Te Awamutu may be getting a change in the length of time you can park in the main street. Retailers, Business Chamber, Grey Power and some residents have made the Community Board aware that longer parking times would be preferred.
Grey Power wants two for one when it comes to parking.
Currently, there are predominantly one hour parking spaces in the main street and in the first block of each side street with a handful of loading zones, disabled carparks and other options. There is little or no signage highlighting our longer term carparks.
Angela Holt
This has been the case for many years in Te Awamutu and it previously had not caused an issue due to fairly lax enforcing which has improved noticeably in the last few years.
As a rural service town extended parking times would make it easier for our rural residents to come into town, get a park to do their jobs and some shopping. The suggested two hour time limit would also enable movie goers (particularly those with mobility issues) to park closer to the movie theatre, residents and visitors to get a park, have lunch and do some shopping, without fear of an infringement notice.
Next steps are for representatives from the retailers, business chamber, Grey Power and Community Board to come together with council staff to come up with a plan. We also hope to include some better signage to point out the longer-term carparks including the ones behind Fresh Choice and the Te Awamutu Club, and some education regarding our parking. The addition of a loading zone beside The Sharing Shed has been suggested so people do not get a $750 fine for parking in the disabled carpark when dropping off or collecting produce, or swapping a book.
If you would like to provide feedback please contact me, as we welcome input from interested parties.
Soil scientist Paddy Shannon of Te Awamutu and mayor Susan O’Regan.
Council have spent the last four years developing a district “Spatial Plan” known as Ahu Ake. They conducted community events a couple of years back and a series of “World Café” sessions to find out what the community wants and what is important to us. The feedback and information you gave, along with that of mana whenua and other significant stakeholders has shaped this blueprint. Once approved Ahu Ake will inform and to a degree direct other plans over the next 30 years to ensure that community’s aspirations and wellbeing are taken into consideration.
Community Board has basically supported the proposed packages, however we have highlighted the need for health considerations to be built into the plan. This could include the impact on community health of businesses like the waste to energy plant and fluoride in our water. Health is an important consideration and one that councils have a legislated responsibility to uphold, so that what they implement is not detrimental to our health. Our submission will be available for you to read when they are presented to council.
Submissions close on November 4. This is an important document and your input is crucial to its success.
Grey Power wants two for one when it comes to parking.
