NEWSLETTER
FRIDAY, 15 MARCH 2019
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Dear Residents,
This year is going to be a busy one for our suburb with council intent on densification which will have an impact on all AARRA residents.
You may believe that you are safe from a development next door to you – however, you are not immune from the impact of developments – namely traffic congestion, electricity and water failures as well as inadequate sewerage facilities.
More detail as below:
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There is no doubt that our residents are at times confused by all the acronyms and associations.
In addition, the Atholl Area Residents’ & Ratepayers’ Association (AARRA) is often working alongside SSRRA (Sandton South Residents’ & Ratepayers’ Association).
To strengthen our joint positions, we have engaged with the SSRRA to discuss a merger of the two associations. This will enable one new combined Residents’ Association for Atholl, Inanda, Illovo and surrounds.
This new association will co-operate with AIIWE as the Public Space Security initiative who in turn have appointed Beagle Watch (previously CSS) to provide open space security.
AIIWE Community Support Company NPC is a non profit company run by residents for the residents of Atholl, Inanda, Illovo, Winston Ridge and Elton Hill.
AIIWE’s sole objective is to provide open space security.
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The proposed review allows for increased densification across the whole of Atholl and surrounds, with up to 200 units per hectare on our Northern Boundary. The Nodal Review was passed by the Mayoral Committee in early January 2019 and was expected to be passed by Council at the end of January 2019; however this has been delayed until mid-year.
The proposed Nodal Review will mean that our current precinct plan https://aarra.co.za/current-precinct-plan/ is removed and the development challenges for our suburb will increase substantially.
We cannot accept the ill proposed plan. We are currently working with the Melrose Residents’ Association and a number of others to see how we can force a legal review. This is very expensive and time consuming, but the impact of not challenging is unacceptable.
Our concern, as with many other associations is that funds are low. It appears that only about one third of residents contribute – but all receive the benefit of the voluntary work being undertaken.
If you would like to contribute – see details at the end of the letter.
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LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENTS
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The new City of Johannesburg Land Use Scheme was published by the City of Johannesburg on the 2nd January 2019 and came into operation 1 February 2019.
Again, a scary piece of legislation which in effect consolidates 16 different town planning schemes – with the aim of introducing an integrated and uniform framework of conditions of use and rules for development.
The real impact is that any stand, especially in the Northern Suburbs has a lot wider usage rights from being a stand-alone house – e.g. Spaza shop, religious site and shops. One still needs to make an application, however, the framework is now there to approve.
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AARRA and SSRRA do not have an updated traffic master plan. If we are to manage developments, we need to be able to prove to the council that the road infrastructure is incapable of handling increasing traffic volumes. We are arranging a meeting with council to discuss our proposed way forward. Again, this is a costly affair.
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This development was a very contentious issue a few years ago when initial plans were presented. Since then, the council has supported the development through the Tribunal and Objection stages.
We have met with the developers and provisionally agreed on an indicative building which is 1200m2 (originally 1640m2), as well as increased parking inside / underground of approx 100 vehicles.
This will partially alleviate the traffic concerns. The proposed Mosque is not of a grand design and structure, and more based around a suburb mosque for residents of the area.
Our view is that this is an acceptable agreement.
The alternative is to pursue the matter through the High Court, and if necessary the Constitutional Court at great cost to both parties. We do not believe that this is necessary.
If you would like to comment – please email chairman@aarra.co.za
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ATHOLL SQUARE SHOPPING CENTRE
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Our town planner Rick Raven has engaged with the developers (PIC) to ensure a more suitable development that includes suitable access and exit. The proposal is a 10 storey multi use development including, Hotel, Gym, Office and Retail. Our role is to ensure the development does not impact neighbours too severely and that the increase in traffic is manageable on the roads.
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ARRAA along with SSRRA (Illovo / Inanda & Surrounds) have agreed to co-operate with AIIWE to manage the public space security requirements of the suburbs.
Since inception, CSS (Now Beagle Watch) have been the AIIWE appointed public space security provider and they have invested substantially in our suburb as below:
- 42 dedicated security officers.
- 6 patrol vehicles
- One 24/7 tactical strike team with specially trained officers andadditional vehicle providing 24/7 service
- A full time tactical manager
- An environmental team with dedicated vehicle and two team members
In addition Beagle Watch monitor on a 24/7 basis :
- 163 surveillance cameras
- 57 licence plate recognition cameras
- 12 thermal cameras along the greenbelt
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The Environmental team empty refuse bins in public spaces on a weekly basis.
In addition, potholes and defective streetlights are reported to the City of Johannesburg, they keep sidewalk vegitation trimmed, remove fallen branches and they remove illegal posters and boards.
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Jean Baillie and her team are doing an exceptional job for the community.
The parkrun have completed over 50 runs and it continues to grow in popularity, especially with the warmer weather. We recently had nearly 400 runners and walkers – and quite a few dogs!
The event is entirely organized by volunteers and we are always looking for new ones. Volunteering is great fun, even for those who don’t walk or run the course. It is great to be outdoors and there is a wonderful camaraderie and sense of community spirit.
If you would like to get involved, visit the below for more information:
www.aarra.co.za or www.parkrun.co.za/atholl/volunteer/
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The only way we can deliver a service is through financial contribution from membership fees.
As Trustees, all our time is voluntary – but we often have to obtain a legal opinion or town planning advice, as well as costs of a website, marketing etc.
All we ask for is your R600 Annual contribution.
On behalf of residents, Beagle Watch contributes R50 per month for each of its armed response customers who live in Atholl.
If you are not a Beagle Watch armed response customer, can you kindly send your Name, Address & Contact Numbers to chairman@aarra.co.za
and make your contributions to the AARRA bank account as follows:
Bank Details: Standard Bank Sandton Account # 002882345
Branch code 019 205
We appeal to residents to contribute to AARRA in order to keep the suburb as one of the finest addresses in Johannesburg.
With increased participation from residents, we can continue to maintain our beautiful suburb.
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