As a comparative newcomer to Tauranga, could someone please explain just why the Tauranga South Business Development Group and the Greerton Village Community Association are deaf to the needs and wants of the residents and ratepayers of the area, with regard to the Greerton Hall.
When the new Library and Community Centre was first mooted, it was supported by several groups that use the Greerton Hall regularly, because we were told that we would have the same, or larger, space. As plans progressed we found this was incorrect. Now we are being insulted because we are fighting to keep a very useable asset.
As one of the 'Little Old Ladies” that helped Bev and George Windeatt collect over 3,000 signatures on their petition, (and I am not one of the 120 dancers) I heard the responses of many who signed that petition when they were told of the plan to demolish the Hal. 'They can't do that! The Hall is our icon!” was the response of a lot of the residents, who were completely unaware of what was planned.
I, personally, do not use the Library, and feel that if it needs more space, it should be extended, but I do wonder just why Bethlehem and Welcome Bay areas don't have their own library. Both have Community Halls, which are not up to the standard of the Greerton Hall, so why is Greerton getting so much attention? I also understand that Memorial Hall is older than Greerton Hall and therefore wonder at Council's reasoning that it is worth updating (using money from indoor bowlers), but Greerton Hall is too old to up-keep for the use of some of those same people.
Iris Stevens, Gate Pa.