In recent times our City planners supported a 'Smart Growth Strategy” for the future development of Tauranga City. This included a model for medium to high density housing in Arataki and Greerton. It was called 'Smart Living Places”.
The riots in London and other English cities appeared to involve large numbers of youth. Why did they seem to be so angry, disenchanted?
A three- year research study by Dr. Bronwyn Haywood of Canterbury University showed this kind of youth behaviour in London has three main root causes. One major cause is the overcrowded living conditions experienced by these young people as they grow and develop. So why would we ever contemplate going down this same path in Tauranga City?
For well over a decade we have known about the shortcomings of London's housing estates.
Tauranga City Council has now modified the approach to a 'Sensible Growth Management” or 'Staged Intensification” plan.
Would we ever want such city planning ideas in Tauranga City? Doesn't seem at all 'Smart” or 'Sensible” to me.
Barry Bean, Mount Maunganui.
2 comments
T Swanson
Posted on 19-08-2011 18:45 | By T Swanson
I read your letter with interest and decided to dig a little deeper with the numbers. The population density of Greater London is 4,761 per km2. Tauranga is currently 680. In order to achieve the same average density as London we would need to see a 700% increase in Tauranga's population! Although I agree that Smart Growth probably isn't sensible I really don't think we need to panic about rioting due to population density in at least the next 100 years.
$8 million later
Posted on 22-08-2011 03:19 | By PLONKER
There is no "SMARTS" around the place and all the builders and developers have long since gone .... just more "jobs for the boys" on the ratepayer payroll again.
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to make a comment.