By: Khumbuzile Mbuqe

The community is up in arms over the proposed development at a busy intersection in Hillcrest.

Land Developer, Wayne Latchet, said that he aims to demolish all the stores within the Kassier, West Riding, Highlands and the Old Main Road, and has already served all the shops
with notices to vacate the premises.

“The area is already being used for commercial purposes in a residential area, I find it a bit hypocritical that residents are now opposing the development of a ‘different ‘commercial
operation,” said Latchet.

Residents are complaining that the value if their homes and the area as whole will be compromised, should the proposed development be approved. And they have taken to writing
to local newspapers and social media.

Resident Diane Sharon van Wyk said, “As residents we are against this development as this area is zoned as a small business area and not an industrial one.”

The said land developer has previously, in 2012 sent in proposals to the town board intending to build town houses in the area, residents were able to protest this, quoting the Zoning

Bylaws which determine areas that can and cannot be developed into industrial, residential and commercial areas.

Lily of the Valley owner, Elize Greene said this affects them greatly because her staff is going to lose jobs and she will lose her income.

“I’m devastated because this is my sole source of income and my twelve employees are now going to be without employment. This to me is unfair business practice,” said Greene.

Councillor for the area, Michael Shelembe advised that “Residents must follow the normal route of lodging their complaints and concerns at the town board offices. And ensure that
they attend all meetings proceeding from the