Houghton Valley Email Newsletter
28 July, 2011
Welcome to new members, there are now 103 people on the list (a special welcome to ‘our’ community policeman, Dean).
Civil Defence Meeting: 30 people turned up to listen to Mark and Jo (from Houghton Bay Rd). Their knowledge about the range and impact of emergencies that could affect us was very informative. The next step is to develop a community response plan specific to Houghton Bay (which will be sent out in a newsletter).
More photos have been posted on our Facebook Page.
Jenny from Houghton bay Rd was selling the emergency torch/radio/cell phone charger/sirens for sale for $40.00. If anyone wants one, contact her.
Houghton Bay intersection upgrade: below is a message from Norman of View Rd:
“Following Grant’s email late last week there has been a flurry of responses and phone calls about how to respond to Council plans to make changes to the Houghton Bay intersection. Because time is short I took the initiative to write to the Council on Sunday night – see below. I see this as a once in a decade opportunity to make a real improvement and am willing to put some time into co-coordinating the local response. If you are interested in getting involved please contact me.”
To: Stuart Bullen ,Team Leader Traffic Transport Group Infrastructure Wellington City Council.
Dear Stuart,
I am writing to you on behalf of residents in the Houghton Bay area about proposed changes to the intersection of Houghton Bay Rd and The Esplanade. We are delighted at this council initiative, the safety of users of this intersection is something discussed in some detail recently via the email newsletter circulated to 100-plus people in the area. This communication is intended as a first response to your request for feedback:
- We wish to provide input to the re-design of the intersection as ‘people affected’, i.e. local residents who drive, park, walk, cycle, surf/swim/picnic and regularly pass through this intersection for recreation on the south coast and as a route to other destinations such as travelling to work and shopping in Island Bay and Kilbirnie:
- There will be a number of people who wish to have their views heard and who have insights into the issues and solutions based on experience from living the areas for many years;
- While we do not wish to hold up the work – hopefully it can be completed by summer – there is insufficient time between now and July 29 for a community consultation process and our considered response;
- We are not traffic engineers but a number of people have raised questions with aspects of the proposal. Example of this are how they meet the needs of cyclists and also parking issues when ‘surf is up’.
There are a numbers of ways for consultation to take place; ideas that have been mooted include first meeting with you on location to better understand the Council’s plans.
I look forward to hearing from you,
Norman
Planting natives: This Sunday with the Friends of Buckley Rd. Meet at Sinclair Park playing fields, 10.30-12.30. Then coffee afterwards! See you there, Ian and Kate.
Community Garden: every Sunday 2 – 4 pm. The garden is situated just north of the school.
Houghton Valley Progressive Association AGM: This Sunday at 4 pm in the Community Hall. The Association was formed in 1926 by locals to help the community (At that time it was called Haughton Valley). It has a rich and colourful history. For instance, the hall was nearly pulled down in the 90s, but saved at the last minute by locals. Many decisions made by the Association still resonate today.
Planting natives: At Te Raekaihau Point Sunday 7 August, 9.30 am. Meet at the Point car park. See you there, Sunita of Te Raekaihau Coast Care.
Community Garden first Anniversary, Sunday, 7 August: Celebrate with the gardeners at 3 pm in the garden.
Dave from Houghton Bay Rd: Dave has made a video, titled The Ego and Consumer Powerswitch and you can watch it here.
Keep warm, Grant