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In this issue
* Watch out for notices on property fences
» Crime alerts/ crime update and PSS report back - CSS use of unmarked cars and technology. Check your gate locks.
MORE sign-ups needed!
* Ox wagons - a history note
* Traffic
* Help us safeguard our river
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My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government. Thomas Jefferson
Reminder: the CRA AGM takes place on Wednesday 13 May at Craighall Primary School at 19:00 for 19:30.
Town Planning
There seems to be a spate of white notices on property fences applying for a removal of restrictions – it seems that in least one of these cases, the application is to go to 3 storeys on a subdivided stand. This is a trend that the CRA believes is not in the best interests of our area and we are investigating the matter. We urge residents to keep an eye out for such notices and alert the CRA's town planning exec members, Roly Meyer and Bianca de Roland Phillips.
Make it your business to follow up with the contact info given on the notices: the best way of dealing with an unwelcome development is for as many as people as possible to register an objection, in addition to the CRA. See the Town planning info page.
The CRA accepts that change will happen in our area but that adverse impacts should be controlled as far as possible.
City Improvement District - CID
We've been informed that the Council's Mayoral Committee has agreed to residential CIDs but wants to see 75% of all property owners agreeing to it. This is a challenge, especially when the City's own records are not the most reliable and almost non-existent for sectional title owners, now quite a large segment of our area. We're taking this up with the Executive Director of Planning.
The CRA, however, remains convinced that this is one of the most effective forms of devolved local government - it brings urban management down to street level with a focus and attention to detail that is not possible from local government.
We will keep residents posted but we urgently need to get more email addresses - ask your neighbours if they receive out newsletters - if not, suggest that they send Wendy their email address.
Crime and security
A report back meeting on the Public Spaces Security scheme with CSS was held on 7 April. CSS has introduced - or is busy implementing - more new technology systems, in addition to having a team patrolling in unmarked cars. An online intelligence system is in progress, allowing the tracking of criminal patterns in real time - and other "add-ons", for instance a report of a lost dog was entered on the system - this resulted in it being returned to its home before the owner knew it was missing!
Please - if you're reading this and you haven't yet joined the PSS scheme, why not do it today. From where we were even a year ago, our suburbs have definitely become safer with far fewer instances of, in particular, traumatic violent crime. Contact Amy Allan or Richard King if you need more information. [A chance discovery of a blog/forum web site indicates great support for CSS and their proactive methodology.] It is a proven fact that those suburbs where the majority of residents work together become better communities, with the consequent increase in property values. Free-loading is so unsociable!
· Crime incidents that we know of
- 19 March 17:50, Montrose Avenue - housebreaking
- 22 March approx 13:00, Beaufort - housebreaking
- 8 April 07:58 - a body discovered buried in a shallow grave near the Spruit
- 8 April between 21:00-03:00, Douglas Ave complex - two break-ins, one attempted robbery
- 9 April 06:20, Buckingham - attempted house robbery
- 10 April 02:45, Waterfall - house robbery
- 16 April, 22:30, Wendy Ave - armed robbery
CSS has introduced an online PSS/CSS information site which includes weekly incident reports - we suggest that you bookmark the site.
There is a trend for criminals to gain entry by tampering with gates.CSS reports: "Criminals are prying sliding gates open or forcing them off the rails. This can be prevented - eg with pedestrian gates, make sure that they are fitted with a double lock. Should you require further assistance in choosing the right locking mechanism for any of your gates, please contact our technical department and they will assist in advising and fitting the best suited lock for your application." 0861 911 119
A bit of history - the ox wagon route
Do you know why Buckingham Avenue in Craighall Park curves around and about? According to long-time resident Duncan Hynd it's because way back when, it was the original road to Pretoria and in order for the ox wagons to manage the gradient, the road curved to minimise the slope. See the CRA web site for more interesting historical facts about our area. We'd love to hear from you if you can add to our information.
Traffic
Our Ward Councillor has again taken up the issue of widening the Conrad Ave bridge (Council voted funds in 1999 to do this but nothing has happened), and he also sent a strongly worded note to the head of the JRA re making good pavements around our suburbs that have been dug up by MTN, Neotel etc. For info contact Peter Heritage.
River matters
Homeless people and crime remain problems along the Spruit, with people photographed at midday bathing nude near the waterfall. Chris Taylor continues to request support from SAPS, Park Wardens and security companies to help us look after the area. One solution would be to form a community "block watch" which could include the River Rangers, the mountain bike club, dog clubs etc. If anyone has suggestions for contacting other interest groups and/or would like to play a part, contact Paulette Malcolm. Situations left unchecked will only deteriorate so help us keep the river an asset rather than a liability.
- Dates to diarise
• Domestic Watch: Friday 24 April, 12-13:00, Wesleyan Church, Norfolk Ave, CHP, topic “What do Security Companies Do”, clarifying what security companies can and cannot do. Please remind your employees that if they bring a neighbour or friend they will receive a R50.00 Nando’s Gift Voucher. Contact Paulette Malcolm for information.
• Craighall River Market: every second Saturday 08:30 - 13:00 - next one - 25 April - in Marlborough Ave, CHP next to Colourful Splendour Nursery.
Check your Council billing details - let Wendy McAllister know if they aren't accurate.
Thanks
Thanks to the estate agents who are helping us - Benjy Pein at Firzt helping with flyer distribution, and Sybil Berg at Lew Geffen Southeby's with obtaining sectional title information.
Don't forget to vote on 22 April - Craighall Primary School.
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