Notes from the Cape

Three onions to City of Cape Town

Attention: Cape Town City Manager
Copies: False Bay Echo
Boardsail Inn
Development and Infrastructure Services

The article in the False Bay Echo, 5 May Refers (p3):

I would like to voice my concern over the potential closure of the Boardsail Inn.

Marion and Hans have been running the restaurant for over 16 years, I really feel that it is one of the hidden gems in Cape Town. My wife, myself and several of my friends are regular diners at the Boardsail, and I have had nothing but outstanding hospitality, service and food there.

There are plenty of braai spots in Lakeside, and there is no need to remove the Boardsail to make way for roads etc. I fail to see why after the premises have been used for over 50 years, 16 as the Boardsail,  the council has made this decision. Regarding using the buildings for their operational needs, yes I too would love to have an office with the view the Boardsail currently has. This smacks of council abuse. I am sure that there are other properties from which they could operate. It is shocking that the council can terminate a 16 year lease with only a few weeks notice.

The letter quotes the reasons for the lease termination as to “allow parking for council vehicles, to allow a service road, an emergency exit, for increased parking for the community.”  There is currently a large parking area behind the restaurant, which I have never seen full. The area is very readily accessibly via the current service road, and it’s a very short drive to the larger road infrastructure. Why would you destroy such a beautiful setting with such a fantastic view for a parking area? Regarding the emergency vehicles, I do agree that they should have ready access, but the currently do have access to the area. 

Job creation and entrepreneurship is being encouraged by our National Government. By terminating the lease you are going directly against this, and you are directly destroying several jobs.

Both Marion and Hans have put a lot of energy into turning the Boardsail into what it currently is, by terminating the lease, you are removing the entire future value of the business that they have created.

I strongly urge you to very seriously reconsider this decision.

Regards

Craig Strachan
Lakeside resident and ratepayer