Published as Issue No. 119
January 27, 2015
Here’s to 2015: Greetings and best wishes, the plan this year is to again produce this newsletter every two weeks, with special issues if required. It’s sometimes surprising in a community of about 600 households there is always several items for each issue, and even more with this issue, something of a backlog. All contributions are welcome. Norman
Development concern: You may have heard about the proposal to build 13 houses at 215 Houghton Bay Road (opposite the bus stop beside Cave Rd). Late last November the Wellington City Council approved this non-notified application which means that the neighbourhood has had no part in this resource consent process. Friends of Houghton Valley Inc. has been established to oppose the size and reduce the impact of this development. [No membership appeal flyer]
Lifting the creek: Towards the end of last year, a concept plan developed by an engineering consultancy was put forward to lift the creek. In the next 6 months the council and the community will continue to work together to get the project inserted into the Long Term Plan. If that is successful, the council then is bound to fund the project for up to 10 years.
Looking great: The footpath entrance to the Community Hall of has been given a dramatic lift, thanks to a mural designed and painted by Jessica of Houghton Bay Rd. Dave has since got creative with an upgrade/paint to the gate and plans are under way to replace the noticeboard.
Houghton Valley Progressive Association: Walk down the path to the hall past Jess’s stunning mural of the valley at 4 pm on Sunday February 1 and YOU can be at the first meeting of the year for the Progressive Association! Time will be 4 pm. An agenda will go out to all interested people. Ken
Arts programme: Beginning 15 February, with some funding support from the Council, a series of art events to bring neighbours and newbies together will kick off with a sketch crawl along some of the valley’s most scenic tracks. A craft day and exhibition also feature. All ages welcome, all events free. For the full programme look out for the poster and in your letterbox next week.
Proposed runway extension: Over the last two months Guardians of the Bays, a broad coalition opposed to the extension of the airport runway 300m to the south into Lyall Bay has been gearing up. If you wish to know more, in the first instance contact Jackie and Richard Randerson
Kenny from Boston: Twenty five locals came together to hear about the work done by Kenny Bailey from Boston. See our video clip of the talk. Kenny runs an NGO called “Design Studio for Social Intervention” which engages in interesting socially based projects. You can check one of their projects – Public Kitchen:
Community ice cream: Many children of all ages enjoyed the week that the View Rd Ice Cream stall was open. Every night saw a roaring trade, run by volunteer local children. Let’s hope this happens again, no pressure Brian! [No photos]