PDMU Update

Effective October 2, 2005 the Puerto Rico Aqueducts and Sewage Authority (PRASA) raised the rates for water and sewage to its residential, commercial and industrial customers. The highest rates are those applied to the residential sector and the lowest to the industrial group. The rate served to Palmas del Mar Utility Corporation (PDMU) was the commercial rate for the purchase of water only, or 100% increase compared to the previous rate. No charges for sewer service are being made to PDMU since PDMU operates its own sewage system. The rate increase is passed along to PDMU customers without any additional charges.

The PDMU Board considers that Palmas del Mar should be given the industrial rate since our community belongs to the Tourism Industry. A request was sent to PRASA to change the commercial rate to the industrial rate. Such a change would represent a 9.37 percent saving over the current commercial rate. PRASA is yet to act on PDMU's request. Once PRASA reaches a decision PDMU will inform the Palmas community accordingly.

ARB Update

The Architectural Review Board (ARB) has been very busy reviewing plans and inspecting construction sites for compliance with the covenants and restrictions. What follows is a summary of some of the ARB activities related to new projects:

Projects under construction and percentage of completion:

Aquabella 65% 

Costa Verde 65% 

Harbour Point 100% 

Marbella III 10% 

Harbourlakes 32%
Plaza del Puerto 80% 

Plaza del Mar 55% 

Palmanova Village 20% 

The Woods 70% 

Villa Franca II 20%

Projects under review (Conceptual Plans):

Los Lagos Kings Helmet Las Villas III Palmas del Mar Yacht Club

Final Plans endorsed - (Construction not started):

Caleta de Palmas Breakwaters Repairs

In 2004 the ARB activated the Modifications Committee whose responsibility is the review of remodeling and alterations plans to the existing structures. The ARB continues to review new construction. Between both the Modifications Committee and the ARB, a total of 343 plans were reviewed in 2005 including follow-up to enforcement matters.

We urge you to call the ARB at 787-285-2279 before you start any new construction or remodeling of your property to assist you with the permit process and comply with the Palmas Covenants.

Artificial Reef Update

The study phase for the installation of an Artificial Reef at Palmas del Mar is underway. This is a joint PHA /PDMPI project to deal with the Palmas beach erosion problem, the recovery of beach areas and the threat of dangerous currents. Study phase includes identification of Thalasia banks and corals, wave patterns, batrimetry and mapping of bottom areas. The design and permits phase will begin at the conclusion of the studies. These two phases should take approximately six (6) months. Installation of the Artificial Reef will depend on permits and construction costs. It is estimated such costs could be as much as $9 million.

Meetings and presentations have been held with the Puerto Rico Tourism Company and the Department of Natural Resources. Also, the project was presented at an inter-agency meeting sponsored by the Corps of Engineers. This meeting was attended by representatives from federal and state regulatory agencies involved in the approval of such a project. The initial reaction from these representatives has been extremely encouraging.