Inner-city plan welcomed

Press, 6 September 1989, Page 9

Inner-city plan welcomed

By

KAY FORRESTER

People before traffic was the feeling of the Inner-City Operation Neighbourhood residents’ group about the Christchurch City Council’s draft inner-city neighbourhood improvement plan.

A member of LC.O.N.’s core group, Ms Di Lucas, said the group welcomed the plan as a starting point. The area was a significant one for residents and tourists, she

said. “But we want further goals to be taken into account than traffic and parking. We want the historical, architectural, cultural and residential significance of the area recognised also.”

At a meeting last evening 1.C.0.N. adopted the plan as the base for discussion for a more comprehensive plan. Ms Lucas, who is a candidate in October’s local body elections, said

the plan ignored the social context of the inner-city.

It did not recognise the need to improve environmental health in the city. Greater priority had to be given to cycle and foot traffic.

Ms Lucas said the planners had to unearth the meaning and character of the area.

Residential properties and arts complexes were essential components of the 1.C.0.N. area, she said.