In response to a petition opposing the development of the Frank Marret Park and wetland in Edenvale, the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) said the metro identified the property as one of its Strategic Land Parcels (SLP) earmarked to fast-track development.
Ward councillor, Clr Bill Rundle, said residents were opposed to the application to develop mixed-use housing on the site.
The EMM’s spokesperson, Mr Themba Gadebe, said the park is situated on a property known as the remainder of Erf 1, Edenvale Township.
“The primary use thereof is that the property is currently vacant land and is a public open space. The site is located along the corner of Twelve and Third streets and is bordered by Van Riebeeck Avenue. Third and Twelve streets is situated within the EMM’s area. Therefore, the site is associated with recreational purposes and is approximately 4.45Ha in extent,” he said.
In response to the points of concern listed in the petition, the EMM responded as follows:
 Mixed use housing
The Edenvale Re 1 Node is zoned ‘Public Open Space’ and measures approximately 30 623.54 m squared.
The property is surrounded by residential uses. If it is to be rezoned, a residential development with a ratio of 40 to 60 units per hectare will be allowed in terms of the Town Planning Scheme.
It must be noted that the portion of the property to the south west is marshy and might not be suitable for development. With modern technology, it is possible to rehabilitate the land and make it viable.
In addition, there are two buildings situated on this land parcel that includes buildings in a poor state of repair and which not utilised.
The land parcel is located adjacent to the Edenvale Bowling Club and borders on the Edenhaven Old Age Home to the north. It enjoys moderate visibility from Van Riebeeck Avenue and isn’t clearly visible from the north, west and south. Access to the parcel is difficult as no direct access is available from Van Riebeeck Avenue to the parcel, and many roads are closed off for security purposes. Access is only available from First Avenue. A section of the SPL is currently used as a park. The park is well maintained with park benches, chairs and a playground for children.
A survey done by council’s consultants concluded in the development framework in respect of the property that the land parcel is located within a middle to upper income residential area that is actively being secured by means of visible policing conducted by both private security firms and the SAPS. The area surrounding the land parcel is quiet and well suited to residential land uses.
 Wetland area
A wetland area, or natural pond, is located at the centre of the park. This creates a buffer area between the old age home to the north and the vacant land forming part of the parcel to the south. The development will exclude the wetland.
The park a town heritage site
The plaque bearing an inscription attached to the Oak tree found at the Frank Marrett Park, emanating from a request from the then Edenvale Museum and Cultural Society, was erected per Council Resolution 287(1) dated May 27, 1992.
It should be noted that the park is not registered at the Heritage Council.
The same was re-confirmed by the Ekurhuleni Heritage Division that the Oak tree was not registered accordingly.
Any amenity that bears heritage significance will be registered with such Council. It is therefore incorrect to signify the tree and the park as heritage icons on the basis that neither the Oak tree nor the park itself bears heritage significance.
Furthermore, the Old Age Home and the houses erected around the park were developed having undertaken Section 68 of the Local Government Ordinance of 1939. Where it provides for park closure to allow for uses other than parks. The same principle will apply if Council approves the SLP.
