11/01/2024
Dear Paula Southgate Mayor of Hamilton,
We hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I am writing to you as a collective voice on behalf of the businesses situated in Horsham Village to bring to your attention the severe challenges we are currently facing due to the prolonged roadworks in our area.
After enduring 6 horrific months of prolonged roadworks which has been devastating for our businesses, the closure of Horsham Downs Road for an extended period of 8 months (and longer for the ongoing projects) will have a further profoundly negative impact on our businesses. The detour routes imposed during this period diverts potential customers past our competitors, which will cause a significant loss in foot traffic and revenue. We understand the necessity of infrastructure development, but the duration and lack of progress are beyond what we could have anticipated.
Our primary concern lies with the contractor responsible for the roadworks, Fulton Hogan. We have observed firsthand the unnecessary delays in their projects, as evidenced by the extended timeline for Borman Road. What was initially projected as a 3 month project stretched to a disheartening 6 months. This had a tremendous impact on our businesses to the extent where some businesses closed their doors permanently. We believe that these delays are not only affecting our businesses but are indicative of a broader issue that requires urgent attention.
We strongly urge you to hold Fulton Hogan accountable for their timelines and expedite the completion of the ongoing roadworks. The impact on our businesses is severe, and we believe that concerted efforts are needed to ensure that they fulfill their contractual obligations within reasonable timeframes.
In addition, we request proper, large and visible signage indicating the detour route to Horsham Village including logos of all the businesses at Horsham Village to be erected at the cost of Fulton Hogan or Hamilton City Council.
Furthermore, we would like to bring to your attention the lack of transparency from developers and real estate agents when lease contracts were signed. There was no disclosure of the impending roadworks, which has left us in a precarious situation. We request your assistance in addressing this matter to ensure transparency in future dealings between businesses and developers.
In light of these challenges, we respectfully request the consideration of a rates rebate for businesses in Horsham Village. We believe that such a measure would provide some much-needed financial relief during this challenging period and help mitigate the adverse effects of the ongoing roadworks.
To provide a clearer understanding of the challenges we face, we kindly invite you to visit Horsham Village, speak directly with the affected businesses, and witness the adverse effects of the ongoing roadworks. Your support in bringing awareness to our situation would be invaluable in garnering public attention and understanding.
We appreciate your dedication to the community and believe that, with your assistance, we can find a resolution to this pressing issue. We look forward to the opportunity to discuss this matter further and seek your support in revitalizing Horsham Village.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Karisma Nel
On behalf of The Keg Liquor Merchant, Horsham Downs Laundromat, Borman Fresh, The Lekker Shop Rototuna, Rainforest Malaysian Kitchen, House of Fades Huntington, Fiordilatte New Zealand, The Corner Cafe, Horsham downs bakery, Fitstop, BODY FLOW YOGA MASSAGE, Tulip Dental
NB: To the local community, we are reaching out to you in our collective efforts to address this critical issue affecting our livelihoods.
The ongoing roadworks has had a substantial impact on our businesses, causing a decline in foot traffic and revenue. In an effort to expedite the roadworks and mitigate the impact on our community, we are initiating a petition seeking your support.
Our Petition Goals:
Expedite Roadworks Completion: We urge Fulton Hogan to expedite the completion of the roadworks to minimize disruption and restore normalcy to our community.
Approval for Evening Roadworks: Recognizing the urgency of the situation, we seek your approval for potential evening roadworks. This additional timeframe will help accelerate the completion of the project, reducing the overall duration of the inconvenience.
Your signature on this petition will signify your support for these initiatives and will be crucial in conveying our collective concerns to the relevant stakeholders.
How You Can Help:
Sign the Petition: Please take a moment to sign the attached petition. Your signature is a powerful expression of our community's unity and determination to resolve this issue promptly.
Spread the Word: Share this petition with your neighbors, friends, and family members. The more signatures we gather, the stronger our voice becomes.
We understand the inconvenience this situation has caused, and we believe that, with your support, we can expedite the roadworks and bring relief to our businesses and community.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Together, we can make a difference.
Sign petition here: https://chng.it/KVnqwzgsyY