HEAD OVERSEER’S WEEKLY MESSAGE
December 6, 2018
Greetings as we enter this special time of year. I write to you today with an update on our ongoing project in Mexico: Cosolargy International’s Retreat at El Cardonal – Healing Center & Spa.
This year, 2018, we have been diligently working on the initial design phase of the project, which includes site plot maps, floor plans, elevation drawings and various building schematics – all towards developing our master plan. Our team of three – Designer Andrew Tuck, Contractor Antonio Rochin, and myself – have included in the designs ten guest rooms, four suites, eight apartments with kitchenettes, a restaurant and cantina, in addition to the spa and therapies building, reception, swimming pool, chapel and Jamilian University classrooms and office spaces. As you can imagine, this is an ambitious project and will, no doubt, have to be completed in phases. I have included for your reference some of the drawings which, I hope, will give you an idea of what we envision.
The next phase of the project, which is being created at this moment, is the Vision & Concept Plan. This document will compile the collective works of the preliminary design phase and merge The Community’s vision along with important biophilic concepts that are integrated with Cosolargy’s principles and practices. This is one of the important talents of our main designer, Andrew Tuck, whom I work very closely with.
Once this vision document is complete, we will, of course, share it with you. Its main purpose, however, will be to raise the financial resources from the general public for the construction of the project, as well as serving as a foundation of our goals. We anticipate this prospectus to be between 40 and 60 pages in length, and it should be completed early next year. 2019 will primarily be devoted to raising capital and awareness of our project, although we may have an opportunity to build the first construction which will be that of the caretaker’s residence. We shall see.
Over the last two years, we have been diligently making payments on the property. As you can imagine, there are also ancillary expenses which you should know about and which we need to meet in order to keep things moving along. I have just last week been made aware of the property taxes due for 2019. 2018’s property taxes have not yet been paid. Please note that because of the transfer of title to the property in 2017, 2018’s tax bill is higher than 2019. Please also know that Mexico grants no property tax exemptions to any religious organizations. In addition to paying our team (Andrew and Antonio) for the designs and the vision plan, property taxes will be our primary expense, at this time.
I have itemized our expenses for 2018 and 2019 on the attached pledge form. Therefore, this is an appeal for funds covering two years of expenses which will get us through the beginning of 2020. As you can see, expenses for 2018 and going forward into 2019 are approximately $1000 per month. Half of that are the one-time costs for the preliminary designs and the vision document, both necessary to encourage people to support our plans and get involved in our project.
I realize there are a lot of financial pressures around the holidays, so if you are unable to make a contribution now, I understand. However, it is imperative that you make your pledge now so we know how to proceed in the coming year. If you need additional tax deductions before December 31, 2018, now is a good time to take advantage of this opportunity. Please be as generous as you can.
There is also continued interest by Community members to visit Baja California, Los Barriles and surrounding areas, i.e., San Jose del Cabo, Todos Santos, and other nearby places. We are planning another trip very soon, probably after the holidays in either late January or mid-February. If you have interest in accompanying me and other members of The Community, please let me know as soon as possible. If there are other times of the year that suit you, please also let me know, as I travel there a few times each year. (There is some discussion of another trip in late April or early May and possibly later in the year, as well.)
Once again, please feel free to ask me any questions by calling 775-786-7432 or emailing me at messages@cosolargy.org. I am always at your service.
In Light+,
Gene
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El Cardonal Retreat 1
