Long Term Plan
The draft submission was discussed and agreed, with some comparatively minor amendments.
Keep Newtown Clean
David Wilcock gave an overview of starting KNC because since WCC street cleaning services were contracted out standards had declined. Things have improved with a new contractor – David and other NRA members met with the contractor recently. However there is no proactive monitoring of cleanliness – people report concerns to WCC and the contactor responds. The WCC “Fix-it” app is the easiest way to do this.
At present the monthly KNC clean-up sessions are on hold while the future of the project is considered.
There was a lively discussion with many meeting attendees unhappy with the state of Newtown’s streets and public spaces. An ‘audit of cleanliness’ was suggested to record the jobs that need doing.
The bollards used for posters were discussed – these were provided as a public facility but later Phantom Billstickers were given the rights to use them. As a result posters for local events can’t get put up there – it was suggested that we attempt to get at least some of them back for local use.
Cycling
Effie Rankin talked of observing many cyclists disobeying road rules – eg riding on foothpaths, riding across pedestrian crossings and through red lights. She advocated better cyclist education about the road rules and better enforcement. Again a vigorous discussion – centering on whether motorists or cyclists are the most frequent offenders! However there was general agreement that all need to follow the road code.
Tom Law reported that progress on cycleways is halted until the WCC have done more work on a Wellington-wide strategy.
John Street Protocols
Jeanie McCafferty talked with roading contractors recently and discovered that they had never heard of the protocols, but were interested to read them and liked them. Jeanie would like to take if further with Council and get the protocols in common use – met with general approval. [The John St Protocols were developed during the building of the Countdown Supermarket in John St.]
Caltex site
Chevron have now put the site in South Riddiford St up for tender, agent Baileys, closing in May. David Wilcock suggested that Council require public parking be provded as part of any new development.
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