Dear Supporters,
We want to thank you for your ongoing support in our fight to protect Stellenbosch from the harmful impact of the proposed multi-storey parking garage next to the Eikestad Mall. Your voices have been critical in building momentum, but the battle is far from over.
As you may know, despite our significant concerns, including the potential for this project to exacerbate congestion, degrade the walkability of our town, and harm our historic environment, the Stellenbosch Municipality has taken a concerning step. A 727-page report recommending approval of the proposal was suddenly added to the Council agenda for their meeting on 23 August 2024. This report dismisses the objections raised by the Stellenbosch Interest Group (SIG), Young Urbanists, Active Mobility Forum, Stellenbosch Fietsry, Stellenbosch Ratepayers Association and other Interested and Affected Parties (IAPs).
We now urgently need your help to ensure that this flawed proposal is not rushed through.
We are calling on all supporters to email the Council before their upcoming meeting to oppose the approval of this project and prevent it from being sent to the National Treasury for consideration. We will also write to all the councillors and you can sign our letter.
Why This Matters:
1. Inadequate Feasibility Study: The process to submit this proposal to the National Treasury is premature. The National Treasury PPP Manual requires a comprehensive independent review, including a full Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) and other necessary studies, which have not been completed.
2. Increased Congestion and Policy Inconsistency: The proposed parking garage will only heighten traffic congestion in the already busy town center, directly contradicting the Municipality’s key policies, such as the Spatial Development Framework 2019, Comprehensive Integrated Development Transportation Plan 2022-2026, Adam Tas Corridor LSDF, and the Non-Motorized Transportation Master Plan 2020. These policies prioritize sustainable urban mobility and reduced car dependency by promoting alternative solutions like park-and-ride facilities and investments in non-motorized transportation. The current proposal undermines these objectives and ignores more effective, environmentally friendly alternatives that align with the town’s long-term vision.
3. Ignoring Public Opposition: Over 3,000 signatures and countless objections from individuals and organizations have been ignored. This lack of acknowledgment undermines our constitutional and democratic rights to voice concerns and participate in decisions that affect our community.
Call to Action:
Please email the Council following our template/tool by clicking on the blue M logo before the meeting on Friday, 23 August 2024. In your email, emphasize the need to halt this project until all required studies are completed and a proper public consultation process has been conducted. Feel free to add any points and remember to add your name at the bottom.
What else will we be doing? We have written a big media statement that you can share with anyone to garner much attention before Friday's council session. Join the YU WhatsApp group if you want to be more involved for the area and remember even if you sit in Johannesburg, your voice matters to write to the council.
Together, we can protect Stellenbosch's future and ensure that development aligns with our shared vision for a vibrant, accessible, and sustainable town.
Thank you for your continued support.
Yours Sincerely,
Roland Postma and Team