North Shore Times (New Zealand)
COMMUNITY’S CAR PARK
It is beyond belief and I am astonished that an Auckland Council committee (of nonresidents?) can override the strong representations of the Local Board who want to retain an existing 54 place car park. Do these Council members know anything about the pattern of use re busy days, summertime, special events, beach days, etc? As a rate payer in Browns Bay for almost 30 years I can say this is the last thing needed for customers of the shops (already operating in difficult times) the patrons of many excellent cafes, members of the successful Bays Club, visitors to banks, medical centres, families, beach goers, gym goers, and library members.
Included in this summary also elderly persons who come to Browns Bay to frequent these facilities and who find it distressful to join a car park seeking merry-go-round. Arbitrary reduction of 54 car parks with no alternatives or replacements is reckless and shortsighted. Is this nonsensical decision based on flawed analysis or is it a disguised council desperate asset sale. The decision overlooks present needs and flexibility and ignores future needs and the planned intensification policy of Auckland Council.
As I and many others contemplate the present difficult and sometimes shambolic situation of residents seeking a safe parking place menacing pedestrian movements, I take my conclusion that if this unsound proposal is implemented that there will be future intervention by the experts and the committee in browns Bay seeking to resolve the adverse consequences of the flawed, shortsighted decision now being made.
Bernard Feehan
Browns Bay
PETROL PLAN TAXING
The new Government is to change the law to allow Auckland Council to add 10c per litre to petrol in the Auckland region to fund public transport. While this funding idea is reasonable, the amount of 10c per litre is excessive, and will indirectly lead to the further impoverishment of struggling Auckland families, as prices increase to cover the additional costs to suppliers.
A further worry is that these funds will be administered by Auckland Transport, a company operated by a Council that has let the people of the city down, with out-of-control spending, and under-provision of basic services. Halving the amount of this levy
SUPPORTING STRING BAGS
In support of Maureen Thom’s comment regarding use of string bags, I would like to take her comment one step further. How about business getting involved; rather than just charging for bags. Countdown for example. They have the loyalty card; how about giving points to customers who bring in their own bags? When enough points have accumulated; give free groceries. This concept worked well in my home province of Ontario, Canada. Eventually the program was withdrawn (and replaced with another) and yes by then people were accustomed to the practice of BYOB’s.
Christine Hamilton Birkenhead
HAVE YOUR SAY
Letters should not exceed 250 words and must have full name, residential address and phone number. The editor reserves the right to edit, abridge or withhold any correspondence without explanation. Letters may be referred to others for right of reply before publication. Email: nsnews@snl.co.nz Mail: North Shore Times, PO Box 79, Orewa.