Dear Property Owners, Business People and Residents

 

You are no doubt well aware of the many challenges currently experienced in the Durbanville CBD area. SAPS crime trends indicate the CBD as a major contributor towards our high crime statistics. Incidents of crime and grime inclusive of homelessness, informal car guards, begging and environmental decay are continuously reported,  is of great concern, and needs to be effectively addressed.

 

The local authority, with limited resources, is also experiencing challenges to deliver services to all areas in our greater community. The need to keep our CBD economically viable and attractive to both business and visitors, is appreciated whilst difficult choices are faced in efforts to ensure a flourishing business environment we could all be proud of. Property owners of adjacent communities such as Vredekloof , Bellville VRCID, Brackenfell BID, Parow Industria CID and further afield such as Observatory, Woodstock, Maitland, Rondebosch, Grootte Schuur and City of Cape Town CID, have already invested in the future of their areas by establishing Special Rating Areas ( more commonly known as City Improvement Districts).

 

A group of concerned property and business owners from within the Durbanville CBD area  in combination with  community members, have taken the initiative to seek possible solutions to the challenges experienced and are appealing for your support in establishing a Special Rating Area (SRA) for the Durbanville CBD Business area. Support of and participation in the establishment process of the  proposed SRA would not only be appreciated, but will also contribute to the upgrading of the public environment within the CBD and around your property and business.

 

What is a Special Rating Area?

A Special Rating Area (SRA) refers to a clearly defined geographical area with a statutory body established under the City of Cape Town SRA By-Law. A SRA may consist of industrial, commercial or residential components, or a combination of all three.

 

A SRA is funded from the additional rates paid by  property owners within the boundaries of the SRA(collected by City of Cape Town and paid to the management board of the proposed Durbanville CBD Business Improvement District SRA.

 

The additional rates, which should be affordable and sustainable, will enable the SRA to provide services at a higher level than the current basic municipal services delivered to an equitable standard to all areas.

 

Why do we need the SRA?

Improved management of the area should lead to reduced crime, grime and homelessness.

Additional cleansing and upgrading of the environment will lead to a strengthening in investor confidence and a safer public environment.

A SRA tends to lead to increased property values.

 

How does it work?

The City is obligated to sustain existing service levels and to provide basic services as per the Constitution. The “top-up”rates will be used to provide additional services within the demarcated SRA area as determined during the Perception Survey, Public Participation Process and Business Plan.

 

The SRA can decide on the required “top-up” services, e.g. security , cleaning, maintenance, beautification, marketing, etc. Property owners obtain a direct say in the urban management of the dedicated SRA area.

 

One of the first steps towards a decision in favour of proceeding with an application for the establishment of a SRA, is to establish the needs of a Special Rating Area by doing a Perception Survey amongst property  owners, business owners and residents from within the proposed SRA area.

 

Kindly complete the attached questionnaire – the analysis of the data will provide us with a better understanding of the needs and priorities of the stakeholders within the SRA area and allow for incorporation thereof in the proposed Business Plan which will be compiled and presented at a public meeting for further input from the stakeholders.

 

The Durbanville CBD Business Improvement District Steering Committee