Madam – Dear Councillor – RETAIL INDUSTRY: CBD
The article in the Advertiser of 14 November 2014 has opened up a wide range of questions regarding the future of the Newcastle CBD and for that matter, also the future of many smaller businesses in town that are making a substantial contribution to the coffers of the municipality.
Reference was made of the negative impact hawkers are having on established businesses. It appears from a very superficial observation that the CBD is experiencing a high influx of hawkers, who uncontrollably are occupying sidewalks and other open spaces with their goods to the annoyance of traders and shoppers. Does the municipality have particulars of all the hawkers who are doing business in the CBD and what progress has been made to provide proper hawker stalls?
Apart from the above, it is very concerning to see the number of vacant shops and office space in the CBD, a situation that will not change when the new municipal complex is completed. The owners of the Nedbank Centre for example, stand to lose thousands of rand because with the moving out of municipal departments to the new municipal offices it will be difficult to find tenants for all these offices.
The situation is further aggravated by the fact that Council is allowing, through it’s home-based business policy, people to open up businesses, offices and other professional activities to be conducted from residential properties in defined residential areas with all the problems it brings to those areas. We believe Council should have a serious re-look at the implications this policy is having on the CBD and other areas.
Crime within the boundaries of the CBD has become a real problem and while we are supporting all efforts to address this matter, we foresee that by allowing businesses to establish in residential areas could increase the incidence of crime in those areas to the detriment of ratepayers and the community generally but could also impact on the future growth and development of Newcastle.
We are of the opinion that you as Chairperson of this portfolio should give this matter your undivided attention and we await your response in due course.
A copy of this letter is forwarded to the Newcastle Advertiser.
Newcastle Ratepayers’ Association.
Response from Portfolio Councillor: Development, Planning and Human Settlement:
I received the letter from the NRA and forwarded to Mr. F. Alberts, the Director for LED. Since there are several issues raised in this letter, my suggestion to the NRA is to meet with Mr. F. Alberts and myself to discuss the matter in great detail with a view to addressing their concerns and finding solutions to the problems outlined in their letter.
After our engagement, we can issue a joint statement on the matter.
Cllr Matthew Shunmugam
