A City Improvement District (CID) might soon be established in Edgemead following the proposal, and current application process for such an initiative by some residents.
A CID refers to a clearly defined geographical area, in which property owners contribute additional rates to fund supplementary municipal services for that specific area as per a community supported Business Plan approved by council. Council determines an area as a special rating area, which then functions as a CID to improve and upgrade the area for an initial five-year term.
Last week Dion Williams, steering committee member, told the newspaper that Edgemead is likely to face further decline over the next five years unless proactive steps are taken to create a neighbourhood future generations can be proud of.
Reasons
Asked as to why the decision was taken to start the CID, he responded as follows:
“In 2021 and 2022, Edgemead experienced a series of window removal type burglaries occurring between 02:00 and 05:00. In response, neighbourhood watch volunteers mobilised to support the police in efforts to apprehend the suspects. However, this approach proved unsustainable due to the limited number of volunteers available during those early hours. As a result, the decision was made to apply for the establishment of the Edgemead CID in November 2022.”
A steering committee was formed consisting of property owners who decided to approach the City of Cape Town to apply to establish a CID in Edgemead, says Williams.
Williams explained that they invited public comments on the Draft Business Plan, which was presented at a public participation meeting on 28 August this year.
The plan was available for review on their website (www.edgemeadcid.co.za) and at the Edgemead Library. The public comment period was open for 30 days, however closed on Monday 29 September.
A few more steps remain in the application process to have a CID established, including submitting a formal application to the City and the advertising and objection period. However should council approve the application, a non-profit company (NPC) with members is set up by the steering committee who becomes the founding directors of the NPC.
There are currently 55 CIDs in the City of Cape Town.
Visit www.edgemeadcid.co.za for info.
