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In this issue
» New forms on web site
» Crime alerts / crime update
* Evidence that a good PSS scheme enhances property values
* How congested will Jan Smuts Avenue get?
* How to get your correct address on the Council's data base
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Facts are stubborn things, but statistics are more pliable.
Mark Twain
In our CRA newsletters we do our best to give you the facts but if we get something wrong - or you'd like to eg see an issue raised, we have a new feedback form on the CRA web site - and another one for updating your details online. The CRA web site now also has a search engine. And don't forget that the CRA exec contact details are on the web site - it'll save time to contact the right person.
Follow ups
The CRA continues to work on the City Council's data base for our area. Many inaccuracies occur when a corner stand owner uses one street and the Council records another. This can cause problems in an emergency or eg Telkom not finding your home. Even if you have electronic billing, check your next statement for the address shown.We are advised that Council maps usually have both addresses for corner stands and technically the owner is free to use either of these as their address. We suggest you use the side where your entrance and post box is. If the council's statement reflects the incorrect one, the owner can apply to have their invoice corrected as it will be governed by the ERF number. The person to contact is Irvine Florence at Irvinef@joburg.org.za; irvineflorence@joburg.org.za. It would be appreciated if you could also inform Wendy McAllister.
Crime alerts
Suspicious cars noted by CSS - if you spot one of these cars contact CSS immediately:
KWV 596 GP - Renault Megane
TWC 520 GP - Maroon Golf
WSS 573 GP - Grey Mercedes Benz
SLB 039 GP - Black VW Polo
LOX 000 GP - White Honda Ballade
RPL 765 GP - White BMW X5
PLW 695 GP - Blue Toyota Camry
VBY 293 GP, VBV 293 GP, VSV 293 GP, VSY 293 GP - Maroon Citroen C2
RTZ 982 GP - Silver BMW 7 Series
VPP 109 GP - Black Toyota Tazz
ND 5202 - Silver Toyota Corolla
RGP 864 GP - Silver / Grey Volvo
SNL 325 GP - Red Honda Ballade
Crime incidents reported by CSS for period 19 January - 20 February 2009:
Westminster Drive - robbery; York Avenue - attempted break-in; hijacking - Audi A4. After a robbery in Blairgowrie, CSS caught two suspects near the Braamfontein Spruit.
The weekly incident reports compiled by CSS will now be found on their web site. If you are aware of any other crime incidents (no matter how small), please contact CSS on 0861 911 119 and/or e-mail the details to Richard King or complete the online crime incident form. All incidents are analysed to determine trends and similarities which in turn assists CSS with effective patrolling.
PSS scheme
We are so close to having a sufficient number of subscribers for a fourth patrol vehicle... An additional vehicle will mean more frequent patrols in your area and increase CSS's visibility. We urge you to join the PSS scheme if you haven't done so. It IS working - there are definitely fewer crime incidents - think back to a peak in July 2008 when some 17 incidents were reported in three weeks.
Our goals are simple. We want to drive crime out of Craighall and Craighall Park through public space protection. We want our suburb back. We want our property values to grow and build a reputation and a secure community committed to the values to which we all subscribe.
Rob Fenner is a recently arrived resident: he's taken the time to write -
"I did fairly extensive research in to the property values of the areas which have already installed the security cameras, and this was the feedback I got : Property values within these areas increase between 3 and 7% within 6 months of installation. Now let’s think about that – if your home is worth R2m, for arguments sake, it will be worth approximately R100 000 more almost immediately due to the increased security. So, for an investment of approximately R4 500 in the first year, your return is close on 2 000%! Forget the fact that you will now live in a markedly safer environment, this initiative is a no-brainer from a financial point of view...."
Information from our Ward Councillor, Ian Ollis
Apologies for not giving you Ian's email - it's ianollis@lantic.net
Rea Vaya: The Bus Rapid Transit System will be implemented on Oxford Road and Rivonia Road towards the second half of this year, the plan being to reserve the two central lanes exclusively for busses. While this public transport initiative is to be welcomed, there is no doubt that it will exacerbate traffic congestion on other roads such as Jan Smuts.
The CRA has again written to the Council to urgently upgrade, in particular, the Bompas/Jan Smuts intersection.
Anyone who has a query or objections should contact:email: reavayabrt@bolweki.co.za or telephone (011) 798 6001 or fax (011)798- 6010 or write to Fezile Majola at Bolweki-SSI, PO Box 867, Gallo Manor 2052.
The two worst service delivery problems have been getting the street lights to work and getting the trenches and potholes filled.
On a positive note, the JRA has finally installed speed humps in Alexandra Avenue.
If any resident has a matter that they would like me to place on the Council Agenda please submit it to me and copy Wendy McAllister. The Council is obliged to respond once the matter is on the formal agenda. Questions already submitted by the CRA on your behalf ask for clarity on Council's policy for assisting homeless people, and what it intends to do about longstanding empty / neglected properties, at a time when Residents' Associations have been under pressure to permit higher density dwellings.
Cllr Ian Ollis
Noise
Any unacceptable noise level, including ongoing / continuous barking by dogs, can be reported to the City's Noise Control Inspector Eddie Page; tel 011 881 6099; 082 559 3791. Always try to resolve the problem first and call Mr Page as a last resort.
VAT over charge - we're waiting for comment. When we have something to report back we'll let you know.
Dates to diarise
- Domestic Watch: Friday 27 February, 12-13:00, Wesleyan Church, Norfolk Ave, CHP. Paulette Malcolm has taken over as local co-ordinator, assisted by Sue Harris. This session will focus on all the critical aspects of how a telephone can be your best friend or worst enemy. It also covers all the critical numbers that can be used for emergencies.
- Craighall River Market: every second Saturday 08:30 - 13:00 - the freshest veges in town, among many other items for sale. Next one - 28 February.
We live in a great area - things are happening - let's keep the momentum going.Thanks to everyone who has paid their 2009 subs but we are still a way off meeting our financial objectives so do it today if you haven't yet paid!
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