from Leslie London – In general, it seems most of the Large Developments in Observatory developments are on hold. Our last Erf Watch found that most of these developments have not submitted further plans. This may be the result of a glut of accommodation in Observatory coupled with the depressed real estate market. Some of…
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TRUP Association Report
from Marc Turok – We had a good TRUP Association (TRUPA) monthly meeting this last Tuesday 18 June. We have a special T R U Park Public Forum Meeting set for 6.30 pm on Tuesday 16 July at the SAAO Auditorium Updates on important Heritage, Environmental and Development pressure issues affecting the Park. TRUPA has set…
“Compromise” proposal on the River Club rejected by Heritage Western Cape Council
from Leslie London – As Obs residents know, the River Club has been the subject of an Appeal by the developers, the City, and two Provincial departments, who objected to the declaration by Heritage Western Cape (HWC) of a Provisional Protection Order covering the River Club. This order was issued in March 2018 and the…
Meeting to discuss proposed new constitution of the OCA
Following an extensive process of reviewing the OCA Constitution and other examples of Civic Constitutions, involving two task teams, and comment from an NPO lawyer, the OCA is putting out a draft revised constitution for consultation and comment by OCA members. The draft constitution is at OCA Constitution. Please send any comments you have to…
Observatory Town Hall Talk – The State of the Circus
The Observatory Civic Association will be hosting a Town Hall meeting on the matter of the Willow Road Circus on Tuesday 9th of April at 6PM – 8PM, at the Observatory Community Centre. We have invited various City officials to attend. At the meeting, we would like the City of Cape Town to clarify :…
Municipal Planning Bylaw Comment by OCA
The OCA has submitted extensive comments on the proposed amendments of Municipal Planning Bylaw Comments on the amendments to the Municipal Planning Bylaw, 1st April 2019 Observatory Civic Association 76 Arnold St, Observatory, 7925 On March 1st, the City released a document setting out 87 amendments (actually more than 87, since some clauses include more…
Major developments threaten Observatory while OCA with residents hold the line.
There are numerous major developments that are threatening heritage in the area, which are being contested by the OCA on behalf the community affected. Below is a summary of the biggest threats. The OCA’s Large Development Group, Architecture and Heritage, and the TRUPA portfolios are working around the clock with the community in addressing these…
Property Valuations, MPT By-Law Amendment proposal, and Water Strategy comments
Dear OCA members The City has recently completed a valuation of all properties that comprise their rates base. The previous valuation was completed in 2015 and this is a new valuation in January 2019. (http://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/Residential-property-and-houses/property-valuations/current-and-upcoming-valuations) Observatory residents will have received a notice if your property was valued, indicating the value the City estimates for your…
Massive Development Plans for Strubens Road Threaten Heritage – Urgent call for a community response
Massive New Development Proposed for Strubens Road – 4 Storied-Block of Flats Calling for an urgent response by the 18th of March! On the 22nd January notices on the homes of 1, 3, 5 Strubens Road where posted announcing the intention of 1 Life Projects to develop a 4 storied-block of flats. The notice requested…
Invitation to attend the Affordable Housing Workshop on Saturday 9 Feb 2019
Please join the Observatory Civic Association (OCA), Development Action Group (DAG), Ndifuna uKwazi(NU), Communicare and Civic Action for Public Participation(CAPP) for a morning workshop. Date: Saturday, 9 February 2019 Venue: Observatory Community Hall, Station Road, Obs (opposite Spar) Time: 10am(sharp)-1pm The programme includes speakers from the partner organisations, as well as facilitated discussion. Seating is limited. Please…