BMRA

CYCLING in the VALLEY

7.30pm Thursday 21 September 2016

BMRA Hall, Avian Cres

The Blue Mountains – Whitemans Valley – Mangaroa roads are a very popular route with competition and recreational cyclists.

Following up from last year’s meeting we will review progress and discuss the changes over the past six months.

Before the meeting we ask you to take 10 minutes to go to the survey and complete the survey on roads, road users and cycling in the valley.

Subscription is just $10 per year.  Please pay it now by:

• Internet banking to Blue Mountains Resident’s Association – a/c 02-0772-0243176-000 AND email your details to bmra@outlook.com because the bank statements don’t tell who has paid.
• OR put cash or cheque in an envelope, address to BMRA – 1038 Blue Mountains Road and put it in your mailbox.  Bruce our Rural Delivery operator will deliver it for free.

After 10 years of great coffees the Short Straw has closed for family reasons.

Formed in 1956, the Blue Mountains Residents’ Association is your local voice in the Upper Hutt community.

The BMRA covers the area from the summit of Blue Mountains Road to Russells Road and all roads off that route.

The Play Centre in Avian Cres has been closed for 2 years and I’m sure you want to know what’s happening.

The BMRA recognise that the building could be a valuable community asset and we are concluding negotiations with the Play Centre Assn to buy th ebuilding and with the UHCC to lease the land.  We hope that a more modern, comfortable building will be used by the Blue Mountain Community.

BUT WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Are you the member of a group that needs somewhere to meet?  Do you want space to teach?  Or an afternoon play group for the kids?

Please tell us if you have a use for the rooms or a suggestion for use.  Contact the BRMA through our contact page, email (bmra@outlook.com) or comment on our Facebook Page.

I’m no expert buy my reading of the documents show:

• The proposed rates increase of 4.39% is less than budget.  The Council is proposing to add two new projects to fill the gaps – a recycling drop off point and a bridleway in Mangaroa and Whitemans Valleys
• The Guildford land swap.  This will give the Council more reserve land above Pinehaven for walking and mountain bike tracks.
• In exchange the Guildford Timber Co plan to build a road from Kiln St to the end of Avro Rd and down to Johnsons Rd. Over time houses would be build above Pinehaven, at the end of Avro Rd and down the hill behind Avian Road overlooking Johnsons Rd.

Is this what you want for Blue Mountains?  Have your say.  Submissions close on Thursday 28 April 5.00pm on Thursday 19 May 2016.

– Grant Boston, Chairman, BMRA

20/4/16

The UHCC has resolved to extend the submission period for the draft Land Use Strategy by 3 weeks to allow time for additional public comment.

The Strategy and other supporting documents can be viewed on the Council’s website: www.consultation.upperhuttcity.com
Documents are also available in hard copy at the Council offices, our libraries and at the iSite at Expressions.  Comments can be made in writing, by using the online feedback form, or doing the Survey Monkey survey.  Access to both methods can be found at the above website address.  
Extension of the submission period means you can now comment on the draft Land Use Strategy until 5.00pm on Thursday 19 May 2016.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact the Planning Policy Team on 04 527 2169 or email planning@uhcc.govt.nz.

– Richard Harbord, UHCC