Opposing the Lansdowne makeover Mr Caffell, who lives in the area and spoke at length on the project, said he did so because council was spending nearly $400,000 without involving Masterton in discussions.
Many people had contacted him with this concern and "I have to say that I empathise with their criticism of the community engagement process".
Mr Caffell said there had been flyers distributed to Lansdowne people and a fete at Burling Park at which people were asked to give their opinion.
"But I believe when you are spending such a vast amount of money, all of Masterton should be involved.
"You're looking at $387,000 and that's a big project all of Masterton is paying for."
He said there was still time to consult the wider community.
"If we don't do that then we'll end up with another Pou Project where we will be accused of not doing the communication thing well and there will be a hell of a backlash when things don't work" Mr Caffell said.
He had "the greatest respect" for Lansdowne shopkeepers. "They're marvellous people, the friendliest group in town. And I know that they themselves are surprised that we're spending this much money when all we were looking for was a bit of titivation.
"A grass area and a few seats certainly won't bring people to the dairy, the tattoo shop, the dog groomers - unless you want somewhere to empty the dog on the grass, the Mortgage Brokers, the Cheese Shop, the Hairdresser or the Forestry Brokers. I mean they're not going to gain anything from this.
"Lansdowne Village attracts very little foot traffic, putting in a few seats won't encourage anything different in that regard. When you think about it, it's only a few hundred metres from our CBD."
Brent Goodwin said the money being spent equalled 1.5 per cent of the rate take.
He is aware $400,000 had been spent on the Kuripuni makeover but the business owners had bought in.
"I am not aware of Lansdowne tenants or landlords buying in," he said.
Councillor Doug Bracewell said First St needed a facelift and a good process had resulted in people being fully consulted.
He was supported by councillor Jonathan Hooker who, while agreeing there hadn't yet been much " buy-in" from the business owners he hoped once the project was finished there would be a lift in business.
"I believe there has been extensive consultation. I don't think somebody in south Masterton should dictate what happens in Lansdowne."
In answer to a question from Mr Hooker, the council's community facilities manager Andrea Jackson confirmed the revised plan would see the loss of some carparks, maybe seven.
"The reason being that we are taking the opportunity to narrow that street to reduce speeding, so there is a reduction in car parking space."
Councillor Mark Harris said there were times when "we just have to go on and get things done".
Repeated delays could result in the ultimate cost to ratepayers rising.
"I'm sure there's been a lot of debate and discussion and toing and froing. But if we continue to wait this is going to cost the ratepayer more and you've got to think about staff time, staff energy, motivation. If the ratepayers are happy to pay more money then let's put it off, but I think I'm hearing that ratepayers want to see us getting on and getting things done," he said.
Masterton mayor Lyn Patterson said "If we sit and do nothing then that's what will happen, nothing. I've been on council eight years and I think there has been more consultation on this than anything I have seen in my time on council."
