Wise Counsel

Graham, who is the park person at the Auckland City Council, did not call me on Friday, as promised. He called me tonight, around 6:30 PM, when I was watching the news. He was less than helpful, as it turned out. When hoodlums in cars turn up outside my bedroom window in the middle of the night and start blasting their stereos, I should call Noise Control. (I did call Noise Control; they did not come.) I should write down the job number from Noise Control, so I can complain more efficiently when they do not come. (I was not given a job number.) I should call the police. (I did call the police; they did not come.)

He could get the private security firm paid to keep an eye on Albert Park to … well, keep an eye on Albert Park. But apparently they are quite busy keeping an eye on other parks, and may not get around to this for some time. I should call the police.

He could look into getting Bowen Lane chained off at night, because – as I told him – there are chain posts at the end of the lane obviously once used for that purpose. But Bowen Lane is a private road. (It’s a private road owned by the Auckland City Council.) Works vehicles need access. (Not at night.) Business owners, i.e. the Language School and the Art Gallery, need access. (Not at night.) Bowen Lane is not a park road, and therefore nothing to do with him.

And really, what do I expect, living in a park? It’s going to be noisy. We can’t stop people going into the park at night. Well, drinking in the park is illegal. Graham says he’s not sure that’s true. I tell him I’ve seen the “alcohol ban” sign posted on Bowen Lane: the whole area is a dry zone.  Also, it’s one thing for people to wander through the park; it’s quite another for them to drive up in carloads along a private road with no public parking, park, play loud music, drink, take drugs, shout, creep around the Language School peering in the windows, and scare witless the lone resident in this stretch of Princes Street.

I should call the police.

Thanks, Graham!

Comments

[Joanne]

I feel really sorry for you. You shouldn't have to put up with such crap! Maybe they need to find you another residence. I hope a solution comes up for you soon. Keep your pretty smile up.