Finding an answer that will keep two way traffic and trees in Canterbury Terrace is yet to be solved. Going back out to public consultation is therefore delayed, hopefully though not for too much longer.
Two issues have been occupying MY thinking time since my last blog post about the possible electrical infrastructure we might see at Clarence Park Railway Station.
The first is what trees can we use to camouflage the DPTI structure. Yes I firmly believe keeping the trees is a priority. Without trees Canterbury & Parker Terraces will become a barren area that will take on an industrial look if the infrastructure at Emerson is repeated here. This will be a 180 degree turnaround on what the streets once were, just this time last year.
So what sort of trees. This I will leave to our Sustainable Officer Trevor Stein to investigate. All I can say is the two species previously offered in order to appease the electrical safety zones required by DPTI were deciduous. Unless the electrical infrastructure is to be less obtrusive than I am expecting the trees surely must be evergreen.
So when we are in a position to come back to the public for their thoughts on the options we will have to offer evergreens will be one option.
The other thing exercising my mind is understanding what might occur in Parker Terrace should angled parking be the answer to solve the conflict in Canterbury Terrace. In other words I have been feeling that this road might have to become one way in order to save Canterbury being one way.
Without preempting what our traffic engineers will advise I took a visit down to Aroha Terrace east where tram parking has been accommodated. This street (see the pictures above) from rial verge to fence is 200 mm wider than Parker Terrace (fence to fence).
It does take 2 way traffic but is one way for a section of the road (at the west end). I am presuming from this that we might be able to replicate this if we go all the way the rail corridor fence AND shorten the footpath width by a metre. To achieve this would be major work that has not been foreshadowed in our long term financial plan. It would include not only removing trees from the east side of Parker Terrace but relocating the power lines. Oooh! Now there’s an exercise.
We must of course await our traffic engineers advice before reacting. I am just putting pen to paper to let everyone know the answers aren’t simple.
By the way I am catching up with our Mayor today to give him some background to the challenges we are facing.
Thanks Don for helping our local community anticipate issues and concerns. I wholeheartedly agree that the time for action and engagement on this topic is upon us.
Clarence Park train station is unusual in that it is situated in the heart of a residential zone. Before the rail revitalization project, Clarence Park station was shrouded by significant trees and minimal train infrastructure. It was cared for by a dedicated group of ‘friends of the train station’ who cared for the space and vegetation. It was a train station that did its job and that fitted in beautifully with its surrounds.
The necessary infrastructure that will need to be installed as part of the rail electrification, if not managed sensitively and with care and thought for appropriate re-vegetation, will reduce this once lovely, amenable space to one of concrete and steel – completely out of character with where it is situated and what it once was.
Very happy with idea of evergreens and particularly keen to see Unley Council continue to make the most of indigenous and native plants. I would also like consideration of our streetscape to make use of the footpath area in front of the Clarence Park Community Centre. And while I’m at it – how about some appropriate community art?
Cheers
Mary-Rose and Sean – Canterbury Terrace
Great to hear your thoughts Mary-Rose and thanks for the catch up. The community needs people like you. I see you as someone who recognises the needs of the community at large.
Please be encouraged to continue to contribute and don’t be afraid to speak with others who may share your views, which of course you wont know until speaking with them.