Efforts to establish a special rates city improvement district (CID) in Belmont Park and Klein Begin are making significant progress as community members work to address ongoing challenges, including security concerns, illegal dumping, vagrancy, and cleanliness in the neighbourhood.
A CID is a designated area within a city where property owners contribute additional rates to fund services aimed at enhancing the area.
Drawing inspiration from successful CID models in nearby Brackenfell and Northpine, residents of Belmont Park and Klein Begin are now taking steps to implement the initiative in their own communities.
In order to establish a CID, a majority of property owners – at least 60% – must approve the proposal. Initial efforts began in 2022, when a business plan was submitted to the City for approval. However, despite widespread support, the first vote in 2023 fell just a few votes short of the required majority, prompting the need to restart the process in 2024.
According to steering committee member Deniel Cornelissen, “we were just a few votes short in the first vote. Now we need to redo the voting process to ensure the community is fully on board”.
The steering committee will revise the business plan to specify the services to be offered within the CID area, before resubmitting it to the City for approval.
The additional services provided by a CID typically include private security patrols and extra workers dedicated to keeping the area clean and well-maintained.
“We can create jobs for local residents who will help beautify and maintain the area, especially where the City’s service delivery may fall short,” says committee member Magen Jacobs.
Improving safety and security is a top priority for the CID initiative. The CID will be able to contract a private security company to patrol the area, establish a control room, and install security cameras.
These interventions will create an additional layer of security, with increased patrol visibility and surveillance designed to deter crime and illegal dumping.
“Looking at other CID successes, it’s clear this model works. The visibility of patrol vehicles and security cameras have been shown to significantly reduce crime rates,” Jacobs explains.
Addressing concerns about vagrancy is another key focus. The enhanced security measures are expected to help curb the influx of vagrants into the area, offering a safer and more pleasant environment for residents.
Residents Divided Over Service Fees
Despite the growing support, some residents remain hesitant, arguing that they already pay for city services and should not be required to pay extra. However, Jacobs believes the benefits of the CID outweigh the additional cost.
“For property owners in Belmont Park, the extra rate would only amount to more or less R120 per month added to your municipal rates bill,” she explains.
It’s important to note that the steering committee members are volunteers, not paid employees, working solely to establish the CID and improve the community.
To further engage the public, the steering committee will host a community meeting on 12 February to outline the CID’s objectives and address any questions or concerns.
“We want to ensure the community understands what a CID is, how it functions, and clear up any misunderstandings,” Jacobs says. “We encourage everyone to get involved and support this initiative.”
She believes that with community collaboration, the establishment of the CID will bring about positive change, transforming the neighbourhood and fostering a stronger, more vibrant community for all. “Together, we can build a brighter future,” Jacobs adds.
The meeting, a Q & A session, will take place on 12 February at 19:00 at the Dutch Reformed Church (NG kerk) in 9th Avenue in Belmont Park.
information: www.bpkbcid.co.za or email cidbelmontkleinbegin@gmail.com
