Update
KNYSNA NEWS - Unkept sidewalks, poorly maintained roads and congested traffic at regular intervals – this is how members of the public and business owners responded when the Knysna-Plett Herald took a walk around town and asked them about their concerns surrounding Grey Street, popular with tourists and also a major taxi route.
Many business owners complained about the state of the uneven road, creeping with green undergrowth, and a serious lack of parking for customers.
“If you just stand on the pavement and look up and down the road, you'll notice the prevalence of potholes.
"They just retarred the road recently, about a year ago, and already it's breaking up,” said a resident who asked not to be named.
“Look at the curbs, look at the weeds growing wildly, it's in a state.”
Another business owner, who also asked not to be identified, was not so kind.
“I think the state of Grey Street is disgusting. This is a pedestrian highway, mostly tourists are walking up and down, and this is the impression we give them? Surely the municipality can do better.”
Some business owners felt that closing off the road to allow pedestrians only, or at least a portion of the road, would allow Grey Street to become a hub of activity and businesses would be able to trade day and night.
This sentiment was not shared by all, as some business owners believed it would be detrimental to their businesses if they are unable to receive and dispatch deliveries.
But all agreed that something drastic has to be done really soon.
“We also need to be communicated with when maintenance is being done. Last year the municipality was fixing pipes and dug up half the street, which was also closed, and we were not warned beforehand. This really affected our business.”
Some residents even suggested that the unsightly state of the road attracts dodgy car guards and vagrants.
Well-known Knysna photographer Ian Fleming stated that Grey Street has the potential to be a street of character and that the focus has to be on a long-term revival solution –something that would last.
A car guard points to a pothole in the middle of Grey Street.
Local Pam Golding franchise owner Ling Dobson added, “I love my town and I love Grey Street.
"We have the potential to create a really amazing atmosphere right here that will benefit everyone in town and everyone visiting. We really want something to happen soon.”
• A meeting open to the public and hosted by the municipality in conjunction with appointed architects CMAI was held at the Log Inn Hotel on Wednesday 21 February.
It was well attended by more than 50 people, to give input into the concept phase of the municipality's Grey Street Renewal Project, as reported on in last week's edition.
Key elements of the current concept phase revolve around creating a pedestrian-friendly street, significantly reducing taxi and traffic congestion, and allowing for more parking bays.
A comment that suggested that no taxis be allowed on Grey Street drew gasps of surprise and was clearly not supported by all.
The practicality of Grey Street as a pedestrian-only road was also questioned, and the room was divided, with many feeling that open lanes for motorists are vital for business survival.
CMAI representatives advised that a traffic engineer was yet to be appointed and a traffic impact study would be conducted ahead of final construction plans.
The renewal project for Grey Street is currently still at the concept phase.
The municipality would also seek funds from national treasury for the project as the projected total cost far exceeds what is available at a local level.
CMAI director Geoff Brown quelled concerns regarding bus parking, traffic flow and disturbance to surrounding businesses, and stated that all concerns and suggestions would be noted and taken into consideration before final approvals.
The project is expected to start in July 2018, pending approval of the budget from council.
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