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EDITOR: BETTIE GILIOMEE
Objections to NMMU’s 2nd Avenue Campus development TINNEKE GOEDHALS
A
PROPOSED development by the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) opposite their Second Avenue Campus in Summerstrand has led to more than 1 700 signed objections to the development from residents, who have handed these over to the Human Settlements Department. The university is seeking special consent from the municipality to develop the land to meet various university needs. The proposed use of the land, which is presently only occasionally used for cricket, is for a multi-purpose academic node with parking, some retail development and residential accommodation aimed at staff, visiting lecturers and doctoral students. The surrounding community fear that such development will lead to, amongst others, the devaluation of property and an increase in crime. They also feel the NMMU wants to “steam roll” this development, notwithstanding the residents’ objections. Rob Wylde, chairman of the Summerstrand Residents’ Association, says this was highlighted at a meeting held by the Association where the legal representative from NMM, together with the MD of Urban DynamicsTown and Regional Planners, addressed the meeting. “Instead of bringing solutions they actually added ‘fuel to the fire’ with a further meeting being agreed on to take this matter further. It was upsetting; they never gave a straightthrough answer. Nothing is going to stop someone from renting it out to students in the future.” The Association also do not understand why they want to develop there and not at the university where there is plenty of property available. With regard to the accusation of “steam-rolling” the university’s senior communication manager, Debbie Derry, said “this is certainly not the case. NMMU has followed all the correct channels in seeking consent for a development that is in the best inter-
ests of the university, but without negatively impacting on the surrounding community. “This is not a mass student housing project, but a plan that is in line with present neigh-
bourhood mix. The residential component, for example, is for retired staff, post-doctorate and doctoral students,” said Derry. She further said NMMU is driven by certain
values and as a public institution must act for the public good.
Continued on page 14 . . .
PE Idols hopefuls through to Top 100
These four PE Idols contestants who preauditioned for the latest SA Idols season, all received golden tickets and are through to the Top 100 of this competition. From the left are Edward Allen, Christina Williams, Amanda Antony and Thuba Myeki. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
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