Major breakthrough for Cyrildene residents
A meeting, held last week between Chinese people and other residents, was described as a major breakthrough for Cyrildene.
After years of tension and frustration between Chinese and other residents, a group of people from both sides finally met to discuss the suburb’s future and each party’s goals.
Long standing Cyrildene residents are at their wits’ end because of illegal activities taking place, such as illegal building, overcrowding, dumping and illegal parking in Derrick Avenue and surrounding streets.
They thought the implementation of a precinct plan would alleviate problems. Residents believe the plan proposed by council, however, supports a high density area which is what they are fighting against. Several residents submitted objections to the plan which they believe council wants to implement to legalise illegal activities.
They were made aware that the Chinatown Community Forum submitted a Central Business District plan to council. This led to the belief that council is supporting the minority by including what “the Chinese people want” and, as a result, Cyrildene will become a slum.
The Cyrildene Community Forum communicated with the Chinatown Community Forum on Monday last week to discuss each other’s plans.
Mr Sagren Pillay, from the Cyrildene Community Forum, said the meeting had a positive outcome and hopes everyone can work together.
Mr Maure Chen, the deputy chairperson of the Chinatown Community Forum, said the association has the same aim as the broader community.
Clarifying reasons for the forum submitting its own plan to council, Mr Chen said, “We submitted the Central Business District plan in the hopes of it being approved so we can improve the area. The plan we have speaks about improvement for the whole suburb, not just Derrick Avenue. We submitted this plan in 2003, 2007 and 2011, to council. Nothing was done about it. We submitted it again and hope it will be implemented. We want to improve the suburb. We are aware there are illegal activities and this is what we are fighting against. We also do not agree with the six-storey buildings proposed by council in the precinct plan.
“We do not want high density in this area because it will impact on everyone. There is no space for more parking. We also have a problem with illegal dumping, illegal parking and overcrowding. We also want illegal buildings demolished,” said Mr Chen.
He said the forum does not have the power to enforce the bylaws. “People who are involved in illegal activities do not listen to us. That is why the authorities need to be held responsible. If we work together as a community, we can get action against people who contravene bylaws,” said Mr Chen.
He urged the community not to let those involved in illegal activities affect relationships between those who want action to be taken.
He has been to public meetings held to discuss problems in Cyrildene by non-Chinese residents and said it is surprising how many people believe Chinese residents are not interested in cleaning up the area.
“Not all of us support and are involved in illegal activities. Some of us have invested a lot in the community and we want to see our investments grow. The Chinatown Community Forum does not want to do anything against the broader community. We want everyone to work together. We are fighting the same battle. We see the benefit of a cleaner, safer and better environment,” said Mr Chen.
He said the forum invested in the China Gates on either side of Derrick Avenue in the hopes of creating a great attraction. “We need to raise more funds to complete it. Other ideas were also to create a place for everyone to put their bins, so illegal dumping and garbage lining the streets can stop. We also want a property for mass parking so the illegal parking can stop. These are things that are included in our plan,” he said.
A decision was taken by the two forums to meet again this month with five representatives each to discuss their plans and find a way to work together.
Clr Alison van der Molen, ward 118, described the meeting held as a huge step forward.
“I think that the broader community realised that the two groups are not that far from each other in what they want.
“Up to that meeting there was no conversation between the two affected communities. The sooner an agreement is reached and supported, the sooner council will be able to take the action so sorely needed in the area.
“I do believe that there is a similar vision for Cyrildene. I believe that everyone wants to see the area prosper and grow in a positive direction. In order for this to happen, it is going to take work and commitment from the Chinese community and the surrounding residents. I believe this can be a reality,” said Clr Van der Molen.
