Greenside petitions for law enforcement
Fed up with the town planning department and Metro police's lack of response to issues in Greenside, the residents association and ward councillor decided to change tack.
Assisted by councillor Amanda Forsythe, the Greenside Residents Association drew up a petition in an attempt to make the relevant city departments take note of the suburb’s woes.
“For more than two years I have reported town planning issues and bylaw infringements in the Greenside business node to the Department of Town Planning and Urban Management, and the Metro police. The residents association has done the same, but despite regular follow-ups, our complaints and requests have fallen on deaf ears,” said Forsythe.
The councillor said the lack of response led to an escalation in noise disturbance and crime in the suburb.
“Many people don’t understand it’s a slippery slope. When town planning regulations and bylaws aren’t enforced, criminally-minded people see the gap and take advantage of it,” she said.
Residents have until 10 August to sign the petition. Once gathered, the petition forms will be bound and sent to the Section 79 Petitions Committee.
“This oversight body has the authority to call city officials to account for the content of
the petition. It’s a very effective body, and one which I believe
could help us a great deal,” said Forsythe.
The residents association and ward councillor will call a public meeting about town planning and law enforcement once the petition has been submitted. Forsythe said she would invite the relevant officials to the meeting and give them an opportunity to explain their inaction and put forward remedial proposals.
Residents can download the petition form from the residents association website. Once completed, the form may be scanned and emailed or faxed to the association, or handed in at the Greenside pharmacy.
Details: 083-227-1797; www.lovegreenside.org
