CENPAC President Reflects on Jaco Development
On development in Jacó: A perspective from the Central Pacific Chamber of Commerce
Over the last several weeks, a few readers’ letters were published here which revolved around development and construction in Jacó. As president of the Central Pacific Chamber of Commerce, I would like to take this opportunity to provide residents and readers with a reflection on the benefits that development brought and will continue to bring to this area.
The only certainty in life is change, and the face of Jacó is clearly changing. Nothing stays the same, and Jacó is no exception. However, as we interact with the community, build new structures and infrastructure and support local programs, we strive to ensure that the changes will be positive and beneficial.
Of course, not all development can be considered progress. Yet it is our ultimate goal to ensure that as this community grows and flourishes, each change is in the best interest of the residents and tourists who enjoy the beauty and bounty of this land.
The benefits to the community of development are truly impossible to ignore or overlook. There are certainly many obvious advances, but development carries with it a spider web effect that is difficult to quantify or precisely appraise. This effect expands to include new jobs and industries, benefits for local real estate agencies, restaurants, gift shops and much more. Development creates many business opportunities that would not otherwise exist, and results in literally millions of dollars pouring into the community.
New septic systems are another beneficial aspect of development; these contribute to cleaner, safer waterways. In fact, the entire water supply infrastructure has certainly improved in the area. Better municipal wells, made possible by funding linked to recent development, now ensure that all residents enjoy reliable water pressure. Engineering and consulting costs related to these new structures and projects have been shouldered by the chamber, yet the entire community benefits from vastly improved water quality that is up to health code standards. In the future, contributions from developers will enable the construction of a municipal sewage treatment plant for Jacó. Thanks to efforts by the chamber, we are now closer than ever to this goal.
It’s difficult for me to imagine that anyone who lives in or visits Jacó pines for the roadways of several years ago. Anyone who attempted to drive down those heavily potholed roads can attest to the related inconvenience, cost and even danger. Today, Jacó is a shining national example of safe, new roads. Major funding for our new roadways was generated by a financial partnership between the chamber and the local municipalities.
Local residents benefit from more than just improved infrastructure; they also benefit economically. Far from putting longtime residents at an economic disadvantage, we strive to ensure that those who choose to sell their property enjoy the full market value. This option to sell at a profit has surely been a boon to those who elected to do so.
Closely related to developed properties with increased value, there is the issue of tax revenue. The vastly increased
tax revenues collected from developed properties go directly to benefit the community, adding hundreds of thousands of dollars to the municipal budget. Finally, with new residents and tourists comes an influx of well-paying jobs for local community members.
Everywhere in Jacó there is now less litter, thanks to programs set in motion in tandem with development. Trash is now collected regularly, and full-time municipal staffers remove roadside litter. But where the difference – and improvement – is most acute is the beach. Thanks to a generous donation from the chamber, no public money was spent on our efficient beach cleaning machine. This cleaning machine, together with a paid municipal staff, guarantees a beach that is far cleaner than it’s been in years past.
A new park, complete with a playground, gardens and community gathering space, now defines the center of Jacó. This would not have been possible without tax revenue from new development and generous donations from developers.
Fewer dogs now run wild through the town, and spay and neuter programs supported by donations from the community ensure that this trend will continue. Investors and developers have also contributed to a stronger police presence. The chamber was instrumental in working with the mayor to create a new police force, which has had an undeniably positive effect on security issues within our community.
Supported by the Chamber of Commerce, various community outreach and security improvement programs now thrive, connecting commercial and community interests.
I am shocked by any who may wish to point an accusing finger at developers or accuse developers of greed. The Central Pacific Chamber of Commerce is proud to function as everything from the equivalent of the Red Cross to the United Way in this community. Fundraisers and events – supported by donations from developers and new residents – have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for community projects such as Train More Lifeguards, Clean the Beach, Protect the Red Macaws, Build More Classrooms and Provide Equipment to the Tourist Police. Especially during these trying economic times, our hope is that we can pull together as a community rather than pulling apart and casting blame. We are all in this together.
No community is perfect, yet we can still strive together to reach common goals and to improve each day. Fortunately, this community benefits from many generous members who never hesitate to lend their support, whether through donations of time or money. We also enjoy a solid partnership between the chamber and local municipalities, who are working together to make this a better, safer community. The chamber is proud to partner with local and national government representatives, and it is through this joint venture between the private and public sectors that our community will continue to improve.
As we look to the future, we hope to continue to serve as a catalyst for positive change in this community. We are proud of our role in making Jacó into one of Costa Rica’s model cities for responsible development, community outreach and effective urban planning.
Pat Hundley, president
Central Pacific Chamber of Commerce
Originally posted at AM Costa Rica
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