While a childcare centre might be a suitable use of this site, residents of Carr St have concerns about the impact on traffic and parking in the area and the safety of families. It is likely parents would park in Carr St (where parking is currently unlimited) to drop off children then leave cars parked so they can catch public transport to work elsewhere. Then when older children are dropped off or collected from Mercy College, the result will be traffic chaos.
Council has a duty of care to local residents and the children and families who would use the childcare service. Residents have consistently raised safety concerns with Merri-bek City Council, state and federal representatives about the Coburg Motor Inn. Violent interactions directed at people walking past the accommodation have been reported to Crime Stoppers and police. There have been car fires and drug use repeatedly linked to the premises. With the path of access to the childcare centre past and adjacent to the motor inn from trams, trains and bike paths parents and children will be at risk.
