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The current weather in Culebra
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Costa Bonita open yet?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Shane (65.163.245.---)
Date:   08-12-04 19:24

When will the Costa Bonita hotel open for guest? Can anyone provide any details on the hotel?
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Re: New Hotel?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Culebra WirelessNet (63.175.186.---)
Date:   08-12-04 21:47

They are shooting for mid September.
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Re: Costa Bonita open yet?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Roger (---.ipt.aol.com)
Date:   08-21-04 10:37

Why has this taken so long? I was there 8 months ago, has much progress been made? Will it have beach access?
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Re: Costa Bonita open yet?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Garry (---.client.comcast.net)
Date:   08-28-04 22:21

Why aren't more people on this forvm talking about this? This is a huge step for Culebra, aren't the locals excited?

Is this hotel a locally operated hotel or Wyndham?
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Re: Costa Bonita open yet?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Culebra WirelessNet (63.175.186.---)
Date:   08-29-04 10:09

they are making great progress, but it is a huge project that takes incredible coordination to get what they need to the island. J & A are doing a great job. They have had many of the rooms done and they have been used by the owners of the individual condos. When all the signs of construction are gone or at least out of sight it is my understanding that a hotel management company will take over the property for the investors and run it like a hotel. It doesn't make sense for a hotel to open during hurricane season in Culebra. There's no beach.
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Re: Costa Bonita open yet?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Garry (---.client.comcast.net)
Date:   08-29-04 14:30

CW.
Thank You for the update, I can't wait to visit it!
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Re: Costa Bonita open yet?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Doug (---.tdktech.com)
Date:   08-30-04 11:07

From what I have heard, one of the reasons that it has not made good progress is that the developers failed to do their homework, both in terms of planning for adequate sewers, water and other utilities, and in terms of impact on the environment. With Culebra's largest asset being its draw as an eco-tourism destination, developments like Costa Bonita pose the threat of causing Culebra to lose the charm and unique character that makes it so beloved.

Garry says that this is a huge step for Culebra. Paving every square inch of Culebra, and fostering high density development isn't considered 'progress' by everyone. There are plenty of places to recreate on jam-packed beaches, stay in high-rises and eat fast food, like Cancun. Culebrenses are very protective of their way of life and the unspoiled paradise that makes it possible.

Doug
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Re: Costa Bonita open yet?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: CB (216.107.228.---)
Date:   08-31-04 14:14

Where will all the fresh water come from for all the guests? What about the pollution from the sewage? One of the reasons it hasn't opened is that environmentally they have not addressed many of these problems/concerns. This is one of the largest developments to be put up on the Island and from speaking with the locals not necessarily welcomed. If Culebra is to stay small and its natural resources protected, one must question the benefit of building a larger development. Is it necessary given the amount of smaller family run hotels already on the Island? At what price to Culebra when Costa Bonita does open.
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Re: Costa Bonita open yet?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Culebra WirelessNet (63.175.186.---)
Date:   08-31-04 17:36

I just wanted to answer your question about the sewer issue. I don't want to get into the right or wrong of the project. They are using a pirana type airation system. View the following link to see how it works: http://www.pirana.biz/ I use one of these in my house in NY and now here at my house in Culebra. It processes the sewage in the tank. As you can see from visiting the above link the water that comes out is 96% clean and can be used to water the plants with no adverse effects. It is my contention that the entire island can be micro managed this way without having to dig up the streets and spend a ton of money on a main treatment plant. I could take the 7 houses on my side of the street and have all the sewage fed into one large tank and have the pirana treat it all and everything we flush can go back into the environment safely for around 12-15k. A fraction of the cost of digging up our streets. It would be nice to have some fruit trees out back. There are many solutions to our island's challenges like the parana and wireless internet, but it is hard to get them initiated.
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Re: Costa Bonita open yet?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Doug (---.tdktech.com)
Date:   08-31-04 18:38

I think the right or wrong of the project is unavoidable when answering the original poster's question. The reason it has not gone smoothly for the development, is that people who care about sustaining the stress-healing character and environmental health of Culebra have tried to force development to conform to what is right, in terms of preserving those qualities.

I think you are wise to research and educate about technology which is consistent with those qualities, not just to enable growth for growth's sake. I'm not an expert on sewage treatment, but I'd certainly want to get the opinion of someone who was, to tell us what water that has 4% sewage does to the health of the reefs, beaches and people of Culebra, and whether the Costa Bonita's installation will effectively hit safe numbers. I'm not sure how street trenches fit in this discussion, but presumably, as underground sewage alternatives. Of course, this begs the question of whether mega-development is inevitable.

Finally, the service sector of Culebra, something which has been discussed at length here, is taxed to the limit, more often than not. To support the influx of people that developments like CB will try to attract would require changing the entire delivery system for those services. Those changes are also what need to be considered here. Culebra is different from Cancun and San Juan, and for me, that's a huge positive. Are we sure we want that to change?

Doug
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Re: Costa Bonita open yet?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Culebra WirelessNet (63.175.186.---)
Date:   08-31-04 21:21

I don't dissagree with you. I also came to Culebra for the same reasons. I'm just looking at what has been forced upon us and would like to see efficient and effective ways of handling it. The shotgun approach is not the answer for a fragile and small island. The technology is available to treat the sewage and provide the water without hurting or disrupting the ecology of Culebra. CB, the price of real estate and the building projects are all in play. Where that leads us I don't know. I hope those in power use all the tools available to them to preserve Culebra the way you describe in your postings.
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Re: Costa Bonita open yet?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Culebra WirelessNet (63.175.186.---)
Date:   08-31-04 21:28

do you think the people staying at CB will frequent Dewey and other parts of the island other than Flamenco? When I was out there I noticed they only have like 10 parking spots. Maybe they are going to try to keep people on campus. I know they purchased a sea plane to bring in supplies and maybe even people. It will be interesting.
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Re: Costa Bonita open yet?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Doug (---.tdktech.com)
Date:   09-01-04 11:29

Given that Ensenada Honda is already too polluted to swim in, I can't imagine that people would not venture out for recreation. I'm not sure if the original marina initiative has been abandoned, but if it has, what else is there to do?

Doug
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Re: Costa Bonita open yet?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: MF (---.cs-server26.com)
Date:   09-01-04 14:27

sometimes I wonder whether the only way to 'keep Culebra like it is', would have been to never go there ....

change is inevitable. the question are:

who is in charge of it?

what constitutes a 'local'?

what makes a 'real estate developer'? - the fact that somebody owns 1, 2, 5, 25 or even 50 cuerdas - or the fact that they bought/sold it for fun and/or profit?

it seems that very often the dividing line in the discussion goes through people's pocketbook.

if whoever buys or sells land is richer than oneself, they are the bad guys who just want to profit.

so when are you planning to buy a piece of paradise?
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Re: Costa Bonita open yet?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Doug (---.tdktech.com)
Date:   09-01-04 15:16

MF,

Change may be inevitable, but if the will of the citizenry is strong it doesn't have to be destructive. That's why people create zoning laws and require adherence to sound environmental practice. They are the only tools available to ensure that developers respect the quality of life for their neighbors.

They are bad guys if they don't follow the law and disrespect their neighbors. There has been much talk that money changed hands for officials to look the other way regarding violations, including destruction of the National Preserve. In a small, secluded place like Culebra, the resources to enforce these laws are few, but I support Culebrenses who push back.

Doug
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Re: Costa Bonita open yet?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: teresa (---.direcpc.com)
Date:   09-01-04 17:30

Normally I would never respond to such a discussion publicly but feel that I have to when a statement such as that above is made. I am the Refuge Manager for Culebra NWR and have tried my best to prevent damages to the "National Preserve" which is correctly called the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge. We have been in discussion with developers of that off-refuge property and also other adjacent properties for many years. Construction projects are not alowed inside Culebra National Wildlife Refuge. Docks are not permitted, nor is cutting of mangrove or filling of wetlands. We have written many many letters to many agencies that DO have the authority to regulate activities on private lands and also have coordinated site visits to bring representatives to numerous sites to try and prevent damages. We have written citations to various violators who have either deposited things directly inside the refuge or have dug directly inside the refuge, or cut vegetation within the refuge and they have paid fines and have mitigated in other ways. If something occurs off refuge then we have no authority. We do not have the authority to tell someone that they cannot do something if it does not occur inside Refuge boundaries. The land clearing that takes place on lands outside the Refuge boundary is on privately owned lands where we do not have jurisdicition. Erosion into Refuge wetlands or shoreline from land clearings occuring outside the Refuge boundary is not something that we can cite the responsible party for directly. We legally have to work through the pertinent agency with authority over that action. Believe me I have tried to prevent problems and have tried for many years to be a catalyst for action and have consulted with nuerous federal law enforcement agents on this. We are trying to take a positive approach right now and are bringing agency reps to Culebra for a forum this month to try to develop a mechanism whereby agencies can communicate with each other better and prevent problems rather than always be in a crisis reaction mode. Absolutely NOONE in my agency has been Paid Off to Look the Other Way. Please be careful when making such statements, they can be very damaging. These damages to the Refuge resources and nearshore environment have hurt noone more than me and I am not going to give up in trying to do something to turn things around. Sincerly, Teresa Tallevast, Refuge Manager
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Re: Costa Bonita open yet?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Doug (---.tdktech.com)
Date:   09-01-04 17:59

Teresa,

I'm sorry if it sounded like I was referring to you or your organization. In no way do I think that. When I first heard about the violations, I asked why the "powers that be" would allow the types of development that weren't in harmony with the long term committment to eco-tourism that the people of Culebra were supposed to have embraced. The answer was the universal gesture of rubbing the thumb and forefinger together that means "cash".

I have a great deal of respect for your work and will be very careful with my comments in the future.

Doug
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Re: Costa Bonita open yet?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Culebra WirelessNet (63.175.186.---)
Date:   09-01-04 20:47

One common theme I see in all your post is that violations are happening all over the island, but nothing gets done. Not that we don't try, but nobody seems willing or able to enforce anything. From the preserve to our local neighborhoods. It seems that some that want to build, improve or expand need to go through lengthly permits and codes, which is fine, but the local in the neighborhood can do whatever he wants. Breaking codes with building, septic, animals etc. Agencies come from San Juan and mark the house for demolition another agencies come and tell them to get rid of the 20 dogs down to two, but they still expands, still breaks codes. It is the common theme here. I have come to the realization that I'm a guest here and cannot do anything about it. Maybe that's the wrong attitutude for the neighborhood and not one that I agree with when it comes to the preserve. This is a healthy discussion and one that must be had, but what do we do?
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Re: Costa Bonita open yet?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: MF (---.cs-server26.com)
Date:   09-02-04 02:54

Doug,

>Change may be inevitable, but if the will of the citizenry is strong it >doesn't have to be destructive. That's why people create zoning laws and >require adherence to sound environmental practice. They are the only >tools available to ensure that developers respect the quality of life for >their neighbors.

The citizenry - as in the citzens of PR or the ones of Culebra or the ones of the US, the ones that came 60, 20, 10 or 5 years ago?

>They are bad guys if they don't follow the law and disrespect their neighbors.

The same 'not adherence to zoning laws', that created the charming little guest house, creates developments like Costa Bonita. None of these people followed 'the law'

>I support Culebrenses who push back.

Since Culebra is dependent on PR for much of its zoning, very often the only way to 'push back' is after the fact.

But then again I come back to my original questions; for the guy that owns a little parcela, or lives in a trailer someone who bought 5 cuerda for 100K and now sells it for a million sure looks like a developer too - even though he might have 'only' built a small little casita for himself ...

What about all the houses over at Zoni?

If you are powerful enough you are able to change the zoning laws. Very often it is someone who wants to buy a piece of paradise with a couple of lawyers who can find a loophole ...

And to be quite honest, I would not mind owning one of those multimillion houses either, but they are part of the same coin!

David,

I think everybody is a 'guest' here, it does not matter whether you came 5 or 60 years ago. I know in Culebra it makes a great difference (and the xenophobia is especially strong amongst recent, that is 5-10 years ago, arrivals), but to think you 'cannot do anything about it' if it comes to your neighbourhood .. maybe not everybody can afford the 12-15K for the pirana system and they are happy that there finally will be sewers, albeit at the cost of torn up streets?
The money for those projects comes from San Juan and I am sure it would be really tricky and timeconsuming to convince authorities (and their open hands) that it makes more sense to go with whichever, much cheaper and more environmentally friendly system.

Maybe the active approach could be to convince the open hands (which are usually on higher than Culebra levels ..) that they could make money with other contractors too - and let the the piranas of the world know where the hands are?

The problem is, we don't know. That's why we only buy whatever we can afford - from a week on Flamenco to a 5 million 'casita' out on Zoni, according to our knowledge and pocketbook ...
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Re: Costa Bonita open yet?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: teresa (---.direcpc.com)
Date:   09-02-04 09:17

In response to "what can we do"? In my opinion the best thing to do is to educate yourself as to who is responsible for what and, as a group of citizens, express your concerns to those that can take action on given situations. The Culebra NWR office has prepared a list of agencies that pertain to Culebra issues with contact names and numbers for each. In our inter-agency meeting in a couple of weeks we will be updating this handout and it will be available, as it has been, to the public.

Having worked for an agency the past almost 14 years and being contracted by one the 5 years prior to that, I have learned that they respond to the public much more rapidly than they might respond to another agency. Inguiries or concerns expressed in a positive way, not in an attacking or accusatory tone, will get results. It reminds us that we really are public servants and owe the public our best in doing our jobs in managing the public resources for the benefit of all. We all get caught up in overwhelming tasks and sometimes lose sight of the most important element of our job in being available to the public. And letters sent that are signed by numerous parties get more attention. And, believe it or not, agencies can use your help in providing input on issues of concern. Noone expects or wants anyone to be a watch dog, but it is impossible for someone to see what is occurring when they are not in Culebra or are in a position such as mine where I am responsible for a refuge scattered over 80 square miles and have to access most of it by boat. All the eyes out there are appreciated and anonymous citizen-provided reports have prevented major problems such as fires, sea turtle nest damage, and massive clearcutting.

If you would like to attend an activity to meet Culebra-associated agency reps please let me know and I will provide information for you. I will be hosting one soon. It is an outreach activity to try to provide an opportunity for the public to see agency reps as human beings instead of faceless bureaucratic robots and talk calmy over a plate of food; it will occur within the same time frame as our inter-agency meeting. If you would like to be invited please let me know via email at Teresa_Tallevast@fws.gov.

Thanks for another moment on the soapbox
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Re: Costa Bonita open yet?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Michael (---.utaonline.at)
Date:   09-02-04 12:24

Cheers Teresa! - That sounds very promising!

Maybe we could publish those names and agencies in IslaCulebra.com? I think it might make them more accessible to the general public!

What do you think?

Michael
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Re: Costa Bonita open yet?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: butch pendergast (---.proxy.aol.com)
Date:   09-04-04 16:09

Interesting discussion. I have a few comments.

Aeration (in one form or another) is a fundamental method for treating sewage. It is used as a major component of most sewage treatment systems (except individual drain fields), including large municipal systems and small systems like the piranha method.

Whether piranha systems would be a viable alternative to a municipal system is now academic. The municipal treatment plant has been built. Now, the sewer lines need to be installed and connected so the system can become operational. That, in my opinion, should be a high-priority project. It will go a long way toward alleviating land and water pollution. Can anyone out there tell me what the (real) schedule is for completing the sewer lines?

I understand that the treated effluent from the sewage plant is to be used for agricultural irrigation. I favor that. Where economically viable, it also could be piped out-island and used for watering lawns and gardens, for toilets, for (chlorinated) swimming pools and, possibly, for showers and washing machines.

I have observed Teresa Tellevast's work for many years. Teresa and her staff are dedicated, honest, capable people. I hope she will provide the names, numbers, and responsibilities of the Culebra agencies, so they can be posted on islaculebra.com.

I agree that one of the biggest obstacles to protecting the social and natural environments of Culebra is the lack of enforcement of laws and regulations. If bringing this to the attention of the agencies will help, that should be done.

As for who qualifies as a "citizen," from the standpoint of political power, voters are the most important constituency. US citizens who live in Puerto Rico most of the time qualify as residents and can, and should, participate in the political process and vote.

Butch Pendergast
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Re: Costa Bonita open yet?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Alan (---.dsl.rcsntx.swbell.net)
Date:   01-08-05 11:20

Is there any update on the Coasta Bonita resort? I am really wanting to visit this place, but it seems that for he last two years it is always (one or two months away from opening) Can anyone provide a REAL update??

Many Thanks,
AF
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Re: Costa Bonita Resort open yet?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Michael (---.nyc.rr.com)
Date:   01-08-05 14:50

You can find their reservation email in the shelter section!

Enjoy Culebra!

Michael
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Re: Costa Bonita Resort open yet?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: David Magee (63.175.186.---)
Date:   01-08-05 20:20

GOINGS ON AT COSTA BONITA FOR WEEK OF 1/10
Bar opens daily at 5pm
Restaurant opens nightly with dinner beginning at 6pm

Monday and Tuesday regular menu offering such items as pork tenderloin, filet mignon, pasta of the day, shrimp, snapper, chicken, salmon and beef skirt steak. A wide variety of appetizers are also available.

Wednesday night is Italian night
Thursday is Mexican night
Friday, Saturday and Sunday regular menu with some variations.

On the yoga side, please call 742.3002 to ask for Meika. Local residents have a special rate of $8 per hour and half sessions.
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Re: Costa Bonita open yet?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Travis (---.mdw.onnet.us.uu.net)
Date:   01-10-05 17:11

If Culebra is going to be overdeveloped with resorts, the fourth year I visited the island will be my final visit. This island will be ruined. It has happened to so many other places in the Caribbean. It's too bad that this world is selling out. The next step will be a McDonalds and/or Starbucks built next to the Dinghy Dock.
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Re: Costa Bonita open yet?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: David Magee (63.175.186.---)
Date:   01-10-05 20:13

COMMITTEE UNVEILS MASTER PLAN FOR VIEQUES AND CULEBRA
The secretary of Economic and Business Development, Hiram Ramírez Rangel,
announced the approval of the Master Plan for the Economically Sustainable
Development of Vieques and Culebra. The plan recommends developing tourism,
high technology, and agriculture while encouraging education for residents
and protecting natural resources. Under the plan, the two islands would
become world-class eco-tourism destinations, focusing on natural resources
and prohibiting large-scale resort projects. High-tech manufacturing could
include electronic and optical products, and agriculture would emphasize
hydroponics and other water-saving systems. [El Nuevo Día, Monday, January
3, 2005, Caribbean Business, Thursday, December 30, 2004 ]
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Re: Costa Bonita open yet?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Travis (---.mdw.onnet.us.uu.net)
Date:   01-11-05 13:51

BYE - THIS ISLAND IS ON ITS WAY TO RUIN.
You will see very short term economical fulfillment --- IN THE LONG TERM, THIS ISLAND LOSES ALL CHARM ASSOCIATED WITH IT.
Will you please stop to think about it?
It is sad that you have sold out. Sold your unbelieveable environment, sold your peaceful space in this world, and ultimately sold your souls.
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Re: Costa Bonita open yet?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: PedroD (65.163.245.---)
Date:   01-12-05 19:06

Change is inevitable, the locals should stop whining and look at the positives that a resort brings to the Island. I am sure that this should bring jobs and exposure to Culebra. Don't forget that not long ago, this precious little island was a bombing target for the government. Change & Progress are GOOD!

Will this be a PR owned and operated resort?
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Re: Costa Bonita open yet?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Travis (---.mdw.onnet.us.uu.net)
Date:   01-13-05 22:03

The locals seemed to get along fine with out all of this inevitable change that you are talking about. Are you a local???? I'm not either, but I do actually appreciate what the residents of this island have - a NON COMMERCIALIZED existance. That's the beauty of it. That is what makes the island wonderful. Building it up will ruin it. Inevitable resorts will ruin it. Commercialism will ruin it.
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Re: Costa Bonita open yet?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Jimmy R (---.plsntv01.nj.comcast.net)
Date:   01-14-05 23:44

Is Dewey still under construction? Last time I was there was 6/04.
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Re: Costa Bonita open yet?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: roger (---.bay.webtv.net)
Date:   01-15-05 09:48

I visited this place in December and was shocked at how incredibly ugly it was both inside and out. Why anyone would want to buy a piece of this place or stay there is beyond me. The only good thing was the view. This is no improvement for Culebra.
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