KNYSNA NEWS - All three taxi associations at the Knysna taxi rank in Grey Street claim they have not been informed by the municipality about the street's renewal programme – which includes the total revamp and rebuild of the taxi rank and associated roads.
This was the impression given by Uncedo Taxi Association chair Ernest Petros, who said he "doesn't know of any plans" when asked to comment on the matter by the Knysna-Plett Herald on Thursday 1 March – two weeks after the meeting between residents and business owners with the municipality at the Log Inn Hotel.
“The only plans we are aware of is the construction of additional offices so that all three taxi associations can be represented here,” Petros said, referring to Uncedo, Knysna Taxi Association and Garden Route Taxi Association.
“We've never been approached or consulted with regards to a total revamp and renaming of this taxi rank. This is the first I am hearing about it.”
On 21 and 22 February the urban design concept for Grey Street was presented to various business owners and residents at the Log Inn Hotel where, among other issues, the Taxi Rank was discussed in great detail.
Appointed architects CMAI presented a brief overview of the plans and engaged in a question and answer session – and a number of questions related to the taxi rank.
Where were the taxi owners?
It was also clear to all present that not a single taxi owner was in the room.
“We've never been invited nor informed of such a meeting,” Petros said, and also admitted that there was indeed a challenge with traffic congestion at the taxi rank.
“If the upgrade plans were to benefit us, then we would support it. But for now, this is just surprising that they would make decisions that affect us, without even consulting us.”
Petros said an immediate concern for taxi operators is how they would conduct business during the construction phase.
“Do they have any contingency plans for us?” he asked.
In response, the Knysna Municipality stated, “Taxi associations have most certainly not been excluded from the CBD Renewal Project public participation process.
“The municipal economic development department is in the process of arranging a meeting with the associations.
"The purpose of the meeting is to engage, consult and to take them through the plan and get their input as a collective.
"The urban design framework is for Grey Street however, a need for a precinct plan at the taxi rank has been identified and the taxi associations will be involved in the process.”
They added that it must be noted that a public participation meeting, which was well advertised, was held on Wednesday 21 February and was open for all.
Read previous articles:
- Have your say on Grey Street renewal
- Residents react to Grey Street plans
- Grey Street plans
- 'Ambitious plans' for Grey Street
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