Board supports Mainstreet plans

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 502, 7 September 1993, Page 3

Board supports Mainstreet plans

Plans to upgrade the commercial centres of Raetihi and Ohakune for the benefit of locals and visitors have the support of the Waimarino Community Board. A group called Mainstreet spoke to the board at their meeting last Thursday, calling for endorsement of their ideas from the board so that they could apply for funding from the Community Employment Development Unit. Group representative Robert Home spoke to the board, outlining some of the Mainstreet plans. Mr Home said some business people were initially wary of the group' s ideas, believing it to be a copy of the Wanganui project which led to the redevelopment of the main shopping area, with 'palm trees and cobblestones*. He said they were also concerned that they would have to pay for such a scheme. "But what we have in mind is to improve what we've already got - we

don't want to rebuild the whole town." He said they had worked to identify problems in the towns, such as inadequate signs. The towns needed relaxing areas which would encourage people to stay awhile rather than quickly pass through. Clean toilets were very important, as was beautification planting. "We need council input and consultation and we need the assistance of council officers to make our new application successful." "We have to apply for funding for specific projects with budgets set out." He said the group would also like the use of council buildings for business seminars and the like. Board member John Compton started the ball rolling in support of the group, saying they should be working on submissions to the Council's annual plan on such items as

footpaths and tree planting. From further discussion the board resolved that council, as a matter of policy, should consult with such groups as Mainstreet, on projects it had in mind for the business districts.