Transit Endangers More Buildings

Transit New Zealand is evicting yet another tenant from historic Cuba St building in the route of the proposed Inner City “Bypass” tonight.

Successful Wellington artist and long-term member of the Upper Cuba St community Mike Murray has been told to hand over his keys to 289 Cuba St by 5pm tonight.

Mr Murray has previously said he will resist eviction.

Campaign for a Better City (CBC) spokesperson Caro Henckels said Transit’s actions were extraordinary when the entire “bypass” proposal is under review by Government and subject to High Court action.

“Evicting Mike means another historic building being left to deteriorate and another pointless attack on the Te Aro community.” said Ms Henckels. She said Transit blames damage to heritage buildings on delays to the “bypass” when in fact the real culprit is Transit.

“Woeful neglect coupled with the eviction of tenants has put heritage buildings at real risk. Transit are simply putting one more building at risk by evicting someone with a real passion for the area and its buildings.”

Ms Henckels added that Transit is showing open contempt for the review of major projects announced in July and expected to be completed by Christmas. “If the review turns round and says the bypass is a bad idea, how will they explain these evictions – a responsible Government agency would take no action until the review is complete.”

“Transit’s attitude to communities and its tenants are every bit as outdated as the bypass proposal itself” concluded Ms Henckels.

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