Does anyone have more information about the construction in Puerto Vallarta Bay, regarding the filling in of the ocean in front of already built
homes?
This article was in the Jan 06 edition of Latitude 38...
Mexray - 1-9-2006 at 09:17 PM
La Cruz Huancaxtle Marina
La Cruz, Banderas Bay, Mexico
The following is the interesting take, by the Guadalajara Reporter, on the new marina being built in La Cruz, which is 10 miles NNW of Puerto Vallarta
proper, seven miles NNW from Marina Paradise, and 10 miles east of Punta Mita.
"Despite the objections of some residents, Nayarit Governor Ney Gonzalez this week formally inaugurated work on a 50-million-dollar private
development in Cruz de Huanacaxtle. Plans for the seafront development include a two-kilometer malecon (boardwalk), a marina with 400 berths, a
commercial mall, condominiums and a hotel. Developers promise to respect environmental concerns and do their best not to obstruct views of the bay and
access to the seafront. They say the project will be fashioned on the traditional malecon concept as in Puerto Vallarta, rather than Nuevo Vallarta.
According to developers, local fishermen have signed an agreement to be relocated away from the beachfront where traditionally they have berthed their
fishing boats. The project is financed in total by the private sector, but Gonzalez is promising to give his full support. Foreign capital accounts
for around 45% of the investment. Construction is expected to take three years. Developers say the marina will provide employment for about 800
people."
We stopped by the marina site early in December and were surprised at how cleaned up the area had already become. Previously, the shore had been
littered with trash, and there were several derelict boats that had been beached there years before. It looks much improved already. While there are
always arguments against development, we think this marina can be of great benefit to mariners - there are no open berths south of Mazatlan and north
of Barra de Navidad, let alone in Banderas Bay - and to the local economy. With all the whales nearby, this might become a major center for
eco-tourism.
The area just outside the current breakwater has long been one of the most popular cruiser anchorages in Banderas Bay - and even all of Mexico. Tucked
into the northeast corner of the bay, it generally has the lightest wind and smoothest water, great access to the mellow little town, and good bus
service to Puerto Vallarta proper.
The big question in the minds of many cruisers - such as Sanders Lamont of the Satellite Beach, Florida-based Good News - is what effect the
completion of the marina might have on anchoring there. It's a good question, because when we were there in early December, there were 33 boats
anchored right outside of what would be the entrance, and usually there are even more during the high season. We're not sure anybody can answer that
question at this time, but as many boats have traditionally anchored even much further out, and the water is relatively shallow, we don't see any
reason why the practice couldn't continue. If for some reason it wasn't, there would still be the very large and shallow water anchorage at Punta
Mita, which is about 20 minutes further from downtown Puerto Vallarta by bus. In fact, on most days it would be comfortable - although not necessarily
convenient - to anchor just about anywhere along the north shore of Banderas Bay.
From the looks of things, we think it's going to be a win-win situation for everyone. But only time will tell for sure.
- latitude/rs
Also in the Jan 06 edition...
Mexray - 1-9-2006 at 09:34 PM
...of Latitude 38 'letters' section was this little ditty, by yours truly...I'd forgotten I'd written, and surprised, none the less to see it in those
hallowed 'sailboaters' pages...as we are 'stink potters' with an old Trawler.
"Since you asked...
My favorites are 'Changes in Latitudes', 'Letters', and responses to the 'Letters'. But over all, I think you folks are just having way too much fun!
The firsthand people stories are just the best.
I always take a fistful of 'Latitudes' with me when I travel down to Baja's Bahia Concepci?n, which I do two or three times a year by truck. As
you're well aware, when I pass them out, the cruisers light up like a donkey in an apple orchard. I've even been known to accept an ice cold Pacifico
cerveza in appreciation for such deeds!
Say, maybe the 'best/strangest thing' you've ever been offered for a 'Latitude' in a foreign port should be the subject of another poll.
Ray Cellar
'Trickle Charge', Marine Trader 40
Hove to near Light 19 on the San Joaquin River near Stockton"
[Edited on 1-10-2006 by Mexray]JZ - 1-9-2006 at 10:12 PM
Mexray: this is a serious issue. Not the time to be patting yourself on the back.bajalou - 1-9-2006 at 10:29 PM
Wonder why it's illegal - cause some people don't like it or is it really prohibited by the law?Dave - 1-9-2006 at 10:42 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by bajalou
Wonder why it's illegal - cause some people don't like it or is it really prohibited by the law?
Apparently, it's because they don't have the proper permits. But I'll bet that they will...eventually.
Remember, Mexico can do what it wants with its beaches. It owns them.
