CBRRA Newsletter August 2015

AGM Our AGM will be held on Monday 7 September 2015, at 18h30. Please make sure to diarise this important date to discuss important issues such as the proposed Clifton development. ________________________________________________ CLIFTON PRECINCT PROPOSED SELL-OUT Since our last newsletter we are pleased to report that a number of new members have joined Camps Bay & Clifton Residents & Ratepayers Association, some no doubt inspired by their concern at the proposed City Council’s “bulldozing” of Maiden’s Cove and the Clifton/Glen Country Club area referred to as the Clifton Precinct. We have a sub-committee including an experienced property developer, and other planning professionals closely monitoring ‘developments’ of this very unfortunate land grab by the City. Whilst it seems plausible that an upgrade is needed in the area, we fear that more than is being revealed by the City at this stage, is on the cards. None of the essential assessments have been done, for instance, traffic, the EIA etc. Click here for an interview with our chairman Chris Willemse on CapeTalk answering the City’s Alderman Ian Neilson regarding this issue. Also visit references to more articles and interviews on our blog and the www.sosclifton.org website for more information. Please take note:  The City of Cape Town is holding a public meeting over the Clifton Precinct Development Plan on the 19th of September, at the PODIUM HALL, CAPE TOWN CIVIC CENTRE.   Members of the public are asked to submit their questions about the Clifton Precinct Development Plan to the City of Cape Town’s Property Management Department before 16 September, ahead of a meeting on the 19th, but more importantly, please attend to show your opposition to this land grab by the City. ________________________________________________ CAMPS BAY DRIVE UPGRADE This report from Ian Bowker from the City Roadworks: Rontree to Houghton We have encountered drainage issues that were unforeseen and inadequate subsurface drainage therefor we need to install new subsurface drains in certain areas. Some of this causes water to back up and seep through pipe joints into the roadbed, making the roadbed too soggy to construct on. We don’t see traffic in peak hour easing until we can open the road again.  Geneva to Rontree The contractor has made some good progress on this section. We have experienced isolate areas with problems similar to those in the Rontree to Houghton Section and these are being addressed with additional subsoil drains as and when they are found. Entire project As it stands, the entire project completion date is still mid-November and we still aim to try to complete the section between Ravensteyn and Fiskaal as soon as possible to give some relief to residents. Thanks to everyone for their continued patience. ________________________________________________ BLINKWATER / HARRISON This saga has been resolved and the City has accepted our terms on the finalization of the account. We want to thank the community for trusting us throughout this matter to make the right decisions. ________________________________________________ COMMUNITY MEDICS Due to funding pressure the Community Medics had to shift from Camps Bay Drive premises and are now occupying what is proving to be more comfortable (and less costly) space at The Retreat in Argyle Road. They continue to be the swiftest responders to any medical emergency in Camps Bay/Clifton and do not charge for any assistance, which these well-trained paramedics provide! However, they do rely on (tax deductible) contributions to survive. If you can add to the recent contributions which vary from R400 to R30,000 (yes R30,000!) from individuals who responded so generously, it will enable these medics to continue to make this fantastic service available to those who need it.  Contributions may be made to: Account Name: Community Medics Trust Bank: Standard Bank Account: 070095191 Branch Code: 020009 Atlantic Seaboard Reference: ASB+name+contact Emergency:  +27 87 231 0121  We suggest you load it onto your mobile phone for a quicker connection during an emergency. ________________________________________________ BEACHFRONT Excellent progress is being made on the upgrade and tidying up of the area and for this, full marks to the City Council. ________________________________________________ SEWAGE OUTLETS IN OCEAN AT CAMPS BAY The City of Cape Town has applied for a Coastal Waters Discharge permit for sea outfalls in Hout Bay, Camps Bay and Green Point. This triggered a Public Participation Process to which the CBRRA has responded with a letter demanding that the National Coastal Management Department ensure that such a permit is only granted in conjunction with an independent investigation into the state, environmental effect and the sustainable capacity of these systems. ________________________________________________ CAMPS BAY PREP EXPANSION TO BOWLING CLUB The WC High Court ruled in favour of the Camps Bay Bowling Club and has set aside the City's decision to cancel the existing lease, with costs - which, of course, will be paid by the ratepayers of Cape Town. It would appear as if the DA-led City are out of touch with reality and the law and are prepared to jackboot their agenda through the system, without any regard for the citizens of Cape Town and due process, and rely on compliant councillors who clearly are too timid or afraid to speak truth to power. That the Bowling Club had to risk the cost of an expensive court case to defend itself against a malevolent City administration, is shocking and unacceptable and we will be calling on our Ward Councillors to explain how such a situation could arise. We trust that a reasoned, fair and equitable shared solution can now be reached between the Bowling Club and the CB Prep School and the CBRRA will do all that is possible to facilitate this. ________________________________________________ CAMPS BAY AS A SRA (Special Rating Area) There seems to be more and more support for the establishment of a SRA in Camps Bay. At the CBRRA Public Meeting held in March this year, there seemed to be quite strong support from the residents who attended. It has provided great benefits to residents/businesses where established elsewhere. What do you think of the concept? Let us have your comments/views.  ________________________________________________ ARTHUR SHEPHARD There was very sad news of Arthur Shephard’s passing in early June. His life was honoured by the community at a celebration at the Rotunda where a large number of residents, friends and family paid tribute to his big role in administering and participating in the Neighbourhood Watch Initiative and his important project of restoring the Little Glen Nature Reserve to its former glory, in fact taking it to a new level of safety and provision of amenities. A memorial plaque in his honour will be erected in due course. His wife, Paulene, and his family were so thankful for the visits and messages of support from members of our community and the offers to contribute to the future upkeep and maintenance of the Little Glen Project area. The CBRRA have applied to the City to have the Little Glen Nature Reserve renamed to the Arthur Shephard Little Glen Community Park. A survey for everyone in favour of this proposed renaming will be circulated in due course. Please look out for this process to ensure you take part, which will be followed by a Public Participation process from the City of Cape Town's Renaming Committee. ________________________________________________ FAREWELL TO JOHN POWELL John Powell who has served on the Ratepayers Committee for over 30 years (and what a contribution he has made!) has reluctantly resigned. John and Kay have moved to Rondebosch. We hope to still see them when they visit Camps Bay. We want to extend an enormous thanks to John for his contribution towards preserving some of the old character of the area and civic matters in general. John, you and your invaluable input will certainly be missed. ________________________________________________ NEW MANCO MEMBERS Neil Gardner Eban Tucker Neil Gardner and Eban Tucker have been co-opted to the Manco and both have already made positive contributions! It is so good to have some fresh energy, and more would be welcome! ________________________________________________  LET US KNOW We aim to foster a greater cohesion between residents and the City of Cape Town in Camps bay. Are there any other issues, which you feel need the attention of CBRRA?