Resident Jan Harper spoke to the public forum of the Lawrence-Tuapeka Community Board about issues she and others were experiencing during the board’s meeting this week.
Ms Harper lives in one of 12 council-owned units on the town’s Harrington St, only four of which have designated parks.
She said a male neighbour had gradually acquired a total of four cars, which were preventing residents from parking their own.
In addition, visitors — including elderly friends, family members, nurses, Meals on Wheels and tradespeople — were having to find parks on nearby streets, she said.
Limited parking was available on the road verge, some of which had been gravelled.
However, the rest of the verge became muddy during wet weather.
Ms Harper said appeals to the council to address the issue, either through discussion with the vehicle owner or by extending parking, had been unsuccessful.
"I’ve been told he’s allowed to have these cars and more if he wishes, and that it’s all right.
"But it really isn’t all right, because people are having to park on the next street, or half on the road, which can be dangerous."
Cr Jock Martin asked the Clutha District Council’s acting head of community facilities and operations, Mike Goldsmith, whether the council had a policy on designated parks for community housing.
Mr Goldsmith said some of the Lawrence units had single designated parks, and some of the road verge had been gravelled to provide additional parking.
He said council roading staff had discussed the issue and indicated the gravel area could be extended to provide up to four additional parks, at an indicative cost of $2000.
The board unanimously endorsed the project.
