Pittwater Life December 2020 Issue

Editorial Draft Avalon Place Plan warning Anyone living north of the Bilgola Bends, consider yourself warned: after nearly three years of meetings with Strategic Reference Groups, we hear the draft Avalon Place Plan is about to land... and it may contain some recommendations that will leave many locals cold. We hear that while community groups have been pushing back on Council staff’s ideas, staff have nevertheless been emboldened by some ‘whingeing’ replies from locals to questions they’ve been asked about the amenity of their Village. An example is the intersection of Old Barrenjoey Rd and Avalon Parade, with its four pedestrian crossings. A source with connections to the process told us: “It’s one thing to have a grizzle about the intersection, it’s quite another to see locals’ passing comments morph into wholesale changes.” They advised it was time for people to “have a think about what they want their village to look like moving forward”. Changes loom for the iconic intersection. Council’s likely recommendation will be to close the road from the Woolworths Car Park entrance to the intersection and turn it into pedestrian access only. We’re also hearing talk about a dedicated cycle lane to run the length of one side of Old Barrenjoey Road, resulting in massive loss of car parking. Word has it local groups want the draft scuppered. Batten down the hatches... * * * Well, can’t say we’re not glad that year’s nearly behind us! A big thank you to all readers and advertisers for your support in <strong>2020</strong>; here’s wishing you the best Christmas you can possibly have, as well as a happy and healthy New Year! – Nigel Wall The Local Voice Since 1991 DECEMBER <strong>2020</strong> 3