingecarribee Street. To put this into context the lower parts of the Gaol wall is 7-8m high along Argyle Street and 11m high at its highest point. A new gaol wall will not be a benefit to the village and a stepped approach with a maximum one storey above the tiered carpark should be encouraged.
7. The bulk of the Hotel facing West is seen as a better view than looking at the blank gaol wall from the other side of the river.
8. There are many opportunities for Art and storytelling in the concept.
9. The Stated design review panel have considered the concepts and have led and endorsed them.
10. The Concepts align with the Berrima Village DCP Objectives
Name Withheld
Support
Name Withheld
Support
BERRIMA
,
New South Wales
Message
This will be fantastic for Berrima and surrounds, breathing life into the area. Investment into Berrima is needed to keep moving forward and this proposal strikes the right balance to make good use of this iconic property. We should celebrate our heritage and this project does that. I am a local resident.
Alan Bird
Object
Alan Bird
Object
MOSS VALE
,
New South Wales
Message
To Whom it May Concern,
I wish to strenuously object to the Blue Sox adaptive reuse of the Berrima Gaol precinct for its commercial purposes as presented.
• The Blue Sox Hotel proposal represents an overscaled and inappropriate development in a delicate heritage context, conflicting with the size, scale, and character of Berrima village, which was established in 1831 and is a rare example of a well-preserved Australian Georgian colonial village.
• Berrima is acknowledged as the only largely intact Georgian village on the Australian mainland, featuring significant colonial sandstone civic buildings, including the Berrima Gaol and the Courthouse, alongside historic churches, inns, and Georgian cottages.
• The scale of the proposal, with multi-storey hotel blocks and large-scale car parking, visually overwhelms and intrudes upon the historically significant sandstone walls of the gaol and the surrounding village landscape, which has remained largely “frozen in time” since the nineteenth century. This is often stated as the sole reason for a large contingent of frequent visiting tourists, with the village benefitting greatly from their patronage.
• Constructing new buildings that rise above the perimeter walls contradicts heritage conservation principles, leading to a substantial loss of important sightlines and vistas that define Berrima’s unique rural and historical character, especially along the riverbank where views have high social value.
• The alteration of the original sandstone walls by cutting new access points significantly damages the fabric and integrity of the heritage-listed gaol, undermining its historical authenticity and diminishing its interpretive value. The front wall of the gaol already has a significant entrance gateway, which should negate the necessity for any additional entrance and exit point along the frontage.
• Berrima’s heritage significance goes beyond individual buildings, encompassing the original village planning, architectural coherence, and relationship between built form and landscape, all of which the hotel proposal fails to respect.
• The site includes important convict-era structures and archaeological features, potentially including wells or other subsurface heritage assets, which face risk of damage during large-scale construction activities along the river.
• Local heritage advocates and the wider community emphasize the need for adaptive reuse projects to prioritize conservation, low-intensity tourism, and cultural engagement, rather than intrusive commercial developments that unbalance the historic fabric.
• Berrima's character as a tranquil heritage village, attracting interest for its authenticity and heritage tourism potential, will be severely compromised by a development whose bulk, scale, and use, diverge from these values.
• Approving this proposal would set a dangerous precedent for inappropriate development in heritage conservation areas, jeopardizing Australia’s broader goals of preserving colonial landscapes and towns with exceptional historic significance, which is unmistakably clearly evident in Berrima village.
• In place of this proposal, a sensitive and contextually appropriate vision should be pursued, one that respects the rich history, architectural heritage, and natural setting of Berrima, fostering community pride and sustainable cultural tourism.
Legal precedents and citations supporting my objection to this heritage-impacting development include several relevant cases and regulatory frameworks:
• Bowen v Woollahra Council NSWLEC 1320: Addressed a development application involving potential demolition of a locally heritage-listed item, establishing principles to protect heritage significance in planning decisions.
• Bourke v North Sydney Council NSWLEC 1035: Considered the impact of demolition on a heritage conservation area and emphasized that new development must complement and harmonize with existing heritage character and scale, directly relevant to concerns over the hotel’s bulk and visual impact at Berrima.
• Emag Apartments Pty Ltd v Council of the City of Sydney NSWLEC 1082: Focused on height, bulk, scale, and their impacts on heritage significance, reinforcing the need to maintain heritage values through sensitive design and scale control.
• Carlino v Leichhardt Municipal Council NSWLEC 198 highlighted sentencing for demolition contrary to heritage protection, underscoring legal risks in damaging heritage fabric without consent.
• The Wingecarribee Local Environmental Plan 2010 (WLEP 2010) and the Berrima Village Development Control Plan (DCP) require heritage assessments for developments affecting heritage-listed items or conservation areas, demanding rigorous evaluation of heritage impact and prioritizing protection. Despite being astonishingly recommended for approval by Council, this development does not comply with their own DCP.
• The Heritage Act 1977 (NSW) stipulates that damaging, demolishing, or altering heritage places without appropriate consent is unlawful, providing statutory protection to sites like Berrima Gaol.
• The NSW Land and Environment Court regularly adjudicates heritage matters, weighing whether developments diminish historical, aesthetic, or social significance, with decisions often favouring preservation when substantial impacts are identified.
These legal precedents and statutory requirements collectively support our community objections to the Blue Sox development proposal that threatens the integrity, scale, and heritage significance of Berrima Gaol and its surrounding Georgian village environment.
It is for these reasons that I am hopeful, this proposal once carefully considered, will be rejected outright.
I wish to strenuously object to the Blue Sox adaptive reuse of the Berrima Gaol precinct for its commercial purposes as presented.
• The Blue Sox Hotel proposal represents an overscaled and inappropriate development in a delicate heritage context, conflicting with the size, scale, and character of Berrima village, which was established in 1831 and is a rare example of a well-preserved Australian Georgian colonial village.
• Berrima is acknowledged as the only largely intact Georgian village on the Australian mainland, featuring significant colonial sandstone civic buildings, including the Berrima Gaol and the Courthouse, alongside historic churches, inns, and Georgian cottages.
• The scale of the proposal, with multi-storey hotel blocks and large-scale car parking, visually overwhelms and intrudes upon the historically significant sandstone walls of the gaol and the surrounding village landscape, which has remained largely “frozen in time” since the nineteenth century. This is often stated as the sole reason for a large contingent of frequent visiting tourists, with the village benefitting greatly from their patronage.
• Constructing new buildings that rise above the perimeter walls contradicts heritage conservation principles, leading to a substantial loss of important sightlines and vistas that define Berrima’s unique rural and historical character, especially along the riverbank where views have high social value.
• The alteration of the original sandstone walls by cutting new access points significantly damages the fabric and integrity of the heritage-listed gaol, undermining its historical authenticity and diminishing its interpretive value. The front wall of the gaol already has a significant entrance gateway, which should negate the necessity for any additional entrance and exit point along the frontage.
• Berrima’s heritage significance goes beyond individual buildings, encompassing the original village planning, architectural coherence, and relationship between built form and landscape, all of which the hotel proposal fails to respect.
• The site includes important convict-era structures and archaeological features, potentially including wells or other subsurface heritage assets, which face risk of damage during large-scale construction activities along the river.
• Local heritage advocates and the wider community emphasize the need for adaptive reuse projects to prioritize conservation, low-intensity tourism, and cultural engagement, rather than intrusive commercial developments that unbalance the historic fabric.
• Berrima's character as a tranquil heritage village, attracting interest for its authenticity and heritage tourism potential, will be severely compromised by a development whose bulk, scale, and use, diverge from these values.
• Approving this proposal would set a dangerous precedent for inappropriate development in heritage conservation areas, jeopardizing Australia’s broader goals of preserving colonial landscapes and towns with exceptional historic significance, which is unmistakably clearly evident in Berrima village.
• In place of this proposal, a sensitive and contextually appropriate vision should be pursued, one that respects the rich history, architectural heritage, and natural setting of Berrima, fostering community pride and sustainable cultural tourism.
Legal precedents and citations supporting my objection to this heritage-impacting development include several relevant cases and regulatory frameworks:
• Bowen v Woollahra Council NSWLEC 1320: Addressed a development application involving potential demolition of a locally heritage-listed item, establishing principles to protect heritage significance in planning decisions.
• Bourke v North Sydney Council NSWLEC 1035: Considered the impact of demolition on a heritage conservation area and emphasized that new development must complement and harmonize with existing heritage character and scale, directly relevant to concerns over the hotel’s bulk and visual impact at Berrima.
• Emag Apartments Pty Ltd v Council of the City of Sydney NSWLEC 1082: Focused on height, bulk, scale, and their impacts on heritage significance, reinforcing the need to maintain heritage values through sensitive design and scale control.
• Carlino v Leichhardt Municipal Council NSWLEC 198 highlighted sentencing for demolition contrary to heritage protection, underscoring legal risks in damaging heritage fabric without consent.
• The Wingecarribee Local Environmental Plan 2010 (WLEP 2010) and the Berrima Village Development Control Plan (DCP) require heritage assessments for developments affecting heritage-listed items or conservation areas, demanding rigorous evaluation of heritage impact and prioritizing protection. Despite being astonishingly recommended for approval by Council, this development does not comply with their own DCP.
• The Heritage Act 1977 (NSW) stipulates that damaging, demolishing, or altering heritage places without appropriate consent is unlawful, providing statutory protection to sites like Berrima Gaol.
• The NSW Land and Environment Court regularly adjudicates heritage matters, weighing whether developments diminish historical, aesthetic, or social significance, with decisions often favouring preservation when substantial impacts are identified.
These legal precedents and statutory requirements collectively support our community objections to the Blue Sox development proposal that threatens the integrity, scale, and heritage significance of Berrima Gaol and its surrounding Georgian village environment.
It is for these reasons that I am hopeful, this proposal once carefully considered, will be rejected outright.
Renton Parker
Support
Renton Parker
Support
Pottsville
,
New South Wales
Message
I think the project is a great repurposing to generate a destination that will attract more tourists to the area. Having visited the Southern Highlands several times, this type of development would be something I'd personally be interested in. This along with the added benefits of construction, operational jobs, and preservation of a historical building are all reasons why this should be allowed to proceed.