Alesxandra's Centrepoint carpark will be closed for two days next week while three trees are removed, the council says.
The Central Otago District Council agreed to remove the "significant trees" following a complex debate at its final meeting last year that balanced the community’s enjoyment and the benefit of the trees with property liability, a statement from the council said.
The trees, a feature of the carpark for more than 30 years, had been a long-standing concern for neighbouring business Limerick Properties.
Reports to the meeting highlighted leaf litter blocking roof drains which led to significant flooding and damage to nearby commercial properties, while the root systems created trip hazards in the public carpark.
It was noted the council was dealing with the consequences of decisions made more than 30 years ago and councillors discussed the importance of choosing the right trees now so that future councils would not face the same issues in decades to come.
During the meeting it was observed that the council maintained trees on what was essentially private land and that had created a "grey area" for liability.
Consequently, an amendment was added to the final resolution, directing the chief executive to investigate and formalise the ownership and maintenance agreements for the carpark.
The council statement said contractors would begin removing the three trees on Tuesday and expected to be finished by the following day.
The entire Centrepoint carpark would be closed to all vehicles and pedestrians during these two days.
Replacement planting that provided amenity and visual appeal without risking future damage to surrounding infrastructure would be undertaken, the statement said. — Allied Media
