Businesses blooming in suburbs raise concerns

THE emergence of more businesses in residential areas is a growing problem according to ward councillor Nicole Graham.

Graham expressed her concern regarding the number of businesses popping up in Clark Road, and the delays by the municipality to intervene.

According to Graham, two properties in the road have been operating as businesses for more than 18 months. She said the city had changed the rating codes on the property because of illegal use, but was concerned at why the process took so long. ,

“The properties have been on the municipality's radar for more than 18 months and I'm concerned it took so long for by-laws to be enforced. This needs to be pursued if we want to maintain a residential neighbourhood. I hope the increased rating will discourage further illegal usage,” she said.

Graham said rates on the properties had been increased by four times the usual rate. The owner of one property is being prosecuted for illegal use and for contravening zoning, operating a business in a residential area. The court date has been set for April.

“There is a warrant of arrest for the owner of the second property, but the municipality can't effect it as he is in the Western Cape, which is ridiculous and untenable,” said Graham.

A third property was brought to the attention of Berea Mail by an angry Clark Road resident Mercia Chidrawi, who said during December 2015 she saw workmen on a property two houses up from her. She said the property had been sold and the new owners had bought it for commercial purposes.

“I am very concerned because, although the house remains intact on the outside the inside is being demolished to make way for five treatment rooms and an office. I was not given an opportunity to object. I need to protect my investment as best I can. Furthermore there will be a huge problem with 10 cars coming in and out of this property every hour of the day. A property owner higher up in the road applied for 5 garages to exit on the road and that never materialized because of the heavy traffic on a narrow street next to the hospital,” said Chidrawi.

Chidrawi said there seemed to be an invasion of businesses in the 'lovely street' which still has the Glenwood beauty of original houses and trees.

“Something needs to be done to let people know we are losing another Glenwood Road, like what happened in McDonald Road. I have an invested interest, but we need to take a stand as we are going to lose our suburbs,” she said.

Councillor Graham said that in the case of this property, she had been reassured that building had stopped and that an application had been submitted for special consent to operate out of zoning.

“There has been a lot of back and forth on this issue and the owner will have to get approval before plans are submitted,” she said.