How a City Improvement District (CID) can benefit Hazyview
A CID is a powerful tool where property owners can get actively involved in the management of their area and maximise a return on their investment.
During a recent meeting, serious consideration was given to the creation of a city improvement district (CID) in Hazyview.
But what is a CID?
The management of the Riverside CID in Mbombela helped with an explanation:
The concept was brought to South Africa in the mid ‘90s and more than 60 CIDs have since been established, often in response to declining municipal budgets and services.
A CID is a defined geographic area within which all property owners pay levies used to fund additional services (in addition to those provided by the city) to maintain and manage the public space and enhance their investment.
Owners can enjoy the advantage of professional development planning services and the trust that the potential of each property is matched with the type of development that will maximise benefits for the whole precinct.
It is a powerful tool where property owners can get actively involved in the management of their area and maximise a return on their investment.
The benefits of a CID also include the following
• It drives economic value
• Attracts investment
• Strengthens partnerships with the city
• Instills a sense of community and pride
• Develops the soul of a precinct.
Services rendered can include, depending on the need of the specific CID
• CCTV surveillance in public spaces
• Licence plate recognition (LPR) cameras
• Armed response
• Guards on duty 24/7/365 with direct radio link to a control room
• Litter collection
• Sweeping of roads and pavements
• Maintenance of landscaping and irrigation systems in public spaces
• Pavement repairs
• Road and kerb painting
• Clearing of undeveloped land
• Wetland maintenance
• Removal of illegal dumping
• Removal of graffiti, illegal posters and banners
• Storm-water management
• Weed removal
• Collective marketing of the CID, making use of all media platforms: printed, electronic, outdoor, radio and social media.
Levies contributed towards a CID can also secure the following value-added services
• Networking events
• Collaborative precinct events with a strong CSI element
• Branding
• Precinct demarcation
• Precinct beautification
• Expansion of CCTV surveillance
• Security campaigns
• Pedestrian safety
• Greening projects
• Branded street furniture
• Installation of UPS battery backups at intersections
