Reclaiming Craigpark

Craighall Park and Craighall, aka Craigpark, the beautiful suburbs bordered by the Braamfontein Spruit and Parktown North, are to apply to be a CID (City Improvement District). A CID is an initiative started overseas which has worked successfully in the inner city of Jo'burg, Rosebank and Sandton.

"It is all about reclaiming our public open spaces," says Wendy McAllister, acting Chair of the Craigpark Resident's Association. "We want to get the community together again," added McAllister. The overall aim is for a village-like atmosphere to prevail, with amenities that will be used by the residents, resulting in better security. A spate of murders and armed robberies in the area in the past year has galvanised residents into action. Becoming a CID will give the resident's committee the power (and money) to upgrade and maintain the nature of the suburb.

The Craigpark Resident's Association must have a minimum of 51% of property owners and property value in agreement before they can apply to council. They have to convince them of the pluses for paying a bit more on their rates! "To be certain of a positive response from council, we are aiming for 60%," said McAllister. "It's an enormous task; not only do we need buy-in from residents, but we need it from businesses, too, " she said. The Craigpark Residents' Association has recently purchased the ratepayer's list to assist in this task from the city council, at a price of R18 000. "A hefty sum, but well worth it," says McAllister.

One of the problem areas is Jan Smuts Avenue, which divides Craighall Park and Craighall. There are fears that this strip may go the way of Louis Botha Avenue if action isn't taken soon. Another is the Braamfontein Spruit and Delta Park. They are special, but you'd think twice before taking your child to play there. "We have this wonderful park and river and it needs care, commitment and money to maintain," said McAllister.

Part of the plan for a CID would see an inspector, employed by the committee, going around the suburb checking on building sites, rubble on pavements and other potential hot spots for crime breeding. Good luck to the Craigparkers.

Wendy McAllister
wendym@creativecoms.co.za