Signs By-Law Proponent does U Turn

Facing a barrage of opposing public opinion one of the architects of the Auckland City Council’s proposed signage by-law, Action Hobson Councillor Christine Caughey has now suggested the proposal be dropped. She is supported by her Action Hobson running mate Richard Simpson. Councillor Caughey sat on the working party, chaired by Glenda Fryer, that drafted the law change. The proposed by-law change was then endorsed by the centre –left council and mayor by a majority of 14 votes to five.

Citizens and Ratepayers Now Team leader on Council, Scott Milne said
“ I am amazed at yet another u turn. The changes suggested in the proposed by-law were unworkable, anti-business and ill conceived. They smacked of a zealotry that took no account of a substantial service industry and sort to impose draconian restrictions under the banner of better urban design. I am furious that tens of thousands of ratepayer dollars have been wasted on the draft. Action Hobson Councillors have realised they are on a hiding to nothing and now want to cuddle up to the industry they sought to decimate. Action Hobson is suggesting the proposed changes simply be dropped but that is political naivety and undermines council processes. A change to the by-law is necessary and we need to hear people’s submissions on what is appropriate. Added to this is the fact the proposed by-law change also makes major changes, not just to billboards, but to nearly every business and community sign in the city.”

“Unfortunately this is the second piece of hasty and shoddy law change advanced by Councillor Caughey. It follows the highly controversial Hauraki Gulf Islands District Plan review which has attracted some 4,000 submissions and will result in seventy days of hearings before commissioners. Toss in the suggestion to sequester up to three hectares of precious Auckland Domain land for a rugby stadium and one must wonder what’s next.”

Ends

© Scoop Media