NOTES FROM THE VECINOS KITCHEN CABINET, SEPTEMBER 7, 2016
NOTES ABOUT OUR MISSION AND GOALS Akumal Playa and Akumal Norte are truly unique locations in the Yucatan Peninsula – it has one of the last free beaches that is still close to pristine. Vecinos’ mission is to establish Akumal Norte as a fully functioning community with all of the up-to-date infrastructure services necessary to be comfortable, while at the same time maintaining Akumal Norte’s unique natural qualities. This means maintaining the natural environment and resources as we found them and fell in love with for all people. Vecinos is working with several state and federal government departments to stop exploitation of any type. This being said, let me tell you the state of affairs.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS Vecinos is happy to announce it has completed its first infrastructure goal of completing the resurfacing of the main road going from the pluma next to Casa Alux to YalKu Lagoon. Other infrastructure goals include installation of a central sewer system, underground electric, street lighting, and underground cable for the internet.
NEW RELATIONSHIPS The board members and president in effort to serve the community have had both breakfast and luncheon meetings at Casa Gatos with the local Director of PROFEPA and the Regional Director of CONANP. These meetings discussed how to protect our natural environment from commercial exploitation and were then followed by tours of Half Moon Bay and YalKu Lagoon. For the past two weeks, Vecinos representatives have participated in zone meetings held to establish governing rules for zones of Akumal Bay and Half Moon Bay. In addition, letters have been sent from the organization to request that rules be set for YalKu Lagoon and rules be set that will protect Akumal Norte from over-exploitation from companies that are being turned away from the main bay in Central Akumal. As these issues progress we will send out updates.
CONSERVATION and PRESERVATION CENTER In an effort to protect and preserve Akumal Norte’s natural environment assets – Half Moon Bay, YalKu Lagoon, mangroves, jungle, parks, cenotes – and maintain the area as it has been for hundreds of years, we have moved forward to establish a Conservation and Preservation Center. At present, we have been offered a 99-year lease from our neighbors and Vecinos members Frank Hatch and Lennie Maitta for a large lot located across form Casa del Sol. This keeps with a long time goal that Frank and Lennie have had to give something to benefit the community that both love. The center is different from the CEA center. It will house a small archeological museum representing the Maya who established Akumal, along with classrooms teaching about the importance of the mangrove, lagoon, and the land and sea life that exist there.
NEW BYPASS ROAD and CENTRAL SEWER SYSTEM This week we will be meeting with Jaime Macedo, owner of MM Desarollos and our neighbor. We will be discussing the building of a bypass road that would begin almost at the foot of the bridge from the Akumal Pueblo, ending at the pluma. Normally, it is difficult to get permission to build through mangrove; however, under this road would be pipes carrying central sewer, electric, internet, and new fresh water connections. This then becomes a project needed “for the benefit of the community”, making it possible for road construction permits to be issued. Final determination of the road placement is really up to MM Desarollos as owners of the land. This entry road would be privately held, meaning that the government cannot issue permits for businesses to be located on it fringes as has been done on the present entry roadway. This makes the new entry road much safer for arriving visitors, owners, and staff. When we have more details I will write to you.
SECURITY What can you say about a volunteer who works tirelessly to deal with security issues of the community? THANK YOU, Terry Richardson! Terry sends out very detailed reports every month, and several Vecinos members and Terry will be meeting this month to evaluate the present program. Again, as I have more information I will keep you posted.
Vecinos organization will work hard to preserve this great community. As far as protecting the natural resources and environment we just need to follow in the footsteps of our Maya brothers and show the same respect for the environment as they did. They enjoyed the land as it was, with no need for entertainment parks.
Thank you for your support and faith in me as your president, and remember you can write to me with questions or suggestions at the email address listed below.
Dan Freeman
President of Vecinos de Akumal Norte
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