Cr Lee Vandervis said it was highly likely the new Dunedin City Council after next month’s election would want to look seriously at parking and overspending.
"My concern is that DCC staff have shown a very strong inclination to push cycleway projects through," he said.
The next group of councillors could look to "stop the Albany St and other cycleway projects if they can, as long as DCC staff do not push these contracts through quickly".
Senior council staff are to consider a procurement plan for Albany St next week.
The project, described by the council as providing a safe walking and cycling connection, stalled last month, but is back on again after a controversial 8-7 vote on Tuesday.
Council climate and city growth general manager Scott MacLean said the executive leadership team would soon consider the procurement plan, "as staff are required to give effect to council decisions".
The procurement process would typically take about six weeks before a contract was ready to be signed, he said.
In August, the council decided not to proceed with proposed parking changes in the area, but that call was revoked on Tuesday — helped by Cr Jim O’Malley voting this time, apparently against legal advice.
The Otago Daily Times asked mayoralty candidates for their thoughts on the situation.
Green Party candidate Mickey Treadwell said it was "brilliant" the project was going ahead.
Albany St would be safer, far more accessible and the connection would link the central business district with Te Aka Ōtākou, the harbour shared pathway.
"I would oppose attempts to further delay or review the project," he said.
Andrew Simms said, if elected mayor, he would be inclined to get relevant parties together to establish common ground.
"A failure of leadership and guidance has led us into difficult territory from both a governance and legal perspective, and has further tarnished the community’s confidence in the current administration," he said.
Cr Sophie Barker said the project needed to go ahead while funding assistance from NZ Transport Waka Kotahi remained on the table.
Cr Carmen Houlahan said she was not happy with the council looking to take away nearly 50 carparks from Albany St.
"I do support the pedestrian crossing," she said.
"I will continue to fight to get those carparks back."
Council staff have also been directed to "prioritise and report further on the establishment of up to 30 additional parks in adjacent streets".
Lianna MacFarlane said the council should "stop wasteful spending" and she described Tuesday’s revocation as an "outrageous Albany St debacle".
David Milne said he would look to ensure the original decision was followed.
"I question the moral compass of those who sought to reverse this legal original decision, which represented the views of the citizens and affected stakeholders."
Pamela Taylor said she was opposed to carpark "theft".
"The Albany St redesign risks eliminating vital carparking, hurting local businesses and accessibility."
