Property development put on hold

Ward 73 councillor, Marcelle Ravid told the North Eastern Tribune that the City of Joburg’s planning department was yet to have a discussion with Joburg Property Company to determine whether or not to continue with the sale of the open land which was the site of the old swimming pool.

A statement from the department read, “The intention is to determine whether we continue to sell off a valuable council portion of [the] land yielding a different outcome from what is envisaged with the development intention related to the Corridors of Freedom initiative.”

During a community meeting held at the Peterson Park Recreation Centre, residents expressed their concerns about the proposed development and the Corridors of Freedom initiative which would see the upgrading of Peterson Park.

Orange Grove resident, Roger Chadwick told the paper that the proposal was a slap in the face of the affected residents on the Orange Grove border. “We are the residents who have to deal with the lawlessness prevalent in the park,” he said. “What is clear is that without 24/7 security there will be no possibility of access from 10th, 11th,12th or 13th streets to Paterson Park as residents will refuse to open these gates and allow more criminals access to our streets.”

After the meeting, Ravid wrote to residents assuring them that their concerns were a priority. She said, “Please be assured that although the new park in your suburb sounds wonderful, your issues are of supreme importance for me. I represent you. I am your link to the city and I take instruction from you.”

Some of the suggestions included re-routing entry away from 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th streets, and that the council ensure security-efficient policing by Metro police and City Parks wardens.