Carrickfergus Regeneration Funding
So, the city deal is back.
Mark your calendars for 24th Sept 4-8pm drop in at the civic centre.
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I wanted to make this post to help people with this consultation process - not to tell you how to respond (though I’m sorry some of my views will come through).
1. They will send in the consultants. Consultants can be very persuasive. And if they say something that actually does change your mind, fair play. But make sure that is the case and you’re not just rolling over because they’re being pushy and salesy. And if your mind isn’t changed, restate that, and give good solid reasons why.
2. Don’t just speak to one stakeholder. Last time I went to a drop in they had council reps, consultants, representatives from the department of infrastructure, you want each of them to hear your views. Each will also come with a different viewpoint on the WHY and it’s important to understand the WHY so can disagree knowledgeably or suggest good alternatives that can still fit their goals.
3. Remember that at the last consultation event they promised that no carparking spaces would be lost at the castle carpark, and also afterwards it was confirmed the bridge was no longer on the table. Challenge them if they go back on that (I mean if you believe that those promises should be upheld).
4. Ask what progress has been made on the suggestions or comments you made last time (if you can remember) - this includes responses via the feedback form.
5. Remember WE DO WANT TO MAKE CARRICKFERGUS A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE AND WORK (at least I realy hope you do) so a. Don’t let them frame your views as not wanting progress and b. Acknowledge the below so we get the good bits of the change.
6. Not all their ideas were bad. Hidden under the ridiculous things like the bridge and the rationale for hiding the tourist office up in the town to force people to walk through were some nice things about parklets in north street, new paving, more recognition of where the walls used to be that could really enhance the town. So be sure to acknowledge the good parts of the plan - we want those bits, we just might not want the whole package. And everyone’s idea of which bits are the good bits might be different - that’s okay. But by pulling those out you come across considered, you show that you’re not just being reactionary and rubbishing the whole plan, you therefore should be listened to more, and most importantly you hopefully will get those positive changes.
7. In the spirit of being listened to and having a productive conversation try to focus on the things that the council CAN do, and enquire what this funding can and cannot be spent on within that as well. If the funding can’t be used for parks, there’s no point continuing to say that the parks are the main issue etc etc (I’m not on top of what exactly the funding can be used for but it’s an example. Another example is that that they probably won’t be allowed to use the funding to reduce rates - also a large proportion of rates are set at a regional level). Funding is often restricted eg to capital projects. Also there are a number of issues the council are just not responsible for as a body at all eg they can’t force businesses into the town, the funding can’t be used for street lighting as that’s the responsibility of DFI, they’re not responsible for social care or education or building new roads or housing. So please don’t bring these issues up because you’ll muddy the waters. Stick to the stuff that can be done with this funding and the best way to use the funds.
8. It’s already been established that somewhere for some reason there is thinking that the marine highway is a scary road and people not from here are too scared to press the button on the pedestrian crossing to get across the road. Yes if there were no pedestrian crossings fair enough but we have safe ways to get across the road. This is where the bridge idea has seemingly come from. This is why they keep talking about tradeoffs that if we want rid of the bridge we have to give up something else. So keep that in mind and either explain that it’s really not so scary and not out of the norm in other towns and cities say on the continent - or suggest an alternative which allows us to efficiently cross the road without barrier but gives a safe option if they just don’t back down. I mean that’s if you agree the bridge is a stupid idea which you might not. Also be aware of the big sell on the subway and ensure there’s also above ground lights. We all know how stinking the subways got last time.
9. Personal request. When they show you the new bus drop off point for the castle, which I’ve heard rumoured, please remember that that will take away our ability to do something I suggested which was to use the old turning circle/lay-by behind Wetherspoons for some sea-facing cofeee shops or other nice shops - even shipping container businesses just to create some connection between the sea and the town without the need for a bridge or a road narrowing or freaking out about 4 lanes of traffic.
Also check out other Contests in Carrickfergus.
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