Let me start out with an apology on this delayed update. It seems the older I get; the faster the clock goes by!
The last couple years have brought some changes to PDA. As many of you know, Pat L. left us in Nov. ’07. Pat & Cheryl moved back to the states and we wish them well. We currently have an outstanding team of 5 permanent workers doing an excellent job maintaining & keeping your investment beautiful:
Jimmy & Arlen Castillo: A native Nicaraguan, Jimmy speaks excellent English. They are set up thru SKYPE and talk several times a week. Jimmy oversees payroll - 15th & 30th of each month, social security - 15th each month , supplies, materials needed Any questions or needs from the crew I am aware of immediately. Arlen handles accounting & budget reports for us. When vacationer’s arrive, Jimmy and Arlen are easy to find at the Sherwin Williams Paint Store in San Juan Del Sur. I had the pleasure of meeting Jimmy’s sister Sadia recently in San Francisco, what a beautiful lady. I consider myself very fortunate to have met this family!
Juan, Soccoro & family still live in the bodega: They now have a luxury most of their countrymen do not have; a new shower and toilet inside the bodega. Juan is Security at the front gate. Sorroco keeps the fully furnished model home spotless. While renters are there she is available for additional cleaning or washing of all the linens we provide. Juan also oversees the needs of the development.
Roberto, (Juan’s nephew) was brought on this summer as a night watchman for the model. He also cleans & maintains the pool. We also discovered he handles the trowel very well and also a paint brush … actually most tools … a great asset with valuable knowledge of construction and a good work ethic. Roberto took Fernanado’s place as Fernanado recently married and moved many miles away.
Brothers Eddy & Efrain are the field hands who maintain what we have created. They asked to plant beans on the hill behind the house. What a crop it turned out to be! Take a look at the picture & grin on Efrain’s face. A beautiful little girl is an addition to their family!
The economy has been a great concern world-wide. Nicaragua is no exception – The headlines say it all. Many developed nations were seeing their markets fall into recession as housing and stocks dip in this challenging climate. The United States was seeing record drops in housing starts, commodity prices, job losses and consumer spending. The situation was not much better in Europe. However, our progress and developments continue to move forward!
** The new homebuyer’s & extended repeat buyers tax credit for the states extended with a purchase agreement signed by April 30, 2010 & closing by June 30, 2010 will influence buyers to again gain confidence and move forward ***
NEW - Nicaragua Retiree Law!
Per Tom Lowry - Major infrastructure progress is accelerating:
- Water supply for San Juan del Sur and vicinity - Tubes are going in the ground now to bring water from Lake Nicaragua to San Juan del Sur. A pumping station including a filtering and purification plant is being built at the Lake, with receiving tanks and distribution pumping near the Talengera. The lines will actually run along Chocolate Road from Bastion to the north to San Juan del Sur
- Major Bridge over the River to the North Beaches - Construction began about two(2) weeks ago on a permanent Concrete Bridge which leads to the north beach’s - Marsella, Maderas and Majagual.
- Permanent Road Grading Equipment - was recently purchased by the City of San Juan del Sur in an effort to better maintain the rural roads in and around the city and vicinity.
In November 2009, the former Nicaraguan Minister of Tourism presented the latest progress on the coastal highway project known as LaCostanerna. LaCostanera will be a paved road from Montelimar north of Costa Rica border to the south, approximately 132 kilometers. Close to the coast line, it follows most of the present dirt road. The project will be divided into 3 sectors: Border to San Juan 37 km, San Juan to El Astillero 32 km, & El Astillero to Pochomil 63 km.
If you have questions please don’t hesitate to contact us!
***Folks think seriously about building your homes. The rental inquiries are many . Check out the testimonials on our site! ***
