IMPORTANT PRESS RELEASE ON PATERSON PARK

[NORA Support]

Paterson Park Development: Information vacuum must be removed

Mia Snyman – Ward 73 Councillor

5 February 2016

 

Johannesburg – Today I am writing to the CEO of Johannesburg Property Company (JPC), Ms Helen Botes, requesting her to share all relevant information regarding the planned Paterson Park Development with the public to ensure that residents in affected areas are properly consulted.

 

The planned development aims to build around 2000 dwelling units and buildings up to twelve stories high in what is called the Paterson Park Precinct involving the Orange Grove area.

 

I am concerned about the extent to which these developments have not been communicated with the public and about the extent to which residents of the affected areas were not consulted. I have setup a meeting between the JPC and the Norwood and Orchards Residents Association (NORA) to be held on 11 February 2016. The purpose of this meeting is to clarify whether consultative measures met the required and prescribed standards. 

 

Residents of the ward and the ratepayers associations have objected to elements of the planned development. The residents are expressing concerns that they have not been informed of the plans to ensure infrastructure and services are expanded to accommodate the increased densities through the construction of new buildings.

 

The Regional Spatial Development Plan (RSDF) for Region E clearly states that in order to support sustainable environmental management, adequate provision of services infrastructure to support densification and infill needs to be ensured.

 

The objections, together with the reports from various City of Johannesburg Agencies including Pikitup, JRA, Joburg Water and City Power, Environment and Heritage have been submitted to the town planner for consideration before a hearing that will take place to consider the objections and reports. This will ultimately determine what the final densification of the developments will be. Some reports are still outstanding.

 

The reports from these entities are an important indicator of whether the planned densification is in fact viable. This will indicate whether the City will be able to deliver the services to the proposed developments in the plan and whether the existing infrastructure has sufficient capacity. However, it is worrying that the reports received have only been shared with a select few. I will be requesting that these reports are shared with the stakeholders and with all objectors so that they may prepare for the hearing.

 

I will also be requesting a plan from the JPC to correct any perceived shortcoming in their communication and consultation regarding this project.

 

As a Democratic Alliance Councillor I believe in the importance of spatial development, integration and densification. It is a cornerstone in redressing the legacy of the past and vital to achieve freedom, fairness and opportunity for all South Africans. However, I would like to see that the JPC adequately informs the public of planned developments and takes the time to properly consult. This will go a long way to ensuring affected residents are heard through careful consideration of their objections and comments and that the final proposals will be supported by the communities in which these developments are to take place.