Riverview Church Heads to Court over Unauthorized 'Container City'

The tranquil neighborhood in Lakeside is abuzz with the sound of a looming legal confrontation between the local municipality and the Riverview Church of Christ. Residents of Christian Road Westlake are gearing up to witness a dispute that pitches communal aesthetics and law against the operational activities of a local house of worship. The controversy: a collection of almost 100 storage containers, which critics have dubbed a 'container city,' that has unexpectedly mushroomed on the church grounds.

The City has drawn the line, insisting on the removal of the containers post a compliance notice deadline that expired on January 19. Deputy Mayor and Mayco Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Eddie Andrews, hinted at legal actions, stating, "The City is in the process of instituting litigation and cannot comment until this process has been concluded. We can confirm that containers are still on the site.”

This clash is not a simple dispute over storage units. It digs deep into the years of tension between the Riverview Church's congregation, residents, and its board of trustees. The situation spiraled following an alleged lease agreement contracted between the storage company and the church under conditions which some describe as dubious.

Dealtry Pickford, the owner of the storage business implicated in the squabble, ascended into the controversy by confirming a five-year lease with the church board of trustees. However, the lack of a green light on a zoning departure application at the council for approval complicates matters further.

The roots of the current contention trace back to 2015, with what many describe as a ‘takeover’ of the church. The lease agreement, reportedly struck between Honore Makembe, a preacher and member of the church board, and Pickford, skipped the ceremonial step of congregant consultation, raising the eyebrows of many affected parties.

As inquiries to Mr. Makembe remain unanswered, the congregation’s assistant, Derek Beukes, has vocalized his relief over the City’s actions against what he deems a "highly questionable" trust used to arrange contracts with the storage company. Members of the Riverview Church of Christ join in this sentiment, expressing their keenness to dissolve this "whole sad saga" and restore harmony within their sacred space.

While the church’s response to the looming legal battle remains awaited, the ripples of this fracas touch upon the delicate balancing act between development, community consensus, and adherence to urban planning by-laws. The imminent legal proceedings promise to cast a revealing light on the events leading to the 'container city's' establishment and the future direction of Riverview Church's governance.