Public input sought for Albany Village's new parking proposals

September 20, 2006

Albany Village businesses and visitors have until Friday October 6 to have a say on proposals providing more short-term parking for visitors and shoppers.

In consultation with key landowners and the Albany Community Board, the council has drafted new parking proposals for Albany Village's shopping area.

North Shore City's transport planning manager Graeme Read says Albany Village businesses have been suffering because of a lack of accessible car parking for customers.

"There are more than 200 car parks within Albany Village, however, just 30 of these are available to visitors for short-term parking of two hours or less. That's 90 parking spaces short of what the council and the business association believe is an ideal number to support or serve businesses in the village," says Mr Read.

Discussions have been held with property owners, who have agreed for more than 60 of their parking spaces to be added to the overall pool of publicly available parking in the area. In addition, it is proposed that time restrictions on existing parking spaces be altered or introduced to provide more short-term spaces for shoppers and visitors.

Under the new scheme 120 short-term parking spaces close to shops and businesses will then be available - more than doubling the number of motorists who will be able to visit the village's shops, businesses, library and restaurants.

Proposed changes would impact on current parking arrangements for some workers in the village. The council in conjunction with the business association would allocate and monitor a limited number of parking permits for Albany Village businesses, with a need for other workers to use all-day parking a short walk away.

Consultation brochures with an attached feedback form are available from Albany Village library, or from North Shore City's Actionline, ph 486 8600. Alternatively, visit www.northshorecity.govt.nz and click on Have Your Say in the left-hand menu.

ENDS

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