The City of Stonnington decided on Monday to uphold existing parking arrangements opposite the Greek Orthodox Church at St Catherine’s in Malvern.
With eight Councillors voting against and only one voting in favour the proposal for establishing a permit zone on the east side of Epping St on Saturdays and Sundays between 9 am to 6 pm, the proposal was defeated.
The mobilisation of Greek community at Monday’s meeting was impressive.
More than 1500 people flocking the City Hall, according to some estimates.
The parish priest Reverend Andreas Papadimitropoulos was elated with the development and expressed his gratitute to all the Greek people who supported the parish of St Catherine’s.
“I want to thank the Greek community for all their support as well as the Mayor of Stonnington and the other Councillors,” he said to Neos Kosmos.
The Mayor of Stonnington noted that “it was the right decision for the community as a whole.”
The issue of parking problems was raised when a petition signed by 29 local residents was lodged with the council.
The City of Stonnington undertook a consultation process with 32 households in the immediate vicinity.
28 responded with 22 in favour of a permit zone and six against it.