Juan Dolio - South Beach of the Caribbean !!!

[DrChrisHE]

Originally Posted by STEVE G.

Aquabella is meant to become a ''Green Building'' ... probably they are keeping this lagoon as a natural part of it's design

LOL! You know Steve, you may be onto something. Maybe if they got some plankton growing we could claim it was an Oxygen producing pool to enhance the air? In Scandinavia (and various places in the PNW of the US) they are growing grasses and various native oxygen producing plants on roof tops. The plants and soil also act as insulation and one doesn't need gutters because of the plants' absorption!

However, something tells me that this won't be the angle taken. Has anyone tried releasing about a zillion frogs and tadpoles into the swamps? We actually did this. Our "pool" (think of Beverly Hillbilly's 'our cement pond') in the old house bred tadpoles that were huge and took care of the mosquitos but ONLY after I treated the pool with jugs of chlorine bleach (it was as if I needed to kill off enough of the mosquitos before the frog eggs could hatch--happened 3-4 different times). The tad pole heads were as big as quarters (or pesos). Once they started croaking though, we had to close the windows to hear each other talk over dinner! THAT'S how many there were. Then there were the ones that managed to get into the drain pipes and the echoing was hysterical.

[Fernandez]

Originally Posted by STEVE G.

Make a call and you'll get your answers ... Asociación para el Desarrollo Turístico de Juan Dolio y Guayacanes, Inc.

So..., I called the Asosication that curiously resides at the Costa del Sol building. Spoke with a nice girl there, Mariloli who was very kind but needed more information. I was referred to Mr. Teddy de Lara (809)729-9797 whom is the new Exec Director, though he does not appear on the Association Web Page. MariLoli mentioned that the members of the Association Steve referred to are all businesses in the local area, however, there are no independent groups comprised of residents that have attended any meetings, or which have asked to attend to this point to the best of her knowledge.

Thus, as I said before and as Steve also commented,
If you don't organize and group together to attend and have an influence on the developments in the zone, and take coordinated actions with others to create support, these issues will continue to exist ad nauseum.
As I do not reside there permanently, can't be as active, but I could assist as and where needed.
Again - only as a positive influence with true interests in accomplishing and adding value to the development and progress of the area. If its a gripe group that has a list of negatives - without workable solutions, I can't see getting invloved. My efforts would be to work with the developers who have invested significant time, risk, capital and more and who, with a little encouragement, can see points that others might need resolved..

[DrChrisHE]

Fernandez--Am I to understand that one has to be a PERMANENT Resident to be on these councils? We only have our preliminary Cedulas (the temp ones that get renewed). Or are you saying that you personally will only be here part time or for a short time?

'Just clarifying. TIA

[LDR]

Contact Robert@DR1.com for advertising rates.

Gregg
Mod.

[Matilda]

There was a very active junta de vesinos in Juan Dolio, comprised of small business owners plus local residents. The meetings were held monthly and in Spanish. I was a member. Unfortuately, the power held by this body was nothing compared to the new'Tourist' association and it proved impossible to get anything done once the new Association was established. We had the mayor and police attend our meetings, but we had nothing like the same influence as the Head of Metro Group and ex Senators from San Pedro and therefore the mayor ceased to attend. Anything we wished done had to be referred to the new tourist association. Therefore, unfortunately the group (which had been active for many years) ceased to exist. I doubt anyone could establish a new one (check out the membership of the Juan Dolio Tourist association and Google its members), to even remotely 'compete' with or work alongside what is now there.

Matilda

[STEVE G.]

Junta de Vecinos de Villas Del Mar ( the one Matilda was a member and not of all Juan Dolio ) unfortunately is dead . The last ''President'' resigned and her house was for sale . She just felt what was coming ...and as I know no one was interested to take her place And you are right Matilda in the Association there are very powerful people and businesses. The ones that will benefit directly from a new sewage treatment plant and the roads reparation first of all . Do you really think for example Metro Group will keep the Boulevard street in current situation after they finish Marbella project ? ... I'm still positive the roads will be fixed ... some day . At least on Boulevard in Villas Del Mar ( where there are almost no more empty lots left )

[Fernandez]

Interesting.
Matilda- I think, with so much going on, the Developers would be wise to invite a new group to associate rather than risk a body of opponents that now number a very sizeable residential community with contacts that can add significant value to the future of the area, and/or damage its reputation both nationally and internationally.
With contacts in government, finance, tourism, television and other areas, I am sure that there are significant strengths available from many locally- and perhaps moreso abroad - that can be used to provide the developers another window on the issues which local residents would like to incorporate in these growth areas.

[Fernandez]

Matilda,
All in a positive vain- to seek the best for the area, but not to be confused with ignorance or a willingness to stand by and let things go without repercussions.
You would be surprised how well directed strategic actions can add important value or create incredible harm.
In the end, evil loses- I am sure that there would be strong encouragement to have a group participate in a constructive manner.

[Fernandez]

DR Christie-
My presence in the DR is limited to the days which I might spend there every month-I meant no more than that.

[Paul R.]

Hello to Everyone: I’m a new “Member” here at dr1 and never posted in any web related site before today. I have been reading these Juan Dolio posts for some time now. This seems to be the best possible way to keep in touch with the recent trends and “grape vine” news for JD on the Web. My interest in the local news and trends is because I bought an apartment with Starfish/Club Hemingway (great!), but I live in the “States”.
I would like to give thanks in particular to the posts from Steve G. Steve, you seem contribute with great knowledge of the building and local scene. I’m going to be in Juan Dolio with my wife this coming week of 2-18-08, Id like to say a quick hello any of the local contributors, (specially Steve G), if possible.