Senior-Link co-ordinator Geraldine Tait was one submitter at an annual plan hearing yesterday and she was worried about shoppers getting around safely.
Ms Tait described the Kmart shopping experience as "kind of an addiction" and the new store, as well as the planned new library in South Dunedin, would contribute to a "wonderful cluster", she said.
However, a shopper might then remember they need cat food from Pak’nSave or something from The Warehouse — they could do with a convenient route to get there, she said.
Kmart is expected to open this winter at the former Smiths City site in Andersons Bay Rd.
The hearing began yesterday after the council confirmed it needed to reopen the submissions period until May 15 after an administrative "technical oversight".
The council had neglected to formally adopt a consultation document. It did so yesterday morning.
Issues explored yesterday included funding for performing arts, spending on Three Waters, heavy traffic in Mosgiel, development of cycle trails, flooding prevention on the Taieri Plain, and concern about escalating debt and rising rates.
Priority needed to be given to "must-haves over nice-to-haves", he said.
Reduce Rates Group spokesman Rob Soulsby said the rates rise proposed, existing debt and the debt trajectory were of huge concern.
"We’re concerned that if the council doesn’t get that under control, we could be headed for a significant financial disaster," he said.
Disabled Persons Assembly adviser Chris Ford said his group was opposed to a proposed 11% increase in community housing rents.
He argued for a lower rent rise.
Longtime Otago Peninsula resident Edna Stevenson said a road safety project there should be completed.
"You cannot deny the importance of safety," she said.
"It was promised."
The top priority should be a stretch from the Ōtākou bus stop to the old fisheries wharf, she said.
"That area is extremely dangerous."
Neville Peat said the project had been unfolding in a marvellous way so far, but glaring gaps needed to be filled.
The hearing continues today.
