Bells take their toll- Hallam residents including Bob Walker, centre with Brian, Adrian, Patri

By Kelly Yates
HALLAM residents have been out door knocking to round up signatures for a petition opposing the re-development of a church in their street.
The Charles Avenue residents said they were worried about an increase in traffic on weekends and the noise from church bells if a plan to build an extension to the existing Russian Orthodox Church goes ahead.
Lisa Neilsen, who lives opposite the church, said she was disgusted that Casey Council allegedly informed only 17 residents about the project.
“I spent five hours door knocking the other day and collected 130 signatures from residents opposing the project,” she said.
Ms Neilsen, who received a letter from the council about the development on Friday 12 March, said she had less than two weeks to object.
“I’m worried that emergency vehicles like fire trucks and ambulances won’t be able to get into the street if there are too many cars on the road,” she said.
Ms Neilsen believes that parts of the new church will reach 27 metres in height.
Bob Walker, who lives four doors down from the church, said he was shocked when he heard about the project.
“We have nothing against the church. We are just concerned about the style and size of the building,” he said.
The 73-year-old has been living in the area for 49 years.
Architect Frank Taraborrelli from Designorama confirmed that they were planning to re-develop the existing church, which has been in Hallam for between 20 and 40 years.
“We are also looking at putting units on the site for elderly people associated with the church,” Mr Taraborrelli said.
“There may also be a bell at the church. But it only rings on special occasions like Easter. It doesn’t go off every day.”
He said the church would not be a problem.
“It’s good to have a church in your street because it provides a place for protection and comfort,” Mr Taraborrelli said.
“It’s a pleasant looking building. The church only has a relatively small congregation.”
Mr Taraborrelli said the project would have to start within the next two years, if given the go ahead by Casey Council.
City of Casey acting planning manager Michael Pollard said the council had received 40 objections, including multiple petitions, as of 19 April.
The application is set to be taken up at an upcoming planning committee meeting mid-year.