In the news is the controversial parking structure at Hidalgo Park, opposed by many in the 5 de Diciembre colonia, deeded the land by the city in 1953. Proponents of the plan say the more efficient use of space will not only provide parking but will also create a park that can actually be used. Opponents say the plan will not address the real issue, transportation within the city, and takes away the colonia's original graveyard established in 1954.
Controversy still surrounds Bay View Grand's new project, the Grand Venetian. A change in zoning rules allows for construction of a high-density complex such as that planned. Proponents say the process was legal and the new tenants of the land have agreed to all adjustments required after the initial review. Those include increased parking spaces, revamping the Pitillal River bank, allowing public access to the beach and creating a more Mexican design for the complex. Opponents state that the height of the three-tower 30-story complex will be a visual blight and will also present a dangerous ecological precedent.
City Hall announced that no further fraccionamientos (neighborhoods) will be allowed legal process until all conditions for a functional infrastructure are met, such as proper cobblestone or paved streets, adequate drainage and approved lighting, electricity and telephone wiring. Over the years, the Department of Architects has found that many of the previously legalized neighborhoods were constructed with less-than-adequate infrastructure, which becomes the responsibility of the city when it deteriorates.
At the recent AMPI Bucerías meeting, the primary issue of the day was electing officers. Tere Kimball was reelected as president, Harriet Murray was elected as vice president, Fay Sloane as treasurer, Alexis Burwell and Andres Durán as vocals and María Elena Andrade as coordinator. Hosted by La Punta Realty at Casa Paraiso on Lagos de Punta Mita, the group also appointed an education committee to include Sara Vega, Saul Groman and Cristi Campero. And a new guideline for payment of commissions to non-members of AMPI was drafted, to be voted on at the next meeting. Also on the agenda is the guideline for ranking Multi List offices for selection of winning agencies at the end of each year.
Right at press time, Applegate Realtors announced an open house at Santa Barbara Shores above Playa Los Muertos. The seven apartments, two in the back and five facing the bay, were each completed by different interior decorators, providing a refreshingly varied use of the same space. See Sam Skidmore at Applegate for more information.
Another Applegate property featured in an open house was Casa La Marina, purchased and finished by Michael and Corinne Eastham, originally from Victoria, BC. The possibility exists for a two-apartment home with a separate entrance for the second floor with its own kitchen. A large upper deck can be used as a health deck or even finished as another bedroom. The beautiful three-bedroom turnkey residence faces the marina. Fronting the Flamingos golf course is the infinity pool and outdoor patio dining area with full barbecue stove. See Miguel Morris for more information on this $575,000 USD bargain.
Several condominiums in Bay View Grand were presented by Applegate's Polo Espondo Dubin. The lovely two-bedroom E-408 overlooks the interior gardens and the bay with its own deck and Jacuzzi, accessible both from the living area and front bedroom. With over 1600 sq. ft. of living space luxuriously finished in marble, granite countertops and top-of-the-line appliances, all facilities in the Bay View Grand complex are available. Priced to sell at $345,000 USD.
Up in La Pechuga, overlooking the city from the hill over the tunnel, Selva Alta was presented in an open house by Carmen García of Prudential Realty. The 12-unit condominium offers views of downtown with the bay beyond it. A roof-top common area provides for picnics and gatherings, as does the large pool area complex below. Each of the apartments is meticulously fitted with quality finishing in bathrooms and kitchens. Balconies open onto the view and parking is provided. Priced from $87,000 USD and up.
Not far from the same tunnel in a quiet, nearly hidden residential area is Casa Carla, built and finished by Charles Simpson, a long-time resident whose wife runs Cristina's Designs. Represented by Coldwell Banker's Charlie Rondot, this three-in-one investment opportunity includes a spacious studio and one-bedroom rental unit within the building. Its large first-level storage unit could be converted into a garage or a business office. The top balcony offers amazing views of the city and the bay. Priced at $275,000 USD, this property with a personal touch includes laundry facilities.
The lovely Casa Los Arcos was opened by Tropicasa Realty recently. On the rugged South Shore just below the highway a few kilometers out of town, the tranquil façade of the Zen Bridge built over water lulls you so that when the door opens onto the view of the bay, you are taken quite unprepared. The dilemma is whether to see the upper or lower level first. Kitchen, bathrooms and utility rooms are designed for comfort and convenience, while the living room will wow the most jaded. Open toward the bay in front, balconies on upper levels, a pool area, Jacuzzi and barbecue pit bring the action toward the incredible view of Los Arcos. Priced at $2,495,000 USD.
La Punta Realty's Catherine Martin hosted the open house at El Faro Real Condominiums on Playa Punta Mita with food by El Dorado restaurant. With one unit remaining in El Faro Real I, the second phase releases one-, two- and three-bedroom condos. Penthouses have two or three bedrooms, with tropical landscaping, terraces and complete beach frontage. Prices in this deluxe mid-density complex begin at $370,000 USD.
