Woodstock Improvement District turns around 'pariah node'

The Woodstock Improvement District (WID) will host its annual general meeting on Thursday at the Garden Court Eastern Boulevard and all owners of commercial and industrial property in the precinct are invited. "The WID has been in operation for four years and, I believe, has made an enormous impact in turning around what was once a pariah node," says WID chairman Elad Kirshenbaum.

"It wasn't that long ago when Woodstock was in the news for all the wrong reasons. Now it is definitely one of the more desirable business and residential areas on the periphery of Cape Town CBD."

The WID is funded from an additional levy placed on owners of commercial and industrial property within the organisation's footprint. This levy is used to provide additional security and cleansing services over and above those offered by Cape Town City Council.

"We have dedicated teams of cleaners working six days a week to ensure rubbish, rubble and other unsightly waste are removed quickly. We also have a programme where traffic and street lights, as well as pot holes are repaired. But perhaps the most successful element has been the introduction of round-the-clock additional security. These patrols - including marked vehicles - have contributed to a lessening of petty crime and an improvement in the general security in the area."

The WID also acquired the services of two policemen who are dedicated to the area. Since December they have issued fines totalling R57 000 for a variety of offences ranging from illegally parked vehicles to unlicensed street vendors.

"The WID is making a difference, but its continued success relies on involved members. Attending and voting on resolutions at the AGM is an important part of that responsibility and I urge all commercial and industrial property owners to register with the WID and attend the meeting on Thursday," says Kirshenbaum.

Membership of the WID is free to levy-paying property owners, but they must register through the WID's office.
 

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