This nursing home traffic chaos has to stop: Councillor calls for study as redevelopment sparks road concerns

A SUBURBAN councillor wants a traffic study done near a nursing home that’s undergoing a $13.8m redevelopment. He’s concerned for both motorists as well as elderly residents.

Resthaven Mitcham is undergoing a $13,8m redevelopment.

A $13.8 MILLION redevelopment of Resthaven at Mitcham is causing “doom and gloom” traffic issues for elderly residents, a Mitcham councillor says.

Cr Andrew Tilley urged the council at its most recent meeting to consider a traffic study around the Resthaven redevelopment on Smith-Dorrien St, Mitcham, amid fears the elderly were at risk of being hit by a car.

In February, the Development Assessment Commission approved the development, despite concerns it would escalate traffic issues, did not meet stormwater requirements and would overlook neighbours.

Work started on the redevelopment earlier this year and is due to be complete in April 2018.

Cr Tilley said moving the nursing home entrance from Smith-Dorrien St to the narrow Hill St, coupled with motorists using the street as a shortcut from Fullarton Rd to Mitcham Square Shopping Centre and local schools, had caused issues.

“We forecasted doom and gloom when this came before (the) council … and as a body we rejected aspects of this development,” Cr Tilley said.

“The elderly people have to use the Hill St side and if they want to walk around the block they have to (use) the roadway because there is no footpath.

“So the poor old people on the walker frames and other pedestrians need to walk out the back of parked cars in a very narrow street … the surface is uneven and it is a danger.”

Cr Tilley hoped after the study the council would find a way to either divert or slow traffic such as installing a roundabout or changing the speed limit.

He said residents around the nursing home had shared concerns about traffic issues.

Resthaven is demolishing shared rooms and replacing them with private rooms with ensuites.

A new building will be built on part of the site, accommodating 11 extra beds.

Resthaven chief executive Richard Hearn said he would work with the council to minimise issues, but said some were outside his control.

“If the council choose at some stage to more formally consider a particular traffic management matter near or surrounding the Resthaven Mitcham site, we would seek to work constructively with (the) council,” Mr Hearn said.

The traffic study would start “as soon as possible”, according to a council report.