PHA Projects

• PHA Building: Construction of the PHA Building is finally underway. Contract was awarded to NIH Builders a very reliable and experienced construction company with several projects in Palmas del Mar. Cost of this project should not exceed $2 million as presented to the General Assembly at last years' Annual Meeting.
• Service Entrance: Expansion of the Road 923 Service Entrance to Palmas del Mar is also underway. This is a joint PHA/PDMPI project undertaken as part of the cost sharing and construction agreements signed early between the two organizations for the installation of the access control systems and building new entrances to Palmas del Mar. The Main Gate facilities and its access control system were built as part of these agreements. The service entrance project contemplates construction of five lanes, new guardhouse facilities and the installation of the access control system. Project should be completed by August 2006.
• Main Gate: Another PHA project underway is the much-needed revamping of the Main Gate area to include landscaping, illumination and the installation of an upgraded access control system replacing the old AVI system.. Project should be completed by April 2006.
• Paving: As part of its road repaving program included in the 2006 Budget, PHA will be paving the main streets of Villa Franca as well as the entrance to Palmanova Drive. This is a major undertaking to be completed in two phases. Phase I, paving of main streets in Villa Franca, will take place in the February- March 2006 time frame while Phase II, paving of lateral streets, will take place in February 2007. Originally Villa Franca Streets were built on concrete slabs. As recommended by consultant engineers asphalt will be laid upon existing concrete as it is the ideal base for asphalt pavements and it is by far more cost effective. Installation of new concrete slabs is cost prohibitive and well beyond the PHA's scope.
• San Miguel Bridge: The installation of a new San Miguel Bridge is nearly complete. This is a private project being done as part of the Outer Marina Project by Engineer Luis MuñIz. PHA and PDMPI assisted the developer in expediting the project and obtaining concessions from the Humacao municipality to make this project a reality in minimum time. PHA made the initial structural damage assessments that led to the replacement of the bridge.
• New Road: The new Country Club extension road and round about circles is now complete. Our hats off to Jaime Morgan at PDMPI and to the project engineer Danny Torruellas for a job well done. This is certainly a major contribution to the Palmas community.

Security Update

Overall, Palmas remains free of significant crime activity compared to other communities in Puerto Rico as evidenced by 2005 year end statistics as reported to the PHA Security Department. As it has been the track for more than six years now, no homicides, rapes_, armed robberi^es or aggravated ^assaults were registered in 200-5. Eleven aggressions were reported, nine (9) of which were domestic disturbances. There were no auto vehicles stolen. Twenty six (26) burglaries and 84 illegal appropriations were reported. Twenty three individuals were detained by Palmas Security and processed by the Puerto Rico Police. There were eighteen (18) golf cart accidents and nine people were rescued from drowning by the PHA Beach Patrol.

Golf Cart Registration Reminder

Homeowners are reminded that golf cart registration must be renewed by February 15, 2006. After that date, security will be issuing warnings until February 28 and after that date a $60.00 fine will be given to carts driving with expired registrations. Carts must be inspected as part of the

"registration process and PHA must be furnished with evidence of golf cart insurance reflecting the PHA as co-insured.

Beach Access Parking

PHA and PDMPI have reached an agreement whereby a small parcel of land located at the entrance of the beach easement between Crescent Cove and Crescent Beach is being transferred to PHA. The Association has already demolished the old antenna building located at the parcel. The site will be landscaped and converted into a small golf cart parking lot to improve access to the beach in this area. PHA has met with the new owner of Punta Candelero regarding future beach access and parking for golf carts in that area. The new owner is very receptive and has assured PHA he will comply with the beach access requirements as specified by law.