Kingsland business fears carpark loss

A carparking battle in the popular inner-city suburb of Kingsland comes to a head today between small business owners trying to protect their "lifeblood" and moves by Auckland City Council planners to reduce parking for a $500,000 civic plaza.

Lloyd May has been fixing motorcycles in Kingsland for 32 years and says taking carparks for a pedestrian plaza is "foolish" and goes against what businesses have been telling the council for years: "The parking situation is desperate."

Mr May and other businesses are fighting plans to turn a cul-de-sac used for parking outside the new Kingsland railway station into a pedestrian plaza, install a pedestrian crossing on New North Rd and move a bus stop and taxi stands.

Using a tape measure, Mr May and a friend estimated that closing the cul-de-sac and installing a pedestrian crossing would result in the loss of 22 of the 65 or so carparks. The council estimates the loss at 12.

"At a public meeting five years ago we said then: 'Don't take away kerbside parking, it's the lifeblood of strip shopping'," Mr May said.

The matter goes to the transport committee today. Eden-Albert Community Board chairwoman Lindsey Rea, who witnessed the matter "boil over" at a meeting attended by 22 Kingsland business owners last month, wants further consultation.

This view is shared by former council planner Barry Kaye, who has been in business in Kingsland since 1991. He said Kingsland's growing cafe and restaurant scene and commuters taking advantage of proximity to the railway station and bus stops were increasing pressure on parking in New North Rd and residential streets.

Another concern was non-notified consent to a new tavern for up to 180 people in the middle of the Kingsland shops with just four on-site carparks.

The tavern was providing a further 29 carparks a short distance away but Mr Kaye doubted these would "ever be used in association with the pub".

Despite local concerns and a petition signed by 20 businesspeople, senior planners, including planning director Dr Jill McPherson, have recommended an immediate start.

"The works are all approved, the tenders for the plaza have closed on March 14, 2005, and council officers are ready to start," the planners said in their report.

"This project will improve the visual appearance and amenity of Kingsland shopping centre by creating an open space area with lighting, seating, paving and planting."