Letters To Editor: Consultation lacking

Consultation lacking
I wish to add to the comments on the changes to the road design in Gascoigne St, Hastings (letters, July 11).
I agree that the landowners of the street were notified that some changes were planned for their street: a copy of the proposal was circulated to the letterboxes in the street with a note stating that a public meeting would be held to discuss it.
This meeting was held and numerous complaints were lodged. It was decided to refer these back to the design people to see if changes could be accommodated. It was stated that a further meeting was to be held to notify the land-owners and residents of the results of these changes.
It is claimed by council officers that this meeting was held and that only six people attended. This no doubt was because not all the residents were notified of this second meeting.
When we rang the council about the changes to the street as they were being carried out, we were told that someone would be sent around to see us, and a man who was an employee of the firm of consultants came around almost straight away.
We pointed out that we had not been notified of this second meeting and were told that all the residents had been notified by letter-drop.
We have eight letterboxes on our entrance and one on the properties either side - none of these received this alleged notice.
To demonstrate that the positioning of the concrete island on the opposite side of the road made it impossible to leave our complex towing a caravan without coming in contact with this island, I connected up my own caravan and attempted to do so.
About this time, an engineering officer of the council arrived and stated that the council had carried out its obligation to notify the residents and that we had the opportunity to object to the final plan at the second meeting. That meeting we were not notified of. At this time the engineer said that, as it was already decided, we would have to get used to the new road design.
The main problem we have is that we have no kerbside parking on our side of the road for people who may be visiting guests of our caravan park, which has been registered with the council from 1986, by paying an annual fee as well as annual inspections and rates.
When I stated this to the council engineer, he stated that the council did not have to provide kerbside parking for this facility. One can only wonder when this survey was carried out, as in the busy season there are a number of vehicles parked here. We did not notify the council of this fact yet it can still require us to register as a motor camp.
I was amazed at the manner I was spoken to by this council engineer and told him so. He said his reason was that he had not long been in this country and did not understand the culture.
The employee of the firm of consultants was a pleasant man and did everything he could to solve the problem of the offending island by reducing the length of it.
I also wish to comment that a neighbour's intermediate-aged children find riding their cycles in the new cycle lanes frightening and they still ride on the footpath, as they feel safer there.
It would appear to me that the council has decided it is going to carry out these changes irrespective of the views of the residents and ratepayers whom they are elected to represent.
Maybe these people can have their say at the next local body election. (abridged)
David Price, Managing director, Raceview Motel Ltd

Sign vandalism
What is happening in our city streets after dark? I am angry and disappointed that yet again I find myself being the target of private property damage.
Thank you to the person or people who ripped my promotional sign from its secure wall fitting at my shared clinic rooms at 16a Cathedral Lane, Napier.
Your thoughtless actions will cost me, a small business owner, at least another $350 for a replacement sign.
Goodness knows what you've done with the sign, as a search of the area and nearby streets have failed to find it.
Sheila Sutherland-Leyden, Napier
Renwick jubilee
I am writing on behalf of Renwick School.
We are holding our jubilee for 150 years of education in the Renwick District at Labour Weekend 2011, (October 28, 29 and 30). We would like to hear from all past students and teachers that are interested in attending. If you are unable to attend you may be interested in making a donation toward the Jubilee Garden, which is to be established at the school. If you have any queries regarding this please contact Ange on the number below.
Registrations can be made by going to www.renwick.school.nz or phoning Ange Holdaway on (03) 572 8092. Linda HuntCommittee secretary
Renwick School Jubilee