August22

Landscaping, Maintenance and Gardening Projects

Earlier this year we completed replanting and renovation of a garden on the beach in front of Orchid.  We also repaired the mosaic tilework at the bus stop at the north entrance to Upper Conchas Chinas, and replanted the garden area just behind that bus stop.  We have added a number of plants to the existing gardens, and we plan to create several new gardens in the common areas in both Upper and Lower Conchas Chinas. 

The hanging baskets on various light posts around the neighborhood did not fare well through the dry season, primarily because CCHA doesn’t have access to water sources near each of these baskets.  We will soon be replanting the baskets with new plants, and they should thrive during the rainy season.  However, during the dry season, we ask that the neighbors near each basket water the plants in those baskets.  Otherwise, we don’t have a way to maintain them, and the baskets will have to be removed.  I hope that if there is a light post with a basket near your home, that you will water it yourself during the dry season, or please make sure that your mozo or gardener waters it.  These baskets can be a great addition to the beauty of Conchas Chinas, but we need neighbors’ help to maintain them.

Unfortunately, there are some people around who like to do damage for no reason.  Several gardens and planters in Conchas Chinas have had the plants poisoned with chemicals and salt.  We are doing our best to replace lost plants, and to revive unhealthy plants.  If you ever see anyone doing anything damaging in the neighborhood, please try to get pictures of the culprits in action and forward them to Claudia or Jeff.

Some of our agave plants were stolen from along the highway earlier this year.  Fortunately, our gardeners saw the thief in action.  We were able to confront him, get the police involved, and recover our lost plants.

We’ve added 50 new garbage cans throughout the neighborhood this year, and this has helped keep trash off the streets.  Later this summer we will be building walls around some of the more-unsightly garbage collection areas.  This will help keep our colonia more beautiful and better-maintained.

Coconuts have been maturing on the neighborhood palm trees recently, and we have had most of the coconut palms cleaned of the ripe coconuts, which can be dangerous should they fall.  We have completed this project along the Conchas Chinas malecon, as well as on Corales in Upper Conchas Chinas.  We are in the process of removing the coconuts from the other trees near the beach in Lower Conchas Chinas.

We are working with the City of Puerto Vallarta to try and construct another stretch of sidewalk which will run along the highway between the OXXO and Calle Easy.  We have had offers of financial help from some very generous Conchas Chinas homeowners, and we believe that we can have the labor provided by City workers.  When I know more about additional costs to fund this project, I’ll let you know.

Development

A lot has happened on the Development front this year.  Please check our website for the amazing accomplishments that we’ve made in this area recently, and our continued efforts.

Legal Efforts

We continue to work with our attorneys to find legal opportunities to prevent new constructions in Conchas Chinas that don’t have the legally required Environmental Impact Reports approved by the federal agency SEMARNAT.  SEMARNAT in Mexico City, not local or state, is the only agency that is legally authorized to approve Environmental Impact Reports.  There are several developers marketing new projects and CCHA will not support projects that are not in compliance with the 2012 Urban Zoning Plan (Plan Parcial), or do not have a federally approved Environmental Impact Report.

Finally, it is an honor and a privilege to serve on the CCHA Board.  As volunteers, our board members give our time, energy, and money to the organization.  Our only compensation is the appreciation that comes from you, our members.  When we see many of you in the neighborhood, you tell us “Thanks” and that we’re doing a good job.  I can’t tell you how much we appreciate that!  That’s what makes it all worthwhile.

We thank all of you who appreciate all that we do for the neighborhood on your behalf.  Keeping a wonderful and prestigious neighborhood like Conchas Chinas in good shape is a big job, and it is a team effort.  Six board members and a small staff cannot do everything; it takes the help of neighbors who are willing to give of their time and resources to continue to make Conchas Chinas the premier neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta and the entire Bay Area.

Thanks to all of you who support us!