Ajijic Malecon Bench Project

gringal wrote:You're a good project manager!  Thanks again for volunteering.

I don't know.............

Aren't moderators on these chat boards supposed to be whiners and complainers about everything to do with the local government and not DOERS.........

It’s impressive you have collected that much already.  Maybe it’ll be one thing ex-pats did that Harry can’t bitch about.  

At this rate, we're going to have to slow CanuckBob down. I know! Let's start micro-managing and armchair quarterbacking!

If anyone was on the fence before about whether or not to contribute, now is the time! Thanks CBob!

Rosa Venus wrote:At this rate, we're going to have to slow CanuckBob down. I know! Let's start micro-managing and armchair quarterbacking!

If anyone was on the fence before about whether or not to contribute, now is the time! Thanks CBob!

Maybe we should have several meetings and debate the various color options for the benches. Personally, I like pink.

Carry Bean wrote:
Maybe we should have several meetings and debate the various color options for the benches.

Exactly. Color is important. After all, these renovated benches aren't just going to be a place to plant our asses and enjoy the view. They are going to say something about who we are as a people. First, of course, we'll have to tackle getting that new Ajijic Tourism sign on the malecón repainted different colors. Only then can we properly address the issue of bench aesthetics.

I'm going to move that the bench reno project be tabled until Fiscal Year 2020.

Bottom Line: The project is still short of funds... If you use the Malecon maybe it would be in your interest to contribute...

Let's mix the red and the blue (political agreements are important) and paint 'em all purple!!

Rosa Venus wrote:

Carry Bean wrote:
Maybe we should have several meetings and debate the various color options for the benches.

Exactly. Color is important. After all, these renovated benches aren't just going to be a place to plant our asses and enjoy the view. They are going to say something about who we are as a people. First, of course, we'll have to tackle getting that new Ajijic Tourism sign on the malecón repainted different colors. Only then can we properly address the issue of bench aesthetics.

I'm going to move that the bench reno project be tabled until Fiscal Year 2020.

You’re going to trust our fearless leader with all that money until 2020? I’ll volunteer to hold it.

Okay. No more derailig the thread (from me). I was just trying to have some fun via sarcasm.

This is such a great project and well under way with demonstrated responsible leadership. It just needs more funding to push it to completion.

Contribute! Participate! Renovate!

Then we can all set our butts down on nice benches and enjoy the wonderful views. Thanks again to CanuckBob. Excellent!

Rumor has it that some drug cartel representatives will be visiting the non-donators to this project.
If true, a small price to pay for some peace of mind (and piece of body).
Just a "heads up".
I'm thinking about doubling my contribution.

Word has it that work will start on Monday...

One suggestion...I used to paint over the graffiti on the wooden benches...and observed that when the boards extend a few inches past the metal bench frames, they tend to get pulled off or ripped off...sometimes for firewood when the beach campers show up, and also by the skate-boarders. Perhaps you can shorten the boards to be flush with the metal frame.

Thanks. I will discuss this with the crew.

Just had a surprise: On page 15 of the current Guad. Reporter, we are informed that the work building the "bridge to Jesus" has resumed and will be finished this month. Too bad they're too broke to fund fixing the infrastructure, including our Ajijic Malecon project.

I had understood that the "bridge to Jesus" was privately funded by a wealthy benefactor and was not built with any municipal funds. Does the GDL Reporter say it is municipal funds?

CanuckBob wrote:I had understood that the "bridge to Jesus" was privately funded by a wealthy benefactor and was not built with any municipal funds. Does the GDL Reporter say it is municipal funds?

Wish I had an online version to give a link to, but here's what it says under a picture of the project:  First, the headline says "JESUS BRIDGE BACK ON TRACK"

"The Chapala government has resumed work on the bridge linking the east leg of the Malecon to the Jesus Pescador Island monument." (Then, after a few sentences) "An elaborate plan to construct an adjacent walkway was initiated by the 2015-2018 administration. Progress on the project was curtailed due to budget cuts implemented by the state government that required design and funding delays.  The initial phase of work should be completed in time for December 31 festivities."

That's all that it says. Nowhere does it indicate private funding at any point.  I suspect that rumor was an excuse for spending public funds for a religious purpose. (I'm a serious cynic here)

Yeah could be. Looks like state funds though not municipal.

UPDATE:

The workers started on the benches on Monday. At this point they have removed all the broken wooden slats and have started painting the metal frames. It turns out there are many missing and broken metal cross beams so we will need to bring in metal workers and a welder. there is only about 65 broken wooden slats so our cost of wood will be far less than anticipated however the metalwork will eat some of that up. We are hoping to have some money left over to refurbish at least one of the bridges. Out of the $38,300 pledged I have managed to collect $34,300 and have plans to collect the remaining $4000. So far we have spent $7,000 pesos on paint, wooden slats and miscellaneous supplies. We need to spend another $1200 pesos or so on wooden slats and then whatever the cost is for the wood stain and the metalworkers. We are awaiting a quote from the metalworkers.

Love the transparency CBob! Thanks!

I would really like to thanks Harry Bublin as well. He has done a lot of the leg work in making this happen.

Update:

The project is coming along sloooowly. The metal bases have all been painted along with the garbage receptacles. They have started to replace the broken wooden slats but we are being held up by the metalwork guys (or lack of metalwork guys) that are needed to bend and re-weld some broken metal pieces.

We have spent $10,800.00 pesos so far and have $26,250.00 remaining. Hopefully we have enough left over to replace the deck on at least one of the bridges.

Bob:
Thanks for the update... Any thought given to replacing the decks with steel planking?

No thought at all given to the bridges yet however if/when the time comes I will suggest we look at that option. Thanks for the suggestion.

Nobody will be lingering on that bridge for sure. It will be hotter than hell if you use steel planks and will burn pet paws and bare feet.
I'm going to be replacing the kitchen door that goes into a central patio at my house. It is louvered at the top and solid metal at the bottom... it also only gets the afternoon sun. I could cook eggs on it if I wanted to... it gets THAT hot.

Thanks for the news about the project. So happy to read ANYTHING that isn't about gasoline. Cheers and thanks.

Hey, 37,000 pesos raised voluntarily. A private/public partnership initiated. No corruption and work actually being done!

Too bad you can't run for Pesidente.

SunFan