Balaclava neighbours fight Port Phillip council plan for Marlborough St public housing

NEIGHBOURS near a block earmarked for low-income apartments in Balaclava have lashed out at the plan, arguing it will lead to a spike in crime and anti-social behaviour.

NEIGHBOURS near a block earmarked for low-income apartments in Balaclava have lashed out at the plan, arguing it will lead to a spike in crime and anti-social behaviour.

More than 70 people have signed a petition calling for the project to be scrapped.

Port Phillip councillors voted in March to investigate selling 46-58 Marlborough St — a public carpark — to make way for 46 low-income apartments.

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But the project has raised the ire of people living nearby, with a petition signed by 75 people stating an increase in crime and anti-social behaviour was likely if the development went ahead.

“It is well known that high-density public housing results in anti-social behaviour, which this community is already affected by,” the petition states.

“This proposal will also undermine our property values, increase crime and undermine the police work required to address a high-density population in a small area.”

Common concerns raised during the council’s consultation period included increased traffic, building density, loss of open space and a possible spike in anti-social or criminal behaviour.

Traders and residents on and around Carlisle St Balaclava have long complained about rising crime.

About 180 submissions were made but only two supported the proposal.

It comes as wait lists for public housing balloon in Victoria, with 57,877 adults and 24,622 children now in need.

Concept designs show the project would include a communal garden and underground carparking.

It would be managed by Port Phillip Housing Association.

The Leader previously reported people living near Carlisle St feared for their safety amid rising violence, verbal abuse and aggressive begging along the strip.

Last October, more than 800 people signed a petition calling for the council to ban daytime drinking on the street in a bid to stamp out alcohol-fuelled anti-social behaviour.

Councillors have since voted to trial a two-year ban.

The latest petition also raised concerns the “number of potential public housing residents will be far in excess of the number of other residents in the area” if the Marlborough St project moves forward.

According to an officer’s report the “potential sale is … part of (the) council’s implementation of its affordable housing strategy”.

“Affordable housing — including community housing — is important to the health and wellbeing of Port Phillip’s residents (and) it contributes to creating a diverse, inclusive and equitable community,” the report said.