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SO MUCH POSITIVE NEWS! The by-election was a turning point for making our concerns heard on a wider platform. Many visitors to the CRA welcome table said, “We had no idea just how many issues the CRA, in conjunction with the Ward Councillor, takes up on behalf of residents and businesses in our area." At R220 per year subs, this is money well spent, as an active Residents’ Association is one of the selling points that estate agents use to indicate the desirability of Craighall and Craighall Park. MAKES YOU THINK!
Voting result 8 July by-election
In case you haven’t seen the results of the by-election, they were DA – 2719: ANC – 217. The DA thus obtained a 92.6% majority and Gordon Mackay is now the Councillor representing Ward 90. We congratulate Gordon and look forward to a mutually advantageous working relationship with him.
As mentioned to residents, the CRA went to some trouble to meet both the candidates and present the most pressing issues facing our suburbs, including:
· sewage infrastructure
· rat-running (aggravated by the Bompas Rd/Jan Smuts intersection and the narrow Conrad Ave bridge)
· vacant properties
· under-utilisation of community amenities
· a plea for more than one building inspector for the area
· support for vulnerable communities in our area.
We also asked why the City Council doesn’t provide more overt support for civic organisations - such as the CRA - which can play a significant role assisting the Council with service delivery and communication.
Thanks to all residents who visited the CRA’s welcome table on voting day – we enjoyed meeting you and getting your input. What will be done now is that the CRA exec will meet with Cllr Mackay and establish priorities for action. We believe that the framework for action is in place, particularly with senior Council officials such as the Speaker, Cllr Ntingane, publicly acknowledging that the City had erred in not finding a more equable balance between established areas and those that lacked basic infrastructure.
How can we influence positive development in our area?
Membership support is vital – the greater the number of members, the more clout the CRA has. Barely 10% of households are members of the CRA – it really is in your interests to become a member, so if you have not paid your membership please do so (check here to see if you’re a member - a new web page). Although we changed our policy some time ago to distribute the newsletter to all residents and not only members, as volunteers we have to give preference to assisting paid-up members. We need your support to be able tackle issues that affect all of us.
More support for the CRA – we’ll have an office!
What comes around goes around… The CRA was invited to REEA (the epileptic care centre in Marlborough Ave CHP) to hear about the Centre’s plans to rejuvenate itself and put forward suggestions on how the Centre can play a more significant role in our community. The CRA sees enormous possibilities and we have assured the REEA board of trustees that we will support them as far as we are able.
From there, REEA offered the CRA office space in their admin building. More than that, Lynne Hannant, Chairperson of the Board, has offered to voluntarily undertake admin work for the CRA. Lynne’s offer is likely to have a major impact on our ability to respond more quickly to your queries and generally strengthen our structure. Thank you Lynne! More information will follow as Lynne comes on board.
Town planning
Henceforth we’ll list properties where there is an application for subdivision/rezoning application. On our books currently are:-
1. erf 313-- 79 Rutland Ave CHP-- application to subdivide into 3--objected, stands below 800 sq m--hearing scheduled for 22/04/09--cancelled--going to appeal
2. erf 82/726--14 Portland CHP-application to rezone to Res 3, 18 rooms--objected, not in accordance with approved precinct plan--illegal massage parlour business
3. portion 1 of erf 314-- 11 Buccleuch Ave CHP --application for removal of restrictive conditions for B&B--objected, too many rooms, too close to other B&B's
4. portion1 of erf 305-- 10 Devonshire Ave--application for removal of restrictive conditions for B&B--objected, too many rooms, too close to other B&B's
5.p ortion71 of erf 711 CHP--32 Hamilton Ave --application for removal of restrictive conditions--rezone Res 1 to Res 2 to permit 6 d.u.--objected stand below 3000 sq.m.
Traffic & Infrastructure
Peter Heritage is compiling a monthly list that the CRA has of currently reported problems and their status. Check out this new page and contact Peter if you’ve reported a problem that hasn’t been fixed within 14 days. Report a new problem to hotline@jra.org.za and copy it to Peter.
Crime and security update
Believe it or not – we had 2 weeks with only one incident reported (in Lancaster Ave, CHP) – this really has to be a breakthrough, although again we stress that reports are from the CRA’s crime incident form and CSS, so may not reflect other unreported incidents. REMEMBER – with the PSS scheme – it’s CAMERAS BY CHRISTMAS. Why cameras?
Dr Rudolph Zinn of the School of Criminal Justice at UNISA has researched residential robberies and attacks. Among his findings he states –
“Alarm systems and armed reaction services are not considered a deterrent [by criminals]. Electric fences, closed-circuit TV (CCTV) and detection beams do, however, deter robbers.” Suburb-wide cameras will be the most cost-effective way to go – all we need are for more homeowners to join. Click here for more.
Contact Chris Taylor, RIchard King or Amy Allanfor information on joining the CRA’s Public Space Security Scheme (PSS with CSS Tactical). Amy requests: This is an urgent request forPSS members to come forward who would like to be a street captain to help increase PSS membership.
Creating awareness of the CRA
Ralf Degni has been busy persuading local businesses to sponsor CRA signs in strategic places around our suburbs! Contact Ralf if you need more business coverage. Look out for one coming on the corner of Athole & Jan Smuts – and thanks to the Car Gallery and MTech signs for their sponsorship. Very special thanks to Michelle Curtis, daughter of CRA secretary/ co-ordinator Liz McConnell, for her donated designs, both for signage and the new CRA banners. As Michelle lives in Cape Town, this is indeed extending our neighbourliness to over 1000kms!
Had a City Power problem?
Let us know if you’ve had a similar experience to resident Anthony Kinghorn. He says, “People must be careful to pay their bills on time! We paid our electricity bill last week, one week late but with no history of outstanding arrears except for the May bill. Two days later they disconnected us (Friday afternoon) despite having received payment which showed on their system. The 72 hours to re-connection has now been redefined to exclude weekends – we ended up being 6 days without electricity.”
The CRA also alerted the press and asked them to investigate.
Community Affairs and cleaning up our suburbs
Another cleanup is planned for Saturday 8 August starting at 09:00. Sue Harris (082 659 1936) says the venue this time will be in Craighall but she is still looking at sites put forward by residents. As your scribe is away for a while from next week it’s not possible to delay this newsletter. Quite a few residents have come forward and Sue will contact them: if you’d also like to help with this project, call or email Sue and she’ll give you the information.
Community initiatives and dates to diarise
· Domestic Watch: Friday 31 July, 12-13:00, Wesleyan Church, Norfolk Ave, CHP. Anyone who brings a friend will receive a R50 Nando’s Gift Voucher. Contact CRA co-ordinator Sue Harris for information. Sue would really appreciate some help – an hour or so of your time once a month…
· Craighall River Market: second Saturday of each month 08:30 - 13:00 - next one – 8 August - in Marlborough Ave, CHP next to Colourful Splendour Nursery - fun community event and eco-project.
· Support the Parkview CPF by purchasing a bumper sticker for R50: proceeds go towards egeg victim support and special operations equipment. Call at Parkview SAPS to get a sticker.
· Volunteer 67 minutes of your time on Mandela Day 18 July – in our area, why not contact eg Deansgate Home for the Aged or the Sunshine Centre to see if you can help in some way.
· Don't forget to drop off your magazines at Craighall Primary.
CRA community adverts
Thank you to these advertisers who have paid their subs for 2009. If you are a member of the CRA just email Wendy to place an ad.Wholebody studio in Craighall offers yoga classes, aromatherapy, reflexology and hot stone massage. Contact Tracey Ireland 011 501-3752
Social tennis close to home - Craighall Tennis Club, St Albans Avenue. Call Mike at 083 228 1693
Creative hairstyling by Andrew in relaxing home studio, Craighall Park. Call 082 443 6193 to make an appointment.
[NOTE that this is the correct contact no]
Egoli Rangers will bring ponies to your venue for parties & functions. Call Peta 082 452 9321
Restore your chipped, cracked and broken ceramics. Email Leigh King
** Have we got your cell phone number? And please! - send us email addresses for any friends/neighbours who don't get our newsletter. Please contact Wendy McAllister or use the update form.
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