Letters to the Editor
Parking plans
I have now read several articles on parking recently that all put up an argument from different perspectives. Previously, I served at Heart of Gisborne for six years, including three as City Manager, an organisation dedicated to the CBD retailers. My research across New Zealand and globally reveals the complexity of parking, with no straightforward solutions, but I have deduced some fundamental principles regarding parking and consumer behaviour.
Customers invariably desire complimentary, unrestricted parking, whereas shop owners advocate for vehicle turnover to enhance their business. Different businesses seek parking durations that align with their operations. For instance, takeaway outlets and similar short-stay businesses prefer 15-30 minute parking, while the theatre requires a 3-hour limit to accommodate moviegoers.
The key is to align car park usage with a balance of turnover and demand. An optimal 80 per cent parking occupancy rate seems to be the target, theoretically leaving spaces available for potential customers while allotting a reasonable shopping duration for parked patrons. The busier the parking, the shorter the allotted time should be. Simplicity is crucial.
I also enquire if a comprehensive parking survey has been conducted. Informed decisions require a thorough understanding of the issues at hand. Parking abuse, such as long-term parking by employees and employers, poses a significant challenge. Then there is the topic of enforcement. Not an easy discussion, but none the less, it goes with the parking restrictions. What other concerns arise from both retailers and customers remains to be explored.
The recent move by Council to increase the parking time by 100 per cent to two hours in Te Awamutu, is interesting. Parking at times is already at a premium, especially along Alexandra St. You are in effect reducing the number of available parks in the CBD, at what is arguably the busiest period for retail. Is this really supporting retailers?
The debate continues.
Ken Huberts
Te Awamutu
Letters to Editor. Photo: Pixabay
Tree issues
I read an article about the Auckland homeowners suffering from poplar fluff. I too have this massive problem. My property backs on to the green belt and there is a row of huge poplar trees. The one directly behind me is a good 30 metres tall. Every year at this time the seed fluff falls continuously for 3-4 weeks. I cannot leave my doors and windows open which means the heat in the house is unbearable. I’ve had to buy pedestal fans to try and cool the house and myself.
When we had the cyclone earlier huge branches broke off and landed in my back yard and onto the roof. An arborist friend told me if the tree falls it’s going to land on my house. Recently my great grandchild and friends were here for a visit. They had bubble wands. The wind was strong, perfect for bubbles. To my horror there was a loud crack and a branch landed in my backyard. Fortunately there were no injuries, but some very frightened children and concerned adults. Both my neighbour and myself have contacted the council on several occasions without success. The trees need to be topped before there’s a catastrophe. I have no doubt if a councillor lived here the trees would have been dealt to long ago.
Margo Lee
Cambridge
Editor’s note: Waipā District Council was made aware of this letter and told The News arborists were checking on stands of poplars in Leamington this week.
