The meeting of the full council approved the minutes of the previous meeting and agreed to several appointments to committees. Councillors also debated a petition to redevelop the Sunnyside Community Center, and heard a deputation from the Friends of Barnard Park about traffic and parking in the park.

Sunnyside Community Center redevelopment

Councillors debated a petition signed by 1,500 residents calling for the redevelopment of the Sunnyside Community Center. The petition, which was presented by Councillor Benali, argued that the center is in a state of disrepair and is no longer fit for purpose.

The petition makes clear that residents want to see the Sunnyside Community Center redeveloped Councillor Benali said It’s a valuable community asset that has been allowed to fall into disrepair.

The petition called on the council to commit to a full refurbishment of the center, including a new roof, windows, and heating system. It also called for the council to consult with residents on the future of the center and to explore options for providing additional community facilities.

In response to the petition, Councillor Kaya Comer-Schwartz, the Executive Member for Community Development, acknowledged that the center is in need of refurbishment, but said that the council is facing significant financial constraints. She said that the council is committed to working with the community to find a solution that meets the needs of residents and is affordable.

“The council has made a clear commitment in its manifesto to invest in our communities,” she said. “That includes investing in our community centres so that they can continue to be places where people can come together and enjoy a wide range of activities. That means we will always look for ways to improve our community centres, and that includes finding ways to fund improvements.”

She also highlighted the difficult financial situation the council finds itself in, which has been brought about by what she called

“A decade of austerity at the hands of the Conservative government”

Councillor Comer-Schwartz went on to say that the council is currently undertaking a review of all of its community centers and that the Sunnyside Community Center will be considered as part of this review. She said that the council will consult with residents on the future of the center once the review is complete.

Councillor Diarmaid Ward, while expressing sympathy for the petitioners said

“We need to be realistic about what is achievable with our limited finances.”

He argued that a full refurbishment is not affordable and that the council should instead focus on carrying out essential repairs to the center.

The council agreed to consider the petition as part of its review of community centers.

Parking in Barnard Park

A deputation was made by Ms Green of The Friends Of Barnard Park. She complained that the council had not adequately enforced parking restrictions in the park, especially during the recent Islington Alive festival.

“The council must do more to protect our parks and green spaces. Parking in Barnard Park is completely unacceptable, yet despite repeated complaints to the council, nothing seems to be being done about it.”

She argued that cars parking on the grass verges around the park damages the grass, making the park less attractive and forcing park users, and in particular those with mobility difficulties, to walk on the road, which is dangerous.

“There is plenty of parking available in the surrounding streets, or people can walk, cycle, or take public transport.”

In response, Councillor Comer-Schwartz said that the council takes the issue of illegal parking in parks very seriously and that it will continue to take enforcement action against those who park illegally.

“We are committed to creating a greener, healthier Islington, and that includes protecting our parks and green spaces,” she said. “Illegal parking is not only unsightly, but it can also damage the environment and put pedestrians at risk.”

Councillor Comer-Schwartz went on to say that the council is currently developing a new parking strategy for the borough and that this strategy will consider the issue of parking in parks.

Councillor Paul Convery was keen to point out an apparent contradiction in the council’s stance on parking in parks.

“On the one hand we’re telling people they can’t park in the park, which is quite right because there are clear signs up saying ‘no parking’ but on the other hand we’re selling parking permits to Union Chapel.”

Councillor Comer-Schwartz replied that the council is looking at the issue of parking permits for Union Chapel and that it will be considered as part of the new parking strategy.

The council agreed to note the concerns of the Friends of Barnard Park.