Dear Melville Community,

Summary of MRA Executive Meeting held on 8 February

The MRA Executive committee held its second meeting of the year on 8 February. It was also attended by Cllr Bridget Steer and MSI’s Danny Nunes. It was gratifying to welcome a further eight residents who joined us in person as well as an additional online participant.

We discussed ongoing issues in the suburb and were able to get insights from Cllr Steer around possible upgrades to the Main Rd rapid transit bus route and Beyers Naude.

Upcoming meeting dates: 6 Mar, 3 April, 10 May*, 5 June, 3 July, 7 Aug* AGM (TBA w/c 14 Aug), 4 Sep, 2 Oct, 8 Nov*, 4 Dec. *denotes when Cllr Steer will join us.

Residents are encouraged to join meetings so they are aware of developments and initiatives in the suburb. Meetings start promptly at 18h00 at Die Agterplaas, 66 6th Ave. Going forward, there will only be an option to attend meetings in person, with the exception of the AGM for which an online link will be available.

The MRA needs additional volunteers to help with the volume of work, particularly in the Land Use portfolio, which currently has over 30 issues that it is looking into.

These comprise illegal buildings, non-compliance with legislation or building regulations, and inappropriate use of a property not in accordance with zoning rights, amongst other concerns. If you can give some time, even on an ad hoc basis, please contact mra-landuse@ilovemelville.co.za

We are currently preparing an objection to an application lodged by the former Roxy’s. Please check your inbox for further information and the protocol should you also wish to object.

The committee continues to monitor liquor licence usage, transfers and applications but poor law enforcement and non-compliance with bylaws continue to be a problem. We regularly engage with the relevant authorities and departments that are responsible to manage these issues, sometimes successfully, but regrettably sometimes not. We are also looking for help with this portfolio.
(mra-liquor@ilovemelville.co.za)

Keeping the suburb as clean as possible includes paying volunteers who have regular sections that they maintain as well as working with businesses that contribute to the cleaner streets project. We urge residents to trim back their gardens and verges, particularly around corners and near servitudes etc as it increases visibility for both pedestrians and drivers and limits places for people to hide. This helps to increase safety for everyone. If there is a particular part of the suburb that you feel needs some tlc, please contact the MRA!

Look out for news of upcoming community events and initiatives – we urge all residents to be active citizens and to participate where they can.

Feel free to reach out to us via email at mra@ilovemelville.co.za