Hamilton City Council is lifting the lid on potential solutions to the city’s most significant issues this week, distributing a summary flyer to all residents from August 28.

The flyer, entitled ‘Snapshot’, takes an easy to read look at how the city hopes to address Hamilton’s most pressing issues, and asks residents their opinion about what Council is thinking so far.

Snapshot covers a range of issues, including what could happen in the areas of facilities and events, natural environments, transport, public space, culture and heritage, design guidance and residential and business areas; and as part of the District Plan review, Council has developed some options that could make sure Hamilton’s growth is smart in those areas.

District Plan review project manager Paula Rolfe says, “Since 2001, Hamilton has been growing by about 2.5 per cent every year.

“That growth equates to a lot more homes in the city, a lot more cars on the roads, and more people using the facilities and infrastructure within our boundaries.

“The things that we value like how we get around, the type of design we want to see in the city, where we would like to see development, and what we want our neighbourhoods to be like – have all become pressing issues.

“Because it is a tool to help us address these issues, the District Plan affects us all.

“From allowing you to convert your garage into a flat to setting levels for noise or showing you where you can set up a business in your area, the District Plan sets out the rules and policies for developing and using any land in the city.

“That’s why we are encouraging everyone in the city to take a look in their letterboxes this weekend and pick up their copy of Snapshot. We want to work with you to develop a new Plan that will prepare ourselves for the future and make sure Hamilton is as vibrant as it can be,” Ms Rolfe says.

Snapshot is designed to be a summary of the issues. A new interactive website will be launched on August 28. Residents are encouraged find out more and tell Council what they think by visiting that site after August 28 (www.fastforwardhamilton.co.nz) or by dropping into their local library for a copy of the full report and discussion document - Big Picture.

The period for public comments closes on October 29.