Development Overview
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Cerros Sands is being developed for those looking to live on a full or part-time basis, work, retire or vacation in Paradise. Having begun with a "clean slate" and drawing ideas from similar upscale developments around the world, Cerros Sands insures planning integrity for our master-planned community by virtue of our own zoning and adopted deed restrictions. With special focus on the environment and for providing our residents with a less stressful lifestyle, the emphasis here is totally on enhancing one's quality of life. With a bit of research regarding the region's impressive growth and development as well as into the area having garnered an ever-increasing, strong reputation as an emergent international residential market, your investment in Cerros Sands is sure to consistently appreciate in value over the years.
Our own planning, zoning, deed restrictions, and an ongoing, fastidious commitment to only the best quality of construction and site management via Cerros Sands Property Management Ltd, will guarantee the long-term integrity of your Cerros Sands investment and community.
Development Schedule
The Phase One development area at Cerros Sands is comprised of approximately 92 acres of land, with about 1/2 mile of seafront facing to the east southeast where the soothing and near-constant trade winds bathe our side of the Cerros Peninsula with gentle sea breezes. We expect to be continually developing and releasing parcels as roads and channels are completed. In this area, approximately 81 residential Beachfront, Seaview and Channelside parcels are now available, including a limited number of premium home sites. It is anticipated that during this phase of development/construction there shall be two more staged releases of home sites. Additionally, there are parcels available that have been reserved for commercial businesses that will both add value to and support our community by providing goods and services to our residents and their guests as Cerros Sands begins to take shape and then grows into a mature community over the years to come. Such sites shall be made available for myriad of potential businesses such as, a bed and breakfast, a boutique resort, grocery and hardware stores, etc.. Start dates for the remaining staged releases will be announced in the future and, in accordance with then existing demand, may occur simultaneously. Progress is ongoing and we are in the process of converting from the site work stage to the construction phase. Thousands of feet of new roads, channels and improved beaches can be seen easily when flying into Corozal. Construction of homes is set to begin within the 2nd quarter of 2008. big changes are taking place, including the anticipation of no less than 2 full service resorts locating within the grounds of Cerros Sands. Ultimately complimenting our deep-water access channels and planned multi-unit condominium parcels will be a full-service marina operated under either a long-term concession arrangement or subject to a joint venture agreement.
Environmental Impact Assessment
The Government of Belize's Natural Resources Department, in coordination with The Land Utilization Authority, played an instrumental role in helping to shape the Cerros Sands development. Our conceptual plan, in addition to our physical location in a highly sensitive Marine and Archeological habitat, required us to perform this assessment. The EIA was reviewed and discussed at length with all appropriate parties, professionals and governing bodies prior to its eventual acceptance and approval. All areas of concerns were addressed during this process leading to an amended document. The amendment and compliance agreement has been signed by both Cerros Sands Ltd. and The Government of Belize. This defines the guidelines which Cerros Sands Ltd. must comply with throughout all phases of its development. Of note, we will be requiring all homes to be built to International Building Code hurricane standards and they will all be situated above tidal surge levels as outlined in our agreement.
It is important to note that Cerros Sands is on the mainland portion of the Country of Belize and it is afforded significant natural protection by the lower Mexican Yucatan Peninsula, the Bay of Chetumal between it and Ambergris Caye, by numerous adjacent Cayes, including Ambergris as well as by the Barrier Reef and the Inner or Main channel between it and the Mainland.
Infrastructure
Power - We are concentrating on constructing our community utilizing solar and wind technologies to provide electric power generation. Belize Electricity Ltd has a written agreement with Cerros Sands Ltd to provide overland electrical power supply throughout the Cerros Peninsula (4+ miles) and to our community at the developer(s) expense. At present there are other current and prospective owners and developers in the area who will need to share in this expense before power is delivered by the utility. You can view the letter from Belize Electricity Ltd HERE. . The easements necessary for power have been identified and approved. Approximately 2000 feet of road remains to be completed along properties belonging to Mayan Sands Ltd. before Belize Electric will perform the cost analysis for delivery of power. Many projects in the Caribbean are on solar and or wind generation. These alternative energy sources have had our attention for quite a while and now that home contractors are being sourced, these elements are part our bid request.
Water - A community water system has been designed. Two test wells have been drilled. As with many wells in areas near the Caribbean, potable water quality is an issue. Many homes throughout this region use catch and contain as a primary water source. This alternative is really the method best suited for Cerros Sands and is approved within our environmental document. We are totally confident that this method is more than adequate to to meet the needs of our community and its residents. The local water company will deliver water by truck to anyone should and if the need arises.
Waste/Sewer - As determined by the EIA, this community will be on individual septic systems. The cost of these systems will vary depending on the size of the home to be built. Current Cost estimates are $4000.00 US for a 3 Bedroom / 2 Bath home of 1800 square feet.
Telecommunications - Belize Telecommunications Ltd is the primary supplier of these services in Belize and will supply telephone, internet and cable service. Coral Cable may also offer their services to our community. These options are dependent upon overland electric supply. In the alternative, Optic Solutions is able to provide these services via individual satellite systems. Two cellular phone companies provide telephony services and internet.
Roads - Through a cooperative effort, over 6 miles of roads have been completed providing access to Cerros Sands. Local road construction practices entail the use of a plentifully available material called marl. Our roads have been inspected and approved by the Government of Belize. The roads within Cerros Sands are of the best quality you will find in the region, with the exception of paved highways..
Drainage - Our engineer has calculated a "worse case" scenario regarding storm water management. This information is also specified in our EIA. The culverts for use within Cerros Sands have been delivered to the site and the first culvert has been excavated and installed in place. Work is ongoing and will continue to keep pace with our overall rate of development as necessary.
Beach Improvement - This developer has gone well beyond the usual and customary to ensure the proper installation, augmentation and long-term integrity of the beaches at Cerros Sands. Said work will continue in an ongoing fashion as the community develops in order to ensure that our beaches at Cerros Sands are amongst the "Best of the Best" in Belize.
Erosion Control - We have solidified erosion control along our beaches by filling and compacting sub water surfaces along their length. This was not a requirement of the EIA, however, the developer, by going well beyond the norm here, again, seeks to create long term value to our community at large. Jetties have also been constructed and they, too, were designed to minimize littoral drift and beach erosion. Proper installation, grading and drainage of roads and on individual parcels within the community, as well as from other areas and community elements will assure that Cerros Sands is substantially more than minimally in compliance with the EIA.
Security and Access
The Cerros Sands development already has naturally existing barriers for privacy, such as a single access road, deep brush and vegetation as well as lots of surrounding waters at our peninsula location. Nevertheless, we shall be a gated, controlled access community. Additional security measures are under consideration with our security consultant, Geo-Tech, and they will be implemented in accordance with the needs and desires of our community.
Deed restrictions as well as an Architectural committee will assure the integrity of the Development.
Security and Access
The development already has natural barriers for privacy, such as water and a peninsula location, however we will be a gated community and additional security measures are under consideration with Geo-Tech Security of California, USA
Amenities
Cerros Sands first phase includes residential home sites and commercial property for a bed and breakfast, a larger parcel for a resort, spa or wellness center, property for restaurants, boutiques, hardware store, grocery store and a marina which can include a dive shop, water sport rentals, marine supply and a bar and restaurant.
Deed restrictions as well as an Architectural committee will assure the integrity of the Development.
