Report back on Urban Development Meeting- June 2008

The second meeting between council and community members took place in June, at the Sultan Bahu Centre in Mayfair, to discuss the interim Draft of the Urban Development Framework of Mayfair and Fordsburg.

When both parties met in February, it was decided that council will take the concerns of the community into consideration when drawing up the Draft, which highlights the changes that need to be implemented in those areas.

Having taken note of their concerns, Annemarie Loots detailed what upgrades will be taking place in the suburbs, which would regenerate and revitalize them into areas of quality.

Heritage sites such as the old Fire Station, Fordsburg Square, etc. will receive special consideration and preservation as they form an integral part of the community, and will not be jeopardised in the name of development.

Parks and recreational areas will be improved upon to give communities a safer and secure environment.

Every aspect of development, that will affect the cycle of everyday living such as car and pedestrian traffic, housing, social facilities, etc. have been taken into consideration and added to the Framework.

The community is to be reminded that the Framework involves long-term development on a large scale, and will have a few years time limit to complete. It does not address everyday issues such as blocked drains, dumping of waste, lights not working, etc., of which complaints need to be lodged via the City of Johannesburg’s customer care on (011) 375-5555.

The Draft is available for public viewing and comment at the following localities:
Oriental Plaza Information Kiosk (hard copy);
Mayfair Library (hard copy and CD); and
The Train on Fordsburg Square (hard copy)
A hard copy has also been given to Ward Councillor, Juned Pahad.

Fordsburg.Com is presently attempting to obtain a copy and will publish on this site, as soon as possible, for public comment.

The framework is yet to go through a final meeting with the community in July 2008, the date of which is still to be finalized.

Residents are encouraged to study this Draft at any of the above locations, and are welcome to add input and concerns at the next meeting, which will be announced at a later stage.

This meeting will begin the steps towards the drawing up of the Final Draft of the Fordsburg/Mayfair Urban Development Framework.

Article by Fathima Jani