Councillor off Albany St panel after ‘ill-judged outbursts'
A councillor who lashed out at businesses has been forced off a hearings panel deciding on a contentious central Dunedin cycleway.
Cr Jim O'Malley, who was due to chair today's panel considering the Albany St project, stood aside after property developer Greg Paterson said his "ill-judged outbursts" showed he was biased and not fit for the job.
Mr Paterson's objection came after Cr O'Malley last month hit back at concerns from property investor Jason La Hood about the Albany Street Connection project.
Cr O'Malley told the Otago Daily Times at the time he was so tired of accusations from those "same businessmen" he had considered quitting local politics.
Property owners and local businesses have previously raised concerns about improper consultation on the project.
Mr Paterson, who submitted on the project in addition to Mr La Hood, said it was important any future decisions regarding Albany St were made by a committee comprised of "fair-minded objective councillors".
"To that end, I would submit Jim O'Malley should recuse himself from not only chairing, but also being a member of the committee as it is clear from his many somewhat ill-judged comments/outbursts in the press as of late that he is no longer able to apply or display any objectivity in relation to the decision-making process."
There was a public perception that Cr O'Malley was "determined to 'ram home' the complete removal of all of the carparks" in the street, Mr Paterson said.
"It is vital for the ratepayers of Dunedin and for the future of the city that important decisions are seen to be made in a fair, considered and balanced manner to which due process has been properly followed and for that reason I believe Jim O'Malley must recuse himself from any further involvement in the decisions going forward as to the Albany Street Connection."
In a statement, Cr O'Malley said to avoid the potential for legal action he had decided to recuse himself.
He maintained had he stayed on the panel he would have remained objective.
"A committee member and especially the chair must leave any matters that are not related to the evidence presented at a hearing at the door.
"If I had remained to consider this item, I would have done that," Cr O'Malley said.
The Albany St project aims to provide a safe walking and cycling connection between the shared Te Aka Ōtākou harbour path, Dunedin's tertiary area and the CBD.
In late 2023, the hearings committee voted 2-1 to proceed with the then recommended proposal to remove 68 carparks in the area.
The council last month announced it had reintroduced nine carparks to the design, public consultation on suggested parking restrictions for the new carparks concluding last week.
A report released this week said the most common themes in the responses received included "disappointment that a new consultation was required, and that the cycleway had not progressed already".
A total of 53% of respondents were in support of four new five-minute carparks near the University of Otago's Central Library, and 57% favoured the five proposed opposite Hyde St.
A submission from the Otago University Students' Association (OUSA) said, while it supported the overall direction of the project, it was concerned aspects did not adequately reflect the lived experience of students and might "lead to increased costs, stress and displacement for those already struggling with housing, transport and living costs".
The nine reintroduced carparks would not meaningfully compensate for the loss of unrestricted or flexible-duration carparks in the street, it said.
Many students did not have access to off-street parking — often renting older flats lacking driveways or garages — lived in overcrowded housing and worked irregular hours to make ends meet.
Students depended on being able to park close to where they lived or studied.
"By removing or heavily restricting parking without offering an accessible, affordable alternative, the council risks making Albany St and its surrounds functionally unlivable for many students."
OUSA recommended the council retained at least the current number of unrestricted or all-day carparks in residential sections of Albany St and adjoining streets.
Submissions on the project, as well as on proposed Sunday paid parking changes, will be heard at a meeting today.
tim.scott@odt.co.nz
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