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Some Stratford residents 'dreading' changes to town's waterfront
Some Stratford residents 'dreading' changes to town's waterfront

CBC

timea day ago

  • Business
  • CBC

Some Stratford residents 'dreading' changes to town's waterfront

New 'There's some significant concerns about the people who live in and around this area,' says councillor Stratford has some big plans for its waterfront, and on Monday night, people in the town had a chance to have their say. The town is proposing a series of changes to its official plan as it tries to create a more vibrant waterfront and downtown. Marie O'Hanley of Stratford said she's concerned about plans to rezone areas next to long-established homes in that part of town, and is 'dreading' some of the proposed changes. "That's people's backyards, it's vacant land yes, but it's people's backyards. It's not my backyard, so it's not NIMBY," O'Hanley said, referring to the popular acronym for "not-in-my-back-yard" reactions to developments. "But that's just not right that that will become this mixed-used zone. I don't really actually understand what mixed-use zone is, other than it sounds like you can do whatever you want there." 'Not very efficient' As part of its official plan, Stratford is proposing to rezone 28 parcels of land along Stratford and Hopeton roads, near the waterfront. Town officials say the current zoning is "not very efficient for the type of development we would like to see in a key commercial area." They would like to see a "mixed-use neighbourhood" that would include a range of retail, restaurant, and commercial properties on the ground floors with residential units above. The town also wants to "encourage vibrant, pedestrian-focused streetscapes." It's proposing buildings up to six storeys tall in that area, with the top two floors set back so they don't dominate the skyline. Part of the proposed amendments would also ban drive-thrus in that waterfront zone although those already established would be allowed to stay. 'We have to pay attention to these borders' Jeff MacDonald, chair of planning, development and heritage, said there can be tension between different planning zones. He hopes the town can take steps to reduce those tensions. "There's some significant concerns about the people who live in and around this area now," said MacDonald. "We have to pay attention to these borders between zones… and what we're going to really work on is making sure that whatever this ultimately looks like is that border is absolutely respected, and that it's protected, and to make sure that the experience that people have in that neighbouring area is preserved." Part of the reason why Stratford is proceeding with these changes now is because the federal Housing Accelerator Fund requires the town to create about 4,000 new housing units over the next few years. MacDonald said the proposed changes would help meet that target. 'I don't think you're being upfront' Richard Furlong of Stratford said he's concerned about what impact the proposal may have on people's view of the waterfront. "I just think to just put up a whole bunch of houses and block off basically the view for the entire town and to have it only for a few people — I don't know if that's such a great idea," said Furlong. Furlong encouraged town officials to monitor developers to ensure compliance with the rules. "I don't think you're being upfront with us about what you are planning on doing and what you have done to make sure that these things are addressed," he said. Another resident, Dieter Friesen, said he supports increased density but wants public transit and walkability to be priorities. "I think you need to look at parking minimums. If you are going to have good density, and you want to create a walkable downtown, you want it so people don't need a car at all," said Friesen. 'Their concerns are noted' The planning board will meet in early August to discuss the proposed changes and make a recommendation to council. A council vote is expected next month. MacDonald said he rejects the term NIMBY. He said these are residents, and it's important that councillors hear what they have to say. "We have a responsibility to listen to them and we have to make sure that their concerns are noted."

Departing councillor: ‘Social media abuse has got out of hand'
Departing councillor: ‘Social media abuse has got out of hand'

RNZ News

time4 days ago

  • Politics
  • RNZ News

Departing councillor: ‘Social media abuse has got out of hand'

Whanganui district councillor Jenny Duncan is calling time on her 12 years' service. Photo: RNZ / Leigh-Marama McLachlan Long-serving local councillor Jenny Duncan is calling it quits, after four terms on the Whanganui District Council. Duncan, who served six of her 12 years as deputy mayor, has announced she will not stand for a fifth term in October's local body elections. "It's now time to hand over the reins," she said. "When the negativity outweighs the reward, it's time to go." Duncan said each term had its own challenges, highs and lows, and rewards, but the role had become more complex over time and took up "way more hours than intended, which is fine if you still enjoy it". She lashed out at the government and "keyboard warriors". "Costly impositions and criticism from government and the contempt they direct at us is not deserved by Whanganui," Duncan said. "Social media abuse has got out of hand in the past five or so years. "Keyboard warriors who draw swords before engaging sound thought or seeking facts is truly disappointing. All you're doing is showing your own ignorance and bias." The "dreadful" period during the pandemic, when government-mandated restrictions were in place, had emphasised for her how important it was to treat each other well, all the time. "I love my community, respect my colleagues and can attest to the huge amount of work that goes into our decisions. "We're often at variance, but with robust discussion and challenge, better decisions are made. "If you don't understand the decisions, maybe you didn't read the nine reports and attend the seven workshops that we did." Jenny Duncan (far left), taking part in a Whanganui District Council meeting. Photo: Local Democracy Reporting/ Tuakana Te Tana Duncan is one of several long-serving Whanganui councillors who have announced they will not seek re-election. Deputy Mayor Helen Craig and Charlie Anderson are also standing aside, after 12 years in the council chambers. Duncan said she was pleased to end her service on a high note. "The average 2.2 percent rate increase [for 2025/2026] is a testament to how hard staff and councillors have worked over the past few years to drive up efficiency and reduce cost. "We've done it sustainably. You don't get to 2.2 percent without an outstanding chief executive and staff, and a mayor and councillors working hard to make it possible." Some high points of her council career included how it handled the 2015 flood, port redevelopment, and the North Mole and Rangiora Street projects. Reinstating the 'h' in Whanganui and stopping the food scraps collection were also highlights. She was proud that councillors had consistently refused catered lunches, new furniture and a heat-control system in the chamber. "It's either too hot or too cold. We really are here for our community and not the benefits." Duncan said she would have liked to see further action on housing before stepping aside and she put in a plug for Māori wards. "I'm sorry I'll miss the new Māori ward councillors. Please vote 'yes' to retaining them in the coming referendum. "You'll not regret it." Duncan said she would take some time out and a long trip to Scotland, after her council work. "Then we'll see what pops up. Something always does." LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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