Japanese banks now suffering

Hi Melwell, and welcome to the Forum.

I make no apology for my views on Pirates, I think one way, and you, if I understand correctly, think another. Frankly, I would be amazed if the Community as a whole took such a relaxed view, but maybe it will. I don't know.

I just don't think its viable to avoid the issue and hope it will go away, or maybe not even happen, because you don't have to look too far to see examples of run-down urbanisations.

Anyway, I agree with you holding whoever the Committee is accountable, hopefully you will get involved in some way and make sure that happens.

I also agree with you on keeping the Charge reasonable, but that's down to all of us who can be bothered.

What facilties or services would you like to see ?, and with your fresh pair of eyes, at what level would you like to see the Charge ?

Once again, welcome aboard

Wow... A lot going on here.  I would agree that a well kept, well run site is a definite must and at a price that is acceptable to all. - seems common sense to me.  I would add that some form of contingency budget is very necessary since at Casares we have had a bill of over 1,000euros which was unscheduled for 'pest control' (there was an infestation of wood lice), plus for the first year whilst the gardens are getting established the water bill will be far in excess (hopefully) of subsequent years.

If the fees come in at somewhere in between 600 and 700 euros, I for one, will be very happy... but somehow (cynically I know) I doubt it.  Any optimism I may harbour comes from the fact that there appears to be a strong community spirit already built up on this forum so thanks once again to Will for taking the time and effort to encompass everyone's views and look in detail at what is required.  With this kind of effort, we will be able to be (eventually) 'Masters of our own Destiny' when it comes to setting the fees.

i'll post my two penneth when i've pulled this big splinter out of my behind from sitting on the fence!!!  i;m staying out of this one, just for now.

suzanne

In terms of facilities and services, I can't remember seeing any specific Kids Play Areas.

I know there are paddle courts, but would anyone like to see something for the toddlers ?

Something along the lines of a few swings, slide and sand pit ? (and descreetly screened off)

Would that make the urbanisation more attractive to prospective buyers and renters ?

Hi Will how about in front of block 10 that would make a lovely spot

Will thats a daft idea.

For what its worth Will, I think its an excellent idea, but once again you cant please all of the people all of the time.

OK, I'll rent my shed out.

Ha ha

I was actually thinking of Phase 3 which is now to be gardens.

And yes, I do have some reservations of having it a pool area, hence the screening, but remember, it's not for us, it's for the wee children, sob sob

And for new buyers and renters.

 

all facilities would be a plus on site. the wider selection of people it appeals to the better.

I think you may find that the land was given back to the Town Hall to be used by the wider community beyond our development.  It may be that the Town Hall already have plans, which may be anything from a skateboard park to just a nice place to sit for all.  Please do not quote me but I can remember having a discussion with Paul Cox with regards to this.  The Town Hall I feel may have plans already in place for the area.

Edited to add:  Childrens Play areas have strict rules concerning apparatus in the UK, I do not know if the same applies to Spain. 

This message was last edited by laurdan on 10/18/2007.

Phase 3 was the logical place, as I think the pool areas were a bit divisive. We should be aiming for consensus as far as possible.

If the Town Hall has plans for Phase 3, that probably rules it out. It could have went into the area that was going to be our Clubhouse but that appears to have bitten the dust as well.

Anyway, probably put it down as "pending" until we see how the whole site works out.

Still, we should always be thinking of things that will maximise our sales and rental potential.

On the same subject, there doesn't seem to be room for some sort of on-site small coffee/tapas bar which I think we are missing from the picture, but I suppose we wait and see how the new Aparthotel turns out.

(Laurdan, regarding any Kid's Area, I think we would all want to make sure it was absolutely uber safest in every regard, regardless of what H&S rules applied to Spain, and indeed we wouldn't be able to get any insurance cover otherwise)

My second contribution on the subject of 'UK Hogs'.  Before they took over their mode of operation was to constantly suggest ideas for improvement.  All very compelling arguments which would be coached around 'improvements', 'enhancements', better rental opportunity', 'good for the future', 'better value', etc etc.  No real clue about it's affordability or whether anyone else wanted the change but the silent majority thought it was something to be ignored.  However, when the Hogs got voted in, Oh dear.  These ideas became mandatory and 'we've decided this is how it's going to be so here's your bill for the new __________ !'  Oh, and we've decided that we can sack the gardener and all chip in with weekend working parties, which you will all help with, won't you !!  Oh, and as we have been working so hard on your behalf we deserve refreshments so we've included the bar bill in with the service change.  Oh, and as we have all this administration and postal costs we have included a bill in with the service charge.  Oh, and we have decided that your front door has to be painted with this colour, on this day, and if you don't do it we will get someone to paint your door and charge you for it.  Oh, and if you don't pay all these additional charges we will take you to court and recover the costs via the service charge, etc, etc, etc, etc.

Please, please, please, please don't let the Hogs take over.  We will all regret it !!!!!!!!!! 

I would suggest that 'apathy' is what we should be more afraid of here, since it seems to me that those people who are interested in doing something are being slated for nothing. I appreciate that you have had a bad experience and wish to warn the Community of Owners about it (as I posted before.... fore-warned is fore-armed) but everyone is entitled to vote at the AGM (provided they are up to date with their Community payments - not my rules, but those instigated by the initial Management Company - but none the less a valid rule in my opinion) so with e-mails and forums such as these it is easy to let as many people as possible know what it going on.  At Casares Del Sol you either had to be present  at the AGM or apply  in advance to the Management Company for a proxy vote.

I agree that I don't want my hard-earned euros being spent on someone else's 'jolly time' in the bar even if they were discussing Community matters.  Being President of a Community of Owners is a thankless task, so I am always surprised and grateful when someone takes it on.  Whoever it will be will have my full backing and support  - as far as I'm concerned - no hogs allowed.  Might I suggest Melwell that you take an active position yourself if you are that concerned about it.

Once again I express my thanks to Will who is clearly  taking the trouble in advance to research into the costs and ways of keeping them down.

Which block you in Mellwell

Hi Melwell. Forgive my smile, or maybe it was a miaow.

On a previous post I specifically asked you as to what services and facilities you would like to see, and at what level you would like to see the Community Charge at.

I'm sorry, but your reply didn't reach the board - can you re-send ? No need to use pidgons.

I'm not aware of anyone asking for an Animal Pen to be included in topics for discussion, but maybe that was me missing that one. As a helpful suggestion, we have Selwo up the road full of lions and creepy crawly things and things that go boo in the night. And I promise not to include as many animal references as I can think of.

I think it's perfectly sane, and not barking mad, for reasonable people to look at ways of making their home more attractive and comfortable, and not just for dogs and cats. That means keeping it well maintained, exterior  re-painted every 5 years, and internally a continous programme of painting and decorating to keep it fresh and up-to-date. Gardens well planted, lawn kept mowed, all the boring bits I grant you, but still necessary. And yes, all that costs more than tuppence halfpenny. And it's very pleasant for all the birds and wildlife.

And, with an eye to the future, making capital improvements (which has to paid for someway) that will make it more valuable and easier to sell, or rent, and therefore  appeal to a wider market. That's the way we normally do it here.

Is it much different from where you come from ?

The Urbanisation is actually much more difficult. No matter how well you keep your own apartment, that's not what is going to sell it at a later date if you so decide. Even if you have the nicest one available, if the Urbanisation itself is shabby or showing signs of neglect, a buyer is going to fly away. If it's missing certain things that you would expect for top dollar, again, they will crawl away. Plenty of others to choose from.

And each new development ups the spec on the previous one - ours now is the business, but in 5 years time, unless you have the memory of an elephant, buyers will be expecting a lot more for their money. I would anyway,  - what suggestions can you contribute ?

So I hope you will forgive, and bear with the rest of us kicking the proverbial ball around whilst in a state of impotence as no doubt the new Management Committee will already be in situ, and not much we can do about it, other than, well, kick our ball about a bit and talk gibberish. (Is that to do with gibbons ? )

To your concerns re the budget, nobody here, including the bee's, I'm certain, wants to pay a single cento more than what we need to, to maintain and improve our homes.

 

 

I think we should show some caution at this stage of proceedings. This development is a considerable size and most people will have an opinion on how the development should be run. There will be a set of rules put in place by the developer, my understanding is that they follow an acceptable format used by most developments. Each developments needs and wants will be different and over the coming months and years it will grow into what the owners will want. It will be a natural organic process. So until we are in and start to get a 'feel' for the place may I say that suggestions and ideas are kept to a minimum and in a 'none serious' vein. At least until we have our feet under the table.
Alan

A lot of good points have been made in this thread and it makes interesting reading.    We have people buying here for a variety of reasons,    i.e.  investment, holiday home, permanent home, rentals etc. and all interests need to be accomodated.   A good friend of mine has a couple of apartments on a swish development near San Pedro which is like a ghost town, even in the summer, due to the fact that it was sold heavily to investors and the holiday rental market is in a dire state.

We must be careful to create a real community here and not a sterile collection of facilities with no atmosphere.   Our location is greatly in our favour and we have the makings of a really good community if we all allow good old fashioned common sense to rule.                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

This message was last edited by jmtwsm on 10/19/2007.

Melwell

I would like to state publicly that I support all of your views & that unless people are very careful, George Orwell will be "a comin".

It is good to see that some people have recognised that the initial management company will be set up by the developer, although I have to say Im surprised that there is an assumtion that they will not be as capable as a company that the community of owners may wish to appoint, until such time a company has been appointed & had time to show how they perform, one should not jump to the conclusion that they are going to be any different, or more cost effective than  alternative companies.

Melwell, you have shown true courage to put your views across in the face of some "interesting" "oink" views,I accept people are looking to protect their investment, we should all remember that everyone has a right to speak.  I for one believe your views & comments are well made.

Many comments about penalties & fines have been suggested, IMHO that is why many wars & breakdowns in relationships occur, the last thing I would want to see is people who live side by side, not talking, as they have fallen out about a rule/regulation, that could so easily have been resolved by talking & discussing.

Lets hope common sense will prevail

WilliteverbefinishedYesitwill

Yep, fair points regarding the appointed management company.

They may indeed be ok, they may indeed look after the urbanisation ok, and their Community Charge may indeed be ok, but it still doesn't have any owner participation at this stage, and you don't have far to look at other urbanisations to get other oink views

We shouldn't have too long to wait now on some of these answers.

Anyway, I'm starving so off to get my lunch. I could eat a horse.