Newsletter - Autumn 2008

Chairman David Culverwell and our planning advisor Les Oakenfull were present at the final public presentation of the Rosebank Urban Development Frame work proposals (RUDF). City Planning focused on transport co-ordination and measures to reduce the use of private vehicles by introducing dedicated lanes on existing arterials for the exclusive use of high occupancy vehicles (taxis/buses).

The question of increasing residential density resolved itself in the form of providing for higher density zones within ± 400m from central Rosebank. Development would follow demand at some later stage.

This proposal resulted in a proposed high density strip flanking Jan Smuts Ave between 8th and 12th Avenues. Our comments therefore were largely confined to this aspect of the RUDF and were as follows:

1. As part of the RSDF policy it is stated that as a mobility spine, access off Jan Smuts Avenue is to be limited. This is contradicted by the policy of higher residential density on Jan Smuts Avenue. In any practical terms, access other than from Jan Smuts Avenue to new higher density residential development is virtually impossible.
2. For the above reason the PNRA proposed the alternative of low intensity office use along this section of the mobility spine. This however was not accepted in the RSDF.
3. Concern has been expressed that the RUDF, which introduces substantial residential densification and business intensification, will affect adjoining areas. Although this will support and be supported by the introduction of Gautrain and the Bus Rapid Transit system (BRT), there is likely to be a very substantial increase in private car traffic in the Rosebank area. This, it is feared, will result in traffic congestion and have a negative affect on the surrounding areas such as Parktown North.

It seems unlikely that the City Council will implement any significant road improvements in order to increase private car traffic. Increased traffic with future development is therefore likely to have the effect of extending the peak period which in turn will increase 'rat-running' on our suburban road but should not significantly affect residential areas except along major roads.

SAFETY & SECURITY

Whilst we facilitated a presentation of the newly established Parktown North Security Committee (PANSEC) by offering a limited time-slot at our recent AGM, Committee members were somewhat surprised when it transpired that this was a full-scale launch presentation. However, the initiative of this body was welcomed especially since security is the top priority of most residents. Negotiations between the PNRA and ADT (as the dominant security firm operating in Parktown North, with an estimated 80% share of the security company business) will take place on a continuing basis. It is felt that cost for the so-called "Pro-Active" security firms was beyond the means of many of our residents –Estimated costs are in the region of up to R1000.00 pm (R500 for patrol vehicles + R500 for response service). In addition, we understand that no private security firm has the right to stop and search, pursue over residents' walls or shoot.

The PNRA has joined forces with our sister suburb, Craighall Park , through CRAIGPARK Residents Association, to put considerable pressure on ADT in terms of delivery. Current operations and major new concessions were agreed upon in a meeting held on the 3rd of April between the PNRA, Mike Kidson (Head of Community Security Services) and Tinus Swanepoel, ADTCommunity Security Manager of ADT. These include:

• Two dedicated vehicles (one response vehicle and one Patrol vehicle)
• The recent addition of a 4X4 Proactive Patrol vehicle. This effectively means we have 3 dedicated vehicles for Parktown North proactively patrolling our suburb at any given time, rather than just responding to a signal relayed from the control centre.

All these sites are supervised by ADT reaction and supervisory staff during a 24 hour period. All of the sites are in radio communication with the patrol vehicle and with each other. Guard track patrolling systems in each hut monitors the movement of each guard. Each site is linked via panic button to the control room which in turn will dispatch a response vehicle. Task teams work closely with Parkview SAPS on special operations in and around the Parktown North suburb. A dedicated Community Security Manager for the Parktown North Suburb will liaise with the relevant managers of each department should the need arise. ADT have promised to mount CCTV cameras on all 13 entry and exit points in Parktown North in a pilot study to determine the effectiveness of this additional surveillance method. The PNRA has had meetings with Chief superintendent Nanda Moodley of Parkview Police regarding facilitating close links with ADT and more particularly, having the localised security schemes in a direct link with the Parkview Police patrol vehicles – allowing ADT guards to call in the police if they see any suspicious vehicles/activity or disturbances. The crucial factor here is that the SA Police have the right to (1) stop and search, (2) pursue over walls and (3) shoot if warranted. Negotiations to improve security are ongoing. We will monitor the situation to ensure ADT delivers as promised and continues to upgrade their services to Parktown North and Craighall Park.