Craigpark Residents Association reflects on their highlights from 2018 and plans for 2019

The Craigpark Residents Association (CRA) is excited about the work they have completed this year and look forward to expanding their reach in 2019.

Chair of the CRA Harry Rosen said that their two most visible community projects this year have been the Lancaster Village upgrade and the upgrades at the Hugh Wyndham Park.

Committee member Robyn Bynters explained that the CRA identified the Lancaster and Clarence avenues’ intersection in Craighall Park as an area in need of an upgrade earlier this year since the verges were completely pedestrian- and wheelchair-unfriendly and unsightly. Incorrect parking was also an issue.

“The uneven paving has been replaced and proper curbing and access points have been put in. Parking is being reconfigured to allow better pedestrian access and driver visibility. The corners have also been beautified with trees and flowering plants,” explained Bynters.

She added that they also hope to instal more effective traffic calming to make the intersection safer for pedestrians and motorists. “We are very grateful to residents and businesses in the area for giving valuable feedback, supporting the project and for donating plants and trees.”

Read about the Hugh Wyndham Park sponsorship here.

Rosen explained that the CRA has been passionately involved in improving the environment and specifically park areas (Delta Park and Craighall Riverside) as well as green spaces within the suburb.

“Another notable achievement was finally getting City of Joburg approval for the CRA and our local security provider to monitor and protect the substations in our area,” said Rosen, referring to the recent gate installation at the substation at Hugh Wyndham Park.

Challenges faced by the association this year have included the resignation of longstanding members and the chairperson. “This has left us with a very young, inexperienced, but enthusiastic committee who is brimming with ideas on how to transform our suburb,” said Rosen.

In the New Year, the CRA hopes to incentivise local businesses to invest in employment opportunities for the previously disadvantaged in the area and extend the reach of the association’s projects to include some surrounding underprivileged communities.

Encouraging passive community members to get involved, Rosen said, “If you want to tell us what is wrong with our suburb, get involved and do something to make it better. We also have a very active councillor in Martin Williams who is willing to follow up on any injustice or service delivery issues on your behalf, so long as you take the first step and report the problem.”

Looking ahead to the festive season, Williams encouraged local residents to enjoy themselves. “It’s been a tough year but we seem to have emerged relatively unscathed. Take a stand against irresponsible development within our suburb. The shot-hole borer is already decimating our tree population. Don’t let greedy developers make this worse by cutting down perfectly healthy trees to build their concrete jungle.”

Related articles:

https://www.citizen.co.za/rosebank-killarney-gazette/237375/beautifying-craighall/

https://www.citizen.co.za/rosebank-killarney-gazette/228228/cra-annual-general-meeting-comes-and-goes/