Parking restrictions, quarry dust and a much-needed footpath are some of the big issues on the the Hornby-Halwsell-Riccarton Community Board's plate this year.
“There’s a hell of a lot of new development happening in the Halswell area that we’ve got to keep an eye on,” Mora said.
The board wanted to head off future problems by discussing new developments with planners before they were built.
“One of the issues that we’re dealing with regularly is that the roads in new developments are too narrow, then we need to put in parking restrictions.”
People who thought they were buying a property with on-road parking only to find restrictions being imposed were “brassed off”, he said.
Narrow roads could also pose a problem for buses, emergency service vehicles and rubbish trucks.
“We want to be a bit more proactive with developments so we can figure these issues out.”
Dust issues caused by quarrying in the Hornby area would also be a priority this year, he said.
“We would like to see a bigger setback so that quarries can’t come and quarry within a kilometre of a residential or a commercial area.”
Installing a footpath along Main South Rd near the Countdown supermarket in Hornby was also a goal.
“There’s no footpath, and people are walking down there. If you don’t walk down there, you’ve got to cross the road and cross back again.
“We’re pushing hard for that as well.”
The board also wanted to continue to support community organisations within its area, he said.
Asked if he had a message for the community, he said he was grateful for their patience during Covid 19 times.
“I’d like to thank everybody for the efforts that they’re putting in, and hope that it continues.”
Board meetings will resume in February.
Solving traffic issues, promoting community safety and celebrating different cultures will be among the priorities for the Fendalton-Waimairi-Harewood Community Board this year.
Board chairwoman Bridget Williams said the board aims to improve traffic flow with the installation of right-turning arrows in three locations.
These are Maidstone Rd and Waimairi Rd intersection, the Northwood Boulevard and Main North Rd intersection, and the Wairakei Rd and Grahams Rd intersection.
“There’s a lot of those right turns and you’re getting cars in the middle of the road, waiting and waiting and waiting,” Williams said.
“[You’re] not letting traffic go through if you don’t give that right turn.”
The construction of a shared footpath along Gardiners Rd was also something the board would push for.
“It’s a long stretch of road, there’s a lot of residential housing and that sort of thing. There’s demand for providing a safe walkway, for both cyclists and walkers.”
Last year the board kick-started Avonhead and Russley Community Safety Initiative in collaboration with the Christchurch North Community Patrol, police, Neighbourhood Support Canterbury and Ilam MP Sarah Pallett.
It carried out a survey to identify safety concerns of people who lived in the area, which Williams said would be followed up this year.
“We’ll see how we could put together some kind of community meeting or workshop to help residents and neighbourhoods look after themselves.”
The board was now looking at expanding the safety initiative to Bishopdale and Strowan, although no date had been set for this.
Improving community facilitates such as the public toilets at Bishopdale Mall would be another focus.
Board priorities this year were a balance of core services and social and environmental components, she said.
This included Culture Galore, set to be held with board support in Ilam’s Ray Blank Park on February 19.
“Organisations of the community from all different ethnicities come together and it’s a big celebration of culture.”
It was likely to be another year of uncertainty owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The board would love to thank everyone, especially community groups and active citizens, for getting involved in their community during these difficult times."
