After years of lobbying and countless submissions made to Council by the Chamber of Commerce and local business owners there was a unanimous decision by Councillors last night to reduce the onerous Section 94 Change of Use parking fee requirements imposed on new restaurants & cafes opening in Manly'sCBD. The motion will see a reduction of 83% in the Change of Use parking fee levy. The previous fees were 'exorbitant' (which equated to $10,000 per three seats in a premises) and were seen as a "barrier to entry" meaning that unless you had a lot of funds to invest up-front, you were unable to afford to open a restaurant or cafe in Manly.
It's a good start, but many argue it's still too high and that no fees should be charged. What do you think?
2 Comments
Tim
20/3/2013 02:07:26 am
I agree with lowering the fees, and support for small business in general. But suggesting that the opening of new cafes has been "stifled", as per your email today, doesn't seem to reflect reality. A lack of cafes is not a problem Manly has. Hardware stores, clothing outlets that sell more that boardshorts, soon probably a hospital ... maybe Manly is missing these things. Cafes though, we've got that covered.
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AuthorCandy Bingham, Deputy Mayor & Manly Ward Councillor on Northern Beaches Council. Background in marketing, public relations and community engagement. Author of five business books. Former Lady Mayoress of Sydney. Aka Candy Tymson. ........................................
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