Waikato Council GM Service Delivery Tim Harty wanted topsoil added to low areas in the Cliff St esplanade reserve to reduce muddy patches. Instead a compacted gravel loop road has been built.
When we asked Mr Harty about the project he said, “The maintenance work currently being undertaken today and tomorrow includes adding top soil to low areas to reduce muddy patches, redirection of the storm water outlet and piping to prevent pooling, and the installation of a 70 metre barrier to keep pedestrians away from the edge of the banks to reduce erosion. The work is general maintenance for the area and as such is covered by the repairs and maintenance budget.”
Given the rumpus caused when Council tried to tidy up that area a few years ago, Raglan 23 asked the Council:
- Have the current improvement plans been seen and approved by RCB or by Cr Baddeley?
- What is the cost of the project?
- Please supply a copy of the plan?
- What features will be included?
So the GM’s response above answers the final point. No response received to the first 3 questions.
A few years ago the Waikato Council started a similar project of forming a roadway in this reserve without any consultation with local residents or elected representatives. That caused so much of a rumpus that the Community Board instructed the Council to stop the work, move the cobblestones away, pull out the bollards and return the reserve to its prior grassed condition.