WATTLE Range Council will consider two requests seeking a review of parking provisions in Millicent’s central business district at tonight’s monthly meeting.
Elected members will discuss the two requests to change the duration of car parking in front of 84-88 George Street and Cafe 1929.
If supported by council, community consultation will be undertaken.
The first request is from the current owners of the vacant shopfront adjacent to St Alphonsus Hall and was formerly a grocery store, a deli and more recently, the former site of Mahogany House.
In a letter to council, the owners of the commercial property said the loading zone had contributed to damage of the veranda caused by higher vans and trucks.
“There have been at least two instances of commercial vehicles reversing into the loading zone in the recent past and damaging the front veranda of the shop,” the letter says.
“The last instance caused significant structural damage to the veranda and required repairs costing $9550.”
The owner said the existing loading zone would be better suited to short term car and motorcycle parking.
According to council’s report, the loading bays are primarily used by Roger Smith Auto Parts, who indicated no objection to removing one loading bay.
The second letter from Cafe 1929 owner Marlene Wilkinson refers to a lack of short-term car parking in the vicinity.
Ms Wilkinson has requested a variation to the duration of parking of one bay to 15 minutes, citing parking is being occupied for several hours in the evening by Somerset Hotel customers.
Council’s report acknowledges there may be “some objection” to the reduction of two-hour parking bays in the area.
The report says council has committed to improving signage to highlight the Somerset Hotel’s rear parking.
If the changes are supported by the community, the new signs will be funded under the existing sealed road maintenance budget.
