CBRRA Newsletter December 2014

Since the AGM in July your Ratepayers Committee has continued their efforts to monitor possible negative and positive developments that could impact residents’ and visitors’ lifestyles and interests in Camps Bay and surrounds.   Please bear in mind the truism: “You can please SOME of the people ALL of the time; you can please ALL of the people SOME of the time; you CANNOT please ALL of the people ALL of the time!” Very relevant to the position we take when decisions are made on how to handle a situation.  Below follows an update on some recent issues: Camps Bay Bowling Club/Preparatory School:  CBRRA continues to engage with both parties to reach a mutually agreed shared/portioned option; to ensure both the sustainability of the Bowling Club and that more Camps Bay kids can attend the Preparatory School. We also wish to forestall a situation that could lead to one of our only green belt Sports and Recreation areas falling prey to developers. Stone Cottages, Geneva Drive With Johan van Papendorp’s input the new owner’s upgrading does not compromise the historic nature of these valuable Heritage structures. Camps Bay Drive John Powell is discussing the need to prevent ‘an accident waiting to happen’ between the top of Geneva Drive and Houghton Road with the Council – painting a white line down CB Drive should prevent ‘blind corner overtaking’ of stationery busses. The possibility of speed bump traffic control in certain roads is also being investigated. Public Events  Byron Herbert constantly monitors proposed Public Events in the area to ensure minimum physical and aural disruption. Welcome to Jacques Weber - Ward 54 Councillor Jacques Weber was voted in as Councillor for Ward 54 this year. Previously with the Police Reservists, he was also part of the Green Point Ratepayers Association for the past 4 years, which included the period of the stadium construction.  He understands ratepayers and community issues.  He will carry on what Beverly Schafer initiated.  These include noise and grime issues (relating to taxis and vagrancies) and represent ratepayers and residents of the Ward. Zoning and Title Deeds:  More than a dozen successful agreements were negotiated between owners wishing to develop their properties and affected neighbours by our chairman Chris Willemse. Compromise satisfying all! The City Council planning department continues, despite objections lodged, to ignore Title Deed restrictions that should be upheld and CBRRA will persist to try and protect these. 4th Beach Clifton Development Rumours are flying about a major parking garage and shopping centre being proposed to take land from Glen Country Club, Clifton Tennis Club and who knows what else. Attempts to obtain comments or plans from the Council have not yet had a response. What do residents think of this? Email us atcampsbayratepayers@gmail.com with your comments. Caprice Café application  This business is applying for the removal of Title Deed Restrictions which we believe may lead to even more anti-social behavior by their clients (drunken brawls/driving, noise, damage to parked vehicles, drug dealing) which regularly occur when on some nights the Café becomes a pseudo night club ( speak to close neighbours or just  walk past). Greater police and council control are not being provided despite appeals. Repair of park benches Thanks too to Parks and Forests' Mr. Charl Marais and team who ensured repair of park benches among scenic drives in Clifton and the Cleansing Department for their good work despite challenges. The Harrison case Blinkwater/Harrison/Council: CBRRA is negotiating with the Attorneys for the City of Cape Town to reach an acceptable/affordable full and final settlement. Load Shedding Visit http://bit.ly/loadsheddingcct for more information regarding load-shedding schedules. Join the committee We again appeal for fresh faces to join our Committee! We need all the help we can get to maintain Camps Bay as the wonderful suburb it is.

More detailed communication is available via;  Facebook    Twitter   CBRRA Blog In the interests of keeping Camps Bay/Bakoven/Clifton standards high... and good wishes to all! CBRRA MANCO: Chris Willemse, Richard Bendel, John Powell, Brenda Herbert, Johan van Papendorp, Gus Millner, Helet Merkling, Byron Herbert, Alma Horn