Marina Strougaris, a lifelong resident of Norton Street in Croydon, Sydney, has expressed shock and distress over Inner West Council’s draft plan to acquire and demolish her home to expand a nearby playground.
“My parents bought this house in February 1969, and I have lived here all my life. I plan to live here until I die and then pass it onto my daughter… I’m not interested in selling,” she told The Daily Telegraph.
“I haven’t really had much sleep… it’s taken a lot out of me.”
Under the council’s “Fairer Future Plan,” up to 60 properties across Marrickville, Ashfield, Croydon and Dulwich Hill could be acquired or rezoned to build new apartment blocks, bike paths and parks as part of a strategy to deliver 35,000 new homes in 15 years.
In Croydon, eight homes near Lion Street and Norton Street, including Marina’s, are flagged for demolition to enlarge Lion Street Playground.
Fellow Croydon resident Margaret Noonan also said she felt “blindsided” by the proposal, which she only learned about after her home was listed for rezoning.
Council said the plan is still in draft form and part of ongoing community consultation. A spokesperson confirmed affected homeowners were doorknocked and sent letters after the draft was made public on May 13.
Source: The Daily Telegraph
