Parking, traffic, and noise complaints send Totti’s Rozelle to mediation
One of Sydney's most popular restaurants is addressing local residents' concerns over parking, traffic, and noise around their historic venue.
At 143 years old Totti’s is one of the city’s oldest pubs, but nearby residents have voiced complaints about the impact of parking demands and increased traffic as the eaterys popularity continues to grow.
The Inner West Council has stepped in to mediate after Rozelle locals expressed frustration over traffic congestion and limited parking around Totti’s, which opened its third location at the 3 Weeds Rozelle in 2021.
Neighbours have raised issues about patrons using on-street parking, traffic bottlenecks as customers search for spaces, and noise from the bustling venue, which has been a fixture on the street corner since 1881. In August, residents, Inner West Council representatives, and the restaurant met to discuss possible solutions, with a formal approach outlined at the council’s most recent meeting.
“The concerns discussed at the on-site meeting (include) concerns as to how Totti’s could have been approved in a residential area, (and) alleged increase in patronage despite a previous development indicating no increase to patronage,” the council agenda reads.
“The Totti’s representative advised that Totti’s wants to be part of the community and desires to work with the residents, especially around compliance, safety, and access to the venue for all.”
Proposals such as additional parking restrictions, locals-only discounts, and promoting public transport for patrons are being considered.
The venue is located just 350 metres from Victoria Road, one of Sydney’s busiest arterial roads. Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne stated that the council is working collaboratively with the pub to find a constructive solution.
“It’s good that we have a high profile and successful venue in the neighbourhood, we need more like that to come to Balmain,” Cr Byrne said.
“It’s also true that the venue could be doing more to manage patrons coming in and out, and the council can review parking arrangements to make it easier for local residents.”
The council has committed to a community consultation on extending two-hour parking restrictions until 10 pm on five streets around the pub, along with stepped-up parking enforcement to ensure “adequate turnover of non-resident parking.”
Totti’s has briefed its staff to avoid parking near the venue, extended security hours to assist with patrons arriving and leaving and encouraged group bookings to use public transport.
The council also noted that parking pressures have increased temporarily due to power supply installations for the Western Harbour Tunnel’s second stage.
Merivale owner Justin Hemmes purchased the 3 Weeds in early 2019, adding Totti’s to the venue in late 2021. Merivale general manager Frank Roberts described the pub as a “true Rozelle landmark.”
Jonathan Jackson, 11th November 2024
