Sam Hood

Civil engineer, passionate about good urban design, efficient transport & their opportunities to improve our lives

[Sam Hood @Samhood8]

@bayagima @AklCouncil @MayorWayneBrown But given I dont work for anyone involved, I cant help with info on why theres not much happening on site today - may be the wet weather? Were looking nearly ready for concrete pours when I walked through a few days ago.

[Sam Hood @Samhood8]

@bayagima @AklCouncil @MayorWayneBrown Heres info on the massive Watercare project:
https://t.co/uWQ0XU31ig

I subscribe to midtown construction update emails, which I find useful: https://t.co/MzBhr4Etan

And here's the latest construction info for upcoming works shared by AUDO last week

[Sam Hood @Samhood8]

@zhuoyanakl @AlanJ_KA7 really interesting take! Hope it works out this way

[Sam Hood @Samhood8]

@kiwi_bill @RichardHills_ Lots of chains on Queen, but the independent shops are usually a block or so off. I was thinking as of Queen st valley as a whole, including adjacent streets, given the context of drawing Aucklanders in.

I personally l like that diff streets have different vibes/ shop types

[Sam Hood @Samhood8]

@kiwi_bill @RichardHills_ In addition to the ‘luxury’ shops, there’s more ‘normal’ shops than anywhere else in the region: all the chains plus many many amazing independent shops

[Sam Hood @Samhood8]

@HansFrauenlob @RichardHills_ That’s a bit simplistic- bettween the high end shops and the collection of empty shops at the other end, there’s more ‘normal’ shops than anywhere else in the region: all the chains, plus a massive selection of great independent shops. Which is your favourite one?

[Sam Hood @Samhood8]

@moarsomeduh @sbaker1428 Cruise lane, behind O’Connell st

[Sam Hood @Samhood8]

@railmaps @Jonatha18937714 @CGDay21 In Auckland they’re relatively regularly called trundlers too

[Sam Hood @Samhood8]

@ThePaperSolent Great to see them in increasingly useful and visible locations!

[Sharon Mackey @SharonM88707096]

Every morning, every change of lights, so many bikes taking advantage of the cycleway . So good to see.

[Sam Hood @Samhood8]

@MickAucks @RusselNorman Thanks. Yes we will see

[Sam Hood @Samhood8]

@MickAucks @RusselNorman Also all the evidence Im aware of is that crime has been dropping in City Centre over the past few years

Neighbours who have lived in my building decades talk about how its become far nicer and also safer feeling over past few decades - but thats just anecdotes

[Sam Hood @Samhood8]

@MickAucks @RusselNorman Antisocial stuff happens everywhere unfortunately. At least in the city, when theres someone like that, theres dozens or more other people around and 24/7 businesses open

Issue is in suburbs, when there's someone like that, they will notice you - no hiding in crowds

[Sam Hood @Samhood8]

@MickAucks @RusselNorman Heres one source
https://t.co/1qdr9xRvQb

Outpaced Auckland & NZ averages in past year
& in longer term too

Many retailers are struggling, as is the case everywhere.

Do you come into the City much?

I live here, Its great. Often realise how bad things are when I visit suburbs

[Sam Hood @Samhood8]

@MickAucks @RusselNorman Many companys benefit from 'economies of scale' - clever people being close to other clever people

Staff like the great vibes outside, access to services, & great transport

Thats why companies pay extra to be stacked on top of eachother together, rather than in cheaper suburbs

[Sam Hood @Samhood8]

@MickAucks @RusselNorman Aucklanders have demonstrated below that they take quickly to new, good transport infrastructure:
For eg, Northern Busway increased the % of Harbour bridge users on buses from 13%->50% in 15 years

Because of this,more ppl than ever cross the bridge, but also its less congested