Speaking in a personal capacity on social media this week, Jarrod Hodson said the Dunedin City Council’s focus should be on infrastructure maintenance rather than a shared pathway trial along Queens Dr.
"Dear DCC, as much as you may mean well, the new Town Belt active area installed recently is, well, damn ugly," he wrote, accompanied by photos of planter boxes and street furniture.
Mr Hodson is also West Harbour Community Board chairman.
His comments found little support with councillors, and one said she had told him to reflect on his role as chairman.
Last month, the council voted 10-4 to close a 1.8km section of Queens Dr and Braid Rd for three months from Monday, while a shared pathway connecting Roslyn, Mornington and the City Rise was tested, in line with the Town Belt reserve management plan.
The trial is expected to cost $15,100, largely funded through the council’s transport budgets.
If successful, the road closure could be made permanent.
In a statement yesterday, Mr Hodson told the Otago Daily Times public reaction to the trial was largely negative.
He felt the money would be better spent on infrastructure given West Harbour residents had reported slipping or hurting themselves on lichen and moss-covered footpaths.
"The city has current basic maintenance issues regarding basic infrastructure ... that requires urgent attention and in some cases [poses] a clear health and safety issue.
"In my personal view it’s simple: get the basics right first, then do other things."
AA Otago district council chairman Malcolm Budd echoed comments he made last year, critical of the trial closing a portion of Dunedin’s scenic drive.
"If you want to go out for a walk go through the Woodhaugh Gardens or the botanic gardens.
"It’s an absolute waste of money."
When asked for comment yesterday, Crs Mandy Mayhem, Doug Hall, Mickey Treadwell, Christine Garey and Steve Walker were keen to stress the trial was a temporary measure to test the road closure and gather feedback.
Some of them reported positive or mixed reaction so far. Cr Mayhem said the reaction from some was "knee-jerk".
Cr Mayhem also said she had contacted Mr Hodson about his comments and suggested he read up on his role as a chairman and an elected representative and the correct ways to progress maintenance issues in his community.
Cr Walker and Cr Hall said footpath maintenance and the Town Belt trial were not exclusive matters.
Some councillors also said they were pleased to see street furniture from previous projects reused for the trial.
Crs Lee Vandervis and Russell Lund said the project was unnecessary, unpopular and demonstrated a council out of touch with residents.
"People are having an allergic reaction to the appearance of the tacky-looking furniture dumped in the Town Belt," Cr Lund said.
"But mostly the loss of an established vehicle route."
A council spokesman said staff were implementing a council decision.
Feedback from all interested parties was welcome during the trial period and he encouraged participation in the submission process.
Details on feedback received would be released after the trial concludes on April 19.
