By Rebecca Fraser
HALLAM residents and traders came together this week to discuss a contentious proposal to build a Bi-Lo supermarket at the Spring Square Shopping Strip.
Council officers on Monday night briefed the public on the proposal and residents and traders asked questions and commented on the controversial plan that has sparked much community outrage.
River Gum Ward councillors Janet Halsall and Wayne Smith along with Casey mayor Kevin Bradford attended the meeting.
Cr Halsall said this was a new issue that both councillors had jointly inherited following the council elections and the redrawing of electoral boundaries.
She said they had moved that a public meeting be held so they could gain an understanding of the issue and residents’ concerns and views. Both councillors said they were yet to make a decision on whether to support the project but needed to be well informed so they could brief their fellow councillors on the proposal, and make an informed decision.
The mood was mixed during the night-time meeting, held at the Hallam Senior Citizens centre.
Some residents strongly condemned the plans while others supported the move and said it would greatly benefit the Hallam community and the retail-shopping strip.
Christine Burns has lived in Hallam for more than 20 years and said she had owned at pet shop in Spring Square but was forced to close up four years ago.
“The business died and did not grow. Bi-Lo would bring more people in and bring more local jobs to the community,” she said.
Jennifer Darragh has also lived in the suburb for 29 years and said a new supermarket would help boost property values and promote more activity and employment at Spring Square.
Hallam resident Mike Jones lives on nearby Princes Domain Drive and said he did not want to look out his front window at a 20-foot supermarket and would not support the proposal.
Mr Jones also dubbed his road a “suicide trap” and asked when residents’ traffic concerns would be addressed.
Another resident asked whether the proposed location of the supermarket could be moved so it was not right in front of people’s front doors.
Council officers said if the supermarket went ahead the maternal and child health centre and pre-school at Spring Square would need to be relocated. The matter is expected to come before council in April.
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