Everyday is a Winding Road – Portobello Road Consultation

On May 8, 2013 By Portobello EditorIn Dunedin, New Zealand, Otago, Otago Peninsula, Peninsula, Portobello, Portobello Community IncLeave a comment

In March 2013 Portobello Community Incorporated made a submission on the proposed road widening design for Portobello and Harrington Point Roads. That submission detailed a number of issues with the nature of the design and its impact on the community, the landscape and the environment. Because of the importance of this issue to our community the group distributed 600 flyers, added a display to the store and added information to this website. The City Council announced at the March Annual Plan meeting in Portobello that a further consultation meeting would be held so that residents could see proposed changes to the plans and comment further. That meeting is to be held on Monday, May 13th at 7:00pm at the Coronation Hall.

The Council have made some change to the plans, and this is an opportunity to see whether they have understood the initial concerns that the community. The new plans can be viewed at the following link. It is vital that the community see these plans and understand their implications for the future of the township and the Otago Peninsula. If you have friends, neighbours, colleagues and whanau who you feel need to know more about this project come along to the meeting and have your say.

A summary of the project changes since the initial consultation includes;

the reclamation of the old stone wall in Latham Bay, Portobello.
the burying and moving of the old cannon site from the foreshore.
the removal of the planned reclaimed bus stops.
the retention of some of the rock outcrops and geological features.

There is still many areas of the plan that need finalising, particularly;

the choice of landscaping treatments.
beach access points.
the need for proper crossing areas for our children to get to school safely.
the use of gabion walls.
how the plan deals with the pinch points at the cemetery and township

These and many other issues are things that the community need to have input on so that the design meets the community’s needs. Take the opportunity and have your say.

D Scene Reports on Portobello Road Widening

On April 4, 2013 By Portobello EditorIn Dunedin, New Zealand, Otago, Otago Peninsula, Portobello, Portobello Community IncLeave a comment

The recent edition of D Scene reported on the submission made by Portobello Community Incorporated on the Dunedin City Council’s proposal to widen Portobello Road and the effect that the proposal will have on the township and its community. Click on the picture or the link here to read the full D Scene article.

The Long and Widening Road

On March 14, 2013March 14, 2013 By Portobello EditorIn Dunedin, New Zealand, Otago, Otago Peninsula, Peninsula, Portobello, Portobello Community Inc, Public NoticesLeave a comment

Last nights Annual Plan consultation meeting in the Coronation Hall was well attended by residents who came to hear more about the Annual Process for 2013-2014. With presentations and discussion with the Mayor, Chief Executive and Council staff there was an opportunity to voice opinions on the road widening project and other issues in our area.

It appears that the road widening for both Harrington Point and Portobello Road appear to be on track to be included in the Annual plan. However, there is still an opportunity for residents to voice their opinions on the design of the proposed widening project. This is crucial if the road widening proposal is to meet the community’s recreational, conservation and landscape needs. The present configuration for the portion of widening between Bacon Street and the Portobello township needs sensitive design to meet those needs.

While the City Council may have a “big vision of liveability” for cycling and pedestrians as Mayor Dave Cull mentioned last night, liveability also means ensuring that it works for those who live beside and ultimately pay for these projects. Fundamental to that is ensuring that the values that makes Portobello such a desirable and beautiful place to live are not compromised or obliterated for the sake of an idealistic vision. It also means that the design enhances and complements the individual qualities of the Township, rather than arbitrarily using a cut and paste design. Based on the artist’s impression of the design to date, it would appear that the Council have a way to go before that criteria is met, and the community must actively participate in that process.

City Council Annual Plan

On March 9, 2013March 9, 2013 By Portobello EditorIn Dunedin, New Zealand, Otago, Otago Peninsula, Peninsula, Portobello, Portobello Community Inc, Public NoticesLeave a comment

The Dunedin City Council will be consulting with the community on the 2013/2014 Annual Plan. This is an opportunity for Portobello & Peninsula residents to discuss its priorities in the next financial year. The Otago Peninsula Community Board also submits on the Annual Plan, but individual residents should also make submissions about the issues that they are passionate about in their community. Take the opportunity to read what the Annual Plan will mean to you as a ratepayer and how those things will affect you and your family. www.dunedin.govt.nz/draft-annual-plan

As part of the consultation process there will be a public meeting held at the Coronation Hall, Portobello on Wednesday, 13 March at 7:30pm. Portobello Community Inc. encourages everyone to take part and have your say. Annual Plan Poster

Road Widening Consultation

On March 1, 2013March 4, 2013 By Portobello EditorIn Dunedin, New Zealand, Otago, Otago Peninsula, Peninsula, Portobello, Portobello Community IncLeave a comment

The Dunedin City Council have announced the first stage of public consultation on the road widening of Portobello Road. The project includes widening the road by 5-8 metres in places and the development of a cycle-way and pedestrian pathway alongside Otago Harbour. Many residents will have watched with interest similar developments at Macandrew Bay.

There is no doubt that accessibility is limited on Portobello Road in its present configuration and that changes are needed in the interests of safety and access. However, all of those things need to be put into context of the Portobello community and how the widening project;

Will provide the best recreational options for the community to enjoy.
Ensures that the heritage and landscape character of our township is protected and enhanced.
Creates a safe road and pedestrian environment for our families and children.
Protects the Otago Harbour environment and coastal access that we already enjoy as part of our Portobello lifestyle.

That means that Portobello and Peninsula residents must take the opportunity to participate in the consultation process and ensure that the community receives the best possible options for this project. The proposed consultation period closes on the 28^th March 2013, when the Council will take the views of the residents into consideration for the final design and subsequent lodgement for resource consent with the Otago Regional Council. This project is funded partly by your rates, make the time to view the plans and have your say about what you think are the best options for your township. Talk to your neighbours, friends and colleagues and have your say.

Plans can be viewed at;