The St Mary’s Bay Association pushes for second harbour crossing. The recent failure of the Auckland Harbour Bridge because of an accident in high winds has fired up St Mary’s Bay Association chairman, David Abbott, over the delay in planning for a second harbour crossing.
“All talk, no action,” was his cry, in a recent full page New Zealand Herald article and in his report to the AGM of the St Mary’s Association.
As Abbott told Ponsonby News, “Auckland and the nation desperately need the government to fast track the decision on an alternative to the vulnerable Auckland Harbour Bridge, which in addition to cars and trucks also carries communications and water infrastructure to the North Shore. Since 1988 there have been eight studies investigating options for an additional harbour crossing, yet we understand that NZ Transport Agency believe this may not be needed for another 30 years.
“A new crossing has become the victim of one of the longest political filibusters in New Zealand’s history.
“New Zealanders are looking to our new government for action – and high on its list of infrastructure priorities should be a tunnel under Auckland harbour;” the SMBA supported their chairman’s point of view at the recent AGM.
Future of the Leys
The association also strongly supports restoration of Leys Institute library. And suddenly, the future of this local landmark is looking brighter with the adoption by the Waitemata Local Board of a plan to support seismic upgrade and heritage preservation of the library and gymnasium, plus a commitment to retain and extend library services. SMBA member Helen Geary is doing a great job for the Friends of Leys, of which I recently became the 200th member. Ponsonby News strongly supports the St Mary’s Association resolve to get the 114-year-old Leys quickly back to library status.
Cleaner local beaches
Poor water quality in St Mary’s Bay/Westhaven and local beaches is due in large part to overflows from our 100 plus year old combined sewage and wastewater system. Persistent lobbying by the St Mary’s Bay Association and neighbouring Herne Bay Residents Association has led to an agreement with Council to separate stormwater from the wastewater network. With stormwater removed, regular overflows from the wastewater network will end. All properties in St Mary’s Bay have been checked to see if they are separated to the street. Separation work will start mid-2021. This project will help bring safe swimming back to our inner city beaches. The bonus for locals whose properties are not yet separated is that Council will pay.
What else is happening?
Soon-to-be-opened Westhaven Village café, bar and restaurant, Cargo, will have room for 299 people inside and up to 700 outside. Following an application for an on and off-liquor licence, the SMBA submitted its concerns about noise, 4am closure, security and parking. The aim is not to oppose the licence but to modify
the conditions.
The SMBA has put a proposal to the Waitemata Local Board to build a pathway linking the Ring Tce steps and the park pathway. This is a well-used route which becomes muddy in winter.
Both St Mary’s Bay and Herne Bay residents are seeking an amendment to the Unitary Plan, called Plan Change 26. In essence, they are concerned about the generally small size of sections in St Mary’s Bay and the closeness of structures to boundaries. They have asked for retention of rear yard setbacks, and for a minimum of 1.2m between buildings to allow for repairs and maintenance on side walls. It is particularly important to get the second aspect right. Narrow side yards are a feature of the old suburbs. This request ensures that existing arrangements are not made worse.
The association congratulated long time SMBA stalwart, John Hill, on his Good Citizen Award received from the Waitemat-a Local Board.
The association honoured long time committee member, Wendy Moffett, who retired after 15 years sterling service to her local association. She will be missed.
Ponsonby News congratulates St Mary’s Bay Association for its good community work, and its desire to protect the amenity values residents love.
For more information, or to join, contact David Abbott, E: dabbott@xtra.co.nz