Locals want church land used as a park, not a housing development, writes Renee Jones.
Evan Kerr-Taylor's grandfather gave land to a Mt Albert church over a century ago - but now it's the battle ground for a new park. Nearly 4000 residents have signed a petition for the St Lukes
Rd site to become a public park and not the proposed $20.5 million, 60 unit residential development by Housing New Zealand. The 77-year-old says his grandfather would have liked it to be a park. Alan Kerr-Tayor gave it to St Lukes church in the 1800s so the minister could graze his horse. ``My grandfather was pretty wealthy but he was always wanting to see things right for the people. I would be delighted if it was for the benefit of Mt Albert. It would just be fantastic to go down there and see people there and children playing.'' The area has few green spaces remaining and the petition fighting for more was presented to the Mt Eden/Albert Community Board this month. Tony Mayes, 62, a self-employed business owner, is amazed at the response to his suggestion. ``I was surprised. It wasn't until I started on it I realised how much Mt Albert loves its past, history and parks. It struck me that it was crying out to be developed as a park because of its history.'' ``It would be such a shame to see it disappear. You have to grab the opportunity because once it's gone, you're never going to get it back.'' But resource consents for the housing development are underway. Housing New Zealand Central Auckland regional manager Graham Bodman says the site is perfect for social housing near schools, medical services and shops. ``Housing New Zealand has high demand in the area, while currently having very few houses and limited opportunities to acquire more. The development will provide much needed housing for people in need.'' The Eden/Albert Community Board plans to inform the council of the park proposal.
BEING BUILT 24 two-bedroom units for the elderly 32 two-bedroom units for small families Four three-bedroom family units
