Zachary Balmain of Balmain's in Brighton. Picture: Tanya Fry Source: Leader
THE coffee-loving community from far and wide have rallied around young Brighton cafe owner Zachary Balmain.
Tuesday's Bayside Leader story about the plight of the Balmains cafe owner, who feels under siege from objecting neighbours, generated online support from locals, people all over Melbourne and even visitors from Queensland.
Many of the 70-plus commenters criticised the objectors for their NIMBY attitudes.
"Zach and his team are outstanding," Tim Marshall of Were St Brighton posted.
What do you think about the plight of Balmains? Tell us below.
"What right do residents have to purchase houses next to a well-established shopping strip and then complain?!"
"I am sure the chemist, hairdresser, milk bar and fish and chip shop (not to mention locally-run IGA) prosper from two quality cafes opening up in the past twelve months. Fight the good fight Balmains you have many behind you."
"Terrible shame some people want to make it hard for young people who are just trying to live their dreams and not lying about doing nothing or on the dole," Julie of Highett posted.
"We love you're cafe, we travel from North Queensland to Melbourne every year, and your cafe is our favourite in Melbourne, keep fighting buddy, you deserve to do well," Franco of Queensland said.
"Congrats and keep up the fight mate. You have more supporters out there than haters," Steev of Glen Iris said.
But some readers supported objectors' concerns, saying Bayside Council had not taken residents' parking concerns into account and the area had severe traffic problems.
"People are entitled to quiet enjoyment in their homes without the constant coming and going of cars and delivery trucks to service a nearby business," Glenda of Melbourne said.
Mr Balmain said he had been heartened by such a positive outpouring of support for his first business.
"It's fantastic to have such support," Mr Balmain said.
Sandringham resident and cafe patron Kevin Wood said the objectors were being "vindictive".
"Why is it a young guy, who is qualified, competent and creating jobs, is subjected to these locals' nitpicking complaints," Mr Wood said.
The council said they had investigated complaints against the cafe and they had been complied with.
The objectors refused to comment further.
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