Meet Jeff Timm: Champion for Community Change

Jeff Timm is an architect and dedicated member of the Parkmore Community Association (PCA) Board, committed to making a meaningful impact in our suburb. Beyond his professional expertise in architecture, Jeff is actively involved in uplifting social projects and supporting NGOs, reflecting his passion for creating a better world. A lover of travel and the arts, he draws inspiration from diverse cultures and creative expressions, which he integrates into his work and community initiatives. 

PCA: Thank you, Jeff, for taking the time to share your insights and experiences with us in this interview.

PCA: Can you share more about your role as a PCA Board member and how your background as an architect influences the work you do for the community?

Jeff: I have worked in the property development sphere of architecture in Johannesburg since 2017, and I am well versed on the City of Johannesburg’s Zoning rules, and the city’s greater intention for our beautiful suburb. From my daytime architecture job, I have a network of professionals that I can call on for advice that can benefit the Parkmore Community by empowering them to make informed decisions when faced with Town Planning related matters.

My role as a PCA Board member is an advisory role to PCA members for all matters relating to Town Planning within Parkmore. Be it Rezoning applications, Consent Use applications, Building Plan applications, and general Town Planning advice for concerned PCA members.

PCA: What are some architectural or urban design principles that you believe could positively impact the Parkmore community, and how can residents support these initiatives?

Jeff: I have always said that Parkmore is Joburg’s best kept secret. It is conveniently located, peaceful, secure, has beautiful parks and recreation facilities, and is run like a tight ship by the PCA and Road Closure teams.

Architecture and Urban Design have an important role to play in building and shaping a community. Some elements of this falls out of individual residents’ and business owners’ responsibility, however these members do also have a role to play in uplifting the area in which they reside and do business.

A simple thing to do by both business owners and residents: ensure that your sidewalk is neat and clear of weeds and rubbish and ensure that your street-facing façade and/or boundary wall is friendly and presentable to the people in the street (whether drivers or pedestrians). Curb appeal is real, and it assists greatly in uplifting the general feeling in the suburb.

If you find that people loiter outside your property (for example at the 11th Street/Elizabeth Avenue intersection) discourage them organically by installing sprinkler systems that wash the sidewalks. They will quickly move away.

When it comes to developments, residents should be open to listen to the developer’s idea, and give constructive feedback when the opportunity arises. New developments breath new life into an area, and residents do have power to dictate what developers must do to maintain or improve the area in which they operate.

PCA: As a frequent traveller, what do you think Parkmore can do or offer to become a suburb that travellers would want to visit?

Jeff: I’m not sure Parkmore wants to be a “tourist hot spot”, however it’s unique character and strong community is definitely something more authentic travellers would like to experience.

Whenever we host international guests, we always take them to Milkbar at Sandton Sports Club as it is a great place to experience what Parkmore is all about. So more of this vibe would go down well.

My feeling is that an authentic, neighbourhood-centred creative restaurant street with its own character add value for residents and tourists alike. Something very similar to Hazelwood in Pretoria where close attention is paid to creating a hotspot vibrant and interactive street experience with varying restaurant and niche shop offerings.

PCA: What is your vision for Parkmore in the next 5–10 years?

Jeff: Many residents are not aware that City of Johannesburg’s plans for Parkmore include higher density and intensified Land Use from the Grayston Drive boundary to approximately Lilian Avenue. The residents that know about this are very wary and are actively pushing against this increased land use intensity when Rezoning Applications come about.

With Sandton CBD on our doorstep, it is inevitable that development will start spilling over into Parkmore.

Whilst we as residents should indeed be wary of this threat of redevelopment, I personally see it as an opportunity to improve the residential, retail and commercial offerings within Parkmore, and to improve the streetscape and vibrancy within the suburb.

The PCA aims to assist and guide residents on their objections to Rezoning Applications to insist that the property developers use their opportunity of redevelopment to enhance the public space around their developments, and to assist in keeping Parkmore the charming, peaceful and safe environment for all its current and new residents.

PCA: What advice would you give to Parkmore residents looking to contribute to community upliftment or support local NGOs effectively?

Jeff: There are several upliftment projects on the go and NGO’s that operate in Parkmore. Many of them are Parkmore residents. My advice: if you have spare time and want to get involved, or have an idea and want to take it further, reach out to the PCA and we can put you in contact with the people doing great work within the suburb.

For example, we can all say that our sidewalk gardens are looking amazing, and this is thanks to the gardening team who thoughtfully plan these spaces, put them together and look after them in their own time.

PCA: Why should Parkmore residents join the PCA in 2025?

Jeff: Without the PCA, Parkmore would not be Johannesburg’s Best Kept Secret. It would not be the peaceful and safe place that we call home. 

Amongst many other things, the PCA pays for 24/7 to patrol our streets to keep us safe. The PCA pays for road markings to be painted regularly and street signs to be changed periodically. The PCA pays for fencing around certain electricity sub-stations. The PCA pays for gardening services to keep our suburb beautiful. The PCA deals directly with Ward Councillors with pressing service delivery issues.

Most importantly, the PCA has created the platforms that connect fellow neighbours and businesses, and it has helped greatly to create a sense of community.

By living in Parkmore, residents benefit from the work that the PCA does, and should therefore contribute to keeping it the peaceful and safe suburb we love and enjoy.

Thank you, Jeff, for sharing your inspiring journey, insights, and passion for uplifting both people and communities. Your dedication to the Parkmore community is truly commendable. We’re grateful for your contributions to the PCA and look forward to seeing the positive changes you continue to bring to our suburb and beyond.