An Urban Improvement Precinct is started by residents as a way of managing the improvement and running of their own area.

International research shows that areas that adopt a UIP approach to the management of public spaces in partnership with the municipality results in property values out performing areas without a UIP.

Within cities, urban decay can threaten the quality of life of residents and their confidence in the area which in turn affects property values. Examples of such decay include:

• Crime and grime

• Poor service in public areas

• Poorly maintained infrastructure

• Lack of social cohesion and interest in public spaces

All of the above are linked and exacerbate the other leading to rapid decline. For this reason, although safety and security is the number one priority of UIPs, it cannot be effectively addressed without addressing the other issues mentioned.

It is important to note that the services that an area will receive from the municipality is not linked to the amount of rates they may contribute to the city. The level of services from the Municipality is a set level of service. A UIP is able to fill that gap in order to ensure a higher level of service to public areas and at the same time it is able to hold the Municipality to account on service delivery more effectively than by individuals.

The Urban Improved Precinct (UIP) is based on the Municipal Property Rates Act of 2004 which allows for the establishment of a Special Rating Area (SRA) for a defined geographical area. The property owners have to agree to pay for certain services in addition to the normal municipal services.

The Pigeon Valley UIP in terms of the Act must set up a non-profit company with a board of non-remunerated directors. The board will be constituted by representatives of the property owners. The board needs to approve a Business Plan and annual budget to provide the selected additional services.

The UIP budget is funded by the property owners and is calculated on a pro-rata basis using the existing municipal values of each property in the selected area. The payment is levied on the municipal rates bill and collected by the Municipality on behalf of the UIP NPO.

Although the area may be liable to change depending on take up of the plan by sub-areas and the inputs of other stakeholders, the proposed boundary is shown in the map below and the description that follows:

The Southern boundary is Rick Turner starting from Esther Roberts at the Eastern end and Lena Ahrens on the Western end.

The Eastern boundary is along Esther Roberts from Rick Turner in the South to Alan Paton in the North.

The Northern boundary is along Alan Paton from Esther Roberts in the East to Lena Arens, then North along Lena Ahrens to Lister Ave. West on Lister to Cato Road, then North along Cato Road to Clark Road. West along Clark Road to Mazisi Kunene (Ridge) Road.

The Western boundary starts at Clark Road intersection in the North to Lamont Road to Lena Ahrens and then along Lena Ahrens to Rick Turner.

It should be noted that on the following boundary roads the properties on the opposite side of the road will be included:

• Rick Turner

• Esther Roberts

1. Revitalise the predominantly residential area in Glenwood

2. Improve safety, the general environment and quality of life for all in the proposed precinct

3. Target an upward trajectory for property values

4. Encourage environmental sustainability and social cohesion within the community

(See the Service page for more details.)

A vote will need to take place and get 60% of residents to decide yes.

This is scheduled for (TBD.)

If you feel like a UIP should be set up, bring as many neighbours as possible to vote yes.

You may have seen UIP signs up in other areas or on security guards patrolling promenades and streets. We've included a few with their websites so that you can see the improvements made over the years:

- Ballito UIP

- Umhlanga UIP

- Florida Road UIP