Issues across the peninsula roading network, and community concerns about specific problem spots, were once again top of mind for Otago Peninsula Community Board at its meeting in Portobello last week.
Board member Cheryl Neill opened the meeting with a reflection on her upcoming challenge to walk the Camino de Santiago trail, highlighting the importance of persistence in many of life’s endeavours, and received best wishes from her colleagues.
A submission from a resident at The Cove — the section of Portobello Rd below Waverley — complete with video footage, raised the issue of a "poorly planned and highly dangerous bus stop crossing" in the area.
Attempting to cross required dealing with traffic travelling at 70kmh and traversing blind corners in both directions, which raised fears of injury or fatality — particularly children.
A discussion ensued, and board member Lox Kellas suggested trees blocking visibility could be removed.
Later in the meeting, Mr Kellas and board chairman Paul Pope highlighted concerns that had been raised by the community about various roads across the peninsula, including Cape Saunders and Allans Beach Rds, as well as Broad Bay and Company Bay.
With the end of the financial year tomorrow, the Otago Peninsula Community Board put its mind to ensuring the distribution of about $2300 of residual funds in its project fund.
At the public forum, Macandrew Bay Newsletter representatives Linda Seddon and Lynne Dowson spoke to their funding application for $500 towards the $660 cost of printing the newsletter.
Board members praised the publication for its effectiveness in sharing local information, and provided an increased grant of $660 on the spot.
A retrospective payment of $300 for Taylor McLean to attend a secondary school football tournament late last year was also granted.
After discussion, the board also granted a request for $750 from Ecotago towards its Healthy Harbour work, with the request that the group attend a future board meeting with a presentation on its ongoing work at Otago Harbour and Tomahawk Lagoon.
This left $528.28 in the fund, which board members unanimously agreed to grant to the Portobello Volunteer Fire Brigade for equipment.
