UPDATE
Martin Foley’s letter to the Editor published in this week’s Melbourne Weekly Port Phillip:
Dear Editor,
The recent Public Meeting on the future of the Gatwick Hotel highlighted the once in a generation opportunity that the proposed lease and management take over by St Kilda Community Housing provides.
The meeting heard from the owners, the Traders, the Police, the Council and the residents about the differing views on the Gatwick.
That it acts as lighting rod – at times unfairly – is inescapable. That it impacts on the amenity and safety of Fitzroy Street and its surrounding communities is clear. That it offers both a long term home and short term shelter to many who would otherwise be homeless or forced out of St Kilda is undeniable. That the proposal from St Kilda Community Housing would have a better results in all these areas is clear. Whilst the Gatwick will seemingly always be controversial surely there is a place for a diverse, safe and secure range of housing options for all who call St Kilda home?
So come on State Government , fund the necessary changes and help make St Kilda a better place for all of our community.
Martin Foley MP
State Labor Member for Albert Park.
UPDATE
Here is an article published in the following the forum.
Gatwick’s fate undecided
The sisters said they were still considering St Kilda Community Housing’s offer to take over management, and had not made any final decisions.
St Kilda Community Housing general manager John Enticott said tenants could be evicted for up to six months if his agency took over management, specifically those who were violent. He admitted that meant people could be sleeping on the streets if there was “no other safety net”.
Fitzroy Street Traders Association spokeswoman Patricia Saunders said there had been a rise in physical and verbal aggression in the street in recent years. She said it was becoming increasingly difficult to retain staff and customers due to “threatening conditions” in Fitzroy Street. Ms Saunders said she doubted St Kilda Community Housing’s proposed takeover would reduce the problems.
Inspector David Blencowe said the Gatwick was a drain on police resources, but the problems were not caused by the hotel: “It wouldn’t matter where the people at the Gatwick live, we would still be dealing with them. At least we know where they are.”
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Community Forum
The St Kilda Rooming House Issues Group warmly invites you to a Community Forum on the role of the Gatwick Hotel in the local community.
4pm to 6.30pm Wednesday 26 October 2011
Army & Navy Club, 88 Acland Street, St Kilda.
Speakers will include:
- The owners of the Gatwick Hotel
- Representatives from the Fitzroy Street Traders
- John Enticott from St Kilda Community Housing
Martin Foley MP will be the moderator
RSVP: Mandy Leveratt by Tuesday October 25th
Email: mleveratt@stkch.org.auTel: 9534 1809
First three images by James S Thomas Photography
