However, Cr Christine Garey’s proposal to restart the Albany Street Connection Project, which included installing a cycleway and the removal of dozens of carparks near the University of Otago, has found some support.
Mayor Jules Radich’s casting vote was required last month to break a 7-7 deadlock and reject the parking changes needed for the project.
At next week’s meeting, elected representatives will consider Cr Garey’s motion, signed by a further four councillors, to revoke that decision and approve the proposed changes.
Leith St Liquor owner and project opponent Chris Hart said he thought the democratic process had been followed and it was "odd" councillors took issue with the process when it "doesn’t suit them".
Cr Garey’s notice of motion was supported by Crs Marie Laufiso, Steve Walker, David Benson-Pope and Mandy Mayhem.
"Being election year, there’s a fair bit of grandstanding, and I just wonder whether it’s politically motivated or whether they’re actually working for the ratepayer," Mr Hart said.
The project aimed to provide a safe walking and cycling connection between the shared Te Aka Ōtākau harbour path, Dunedin’s tertiary area and the CBD and was timed to align with the resealing of Albany St.
A proposed 48 carparks would need to be removed for the project.
Businessman Jason La Hood, who opposed the project, said revisiting it was a "clear indication that certain councillors never had the community’s best interests at heart".
"It is a sad day for democracy in our city when elected officials show such blatant disregard for the voices of the community."
Mr La Hood previously called for Cr Jim O’Malley to recuse himself from decision-making on Albany St — which Cr O’Malley did following legal advice — after the councillor publicly criticised businessmen who opposed the loss of carparks.
"The only way this notice of motion can get any traction is if that same councillor decided to participate in the upcoming vote, despite the council’s own legal advice cautioning that his involvement leaves the council exposed to a judicial review — potentially costing ratepayers dearly in legal fees," Mr La Hood said.
He said the councillors involved in the motion would "face the consequences of their actions" at next month’s local body election.
Cr O’Malley was unable to be reached for comment and Cr Garey declined to comment.
Otago University Students’ Association administrative vice-president Amy Martin said the organisation was disappointed when the project was cancelled and it welcomed "re-examination" of the plan.
Its top priority was a pedestrian crossing for Albany St and it was also concerned about the removal of carparks "specifically for both short-term student parking and disability access to campus".
University of Otago acting chief operating officer Jared Hayes said the institution supported Cr Garey’s motion.
"We are in broad support of the proposals in Albany St, specifically the safety enhances to the street which would be a benefit to our students, staff, visitors and the wider public."
Cycling advocacy group Spokes spokeswoman Heike Cebulla-Elder said the organisation also supported the motion and was pleased it included direction for council staff to prioritise and report on adding up to 30 carparks in nearby streets to offset parking loss.
The Otago Daily Times asked the mayor and all councillors what they made of the motion and if they would change their vote — most remained tight-lipped.
Cr Andrew Whiley said the proposal would make for an interesting meeting, the last ordinary session of the term.
Cr Lee Vandervis said cycleways were underused and students supported an "inexpensive Albany St pedestrian crossing", while Cr Carmen Houlahan said she opposed removing carparks for cycleways and Cr Cherry Lucas said she would not change her vote.
Cr Mayhem declined to comment.
Mr Radich and Crs Bill Acklin, Sophie Barker, Benson-Pope, Kevin Gilbert, Laufiso, Walker and Brent Weatherall did not respond.
