Plan to develop Esencia guarantees public access to public domain assets and protection of theecosystem on the coast of Cabo Rojo
[January 9, 2024] Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico – Esencia, a proposed coastal community in Cabo Rojo, will facilitate multiple beach accesses and establish a natural resource management plan on its property. Therefore, contrary to what is currently happening, the project will ensure planned access for visitors and residents to the beach through reliable and safe entrances and roads; and protection of natural resources that are currently threatened by unrestricted human intervention.
Roberto Ruiz, principal of Three Rules Capital in Puerto Rico, one of the developers with the Reuben Brothers, said that the proposal submitted for evaluation and approval to the Office of Permit Management (OGPE, for its acronym in Spanish) on May 23, 2024, plans multiple vehicular entrances to the beach. These accesses would lead to portals where parking lots, bathrooms with showers, and bicycle parking are proposed, among other facilities for residents and visitors.
"Beyond what is required by law, the general public would also have access to sanitary facilities, pedestrian paths to the coast, and routes for recreational activities such as hiking, bird watching, and cycling. In addition, two "town centers" are proposed where there will be shops, restaurants, and dedicated space for entertainment, services, and religious and cultural activities, among others. Entertainment and commercial areaswould be accessible, but well planned," Ruiz said.
Meanwhile, attorney René "Chile" Comas, born and raised in Cabo Rojo, and spokesperson for the project, said that the Esencia plan demonstrates the firm commitment of the developers to make it easier for more people – locals and visitors – to enjoy the landscape; and ensure that natural resources are used appropriately to conserve protected areas, as well as add spaces for the preservation of flora and fauna. In his opinion, Esencia's vision and proposal could become an example of sustainable development to follow in other places in Puerto Rico.
"The plan contains measures to restore wetlands and add areas of ecological value within the property, as well as a commitment to conserve such habitats and keep them free of rubbish and debris. A storm runoff management plan is included to mitigate erosion and sedimentation of the land. Sand dunes are also taken into consideration, and a proposal is included to preserve this important coastal natural resource, which is now being threatened by unbridled human activity, including the excessive use of certain motor vehicles, such as four-track and 4x4 trucks," Comas said.
Furthermore, he said that, unfortunately, at present, "access to the beach is not reliable, there is no surveillance, entrances and routes are not marked, dirt roads are improvised and when it rains they become muddy routes, so the area is only available to people who have traction vehicles and not the general public." He assured that, now, on the beach of public domain there is no certainty that the regulations on the use of resources and protection of ecosystems are followed, including the prohibition of parking on the beach, a space designated for the enjoyment of people, not vehicles.
According to Ruiz, Esencia is already mitigating the impact of years of abandonment and unbridled human activity in the ecosystem where it proposes to develop the project. "Since the summer of 2024, we have been cleaning and have already removed over 35 tons of garbage of all kinds, from remnants of latrines and camping equipment to metals, furniture, belongings and motor vehicles, which for years were illegally deposited in this area endangering and polluting the ecosystem." He added that vegetation and ecosystems are also being maintained, including the protection of wetlands that were in danger due to the accumulation of garbage and debris.
"We are focused on real expectations to provide adequate and modern infrastructure, and not overload the water, sewage and energy services of Cabo Rojo. We propose to have our own water treatment plant, energy from renewable sources with solar as the primary source and, in addition, having the capacity to supply the public distribution network with excess energy generation. We also propose improving roads and intersections in the area," the developer emphasized.
Currently, Esencia proponents are focused on the evaluation process that is taking place in government agencies, while continuing to develop open and transparent communication channels with the public and promoting their participation through official forums showing respect for the residents of Cabo Rojo and neighboring municipalities. They are also working on a proposal to provide vocational education in hospitality careers to residents of Cabo Rojo and the Southwest so that they can benefit from the employment opportunities projected in the globally renowned hotel operators that will be part of Esencia.
Photocaptions
Figure 1: Existing Condition Abandoned vehicle in wetland area
Figure 2: Existing Condition Makeshift public toilet
Figure 3: Existing Condition Makeshift public toilet
Figure 4: Existing Condition Illegal campfire on the beach
Figure 5: Existing Condition Abandoned off-road vehicle in wetland
Figure 6: Existing Condition Landfill and burning of clandestine garbage within the property
Figure 7: Existing Condition Abandoned electrical appliances on property
Figure 8: Future Condition Central Plaza of the future Esencia Town Center
Figure 9: Future Condition One of the Public Access Portals to the Beach
Figure 10: Future Condition Beach Toilets and Showers for Public Use
Figure 11: Future Condition Bicycle shelters for public use on the beach
Figure 12: Future Condition Elevated platform for coastal dune protection
About Esencia
Esencia is a proposed coastal community in the municipality of Cabo Rojo. On May 23, 2024, the proponents submitted Esencia’s plan to the Office of Permit Management (OGPe, for its acronym in Spanish) as the first step in the evaluation and approval process. Esencia's partners include among the most distinguished brands in the global hospitality industry, including Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, and Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, among others. It is estimated that the project’s construction would create 2,000 jobs in Cabo Rojo and southwestern Puerto Rico. Once the community is operational it is expected to create 2,000 jobs – vocational and professional.
Reuben Brothers
Reuben Brothers is a global leader in real estate investment, development, private equity, debt financing, and venture capital. Over the past twenty-five years, the business has built a world-class portfolio of properties in the most sought-after markets across the United Kingdom, United States, and Europe. The Group’s extensive real estate holdings are diversified, spanning residential, office, retail, hotel, and infrastructure assets worldwide. Key investments include Cambridge House, Admiralty Arch, The Twenty Two and Burlington Arcade in Mayfair, The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel and The Twenty Two in New York, W South Beach, The Vineta in Palm Beach, Century Plaza in Los Angeles, Hotel La Palma in Capri, ESENCIA in Puerto Rico and KYU Restaurant Group. The philanthropic arm, Reuben Foundation, was formed in 2002 and makes essential contributions to the advancement of healthcare and education globally, as well as the arts. www.reubenbrothers.com
Three Rules Capital
Three Rules Capital is a global real estate development company specializing in pioneering luxury residential and resort communities, with operations in Puerto Rico. Founded by Will Bennett and Roberto Ruiz Vargas, who are like-minded in their commitment to kindness and righteousness in business, Three Rules Capital reflects both integrity and luxury pedigree. The partners bring an extensive track record of partnering with leading hospitality brands to create one-of-a-kind destinations. This has included overseeing the structure of equity investment, construction, and development of major resort and residential projects throughout Puerto Rico, Mexico, Hawaii, Dominican Republic, Portugal, and New York. For more information visit www.threerulescapital.com