'Weaponising rates': Debate over plans to spur on vacant Christchurch landowner
From reporter Steven Walton:
Is it an illegal policy, or the perfect deterrent to land-bankers?
That was the clash of perspectives in the Christchurch City Council chamber on Wednesday, as developers and residents presented to councillors about its controversial proposal to significantly hike the rates of vacant central city land.
Prominent developers, including Richard Peebles, Philip Carter, Dean Marshall, and Ernest Duval, told city councillors on Wednesday they were going after the vacant land problem the wrong way. Carter claimed the proposal was illegal.
But, a central city neighbourhood association says the plan will stop land-bankers.
What is the proposal?
- From mid-2022, the council wants to more than double the differential on the “general” component of the rates bill for central city vacant landowners.
- If a site has consented use happening on it, for example a consented temporary car park, it would not be pinged.
- Only sites in the Central City Business Zone or the Central City Mixed Use (South Frame) Zone are part of the proposed hike.
- Sites that are “improved and maintained” in line with the council’s vacant sites improvement guide could apply for a rates remission. - Whether a site is complying will be decided by the council.
Read more here.
Poll: Pedestrian access is being extended to the Ōtakaro Avon River - good idea?
Pedestrian access from one of Christchurch’s favourite streets is being extended all the way to the Ōtakaro Avon River. This new 12m-wide pathway will give you a direct, easy route from the street to the river promenade ... perfect for a stroll, a coffee run, or just soaking up the riverside vibes.
We want to know: In your view, what makes a city people-friendly?
What else should our urban areas be doing to support better community connections?
Curious about the full plans? You can check them out here.
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91.4% Yes
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8.6% No
Boxing Day Mega Bed Sale is now on!
Hey neighbors,
Our Boxing Day Mega Sale has officially started and the savings are some of the biggest you’ll see all year. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to upgrade your bed or mattress, this is your chance. The deals have already started moving quickly across our 31 stores.
Boxing Day Highlights:
• Up to 65% OFF selected NZ-made beds
• TEMPUR sets with special Boxing Day pricing
• Sealy Posturepedic mattress-only deals
• Free Delivery
• Free Premium Pillows and Free Size Upgrades on select beds
• Daily Knockout Deals
Customers have already started securing their favourites and several models are moving faster than expected.
Once these Boxing Day offers end, they will not return.
Find your nearest Beds4U store: beds4u.co.nz...
Browse all Boxing Day deals: beds4u.co.nz...
Don’t wait, Neighbours. Stocks won’t last long.
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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72.2% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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16.7% Hmm, maybe?
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11.1% Yes!
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