A lot of businesses closed in Sosua

[jd426]

That idea came from the mayor, Ilana Neumann. And yes, it was a great Idea. Unfortunately because of a few business owners on PC and a couple of "politicos" who were against the idea, it eventually was re-opened.

What a shame. Even though in the beginning there was some sarcastic criticism here about how foolish the mayor was for thinking she could turn Pedro Clisante into "Disneyland" and trying to "clean-up" Sos?a was futile. Soon, most people after experiencing zero car and motoconcho traffic for themselves, warmed up to the idea. They realized it actually benefitted just about everyone.

What most people didn't and still don't realize is that the mayor's ultimate goal was not to turn PC or Sos?a, for that matter, into "Disneyland", but to make that particular section of Pedro Clisante a little more "hospitable" for EVERYONE.

Wait ,I think I finally caught you on some BS here my Frenn..
I know for a FACT that PC was practically EMPTY, when the street was closed to traffic..
Couple of Lonely Diners, and mostly Empty tables..

Was it a NICE Idea.. oh, I think it was great, not disagreeing with you.. would have been nice if it worked, but it did NOT.
and so you cant have it both ways..
It did NOT work, for whatever reason.. So it was NOT a good Idea for PC, NOR the Businesses who were Crying as they were bleeding Money every day..

So now that the cars are back and the Street is Busy again ( by your own obervations), mainly because the Idea was abandoned, you want to BOTH Give credit to Iliana Neuman for the Idea, which did NOT work
AND at the same time you want to say you are happy that the street is Busy gain ?

sorry, your facts are correct. but your reasoning can not be based on both, they are Direct Opposites..

not arguing, but it just does not add up.

 

[Meemselle]

Keep in mind that it happened over the summer.

 

[Meemselle]

One of my favorite Meemselle Lines of all time ( i guess when you were walking your dog )

" Excuse meeee..... whore"... LMAO...

Some day I'm going to get caught with that line and you'll hear about an old redheaded gringa rolling on the ground in a hair pulling fight with an English-speaking whore with good hearing while my little 15-year old dog barks in the background.

 

[ramesses]

That idea came from the mayor, Ilana Neumann. And yes, it was a great Idea. Unfortunately because of a few business owners on PC and a couple of "politicos" who were against the idea, it eventually was re-opened.

What a shame. Even though in the beginning there was some sarcastic criticism here about how foolish the mayor was for thinking she could turn Pedro Clisante into "Disneyland" and trying to "clean-up" Sos?a was futile. Soon, most people after experiencing zero car and motoconcho traffic for themselves, warmed up to the idea. They realized it actually benefitted just about everyone.

What most people didn't and still don't realize is that the mayor's ultimate goal was not to turn PC or Sos?a, for that matter, into "Disneyland", but to make that particular section of Pedro Clisante a little more "hospitable" for EVERYONE.

It did not benefit most Dominicans who visit the area.

I was there for most of that time.....it was a sad sight IMHO.

 

[CristoRey]

I was in Sosua last Wednesday night. I didn't really notice anything closed down
other D'Latins which has been closed now for a few years. It sounds to me like the
typical "changing of the guard" that happens during slow season in every touristy
beach town across the world where you have a bunch of expat owned bars/business and Sosua is no exception. .

 

[ctrob]

It did not benefit most Dominicans who visit the area..

But change takes time. Success doesn't happen overnight. People are naturally skeptical and word has to get around. Your typical family of mom, dad, and kids don't want to go sit on PC and be the only ones there.

The street closings by themselves didn't make a huge difference, but when there was an activity like a band or street fair the locals came out along with expat residents. They supported it, you saw people on PC that normally didn't come down there. Those events were successes.

 

[ramesses]

But change takes time. Success doesn't happen overnight. People are naturally skeptical and word has to get around. Your typical family of mom, dad, and kids don't want to go sit on PC and be the only ones there.

The street closings by themselves didn't make a huge difference, but when there was an activity like a band or street fair the locals came out along with expat residents. They supported it, you saw people on PC that normally didn't come down there. Those events were successes.

I understand, the people that were in town were not desirable and the change was implemented to change the make up of people visiting the area.

 

[dv8]

xstew, no offence, but is i see you mention maribel again in the NC related threads you're in trouble. leave this for threads about zona colonial.

 

[windeguy]

Government Neglects Sosua

PUERTO PLATA – The business and hotel sector of the municipality of Sos?a, reported that this destination of the North Coast was abandoned long ago by the government, because after the three government periods major development works in economic and social sectors that were promised, have not been executed yet.

It cited that among the major works is the construction of the Plaza de Vendors on the beach of Sos?a, building public hospital for Sosua and Cabarete; the renovation of the center of the tourist district of Cabarete and completion of the treatment plant that will collect wastewater and prevent fluids drop in the ocean.

Government only see mistakes in Sos?a, as the agreement with the municipal council for underground electric cables in the happy “path” even cost tens of millions of pesos. For almost 4 years of being initiated it has not advanced, and from the technical point of view it does not meet the requirements. It may be an investment of many that only serves to divert money into the coffers of private individuals.

Another reality that shows the lack of interest from the Government in this tourist town is the lack of water drainage system, sewage system, and storm system, because of this, water gets frequently contaminated with feces and runs along main streets. As an expense of tens of millions there was an outfall built over a decade ago, which never worked and only served to enrich politicians and business groups.

Moreover, the installation of meters for the collection of drinking water by CORAAPLATA which in most cases is the most aberrant and blatant scam, as there are sectors in Sosua, where people for more than 3 months have not received drinking water, but they are forced to pay 1000 pesos a month without receiving the service just because someone invented that by simply placing a meter.

Source: Detras del Rumor

June 11, 2016

 

[pauleast]

PUERTO PLATA – The business and hotel sector of the municipality of Sos?a, reported that this destination of the North Coast was abandoned long ago by the government, because after the three government periods major development works in economic and social sectors that were promised, have not been executed yet.

It cited that among the major works is the construction of the Plaza de Vendors on the beach of Sos?a, building public hospital for Sosua and Cabarete; the renovation of the center of the tourist district of Cabarete and completion of the treatment plant that will collect wastewater and prevent fluids drop in the ocean.

Government only see mistakes in Sos?a, as the agreement with the municipal council for underground electric cables in the happy “path” even cost tens of millions of pesos. For almost 4 years of being initiated it has not advanced, and from the technical point of view it does not meet the requirements. It may be an investment of many that only serves to divert money into the coffers of private individuals.

Another reality that shows the lack of interest from the Government in this tourist town is the lack of water drainage system, sewage system, and storm system, because of this, water gets frequently contaminated with feces and runs along main streets. As an expense of tens of millions there was an outfall built over a decade ago, which never worked and only served to enrich politicians and business groups.

Moreover, the installation of meters for the collection of drinking water by CORAAPLATA which in most cases is the most aberrant and blatant scam, as there are sectors in Sosua, where people for more than 3 months have not received drinking water, but they are forced to pay 1000 pesos a month without receiving the service just because someone invented that by simply placing a meter.

Source: Detras del Rumor

June 11, 2016

Exactly correct. After it rains, walking around town you can smell the raw sewage. If you are riding a moto and you hit a few puddles you get a sheet shower.

 

[ctrob]

Exactly correct. After it rains, walking around town you can smell the raw sewage. If you are riding a moto and you hit a few puddles you get a sheet shower.

Sosua beach reeks after a rain too. They need to get rid of the squatters and their makeshift sewage systems.

A bulldozer and a chainsaw could do wonders down there.

 

[Salsafan]

I have a dog that I walk 3 times a day. PC is always busy. Day and night. Every day.

In the afternoons maybe busy with the dogs, the girls come later.

 

[NY-DR Commuter]

Wait, I think I finally caught you on some BS here my Frenn.

"Finally caught" me "on some BS" ??

I didn't realize you were trying so hard, sorry to disappoint you, I don't post BS.

I know for a FACT that PC was practically EMPTY, when the street was closed to traffic..
Couple of Lonely Diners, and mostly Empty tables.

When the streets were first closed to traffic it was May of 2014, the BEGINNING of one of the slowest summers we've had here in Sos?a in many years and also the beginning of SANTO DOMINGO's (NOT THE MAYOR's) crackdown on prostitution . . . "Passions" and "CMP" closed down, etc.

It wasn't slow BECAUSE the streets were closed, it was slow BECAUSE it was LOW SEASON and also one of the slowest years we've had down here.

Was it a NICE Idea.. oh, I think it was great, not disagreeing with you.. would have been nice if it worked, but it did NOT.

At least we both agree on something it was a GREAT plan. But here is where you don't seem to get it. It DID WORK. It actually started to work out very well.

What you seem not to get is that the street closings were discontinued because of a few people who had their own agenda, NOT because it wasn't working.

The fact that it was normal slow season, and an abnormally slow season at that, see post #54 here: http://dr1.com/forums/dr.debates/141...-2014-a-6.html , and that SANTO DOMINGO (NOT THE MAYOR) initiated a crackdown on prostitution, only helped the agenda of the few who wanted it open again.

and so you cant have it both ways...

First of all YOU seem to be confused about having it both ways:

first you post this:

Was it a NICE Idea.. oh, I think it was great . . .

Then you post this:

it was NOT a good Idea for PC . . .

Unfortunately YOU can't have it both ways . . .

I have it ONE way, IT WAS A GOOD IDEA AND IT WAS WORKING

It did NOT work, for whatever reason.. So it was NOT a good Idea for PC, NOR the Businesses who were Crying as they were bleeding Money every day.

Again, IT DID WORK AND IT WAS A GREAT IDEA. It was an EXCEPTIONALLY SLOW SEASON, a couple of those "Businesses who were Crying" also had their own agenda, and erroneously, like some here, attributed all their woes to the street closing, and not the real problem of it being an abnormally slow season. Also in the case of one of the more outspoken of the businesses crying, his business was a FAILURE because his business model was old, slow season/high season/any season, he had an agenda, he didn't own a bar or restaurant so he couldn't benefit from tables on the street.

So now that the cars are back and the Street is Busy again (by your own obervations) mainly because the Idea was abandoned, you want to BOTH Give credit to Iliana Neuman for the Idea, which did NOT work
AND at the same time you want to say you are happy that the street is Busy gain ?

Again, let me help you out "jd", can I call you "jd? . . . Thanks

It is NOW TWO YEARS LATER. The street IS NOT busy "mainly because the Idea was abandond". The street IS BUSY because of a sudden influx of tourists to Sos?a, and sepcifically on Pedro Clisante, NOT because Ilana Neumann's idea did not work, IT DID!, and yes I want to give Ilana credit for it!

And even though I haven't stated ANYWHERE, as you incorrectly want to attribute to me, that I am "happy that the street is Busy again." I will state it now, yes, I am VERY HAPPY for the businesses on Pedro Clisante that the "street is busy again."

sorry, your facts are correct. but your reasoning can not be based on both, they are Direct Opposites.

My facts are correct, my reasoning is based on the facts, your reasoning is based on your incorrect ASSUMPTION that the plan failed, IT DIDN'T.

not arguing, but it just does not add up.

I also am "not arguing", just stating some FACTS . . . AND THE FACTS DO ADD UP, your assumptions and speculation DO NOT.

Any by the way "jd". You did say I could call you "jd"? . . . If you want to accuse me of posting BS, no problem, just be specific about the BS I post and not your speculation.

 

[NY-DR Commuter]

It did not benefit most Dominicans who visit the area.

Sure it did. The Dominicans visiting could now watch concerts by local bands that were to be scheduled every month. Dominicans visiting could take their children to watch movies that were being shown on certain Saturday nights. Dominican couples or singles could have dinner at good restaurants like Brittannia Pub and dine "open air" on the street comfortably.

Even Dominicans who just wanted to get drunk and pick up women "outdoors" could go sit out by Rumba and El Flow and see what's on the menu.

Except for some motoconcho drivers who couldn't be inconvenienced by having to park around the corner and the guys selling drugs in the abandoned "El Toro/Latin" disco and some Dominican business owners whose business model dated back to 1980, you are correct, it did not benefit that small minority.

However, MOST Dominicans who visited the area certainly benefited, and many of them mentioned it to me.

I was there for most of that time.....it was a sad sight IMHO.

Yes that is your HO, NOT MOST PEOPLE's

It certainly isn't mine, and I was there all of the time.

 

[NY-DR Commuter]

The abandoning of the plan to close Pedro Clisante in the evenings was politically motivated and the result of a few who used their influence to get it overturned.

It was sucessfull and starting to gain a lot of supporters when these few managed to get it overturned.

Even though the group of business owners opposed to the closing was small, they had some local support (motoconcho drivers), and some political support (a recent failed candidate for mayor whose business was just closed by the "Attorney Genera" in Santo Domingo and whose constituency consisted of MANY motoconcho drivers) and a former Diputado who was from the opposing political party and a close friend and ally of one of the dissenting business owners.

It's ironic because one of the most vociferous of the opposing business owners has what has been for YEARS one of the less successful and probably the least frequented establishment on Pedro Clisante.

Just before this small group was successful in getting the street re-opened, the plan was actually functioning well and the majority of owners as well as patrons and an overwhelming majority of local residents including ex-pats were quite happy with Pedro Clisante being closed to car and motoconcho traffic at night.

The end of PC closer to Little New York Pizza hosted early evening movies for local families and concerts by local talent. Toward the middle of PC there was usually a band playing out front of Britannia Pub or Alberto Tipico and you could enjoy GOOD live music that was targeted to ex-pats. And at the far end of PC all of the more "notorious" businesses had set out tables so their patrons could sit comfortably and converse amongst themselves or perhaps choose one of the many young ladies who were enjoying the festivities to engage in some cultural conversation.

My point being this, you had every opportunity to enjoy any activity that you usually enjoyed on PC except now in a safer, more comfortable and generally accepted environment.

If local families wanted to bring their children early in the evening to watch a movie, no problem, the far end of PC was set up for that, away from the more "caliente" businesses and still enjoyable.

When ex-pats, and locals as well, wanted to listen to live music more in the "rock" genre, perfect, in the middle of PC a live band was playing at a bearable noise level in a safe, comfortable and enjoyable setting, out front of Britannica Pub was perfect, good food, good drinks, good music.

If you were looking for some female company for a little while or to make plans for later in the evening, the far end of PC was all set up for that. The streets in front of Bermuda Bar, El Flow, Rumba had plenty of tables set up. You could sit at a table and have a conversation at a reasonable volume and still order food and drinks and enjoy your company.

If you wanted to sit at ANY of the outside tables and just watch "the show" or just enjoy dinner or cocktails without dangerous motoconcho and car traffic, you had that option.

AND if you just wanted to go into a bar and listen to excruciatingly loud music, whether it be "Hip-Hop" or Merengue, get drunk, and leave with the first "working girl" you met, fine, STILL ON THE MENU ! ! !

The problem was the plan was only in effect for a couple of months, it never got a chance to continue through the normally busier tourist season.

The people who wanted it discontinued (absolutely a MINORITY) were successful.

But don't be confused, that fact that Pedro Clisante is very busy from the Merengue Bar to Rumba, IS NOT THE RESULT OF THE STREET BEING OPEN TO CARS AND MOTOCONCHOS. It is due to several business renovating and several business opening to take advantage of the the uptick in tourism that frequents that specific area.

 

[Uzin]

So the mayor in power (then had won with a good majority), being with the same political party as the government, also in power, was unable to implement a simple/good plan and hold on to it because of a minority opposition.

That doesn't sound good for the mayor, specially now winning with only 1.5% majority ...

 

[NY-DR Commuter]

So the mayor in power (then had won with a good majority), being with the same political party as the government, also in power, was unable to implement a simple/good plan and hold on to it because of a minority opposition.

That doesn't sound good for the mayor, specially now winning with only 1.5% majority ...

Unfortunately you have it WRONG.

During Ilana Neumann's FIRST TERM as mayor she was not the same political party as the government, she was from the OPPOSING party and had ZERO support from Santo Domingo.

The party in power during her first term was PLD, her party affiliation was PRD. COMPLETE OPPOSITES.

She will NOW for the first time in six years have support of the current government in power.

 

[Uzin]

Still not able to implement a simple idea as a mayor. Let's see if she can do anything useful in the next 4 years, no excuses now....

 

[NY-DR Commuter]

Still not able to implement a simple idea as a mayor. Let's see if she can do anything useful in the next 4 years, no excuses now....

And AGAIN, you got it WRONG.

She implemented it JUST FINE. With ZERO help from Santo Dominingo it was implemented and started to actually function very well.

The opposition worked HARD to have it overturned, they were successful, not a big surprise.

 

[NY-DR Commuter]

That doesn't sound good for the mayor, specially now winning with only 1.5% majority ...

Just so we are clear, as you seem to be bothered by Ilana's victory and obsessed with percentages.

When the PLD and PRD formed an alliance recently this year Ilana now gained the backing of the government in power.

Don't be too concerned with those percentages you like to post. They mean very little.

You say "doesn't SOUND good".

Actually doesn't mean SH1T.