Dumping the Waterview tunnel option a huge blow for the community

The people of Mt Albert have been dealt a huge blow today following National’s confirmation it has rejected the deep tunnel option for the Waterview connection, says Labour’s candidate for Mt Albert David Shearer.

“National’s decision to push ahead with a largely above-ground roading option rides roughshod over the concerns of Mt Albert people and will wreak havoc in large parts of the local community,” David Shearer says.

“Around 365 homes will be bulldozed to make way for the road. That’s hundreds of families who will be turfed out.

“This is about the wider community. It divides the community in two. Green spaces will disappear, which is devastating to the community, as will local businesses, and there will be traffic chaos on local roads while the road is being built.

“As everyone knows, the housing market is bad at the moment, meaning those forced out of their houses will not be able to maximise the sale price. And those houses that escape the wrecking ball will suffer a loss in value because of their proximity to a new motorway.

“National has bulldozed this option though without consulting with the local community and with its changes to the RMA, will squash a further avenue for the public to make their voices heard.

“One thing is for sure, if this motorway was going through Paratai Drive or through the middle of Remuera, National would have been much more interested in listening to the concerns of locals.”

ENDS

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