There was a relatively good turnout of about 100 people at a public meeting on the Gordon’s Bay local spatial development framework (LSDF) initiative, and especially its intention and purposes, held at Strand Town Hall on Wednesday 19 July.
According to officials it was the first of seven steps in public engagement, which are expected to culminate in final approval from the City of Cape Town early next year.
The meeting started with an explanation of the local LSDF as an important planning document, a crucial guide for decisions on the future of an area, fostering a shared vision for that future and allowing residents, developers, stakeholders and government to coordinate a combined effort to achieve positive change.
The study area in question, commonly known as the Gordon’s Bay Development Area, includes Vlakteplaas and Firlands, and it will soon experience even more pressure for development due to the Sir Lowry’s Pass River upgrade.
The river runs through this area and most of the land is currently prone to flooding, and the extent of development there will depend on the upgrade process, currently underway.
It was also stated the area is one of the largest parcels of land in the City’s urban edge, and the Vlakteplaas sites were identified as an opportunity for publicly assisted housing.
Ward 100 Councillor Sean Stacey also provided some insight into the purpose and aim of the LSDF, which was then elaborated on by City officials.
Following a question-and-answer session, which at times got heated due to various grievances by some community members (some of which were not related to the LSDF process), officials at the meeting then drew the attention of those present to charts, maps and a suggestion table, where ideas and suggestions were jotted down.
Residents also got an opportunity to discuss issues and ideas directly with officials along with their concerns.
Residents were assured the next meeting, also planned to be more of a workshop, would be advertised well in advance.
