Our first Waitemata Local Board meeting of 2020 on 18 February, progressed the Ponsonby Park project.
In the meantime, Council’s Finance and Performance Committee approved, at the Waitemata Local Board’s request, $5.5 million of proceeds from the sale of a commercial building in Victoria Street to make up the total cost of the project, adding to the $5.5 million they had already approved. On member Graeme Gunthorp’s motion, the board unanimously approved design Option 5, use of the extra $5.5 million dollars to enable the project to be done in one stage, and further detailed design to enable construction to commence later this year. This will be a great amenity for community group activities and a public gathering and play space for the people of Ponsonby.
The board meeting also received several presentations from people concerned about the sudden closure of the Leys Institute Library and Gymnasium. The meeting was a good opportunity to hear concerns and for information about the need for the closure and next steps to be shared. Engineering assessments by expert council staff showed that the building did not meet tougher requirements required by Government after the Christchurch and Kaikoura quakes.
The board has sought reports to be researched by staff on how best the buildings can be restored, which will take some months to prepare. We are not considering demolishing or selling the buildings. In the meantime, the mobile library has been on site and the board made an urgent decision before Christmas to lease premises for the library at 14 Jervois Road for three years, which should open on 16 March.
With staff help, all gymnasium users have found alternative premises at Freemans Bay and Ponsonby Community Centres and other nearby sites. Although not able to be used by the general public, council will ensure the buildings are cleaned, maintained and that clear information signage and stronger public protection is in place.
We are currently developing our Local Board Plan, which will guide our work over the next three years. We have been engaging with the community seeking feedback to help shape our plan.
We talked to lots of people on 15 February at Uptown Sounds and on 16 February at our successful Myers Park Medley event. We will also get feedback at the Central City Network, the youth hui Seeding Our Future, Beating the Bounds and a climate change workshop. In addition, we have got a new interactive online space where you can submit your ideas: www.akhaveyoursay.co.nz/lovelocal
The Annual Budget 2020/2021 and Council Controlled Organisation Review is open for public feedback until 22 March. Visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/haveyoursay for more. We are holding an Annual Budget Hearing-style event on 3 March, 4pm at our office, 52 Swanson Street. Please RSVP to attend: waitematalocalboard@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
As well as advancing Ponsonby Park, we are keen to support community action on climate change, homelessness, parks development, agrichemical-free parks, stream restoration and environmental enhancement. We are keen to hear your ideas. (RICHARD NORTHEY)
Contact Richard Northey, Chair of the Waitemata Local Board, northeyr@xtra.co.nz, facebook.com/waitemata