City Vision Media Release, 3 October 3007

John Banks Sanctions Rates Hike?

John Banks played to the gallery at last night’s St Mary’s Bay Mayoral Forum when he promised a five-storey limit on buildings at the 35ha waterfront Tank Farm development.  He promoted himself as the urban design champion but only revealed himself as the high rates candidate.

 City Vision/Labour Spokesperson Cr Richard Northey explained  “The provisional design will go for public consultation but voters need to know that the final mix of apartments, parks and public facilities may involve major additional costs as well as social and environmental issues.

 “Limiting the proposed height of all apartment buildings in the Tank Farm Development to 5 storeys would mean losing another $300 million in development contributions and rates from building owners.   The result would be that ratepayers would need to stump up with a total of about $4500 each. 

 “Ratepayers of Avondale and Otahuhu should ask Banks and his C&R cronies why they are proposing to can the building of their much-needed community swimming  pools, total cost about $20million.    The pools are a relatively low cost resource and will be of enormous benefit to communities that have been under resourced for many years.  A City Vision/Labour Council will put suburban community facilities first in the queue.”

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