CBD development submissions made | Otago Daily Times Online News – Medical Marijuana Program Connection

Invercargill’s democracy is getting a decent leg-stretch as the fate of a major CBD block has received over 150 public submissions.

Following the redevelopment of Esk and Don Sts the city’s silhouette continues its steady transformation and the council has been considering options for the future of Esk St West/Wachner Pl.

The council opened a public consultation on these options, as well as the draft CCTV policy, between September 14 and October 14.

There were 172 submissions received within the consultation period.

Of the submissions, councillors will hear 17 in person at a hearing tomorrow.

Two options related to the refinancing of city block presented for public consultation were a $10 million share purchase and $8.55m increase in loan, or a $20m share purchase and no increase in loan.

There were three options presented for public consultation related to the overall upgrade: option one: a one-way for tour buses through Wachner Pl; option two: a “people first” Esk connection to the city centre with bus access from Leven St; and option three: a “hybrid public realm” with tour bus access to rear of the planned Distinction Hotel.

While only 111 submissions indicated a preferance for the refinancing of the block, every submission took a stance on the redevelopment.

Twenty-three respondents preferred option one, which was the council’s preferred option, although the report noted that of these, four included submissions which seemed to indicate they did not in…