S.U.R.F. Annual Review 2007

New Association appears to be an asset.

Late in 2007, The Potrero Association became registered as a legal and public association representing the residents of the greater Potrero area.   The Potrero Association is different and independent from SURF.  The biggest difference is that the Potrero Association is a public association whereas SURF is a private association.

We believe that the creation and existence of this new association is beneficial to all.  The Potrero association should have better access to governmental assistance as well as be able to get better attention for our local needs as they are the direct representation of the public voters.  We have met with the Potrero association and our alliance has begun and is moving forward.  Our first joint challenge will be the road paving project between Flamingo and the Potrero Square.

Septic System options

SURF supports and recommends that all new construction in our area use a septic treatment system rather than a septic tank system with leaching field.   Surf believes that we have the ability to be a clean and permanent premier destination.  We believe that we can learn from the problems of other Costa Rican cities and avoid these problems with proper planning and cooperation.  Utilizing septic treatment that has a fresh water by-product output will certainly help our environment and it may help preserve the outstanding supply of clean potable water that is well managed by our local water board.

Road Paving Truths, Myths and Beliefs

SURF has worked consistently and diligently during 2007 towards the ultimate goal of paving our main road that begins at the paved road in Flamingo and continues to and around the soccer field in Potrero.  SURF conducted many interviews, researched previous plans, met with experienced entities, consulted road building companies and ultimately secured a private meeting with Vice Minister of Transportation Pedro Castro in his office in San Jose.  We have met with great success and believe that we will be able to make significant headway during 2008.  Below in bullet form is a list of confirmed truths, beliefs and confirmed myths:

1.        Previous to our meeting with the Vice Minister, there were NO plans in effect to design and/or build our road.  Any and all talk was unsubstantiated rumor.

2.       The 2007 Federal Budget for Costa Rica did not include any provisions for our road

3.       The 2008 Federal Budget for Costa Rica was not planning to include any provisions for our road

4.       Vice Minister Pedro Castro personally agreed with SURF leadership to put our road on the 2008 budget for a symbolic 1,000 colonies so that it would show up as an underfunded project and could garner attention when the funds became available.  A search under www.thebeachtimes.com will bring up a related article.

5.       SURF is now working directly with the Potrero Association and has a 60 day plan (late February 2008 target) to organize, create and present a road paving plan publically that is complete, transparent and definitive. 

6.       Upon conclusion of the 60 day plan, we hope to be prepared to solicit funds to complete the project in a timely manner.

7.       Without our efforts, a paved road to Potrero would not be feasible for a minimum of 3.5 years and probably more.  With our efforts, we could conceivably meet with success this year.

8.       We are planning for high quality road construction that will include up to three new two lane bridges as well as a 3 layer road pavement process that compares to the quality of the paving done recently between Belen, Huacas and Tamarindo and now between Brasilito and Flamingo.

9.       Our ideal scenario will be our accomplishing the surveying and designing phases of the project as a community and then handing over the construction plans to the government for the installation.  Our projected costs for this portion of the road project are currently estimated at $60,000.00 US.  This survey and design process, if handled by the government would take a minimum of 18 months due to the legal requirements of bidding jobs.    If we are successful in accomplishing this portion of the project, we have a verbal commitment from the Vice Minister of Transportation to get our road paved as soon as the funds are available. 

Security

What a difference a year makes!  Last year at this exact time the daily minute by minute topic of conversation for the majority of Surfside residents was keeping our homes and property secure.  Believe it or not, it was not the dust, the potholes, the latest restaurant opening, or even the juiciest gossip---it was SECURITY.

Fast forward to today.  There are few complaints about Surfside Security, the most frequent being whether the motorcycle passed by a house during a certain hour.  The original goal of the Security Committee was to detain what crime existed in our area---crimes that nearly have ceased this year!  Crime has decreased to less than we ever hoped.  We knew going into this that 2 motorcycled security men would be limited protection for our area and a minimal solution to our problems.  We had expected crime to continue—and yes, some criminal activity has occurred during the evenings our patrol has been on duty—but not anywhere near the activity of the past!

Sincerest thanks should be given to your diligent neighbors who successfully implemented this program, faithfully met weekly with ideas and strategies, earnestly worked with security companies, and presented to our community a plan that worked.  Hopefully the future will bring more of our neighbors to the understanding that this is not an individualized home security program, but an entire community effort to stand up against criminal activity.  Perhaps the topic of conversation next year will include how our 24 hour 7 day a week Security Program is benefiting Surfside.

Community Center

With the intention to integrate the communities of Surfside and Potrero, a plan for having weekend cultural events using Potrero’s community center has been adopted.  This will serve to more effectively merge the two separate communities as one.  Event ideas include entertainment for children and adults, including but not limited to art classes, sports, games, and dances.  The goal of integration of the communities would be reached by the use of this center.  The infrastructure of the Potrero center needs improvement and S.U.R.F. would help raise the necessary funding for the repairs.

Public Lighting

Following many nights of driving around our neighborhood and identifying the areas where more lighting is necessary, the Coopeguanacaste has been asked to install new lamps and to repair the lamps on poles already set.  They did, however, report that these repairs were completed, but there continue to be areas that need additional lighting.  The community can help with this goal by reporting areas that need lighting.  A reference number from the existing pole, which is printed in yellow, is needed to identify the pole for the Coope.

Squatters

A family of squatters was trying to take over a public road in our neighborhood.  They were finally removed after a long and very expensive process.  Problems with the family included health risks to our neighborhood due the unsanitary condition of not having toilet and septic facilities.  In addition, the group was renting rooms to illegal foreigners and risking the safety and investments of the neighborhood.  S.U.R.F. has learned from this experience:  it is important to have an entity which protects the public domain in residential areas and intermediates between residents and the government.  When the community bands together, as in this instance, strength is built to help government officials realize the desires and needs of the residents.  The success of removing the people from the area is attributed to the S.U.R.F. Association’s involvement.

Regional Security Planning Update

The S.U.R.F. Association has been represented at all meetings at Pinilla for the Security Planning Committee which includes the total Guanacaste region.  The problems our area experiences were brought up for discussion. The topics discussed included burglaries, drug use and abuse, rape, prostitution and gangs.  The authorities involved and the government is very aware that we need help and security for our residents.  Potrero is a very central town because of its connection between Playa del Coco, Hermosa, Playa Flamingo, and Brasilito.  There is a very real need to have a police station in this crucial area of Playa Potrero.  We have been working very closely with the Associations of Tamarindo, Flamingo, Avellanas, Caturgua, and the Chamber of Tourism.  We also have the support of the Minister of Security Mr.Berocal.

Dengue

 After extensive research and calls to the Ministerio de Salud, a total spraying of Surfside occurred.  Your annual dues to SURF provided the funds for us to purchase the chemicals necessary for this spraying.  Our area appears to be risk free for dengue.