Announcements

LETTER TO MARDI GRAS VILLAGE RESIDENTS

Conversion of Mardi GrasVillage from condominium to fee simple status can be very cost-effective by increasing the value of every home significantly. How much? Our friendly real estate broker promises to answer this question through analysis of comps, if residents here show serious interest. Fee simple may also reduce HOA monthly fees, since each homeowner can maintain his own home, rather than pay the association for village-wide upkeep. Village common areas will still be handled by the community, as is the case in all Cays fee simple villages.

Legal fees to convert run $ 50,000-75,000, which calculates out to $ 417-625 for each of our 120 units. But the vote for conversion must be virtually unanimous, our lawyers tell us. Before proceeding further, we need to ensure unity. Let me know what you think. 423-3823 or rbeh@san.rr.com.

Many units exposed to strong ocean breezes have experienced severe erosion of electrical boxes at the side of the garages. In some cases, the box doors have completely rusted away, leaving exposed electrical wires. Some contractors say this is a fire hazard; others cite only the need for cable replacement and repair, which takes time and can be very disruptive.

One contractor replaced the 3 boxes at 31 Tunapuna, locating the fuse box inside the garage. Bryan Escobedo, Custom Electric, 951-699-0500, will do the job well for $2,600 per unit, discounted to 2300 for 6 units, and to 2000 for 20 units. I asked Tim Burns to find more contractors for price comparison; he located none. Several units have had the work done, so I know they are out there. Let me know if you need this, and we'll work together. My home at 49 Tunapuna badly needs it.

We have a new barbeque at the clubhouse, soon will have a second one, contracted by the previous administrations of the two villages. Clubhouse flooring will be replaced, and more pool furniture added, also previously scheduled.

I had asked our chosen termite company to check our village for termites, so we could understand how bad the problem is, and budget accordingly. They are proceeding slowly so far, to date have found one unit needing tenting. I understand that Port Royale Village, built just before ours in 1989, has had a number of infested units. Ifyou use a pest control company, by all means have them check for termites in your home, and let me know as soon as possible. We need to move on this immediately; I am deeply disappointed that the survey I requested is going so slowly. You all can help with this.

CCHOA is beginning to enforce our parking rules and regulations more aggressively. Many of us are disgusted to find this so-called upscale community littered with vehicles on our streets, instead of having them parked in the two spaces provided in all garages. Our rules require that two spaces be kept clear for use to park cars; Security has begun a campaign to get this message across. Please cooperate in this effort, get our streets clean and attractive.

I plan to hold a village meeting fairly soon, after I have had a chance to research more fully the conversion to fee simple, find more electrical contractors, and get a better idea of the extent of termite infestation in our village. Then you will be asked to state your wishes on paper. We also need to continue the fine work our Social Committee Chairperson has so beautifully begun. And finalizing Emergency Preparedness measures needs to be worked out.

Dick Beh, Director

619 423-3823

rbeh@san.rr.com

03/27/2014