Evicted from Paddington, $200 weekly rent,
Residents of four rundown boarding houses in Paddington, Sydney, have been informed of their impending eviction, despite community opposition.
This eviction is tied to plans to convert the boarding houses into four luxury homes, which has sparked significant neighborhood resistance.
The owner-developer is currently appealing a ban on this conversion in the Land and Environment Court, seeking approval.
Regardless of the court’s decision, the developer intends to close the boarding houses by the end of the year.
During a heartbreaking meeting, 29 male residents learned they would be evicted from their homes, causing distress and shock.
One resident has lived there for an impressive 55 years, highlighting the deep roots in the community.
Barry Skinner, a 77-year-old resident, expressed his disbelief, stating, “It was a terrible shock to everyone involved.”
He added that many residents are overwhelmed with uncertainty, leading to a somber atmosphere filled with tears and sadness.
Health workers have been stationed nearby due to concerns about the potential for suicides among the affected residents.
The mood among the residents is bleak, as they struggle to envision a future without their supportive community.
One man is beginning to show signs of dementia, and the residents fear for his well-being if displaced.
They share a strong bond and view each other as family, providing crucial support in difficult times.
Relocating to an unfamiliar environment could pose serious challenges for vulnerable residents, especially concerning their mental health.
LFD Developments, the owner of the boarding houses, did not respond to requests for comment regarding the situation.
Their website claims they aim to create livable communities that cater to a diverse demographic, though actions suggest otherwise.
In a report for their appeal, they argue that the boarding houses are financially unviable due to limited income and high costs.
They cite ongoing maintenance and operational expenses, including land tax, as contributing factors to their decision to evict residents.
At the NSW Government, Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong acknowledged community disappointment regarding the developer’s decision.
He expressed understanding for the residents’ concerns and emphasized his commitment to preventing similar situations from occurring in the future.
“I am collaborating with NSW Fair Trading to thoroughly review potential reforms to the Boarding Houses Act 2012,” he stated.
These reforms aim to balance the rights and responsibilities of both boarding house residents and owners effectively.
Chanthivong is dedicated to ensuring that the needs of vulnerable residents are addressed through thoughtful legislative changes.
His efforts reflect a commitment to improving the overall living conditions and rights of individuals in boarding houses.
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However, caretaker Clem Marchand, 61, believes these reforms will come too late for the residents facing eviction from their rooms.
He has lived in the boarding houses for 15 years and stands among many colorful “Save Our Boarding Houses” signs.
Marchand knows the family that owned the boarding houses since the 1920s, who sold them just a year ago.
They assumed the new owners would continue operating the boarding houses as a viable business with a good rental return.
“We’re all shocked by this sudden decision, and the former owners are also surprised that the new owner would act this way,” he stated.
Marchand added that the stress has already taken a toll on residents’ mental health.
“Already, one man has mentally broken down due to the stress and uncertainty surrounding his situation,” he explained.
No one knows what will happen next or where they will end up after the evictions begin.
For instance, Ray, a 75-year-old resident, has suffered strokes and heart attacks during his 47 years living there.
People like Ray have nowhere else to go, which raises serious concerns about their future well-being.
One neighbor involved in the community action to save their homes expressed deep concern over the impact on the residents.
Michael Mannix noted the devastation and fear felt by the men as they face impending evictions from their homes.
Even if the appeal to the Land and Environment Court is denied, the owners might let the houses deteriorate further.
Mannix explained that this situation could force residents into a position where the only option left is demolition.
“They are all very upset,” he said, highlighting that these men have faced significant adversity in their lives.
Most of the residents come from challenging backgrounds, which has shaped their resilience and toughness in difficult situations.
Mannix added, “They are trying to plan for the worst while hoping for the best. This news has struck hard.”
Meanwhile, NSW Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson acknowledged the stress and uncertainty that residents are enduring.
She emphasized her commitment to doing everything possible to support those affected by the impending evictions.
“Although the decision-making process for privately-owned boarding houses is beyond our control, we will provide necessary assistance,” she stated.
Jackson confirmed that Homes NSW is preparing to help displaced residents find suitable accommodation once the boarding houses close.
“I am confident that all residents seeking housing will be accommodated,” she declared, assuring support from interagency partners.
However, newly re-elected City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore criticized the NSW government for not updating outdated planning rules.
She highlighted the need for urgent action in light of the ongoing housing crisis, emphasizing that the City will continue fighting the developer.
“I have repeatedly called on the state government to accept recommendations from the statutory review of the Boarding Houses Act,” she said.
These recommendations include recognizing significant loss of individual homes as valid grounds for rejecting development applications.
Moore pointed out that there are around 4,000 rooms in boarding houses across the City, but that number is declining.
She explained that converting these buildings into luxury residences has become more profitable, exacerbating the housing crisis for vulnerable residents.
“The NSW government must urgently intervene to either halt evictions or ensure that alternative homes are available for displaced residents,” she urged.
“Sydney should not become solely an enclave for the wealthy,” she insisted, advocating for the rights of low-income residents.
Additionally, Greens councillor Sylvie Ellsmore criticized the current NSW planning laws, stating they are not being enforced properly.
She noted that existing regulations contain loopholes that are significant enough to undermine protections for boarding houses.
“The NSW government must implement a moratorium on closing traditional boarding houses,” she asserted, stressing the need for reform.
Such actions are necessary to ensure long-term protection for affordable housing under the outdated Boarding Houses Act.
