READER’S PHOTO
The Omokoroa Settlers Hall was packed to near capacity, with 220 people at the public meeting hosted by the Omokoroa Residents and Ratepayers Association Inc last Wednesday, June 24 to hear a presentation to set up a Town Centre in Omokoroa by the JACE Group.
The proposal for the privatelyfunded Town Centre at 404 Omokoroa Rd was outlined by JACE Group director Craig Lemon, and Richard Coles, planning consultant. The proposed development includes a supermarket, possibly a cinema, a day-care centre, shops, motel, civic centre, apartments and green spaces. Overall the proposal was very positively received, and people welcomed the opportunity to provide feedback.
Five themes emerged during the questions and answer session:
■ The overall scheme plan and location were great but the Town Centre should have a character that represents the essence of the community — its history, its present, and the aspirations and future needs of the community — rather than a bland commercial development.
■ Environmental and sustainability matters were a priority.
■ The Town Centre should be a people-friendly place, including things such as playground (s), green areas, plantings (including trees and native plants) and limiting roading.
Neighbours of the proposed development in Kaimai Views are concerned about privacy, noise, building heights at the common boundary and possible traffic issues.
The tiered gully system at the north-west of the site be used for playground and community activities.
JACE Group stressed that they are local and committed to this legacy project; one that they and the community will be proud of, and welcome community input so that their concerns and suggestions can be incorporated during detailed design.
The establishment of the Omokoroa Town Centre is, according to the chairman of the Residents and Ratepayers Association, Dr Bruce McCabe, now the single most important aspect of village development and will have a significant and lasting impact on the character and functioning of Omokoroa. It is for this reason, the Omokoroa Residents and Ratepayers Association Inc will be submitting on the consent application in line with the meeting feedback.