In a remarkable turnaround from their traditional pro-private property rights stance, C&R candidates in Western Bays seem to be backing the compulsory acquisition of the Pt Chev shops because the design is a bit dated.Here's the text of a recently distributed C&R leaflet in all it's non-grammatical glory:
"Pt Chevalier - The Pt Chevalier Shops and main intersection are crying out for a urban renewal plan. What do we get currently 'the arcade type development!' We desperately need a plan that property owners can follow as they refurbish. Council needs to put in place proper urban renewal strategies".
"Pt Chevalier - The Pt Chevalier Shops and main intersection are crying out for a urban renewal plan. What do we get currently 'the arcade type development!' We desperately need a plan that property owners can follow as they refurbish. Council needs to put in place proper urban renewal strategies".
Well, where do we start?!?! The arcade was built in the 1960's by local shop keeper, business owner and property developer (and former C&R Mayor).... Les Mills!! It's a piece of private property - are C&R saying that because the design no longer works, and the arcade is tired and run down that Council should compulsorily buy the arcade for redevelopment?
Why stop there? St Lukes is a pretty ugly blot on the landscape - perhaps C&R think the Council should step in and support out design issues there too!
The reality in this case is that the City Vision led Western Bays Community Board has worked with the arcade owners to improve the area recently which led to a new plexiglass pergola (paid for by the body corporate) and improved footpaths and stormwater drainage (contributed by the Board).
So action has been taken, but there's only so much that Council and Community Board can and will do to someone elses private property!
4 comments:
Where have they said they will "compulsorily buy" the arcade Michael?
Hi anonymous. Plainly this was a bit of a tongue and cheek heading.
The point is what are C&R saying? They are effectively criticising the current Board and Councillors for not somehow re-designing a block of shops that is owned by private interests...
So basically C&R are promising to address a problem they have no power to fix? A bit like the mayoral candidate who goes on about stopping the US invasion of Iraq - while I agree with the sentiment, it isn't exactly in the Auckland City Council's sphere of control!
Yes have seen that Mayoral bio. Good on him, but he needs to run for UN Secretary General rather than Auckland Mayor!
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