CBCRA Public Meeting May 2016

Striving to keep the unique character of Camps Bay & Clifton intact PUBLIC MEETING Our first semester PUBLIC MEETING will be held at The Rotunda, The Bay Hotel on Monday 23 May 2016 18h30 EVERYONE IS WELCOME  ________________________________________________ Particular issues deserve our communities' attention:  CLIFTON FACES A BIG POSSIBLE SELL-OUT The Glen Country Club, with its bowling greens and tennis courts, the current field leased by the CB High School and the parking area above Glen Beach - all which form a scenic reserve and protected environmental area - will soon be sold off to private developers by the de Lille administration. Once sold, the developer will undertake the various statutory processes for the rezoning and redevelopment of this public open space, into a new 750 bay parking garage (bigger than the Gardens Centre), commercial shopping centre, hotel, etc. The public participation process, which was launched by the City in February 2015 and fast-tracked by the Mayor, was considered by most affected parties to be a farce and certain development proposals were not even shared with our communities. The end result will be that protected public open space and sports clubs will give way to the commercialization of this pristine Clifton jewel.    The Clifton development is fait accompli from the City's perspective and the Clifton and Camps Bay ratepayers will need to stand together and be proactive in the face of such political expedience, which will forever change this unique natural area completely and irreversibly. We need to act quickly to oppose this land grab by the City and engage a professional team to assist the community in its efforts. The de Lille regime is eyeing all sport clubs in this area with the intention that they be replaced with commercial spaces. It is crucial that members join forces to discuss how to face this battle. Email us on campsbayratepayers@gmail.com and sign up to get involved and support this cause. Please note that the CBRRA is registered as a NPO and all donations are tax deductible. Funds to oppose this initiative can be donated at: First National Bank Money Market Account CBCRRA Fundraising Branch code 201511 Acc No 62550213400 Also visit our blog for more information. ________________________________________________ PLANNING MATTERS INCREASED Planning matters and applications have increased tremendously as the property market becomes more buoyant. In the past few months, many applications have involved community input and resulted in settlement agreements between developers/owners and CBRRA/neighbours. Manco member (and The Green Point Biodiversity Park landscape architect) Johan van Papendorp, has assisted Village & Life in the upgrade of the "Stone Cottages" at the bottom of Geneva Drive to ensure that the upgrade of the buildings respects their heritage value. We continue to encourage all planning applicants - and more so all affected parties - to contact the CBRRA to ensure we keep the unique character of Camps Bay and Clifton intact.  ________________________________________________    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, 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. ________________________________________________  CAMPS BAY PREP SCHOOL AND CAMPS BAY BOWLING CLUB CBCRA has been trying to broker a win-win shared/partitioned solution to join the school and club's needs. A lack of understanding of the bigger plan from both the school or the bowling club of what the City Council has in plan for the future of this leased land, will result in our community losing this land as the City Council’s rezoning scheme from Sports & Recreation may be a prelude to more development and cash in the City’s pockets. The community will then forever lose this green belt to more buildings. We need to make a difference while the current lease resides on this property. Eban Tucker, a Manco member, is underway to expand the current Sports Club to embrace many more sports and activities to serve a wider spectrum in our community. They are looking to form additional offerings such as jogging, walking, table tennis and cycling amongst the dance, karate, exercise classes and bridge, that are already active at the club. Email us at campsbayratepayers@gmail.com to get involved. ________________________________________________  THE LITTLE GLEN PROJECT The maintenance of the Little Glen, so wonderfully restored by the late Arthur Shephard, is to be supervised by Judy Farah & Terry Chicken to ensure it does not degrade and also, to incorporate some of Arthur’s other visions for this great picnic/play/relaxation area. The considerable amount of money donated by friends & admirers of his will help fund the costs. We are pleased to report that the Council have been most cooperative regarding honouring his memory in an appropriate manner although there have been some objections (in contrast to ± 150 favourable responses) to adding his name to that of the Little Glen. Finalisation of this will happen soon.     ________________________________________________ MEMBERSHIP If you have not yet subscribed to the 2016 Membership, please consider doing so; R300.00 for 2016 or R500.00 for 2016 & 2017. Electronic Transfer to: CBRRA FNB Branch code 201709 Account number 62062797934 Reference: Surname, Street name. ________________________________________________ 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?  ________________________________________________

Camps Bay schools celebrated 110 years of schooling

The Camps Bay schools – Camps Bay Preparatory, Camps Bay Primary and Camps Bay High – celebrated 110 years of schooling in the area last week. The Camps Bay Preparatory School was the first to open its doors in 1906. There were several events at all three schools last week to mark the milestone. This picture, taken using a drone last week, shows students from all three schools on the field at Camps Bay High School forming the number 110. 

Camps Bay schools celebrated 110 years of education in the community last week with a series of events, while the principals of the three schools – Camps Bay Preparatory, Camps Bay Primary and Camps Bay High – took time to reflect on the milestone.

While there have been many positive changes at Camps Bay High School: the new drama centre, the water polo pool, among them, principal David de Korte is most proud of the things that have stayed the same.

“If a pupil who was comes back to the school 20 years later will see that the ethos of the school is the same. That is something special. The schools have all maintained a very engaging and caring ethos,” he says, adding that the children are always pleased to see their teachers and friends in the morning and that’s something that warms his heart.

It’s this ethos, he says, that also set the school apart at a critical time in South Africa’s history.

“The high school in the early 1990s had a very progressive governing body. They were liberal and were pushing for the school to be open to all. In 1990, they allowed schools to open to all races, if the schools paid a penalty and took a financial cut from the Department of Education.”

The high school chose to open its doors to all races before the end of apartheid.

“That momentum,” he says, “has carried through to today, and it is a normal South African society and how a school should be. Diversity is everything. You can be a judo champion, scout or do modern dancing, and we will recognise that and give you an honours blazer… The message I’m always trying to send out is that we are still the same kind of school that cares for children and provides quality education.”

Stuart Collier, principal of the primary school, moved there from the high school. “They were really happy days. I always think it is a happy school, and the children just love coming to school. It’s a wonderful place to teach and it is very special. One of the mottos of the schools is ‘As one we grow,’ and this can be seen in the relationship between the schools.”

Mr Collier adds: “What is nice as well is that in the last few years the three schools have been working very closely together.”

He says lifelong friendships are formed among the pupils who go through their whole schooling career together.

“It is an exceptionally strong cultural school, and we have lots of talented children. We are very fortunate that there is a lot of diversity, and it is an example of a true South Africa. You don’t have to be a rugby player to be supported. It’s very rewarding to see past students coming back”

Linda Murray, principal of the Camps Bay Preparatory School, says it was the prep school that started it all, having opened its doors in 1906.

“We start the nurturing of the children there.

“A lot of our families call the school a home from home, and that’s what it is.”

She says there is a caring environment where they maintain the respect between the teachers and the pupils.

“We have amazing people out there who have come through our schools and achieved the most amazing things.”

Camps Bay High Old Boy David Perel, 30, spoke at a special assembly at the school telling pupils never to give up on their dreams. He recently signed a three-year contract to be a professional racing driver in Europe.

“It’s a huge honour to be here and I really enjoyed my time at Camps Bay High School,” he said, describing how he made the transition from sitting behind a desk in his early twenties to sitting behind the wheel of a racing car last year at the age of 29.

“I worked 20-hour days non-stop but I always wondered what it would be like to be racing driver instead of going to my desk at work…. I thought how much it would cost to do one GT race overseas?”

He started calling all the teams that he knew were racing. “All of them said no, and that I probably wouldn’t be able to afford it. I had a list of about 60 teams and it was team number 59 that invited me to come to a one off race in Italy.”

He performed well in the race and two weeks later, Lamborghini phone him and wanted him to race in the GT world championships in Malaysia, where he led the race until his brakes failed.

“I hit the wall at 200km/* . The team thought it was my fault, because when you looked at the data it showed I didn’t brake. Luckily, I had a GoPro in the car, and I was pumping that brake as hard as I could.”

He thought his dream of becoming a professional driver, after spending his life savings, was over until the team watched footage from the GoPro a few months later.

“In February last year, I got a call from the same team to race for the year… The whole way through, deciding to do things myself made me a better racing driver. More committed and more determined than my competitors,” he said.

He has now signed a three-year racing deal with Ferrari and will now race a level below Formula One at the highest level.

“When I was 29, sitting on my couch I just wanted to do one race. If you realise that you are in control of what you can achieve, it sets you apart. Other people won’t have the same drive as you. You never know where you may find yourself,” he said.

May 12, 2016 MATTHEW HIRSCH

https://www.atlanticsun.co.za/news/new-environmental-policy-on-the-horizon-5169487

- by Matthew Hirsch

The City of Cape Town’s new environmental policy, which is set to be adopted by full council, has been labelled as a smokescreen by the Camps Bay Ratepayers’ Association.

The item was on the agenda at Sub-council 16 on April 18 and is set to be discussed at various ward committees before going to full council.

Johan van der Merwe, the City’s Mayco member for energy, environmental and spatial planning, said the new environmental strategy is in line with the National Strategy on Sustainable Development, which understands that the economy and society is dependent upon the natural environment, rather than seeing the economy, society, and the environment as competing needs to be balanced against each other.

“This is an important perspective shift as it recognises that the city is dependent on its natural environment to provide vital goods and services,” said Mr Van der Merwe.

But Chris Willemse, chairperson of the Camps Bay Residents’ and Ratepayers’ Association, pointed to the controversial Maiden’s Cove development. The plan to sell off or lease a portion of City-owned land, which included some of Maiden’s Cove, was first announced last year. In March, the City invited tenders to three portions of land in Clifton despite multiple objections from civic organisations and residents across the city.

“Until (the City) administration ceases to steal public open land for private development, any policy is just a smokescreen for a political party to enrich its sponsors and itself – as we have seen with the Maiden’s Cove development and the selling off of the Philippi Horticultural Area.”

Luke Stevens, vice chairperson of the Green Point Residents’ and Ratepayers’ Association, said protecting the natural environment was important in a time of increasing densification.

“Constant growth creates constantly increasing pressure on space, energy and management resources. We need education, invention and incentive to generate and apply innovations that resolve these constraints. Environmental policy needs to remain at the top of the agenda right across local government,” said Mr Stevens.

Mr Van der Merwe said the new strategy takes a principle-based approach rather than a sector-based approach.

Principles in the City’s new environmental policy include:

* Realising economic and social benefits;

* Preventing, minimising, and mitigating environmental impacts;

* Working towards resource efficiency;

* Promoting and implementing environmentally sensitive and low-impact urban design;

* Ensuring that residents are educated and empowered, and

* Ensuring the protection of natural and cultural heritage.

He said that the policy was important for the City. “The natural environment is an irreplaceable asset that provides a myriad ecosystem, goods and services, and a host of associated economic and social benefits, to the residents of Cape Town. Most importantly, Cape Town’s natural environment is a common asset belonging to all residents of Cape Town, which must remain accessible and deliver benefits to all – both current and future generations.

“In order to ensure that this asset is sustainable and effectively protected and managed, it is necessary to have an up-to-date and comprehensive environmental strategy and associated policies, plans, and other tools in place.”

City Bowl ward councillor, Dave Bryant, who was at the sub-council meeting when the policy was discussed, said Cape Town was unique with a nature reserve located in the middle of the city. “The natural environment is one of our key drivers of tourism and must be protected and maintained for future generations to come,” he said.

“The Cape Town City Bowl is surrounded by unparalleled natural beauty and it is essential to ensure that our environment is properly managed and protected.

“We must, however, recognise the growing pressures facing us with increasing urban populations and therefore it is important that we have the tools to balance the complex demands of the modern city.”

Demolition of 139 Victoria Road

From: "Johan Cornelius"
Subject: COMMENT FROM THE CBRRA

Date: 05 May 2016 at 3:08:23 PM SAST
To: "'Chris Willemse'"
Cc: "'Roelof Delport'" , "'Neil Moir'"

Dear Chris

I trust that my e-mail will find you well.

I was approach to assist with an application to have a building at 139 Victoria Road demolished and the Camps Bay Residents & Ratepayer Association is registered with HWC as the heritage body of the area.  Will you please peruse the attached report and provide me with your association’s comment as soon as possible.

The building appears to have no heritage significance but your comment is essential and it will be appreciated if I can receive at your earliest convenience.

Best regards.

Johan Cornelius

139 Victoria Road document

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

From: John Powell
Sent: Thursday, May 05, 2016 5:16 PM
To: Chris Willemse; Eban Tucker; Neil Gardner; Richard Bendel; Alma Horn; Johan van Papendorp; Gus Millner; Byron Herbert; Michael Smorenburg; Brenda Herbert; Helet Merkling
Subject: Re: COMMENT FROM THE CBRRA

Hi Chris,

I am in receipt of a copy of the application for permission to demolish the existing residence at 139 Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape which was constructed in the late1930s.

This property was previously owned by relatives of mine, all of whom currently live overseas, who, if they presently lived in South Africa would have submitted an identical application to enable them to redevelop this most attractive erf.  Any such a redevelopment within the existing zoning scheme regulations will considerably enhance the built environment in this area of Camps Bay.

I cannot see why this application should be refused and accordingly support it.

Kind regards,

John Powell
Past member CBRRA management committee.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

On 2016/05/09 10:09 AM, "CBRRA - Byron Herbert" > wrote:

Hi John

Personally I think this property should not become another concrete mass, and it has significant heritage value, so I do not support its demolition.

Regards
Byron

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

From: John Powell
Sent: Tuesday, May 10, 2016 12:00 AM
To: CBRRA - Byron Herbert; 'Chris Willemse'; 'Eban Tucker'; 'Neil Gardner'; 'Richard Bendel'; 'Alma Horn'; 'Johan van Papendorp'; 'Gus Millner'; 'Michael Smorenburg'; 'Brenda Herbert'; 'Helet Merkling'
Subject: Re: Barley Bay Demolition - 139 Victoria Road

Hi Byron,

The existing residence was owner-built by Kay’s uncle, Tommy Raaff, in the late1930s and designed by an architect bachelor friend who lived in it upstairs for 40 years (as an illegal double dwelling !) until he died.

Thereafter it was the Raaff family residence until a few years ago.

It has absolutely no historical, heritage and definitely no architectural value whatsoever and currently detracts from the surrounding built environment which will be considerably enhanced once it has been replaced hopefully like the Gregs did recently next door.

Cheers,

John

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Begin forwarded message:

From: "CBRRA - Byron Herbert"

Subject: Barley Bay Demolition - 139 Victoria Road (not supported)

Date: 10 May 2016 at 10:23:51 AM SAST

To: Various

Hi John

I totally disagree, and have stated my point that Barley Bay is losing its charm whilst becoming wall to wall concrete. The idea of 50% coverage and a 10m (now 9m) height restriction was to retain the green elements within the suburb, but this has somehow been transformed in Barley Bay into boundary to boundary concrete, which is exactly what Camps Bay doesn’t need.

Anyway, neither you nor I will make the final decision, and as you have a vested interest, even if you where still a member of the CBRRA Manco, you would need to recuse yourself.

Therefore in fairness to due process I suggest you step back and let the new owners deal with the various parties including CBRRA independently, and in that way nobody can accuse you of interfering.

Regards

Byron Herbert

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Begin forwarded message:

From: "Johan van Papendorp" 

Subject: RE: Barley Bay Demolition - 139 Victoria Road

Date: 10 May 2016 at 10:22:24 AM SAST

To: Various

Hi Chris and All,

I fully agree with John's comments on the heritage value of the house at 139 Victoria Road.

There is clearly no architectural merit that can prevent  the demolition of the house.

Regards

Johan van Papendorp

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Begin forwarded message:

From: John Powell 

Subject: Re: Barley Bay Demolition - 139 Victoria Road (not supported)

Date: 10 May 2016 at 2:09:50 PM SAST

To: Various

Hi Byron, 

I really do not wish to make a mountain out of a molehill here.  

I find your last two sentences in your today’s email to me completely unacceptable. 

I have no idea who bought the property from my relatives and neither do I know to whom the original purchasers sold on to. I have not met either party.

So to accuse me of having a vested interest and interfering is way off the mark.  

Chris Willemse sent me a completely detailed copy of the application and I responded in the spirit of assisting CBRRA in its response.  No interfering here.

Johan Van Papendorp, the most qualified of all in CBRRA Mancom in this matter, agrees fully with me – so please rather argue with him. 

Please do not address any further letters on this subject to me as I will not be opening them. 

I am more than happy to have nothing more to do with CBRRA if that is its wish. 

John

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

---------- Forwarded message ----------

From: Chris Willemse

Date: Tue, May 17, 2016 at 2:45 PM

Subject: Re: COMMENT FROM THE CBRRA

To: Johan Cornelius

Cc: Roelof Delport , Neil Moir , David Whitehead , Johan van Papendorp

Hi Johan

Herewith the CBRRA’s letter of no objection for your attention.

Cheers

Chris Willemse

cnwillemse@gmail.com

+27836536363

                                                                                                                        15 MAY 2016

Heritage Western Cape (Heritage Officer)

Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport

3rd Floor, Protea Assurance Building

Greenmarket

Square Cape Town 8000

Dear Sir/Madam

ERVEN 101 & 102 CAMPS BAY, 139 VICTORIA RD

The CBRRA has no objection to the demolition of the dwelling house on the abovementioned erven, as per the report submitted by Johan Cornelius Architect & Heritage Consultant

Regards

Chris Willemse

Chair CBRRA

cnwillemse@gmail.com       cell: 0836536363

  

INVITATION to attend Enel Energy SA Launch, 17 May

From: Faith Raubenheimer

Date: Thu, May 5, 2016 at 12:25 PM

Subject: INVITATION to attend Enel Energy SA Launch, 17 May

To: cnwillemse@gmail.com

Good afternoon Chris,

I hope this email finds you well and that you’ve had a great week thus far.

Enel Energy South Africa will be launching to an exclusive group of highly influential and aspirational guests on 17 May 2016 at East City Studios in Cape Town, and I would love to invite you to the unveiling of Enel’s innovative products and solutions for households and small businesses.

Can you please forward the invitation to them?

Enel is a leading global energy provider, with a vested interest in alternative power and creating homes of the future. Enel Energy South Africa is an Enel Group company dedicated to South African families and businesses who recognise the potential of modern, alternative energy production methods.

Our event is designed to inform, educate and showcase what Enel can offer you and your clients, as well as give you the opportunity to network and connect with guests within your industry.

Your invitation is attached.

Please let me know if you are able to attend with your partners on 17 May 2016.

If any of your fellow Camps Bay Rate Payers Association members would be interested in attending, do please let me know. I would be happy to extend the invite to them as well.

I look forward to hearing from you,

Faith

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