Our Letter to City Manager Dr Michael Sutcliffe
This followed his presentation to the Berea CPF at DHS on May 20th 2010.
----- Original Message -----
From: Berea3 CPF
To: sutcliffem@durban.gov.za, mike@demarcation.org.za
Sent: Friday, May 21, 2010 12:01 PM
Subject: Plan for Berea
Dear Dr Sutcliffe
My name is Alain Latham, Chairman of the Berea CPF Sector 3.
I was enlightened and impressed by the "long term plan" you presented to us last night. It has given me hope, as a Durbanite, that we are moving in a positive direction and that the future of the city is in good hands and assured for future generations to come.
The question on the minds of most Berea residents, is whether and when to "move north".
The reason for this is the decline in visible standards and qualities compared to Umhlanga Ridge, the Point Waterfront and gated communities such as Mount Edgcombe and Zimbali.
These are our immediate areas of concern:
-degraded sidewalks (see http://www.berea3.co.za/report-degredation.html)
-degraded roads
-unmanicured verges
-irregular planting of trees and trees not being replaced
-the above creating a comfort zone for criminals
We commend the councils work around Moses Mabida Stadium, the beach front, the point (your precinct) and Florida Rd. Our question is what, in the next 3 years, is going to be done about the above mentioned 4 (Berea) areas of concern.
It is our strong belief that one broken window leads to many. For the most of us, our rates have doubled in recent months yet we, in Sector 3, have nothing to show for it.
In the 90's Berea residents used to often frequent The Berea Centre. It had decent movie houses, shops and great restaurants such as the Hard Rock Cafe. I have witnessed the decline in standards of this centre and the area around it... I am really concerned that this is a glimpse into the future of Musgarve Centre and its surrounds.
We really need to know from you if there is a plan for the Berea as has happened to the Point and beachfront... what and when?
Kindest regards
Alain Latham
Chairman
Berea CPF Sector 3
www.berea3.co.za
