State MP Phil Donato has met with East Orange residents over the possible demolition of social housing properties in Spring Street.
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Mr Donato, Nationals MLC Sam Farraway and Orange deputy mayor Glenn Turner are key political figures against the demolition and forced relocation of social housing residents.
In October last year the Land and Housing Corporation wrote to social housing tenants in East Orange to advise them that it "intends to redevelop the property in which you currently live. This means that you will need to be relocated to alternative accommodation".
We are talking about 80-year-old individuals
- Deanne Phillips
The letter stated that "Redevelopment is a process where NSW [LAHC] improves properties, complexes, or areas by upgrading them, or demolishing them and replacing them with new, and more properties that are suitable for social housing tenants".
Residents say the current mix of owners, renters and social housing tenants is ideal and, rather than being dismantled, should be used as a template around the state.
The LAHC is hosting community information sessions next Tuesday.
Mr Donato spent about 90 minutes speaking with locals, including Deanne Phillips, owner of historic house Strathroy, which is across the road from affected properties.
"We are talking here about 80-year-old individuals," Mrs Phillips said.
"Grandmothers with families; families that have contributed to our local community."
Mrs Phillips said people who had looked after their social housing properties and gardens were "destined to end their lives in multi-storied ghettos".
"There are elderly people, very proud that they have raised their families in East Orange, a safe and historical part of the city."
Mr Donato said he would advocate for the residents: "We are continuing to ask questions of [housing minister Melinda Pavey] and will be attending the consultation event next week."
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