Jesmond Aged Care nursing home asks for 131 beds
Some of our most vulnerable seniors have been caught up in a dispute between a Strathfield nursing home and its neighbours.
Some of our most vulnerable seniors have been caught up in a dispute between a Strathfield nursing home and its neighbours.
The management of the 99-bed Jesmond Care home in Albert Rd has upset those living nearby after lodging $18 million plans for a three-storey care wing and 32 more beds.
The site includes a house in Beresford Rd that would be replaced by a two-storey building. Jesmond provides high levels of care, as some residents have dementia.
Care is based on an old model, using shared rooms and bathrooms, and management want to modernise it.
Yet neighbours from more than 30 households say the plans are too much.
They claim more visitors to the nursing home would cause traffic and parking mayhem.
One of those neighbours, Oleg Rozmeta, said Albert Rd was heavily used by rail commuters.
“It’s a significant problem already,” he said of the street.
“So you will get a lot more traffic and parking problems.”
Staff numbers would increase from 50 to 66 under the plans.
Additional on-site parking would be provided, from 19 to 34 spaces.
A traffic consultant’s study claimed there was ample street parking and access to allow more visitors.
Mr Rozmeta did not agree.
“Consultants are hired by the developer and paid for by the developer. Their view is not reality,” he said.
Other neighbours say a three-storey building would be the only one in Albert Rd, and out of step with other buildings.
Some fear overshadowing.
Jesmond Care managing director Logan Nirmalananda declined to comment.
The nursing home caters for members of Sydney’s Sri Lankan and Indian community.
Staff speak languages such as Tamil and Hindi, and prepare traditional meals.
Jesmond residents would transfer to its sister centre, Ainsley Care at Burwood, during the building works.
Strathfield Council will decide whether to approve the application.
The deadline for public feedback has passed.
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