Have your say on future of Woodstock, Salt River
Could the future of Woodstock and Salt River provide for a safer environment, more job opportunities, upgraded parks and affordable housing?
These are some of the questions posed by the Woodstock Residents’ Association (WRA), the Salt River Residents’ Association (SRRA) and residents who attended the local spatial development framework (LSDF) open day for Woodstock, Salt River and surrounding areas, at the Woodstock Town Hall, on Thursday April 13.
City officials and ward councillors Ian McMahon and Yusuf Mohamed were at the open day and encouraged the public to share their views on plans for Woodstock and Salt River.
According to mayoral committee member for spatial planning and environment Eddie Andrews, Woodstock, Salt River and surrounds are close to jobs and well serviced by public transport.
“In the past 20 years, the area has seen an increase in property values and attracted interest from property developers and a range of different business types,” he said, but added that the trend had made the area unaffordable for families.
“The City is investing in social housing to address this trend, to make the area accessible to a range of income groups, and keep Woodstock an inclusive neighbourhood.”
Mr Andrews said the LSDF should be a shared vision for the future growth of an area. “The people who live in Woodstock have an intimate and first-hand knowledge of the area, and their contributions are much valued and needed in helping the City to shape the LSDF.”
Mr McMahon said the LSDF would also look to growth and development in the community. “Many of the areas near the railway tracks as well as other pockets could be key future ideas, but that will all come out of the work they are doing in getting public comments on what the residents feel is too much, enough or not enough at all.”
Mr Mohamed said Salt River had a unique character that was an important part of Cape Town. “The key is providing better services to the area but without losing the look and feel of the area,” he said.
In a statement, the WRA said Woodstock had become a lot more expensive with flats that were unaffordable for locals. It said more affordable homes were needed in the area, especially for young people and families, as well recreational facilities and job opportunities.
The association called for the area’s parks to be revived, for new parks to be created between Albert and Victoria roads, and for problem buildings to be dealt with.
SRRA chairwoman Warda Rahim criticised the public participation process, saying it should have rather taken the form of a meeting and presentation followed by questions and input because it was important for the City to first explain to people why and what it was planning before the community could respond with questions and counter proposals.
“From my experience, our community members feed off each others ideas and that gives them the courage to raise their ideas and opinions.”
Woodstock resident Luc le Grange said it was good that the City had identified sites for social housing, but it needed to consider the impact on crime as well as on the social and economic fabric of the community.
The next open day will take place at Salt River Hall on Saturday May 13, from 10am until 2pm. The City will continue to receive the public’s views until the end of May.
Mr Andrews said the first draft of the LSDF report would be advertised for further comment for 60 days, starting from the beginning of July. Visit capetown.gov.za for more information.
