As owner of the Braidwood Deli, I am writing to inform residents of my dissatisfaction and complete disgust, of the manner in which Council have acted in the following matters.
On Monday June 4, with no prior notification or consultation, Council arrived, put up barricades to the front of my business and commenced removing my property. I was only made aware of this as my husband was driving out to work, saw them, and found out what was going on. They removed a full-grown tree, shrubs and pavers. These had been shown on an earlier DA application and approved, along with the placement of our external seating the previous year.
On Tuesday June 5, Council having by this time ripped up the plants and pavers, laid, what is known in the industry as “cold mix” along the medium strip. I would refer you to the manufacturers leaflet on the suitable uses of cold mix. This is not one of them. The product does not harden, and will not harden. We did not put tables, chairs on the area for two weeks, however, come look at the mess now.
I then attended the Council meeting on Monday June 18 and was appalled at the manner in which I was treated. The overbearing attitude and supercilious manner of Mayor and his Councillors was unbelievable.
I had five questions to ask:
1. Why did they take this action when I have current DA approval for what was already there? (Do not come back with it was uneven, we’re referring to our approval - not the Pizza next door).
2. Why was a normal consultation process and notification totally ignored?
3. If Wallace St is heritage protected, please explain how sub-standard asphalt replaces trees, plants and flowers as a heritage medium. Where was the Heritage Officer?
4. Why have you then used a totally unsuitable material, such as cold mix, to lay on the medium?
5. Where is my property Council has stolen, eg trees, plants, pavers, etc?
On Wednesday June 20, as I was getting ready to open my business, Council arrived to put up barricades and rip up the footpath, one could only assume this is to add insults to the above injuries. My husband immediately rang the Shire Engineer and informed him if any work was carried out, Council would have a court order from Queanbeyan Court that afternoon. Council piled everything back on the truck and left shortly after.
Well, that concludes the pitiful manner in which Council have acted to date. Now to the future.
I require the following:
1. That Council replace my property on the medium strip in accordance with the details shown on my DA.
2. That this work be carried out on a Monday or Tuesday, the days of the week when my business is closed.
3. Unlike Council, who appear unable to consult or notify, if Council have an alternative proposal to suggest, then make an appointment for a suitable time and I will discuss what is suitable for my business. LYDIA F LEE, Proprietor, The Braidwood Deli, Wallace Street, Braidwood.
Email a friend