Residents unhappy about state housing project plan
Plans to set up a state housing development in a plush Hamilton suburb has residents’ backs up, with one man saying he’d sell his house if it happens.
Seventy units of two- and threestorey buildings are proposed for Endeavour Ave in Flagstaff, next to the shopping centre.
Ka¯ inga Ora (formerly Housing New Zealand) says the development is still a proposal, and would be a mix of state and privately owned homes.
Residents spoke to were against the plan, though business owners had mixed opinions.
One man, who declined to give his name, said he wasn’t expecting state housing when he moved to the area, and would consider selling if it went ahead.
Another said he wasn’t a ‘‘Nimby’’ but social housing would disrupt the ‘‘community feel’’.
Local resident Julie Walker agreed. ‘‘Flagstaff has a good bunch of people – they take care of their properties around here.
‘‘If it’s a lot of low-cost housing, that’s going to lower the tone of the neighbourhood. It might make more liquor shops spring up.’’
North East Community Board member Trish Pascoe said she did not want high apartments in a tight space because it would be an ‘‘eyesore’’.
‘‘I think three storeys is crazy; the land is surrounded by single-storey houses around there.
‘‘We’ve got to have social housing, but it should fit with the area.’’
Flagstaff Fitness owner Ryan Johnston said the whole shopping centre would benefit.
‘‘From a business perspective, it’s not a bad thing, because it’s right next door.’’
Johnston ‘‘100 per cent’’ hoped new residents would sign up to the gym. ‘‘I think Flagstaff and north Hamilton is becoming more diverse anyway,’’ he said.
‘‘I think it’s the way life’s going, so we have to be accepting of that.’’
But Super Liquor owner Gary Singh was unhappy about the plan.
‘‘We have a nice, calm suburb here. We don’t want that to change.’’
State house properties could lead to an increase of ‘‘aggressive people’’, family violence or crime, Singh said. ‘‘If the price of smokes goes up, there might be burglaries. If the Government decides to do this, they need to make sure they get good people in there.’’
Yesterday, National MP for Hamilton East David Bennett said the development should not happen, and he expected ‘‘total outrage’’ from the community.
Labour list MP Jamie Strange said he was not forming an opinion. ‘‘Housing is a key issue for our growing city. It’s important to utilise the available spaces, incorporating strong transport links, services and amenities.
‘‘I’m keen to hear the views of residents on this proposal. A number have already contacted me via email and messenger, which I have forwarded to Ka¯ inga Ora.’’
Ka¯inga Ora Waikato programme director Martin Chandler said the housing was still a proposal being shared with the community.
Resource and building consent needed to be granted ahead of any construction, which could take place during 2021-22.