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This news is a bit late. Some of you may be aware that the house we bought a year ago has had a somewhat darkish cloud hanging over it since August 2009 when it was announced by the Transport Minister that a proposed expressway would go through Paraparaumu. From the proposed plans, the two options proposed would go through three new subdivisions which would see about 400 newly built homes (including ours) knocked down.

I am pleased to say that on 15 December 2009 a third option was chosen. It’s the only sensible route along the already designated Western Link Road path which had already been ear marked as a two lane road and land set aside by Council. However, because it will be widened from two lanes to four lanes there are still properties that will be affected.

You can check out The Third Option site for all the details. This site was setup by Dr Kath Knight on behalf of the Waterstone residents and others in the path of the oiginal proposal.

In December 2008, my wife and I bought our first house home in a lovely little sub-division in Kapiti called Waterstone. We have a playground for children and wetlands with two lakes which many ducks, geese and Pukeko call home. The residents of Kapiti and in particular Waterstone have recently found out that the Government wants to put a 4 lane expressway through our sub-division.

The two options proposed will either travel along the railway line and require the demolition of newly built houses in our sub-division or through Otaihanga towards Waikanae Beach which will require newly built houses in our sub-division to be demolished.

The residents are taking action. A site has been created called The Third Option where information, articles and views are being captured. Please visit the site and show your support. A community meeting has been called and is scheduled for Friday 4 September at 19:30 at the Memorial Hall on Tutanekai St. Please come along.

Articles (and comments):

• Coast road route ‘outrageous’

• Kapiti road plan greeted with dismay
• Fears for homes from Kapiti expressway plan
• ‘Lives at risk’ in Kapiti routes

Update – 27/8/09

• Waterstone residents meet – We had a residents meeting last night.

• Residents seek third road option – DomPost article about the residents meeting. An issue which I didn’t really consider before is what will happen to the people who are now going to open their front doors on to a 4 lane expressway?
• Apparently there’s an announcement about Transmission Gully on Friday (28/8/09).

Update – 1/9/09

• What does Labour MP Darren Hughes have to say on the issue? – I like what Darren Hughes is saying. At this rate he’s going to get my vote next election . . . if I’m still in the electorate.

• Waterstone residents meeting with Nathan Guy and NZTA – The reply from National’s Nathan Guy are appalling. I’m embarrassed to have voted National.
• Editorial: Get it right, Mr Joyce
• Council adviser axed over ‘conflict’
• Streets affected by proposed expressway – Images to be posted by 13:30 1/9/09. The maps are up.

Update – 3/9/09

• Community Meeting Agenda September 4th

Update – 8/9/09

• Read the report, Mayor urges