Time to cut it out: Are vacation renters bringing glass bottles into the pool areas?

The influx of vacation renters at Palermo Palm Springs has brought new faces and a few concerns. Namely, people who are renting out condos for short terms may not know the rules. One concern has been the condition and use of the clubhouse, including the propping open of the doors and leaving the lights and television on. Another concern involves short-term vacation renters who have been bringing beer bottles into the pool areas. It's simple common sense that you don't this, but we've been told it has happened repeatedly over the past weeks. Any glass breakage on the concrete or that goes into the pools and spas could cut someone and require the draining of the pools and spas. Miss Penny Lane says: You won't see her at the pool with an unsightly beer bottle in hand because she has a lovely pink plastic glass for her Cosmo.

Indian Canyon Drive closed

Indian Canyon Drive is closed at Tramview this afternoon. No news on the reason why, but there is a wind advisory in effect for the valley. Miss Penny Lane says: She was at a watering hole downtown when the wind picked up and blew the little paper umbrellas from the cocktails into her new beehive hairdo. She hates it when that happens.

Cue up to the pool tourney this afternoon

A reminder that the 2nd pool tourney is at 3 p.m. today in the clubhouse. See the earlier posting for more details. Information also is on the mailboxes. Miss Penny Lane says: She's likes the new felt on the clubhouse pool table because it matches her new camel-toned shoes. You might just spot her on Sunday by doing a color comparison, and if you do, please keep it to yourself and just give her a knowing little wink.

'What will it look like by Monday?'

There's been no progress on the overflowing trash at the garbage bins. Positively Palermo received this e-mail: "The trash bin is full and trash is outside of it on Saturday night and no pick-up until Monday. What will it look like by Monday? Someone moved out on Sunburst or at least took stuff out from an Enterprise property and this is what they left, so yes it is time for a move in or move out fee because we end up paying for this or have to live with this deplorable situation. I predict there will be rotting garbage outside the bin by Sunday night. Help!" Miss Penny Lane says: She won't pile on because the e-mail said it all.

Painting update: The back yard exteriors are next

The painting crews redoing the "Deep Russet" color and the "Copper" trim on the street-side exteriors soon may be turning their attention to the back yards. DRM sent out this e-mail on Friday: "Residents of Palermo, The painters should be done with the entire 'street scene' no later than Feb. 11th if not sooner ... Then Bruce Bushore will start scheduling appointments with the owners to gain access to the rear yards." Miss Penny Lane says: Wonderful news.

Palermo's little Gavin makes the newspaper!

Palermo residents may remember at Christmas time that the Cupcake Elves made a surprise visit to Gavin, the little boy who is one of the youngest Palermo-ites. (See the posts and pictures in the archives from December.) Now Gavin has made it into the Desert Sun newspaper. His father Perry writes: "The short version is my son Gavin is in 1st grade (the one who had the elf visits) had an author of a children's book come from out of town to read them a story and the book was dedicated to Gavin." The newspaper story says the children's book "Pecos Meets Bad Bart" by Mae Charles is dedicated to "a special cowboy, first-grader Gavin Stamas of Palm Springs. Charles is married to the boss of Gavin's father, Perry Stamas, and that's how the youth first heard of the book. 'Gavin's mom, Desiree, read the book to him while it was in rough form — as a script,' Perry Stamas said. 'This is the first time he has seen it with pictures.' Gavin's grandmother, Donna Lozano, pointed out on Wednesday the special dedication in the book, which said 'To Gavin Stamas, my first real fan.' 'All of the kids are now going crazy asking him if Mae really dedicated the book to him. He is so excited to see his name in print,' Lozano said." You can read the whole story and see a picture at this link. Or go to mydesert.com and use the search function. Miss Penny Lane says: Congratulations, Gavin. She's been waiting her whole life for someone to dedicate a book to her.

Hooray! The graffiti is gone from the green fencing

Good news to share today. The graffiti that has been on "temporary" green fencing of Phase 2 of Palermo Palm Springs was removed on Thursday. The vandals hit the fencing sometime in late November or early December. See this site's Dec. 18 posting for background. Next the vandalism spread to a wall of the SunCal. Co.'s  undeveloped Avalon residential and golf course project that borders Palermo. The graffiti there was cleaned up immediately. On a related matter, the control of portions of the undeveloped Palermo Phase 2 land and the unsold "developer" condos in Phase 1 may soon be cleared up. A resident reports that at Wednesday's HOA board meeting it was stated the banks soon will have title to the property, and that the status quo may continue for a while the banks figure out what to do with their new holdings. Everyone looks forward to an official update. Miss Penny Lane says: Thank you to those who removed the graffiti that was marring our community.

To heat or not to heat?

Positively Palermo has received a resident report saying management has decided to no longer heat the back little swimming pool because of the cost of the gas. The decision was made at Wednesday evening's HOA board meeting. The spa back in that area still would be heated. The resident also reports that the board is looking into putting a lock on the heater on the front big swimming pool because people are turning the heat way up and the gas bill is high. It's said that high utility costs are one reason the HOA monthly fees were increased to $268 starting this month. If anyone has more details about the pool situation as it was not on the board agenda, please share them. Miss Penny Lane says: She's a big pool kind of lady, and you might just catch a glimpse of her there this weekend staring up at the mountains as she splashes around.

Posting problem

Positively Palermo has received a report that some comments have disappeared from the site over the past day or so. It appears to be a blogspot problem and mainly involves the same comments that are repeatedly placed on a site and flagged as spam. The problem doesn't seem to be solved yet. Miss Penny Lane says: Her mother used to serve her Spam, and she hates the kind you can find in a tin in your cupboard and the new techno kind on the Internet.

Don't trash this concern of residents

There's been a continuing problem with the community trash bins — one that management for years hasn't addressed with a permanent solution. The containers overflow, and Palm Springs Disposal won't haul away anything that's on the ground and not in the bins. See the picture from late last year. Food, packing materials and other garbage have been on the ground this week. There are no signs telling residents and vacation renters the rules about breaking up cardboard boxes, not putting large items such as old furniture in the trash areas, and so on. This is one of the fixable problems people living here can face if absentee management doesn't respond to concerns immediately. Miss Penny Lane says: She's tries to recycle everything, but she'll be happy not to have to reuse this topic ever again once the problem is fixed.

Planned power outage set for Feb. 2

So Cal Edison is planning a power outage next week to improve old infrastructure. The e-mail to owners from management says: “To the Residents of Palermo, Please see the attached notification from Southern California notifying the Association that a "Power Outage" is scheduled for areas within Palermo on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Should you require additional information on this notification, please contact Edison directly at (888) 759-6056 or www.sce.com/outage." Miss Penny Lane says: She's never leave her dearies at Palermo in the dark.

Meetings tomorrow

Positively Palermo has learned there's an HOA board meeting at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 26 in the clubhouse. The agenda appeared in the clubhouse display case today, a day before the meeting. There will be an annual meeting after the regular meeting at 6. Miss Penny Lane: Happy meeting.

What development is — or was — planned near Palermo Palm Springs?

Positive Palermo has been asked about the development planned near our community. There's particular interest in the Avalon development of single family homes, multi-family units and a golf course. Some of these homes would share a common wall with Palermo residences on Sandy Point Trail and with the parking spots on the Quiet Side. We will show you in the days ahead the plans for Avalon so you can see where the construction was planned. We also will discuss several other nearby projects that have been planned, including a new road a few blocks north of Palermo connecting Indian Canyon Drive to the 111. Here's a peak at what the entrances of the Avalon development were to look like, and what's been constructed at the south entrance for Avalon near San Rafael. Miss Penny Lane says: She's ready for that new road so she can zip off to the outlets in record time.

Another round of pictures from the Palermo furnished models

Positively Palermo today continues its series of photos from the furnished models, taken a few years ago. A big thanks again to Ms. Sarah for the pictures. Please send in any you may have. Miss Penny Lane says: Seeing these tidy pictures has made her decide to stay in today and get out the cleaning supplies. Her work is never done.

Graffiti spreads to Avalon but is quickly removed there

A month ago, on Dec. 18, Positively Palermo reported on the graffiti that vandals that spray painted on parts of the green fencing on Phase 2 of Palermo Palm Springs. Residents have been confused about whether the bank holding the developer's loan, MB Financial, or just who is responsible for the fencing and other parts of that area. They have been asking: Is anyone in charge? The graffiti remained. And no surprise, it attracted more tagging. The cement wall for the undeveloped Avalon residential and golf course project that borders Palermo was hit. See the above picture. But this vandalism was quickly removed from the walls of that project. Unlike Palermo, that wall is protecting an undeveloped project where no is living, but there was fast action to erase it up. Miss Penny Lane says: In the future will she need to get out there with her wash bucket? If so, please give her a honk when you drive by.

More traffic problems this morning on Indian Canyon at Palermo

The news this morning is reporting that the police were on the scene at an early-morning crash at Indian Canyon Drive and San Rafael Road, the corner of the Palermo sign. The traffic lights were out. The report said: "Police on the scene said one woman had been taken to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries." Traffic is now moving. Miss Penny Lane says: Be careful out there.

More pictures from the Palermo furnished models

More pictures from a few years ago of the furnished model units at Palermo Palm Springs. This time, we have bedroom views. Miss Penny Lane says: If only she had someone who could make up her bed so neatly. At least a girl can dream.

Indian Canyon Drive is open again

Indian Canyon Drive between Palermo and the 10 is back open, after crews cleared out mud and rocks at the Whitewater Wash. The problem wasn't a levee break, despite what the newspaper reported. It was a problem involving the Whitewater River taking an "unexpected path" when the Coachella Valley Water District undertook a water replenishment project in the basins between the 10 and the 111. "The river had a mind of its own and changed course on us," a district official said. Miss Penny Lane says: If she had a mind of her own, she'd call in sick today to enjoy this sunny, warm Wednesday.

Indian Canyon closed between Tramview and the 10 because of water from melting snow

The Desert Sun's Web site is reporting this morning: "Indian Canyon is closed from Tramview Road to the I-10 Freeway due to a broken levee, according to the Palm Springs Police. The department received a call from the Coachella Valley Water District just after 6:30 a.m. Tuesday advising that a levee broke and a large amount of water from snow melt was flowing across Indian Canyon Drive at the wash." Miss Penny Lane says: She won't be heading north to the 10 today anyway, because with a high forecast of 84 today, she only will be going to Walgreen's to buy sun screen for her date at the Palermo big pool.

Take a peak at the Palermo Palm Springs model units - kitchen views

Positively Palermo over the next days will be showcasing pictures taken a few years ago of the furnished models. A big thank you to Ms. Sarah for providing them. Please e-mail any photos you may have as we build up our archives of Palermo history. For today's installment, here are views of the kitchens. The top two pictures are from the D model town homes. Please note that kitchens in some D units have a peninsula counter that isn't as long as shown here because a pantry was added. The bottom two pictures are from the B model town homes. You can find the floor plans for these models elsewhere on this site. Miss Penny Lane says: She's in the mood for some cooking when she sees these clean sharp kitchens.

Palermo greets you

In bloom, at the entrance to Palermo Palm Springs. (Thanks for the picture.) Miss Penny Lane says: She smiles every time she drives through the front gate on her way home from work.

Residents bond over a sticky matter at Palermo

In late December, ponds formed in Phase 2 of Palermo

Controversial note says HOA may have to pay for re-gluing

In September 2010, Positively Palermo posted this: "A vaguely worded sign has been taped up around the clubhouse, concerning the spraying of a green material to control the dust on the Phase 2 portion of Palermo. Depending how one reads the sign, it could be read to say the road access will be cut off, either for one day or permanently. The road, Enterprise Way, is a real street that extends from the developed portion of Palermo all the way to San Rafael Drive, where there's an exit gate. The city required the secondary access for safety reasons. The taped-up sign in part reads: 'Effective Friday, Sept. 17, 2010, No vehicles of any type will be allowed access to or on the undeveloped south end of this community due to 'gluing' of the ground surface as required by the city of Palm Springs for PM-10 dust control. This restriction includes walking with or without pets as the surface will be disturbed and break up the 'glue' which will make it less effective requiring another expensive application. We are sorry to have to restrict this area. If we observe any violation of this new policy we may ask your HOA to participate in future expense of gluing.'" Shortly after that posting of the sign by the developer, management sent out an e-mail that cleared up the confusion that residents had about the road. They added this sentence to the sign's wording: "PLEASE NOTE, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO DRIVE ON THE PAVED AREA TO UTILIZE THE BACK EXIT GATE ON SAN RAFAEL." But that didn't end the discussion because statement, "If we observe any violation of this new policy we may ask your HOA to participate in future expense of gluing," concerned residents who didn't want to be stuck with the expense. Since then, they have noted here that trucks have made numerous trips on the dirt to collect water from the underground pipes and take it off site to the Murano subdivision. Big trucks have been parked on the dirt for days (see the above picture). Last week another vehicle was parked on it (see the Jan. 13 posting for a picture). The rain also has washed away much of the green glue. Clearly, the homeowners shouldn't be stuck with any bill. Miss Penny Lane says: She turns green with envy when she thinks of the day when glue is gone and 94 more condos, another pool, tennis courts and dog park fill up Phase 2.

No news at Palermo Palm Springs?

Positively Palermo received this note and photo: "Miss Penny, How can your site be loaded with cool information but the community bulletin, the one locked behind glass so we have no access to it, is barren of info, devoid of anything? It's been like that for months. Is there no news of note at Palermo?" Miss Penny Lane says: Palermo news keeps her so busy that it cuts into her time at the beauty shop.

On January 30, take a second shot at winning the Palermo Pool Tourney

Positively Palermo has been asked to post this from the hospitality committee about a pool tourney at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 30 in the clubhouse. The invitation reads: "You are cordially invited to the 2nd Palermo Pool Tourney! We had a great time and a fantastic tournout in November, and we are hoping for an even better time this go-around! We will provide the mixers and the music; please bring your drink of choice. We also ask that all participants in the tourney bring an appetizer as the Entry Fee. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes will be awarded. Let's make this great get-together for all who are residents of this great community. Please RSVP by leaving a message at:  760-641-0306. See you then!" Miss Penny Lane says: She's still waiting for the winner of the last tourney to give her private lessons on how to make a clean break.

Moving truck takes furniture out of 'Enterprise' model units

There's been no word since December about what's happening with the bank's legal action against Palermo's developer over the default on its development loan. Chicago-based Enterprise Cos. owes more than $13 million. A group auction of the 34 unsold "Enterprise" condos and the land in Phase 2 has been called off twice so far as the parties apparently try to work things out. Recent activity on the Phase 2 vacant land has included the loading of large amounts of water from the developed area's pipes into trucks. These trucks then traveled to Murano Palm Springs down San Rafael to use the water for a dust-control project at that Enterprise property. Some suggest that this action indicates Enterprise is still trying to hold on to the properties and is still maintaining them despite the foreclosure. In the absence of news from the bank, everyone is left to speculate. Now here's the latest development to ponder. A resident writes: "Hi Penny, I snapped this photo when leaving this morning through the back gate today. A big truck was being fill up with home and office furniture from the old model units, where Enterprise has its local headquarters. Stuff was lined up all along the road with the garage doors open showing even more stuff in there. Is Enterprise packing up or just doing house cleaning after all these years? Seems like odd timing to me, and please also take a look at the Enterprise vehicle parked on the recent green dust control application, where we residents where told not to walk or we'd have to pay for an application of green stuff on the dirt. Thanks." Miss Penny Lane says: She loves Palermo because there's always intrigue.

Update on the painting progress

Sunshine reflects on the new paint on Enterprise Way

Repainting 3525 Sunburst

Here's an update: The crews repainting the "Deep Russet" color on the street-side exteriors have moved on from Enterprise Way to parts of Sunburst Boulevard. Melody Lane, Sandy Point Trail, Breeze Loop and Penny Lane seem to be done. The repainting of "Copper" trim color so far has happened on Melody Lane and Sandy Point Trail. Miss Penny Lane says: The new paint job is almost as gorgeous as the Palermo hotties she spies everyday while peaking out her blinds.

News about Palermo's developer: There's a lawsuit against a condo board in Chicago

Here's some news about the Shipka's Enterprise Cos., the developer of Palermo Palm Springs. The Chicago-based developer is suing a condo board in the Windy City. The Dec. 29, 2010 article by Andrew Schroedter of Crain's Chicago Business says: "A joint venture including Ronald Shipka Sr. and Gerald Fogelson has sued the condominium association of One Museum Park East in the South Loop, alleging that the board is trying extract money from the Chicago developers by jacking up moving fees and falsely claiming that nearly $450,000 was misappropriated. Their venture, which also includes Cleveland-based Forest City Enterprises Inc., still owns 41 units in the 298-unit tower, which was completed in 2008, according to a complaint filed in Cook County Circuit Court. Amid slow sales, the developers want to rent out about half of those unsold units but have been stymied by a recent tenfold increase, to $1,000 a unit, in the fee charged for moving in and out of units being rented, the complaint alleges. The condo board also has falsely told condo owners in a letter that the development venture improperly used nearly $450,000 in reserve funds to pay routine expenses, according to the complaint. And the board has tried to thwart any new sales by refusing to issue accurate 'assessment letters' to prospective buyers saying the development venture is up to date on monthly fees, the complaint says. As a result, the developers can’t sell or rent their units, according to the complaint, which seeks several remedies including an accounting of assessments and court order forcing the board to retract the misappropriation allegation. Liens filed against the unsold units by the condo board would likely bring sales to a halt. A lawyer for the developers says they had no choice but to sue .... The lawsuit isn’t the first time Shipka and Fogelson have taken a hard-nosed approach amid the deep slump in condo sales. Last year, they took the unprecedented step of filing lawsuits against about 100 home buyers who didn't close on contracts for units in One Museum Park East and other condo buildings in Museum Park  ... Forest City disclosed the rental plan for One Museum Park East earlier this month, when it recorded an $18.3-million charge on its stake in Central Station. Forest City owns a 25% stake in the venture developing Central Station, which includes Mr. Fogelson, chairman and CEO of Fogelson Properties Inc., and Mr. Shipka, president of Enterprise Cos." See the Crain's Chicago Business Web site for the full story. Or for another take from a Chicago real estate blog, The Condoist, go to this Web link. Miss Penny Lane says: Such unpleasantness in the north. Let's all hope Enterprise can work its challenges here in Palm Springs and return as part of the Palermo family so we all can move ahead as one.

Reminder that the HOA fees have increased starting this month

Positively Palermo has received e-mails expressing surprise that the HOA monthly fees have gone up. So for others who may be the dark, the dues now are $268 a month, up from $241 a month. Miss Penny Lane says: Every dollar counts these days.

In the trenches

You may have seen the work crews on Indian Canyon Drive and occasionally on San Rafael. They have dug trenches and closed lanes at times. It's unsure what they have been doing, but it one e-mailer suggests it has to do with water or sewer lines. (See the picture above emailed to this site.) Now Positively Palermo has been asked to post this question: "Has anyone noticed a change in their water pressure or toilets flushing since this work has started. Ours occasionally seems off." Miss Penny Lane says: Is there any connection?

Check-out Indian Canyon Drive: The shopping carts are back marring Palermo and the city's gateway

The abandoned shopping carts on Indian Canyon Drive haven't been a big problem for a while. But now, as expected, they are back. One overturned cart is near Palermo's main exit driveway. Another is by the Sunline bus stop on Indian Canyon. Yet more are behind a short Palermo wall on Indian Canyon (see the above picture e-mailed from a resident). Some background on all this. In May 2010, Positively Palermo posted this: "More good news about removal the stolen shopping carts left on Indian Canyon median outside Palermo. Some carts are gone because of your calls. Two members of the Palm Springs City Council (Rick Hutcheson and Lee Weigel) have responded from this site. Now City Manager David Ready has promised action in an e-mail to us. The recycling center on Oasis Road is attracting all these carts (Palm Springs Recycling‎ is at 280 W. Oasis Rd. Phone: 760-325-3377‎)." Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet and City Council members Chris Mills and Ginny Foat back then didn't return e-mails asking for help. Later, the HOA after residents complained did send a letter to the recycling center saying the HOA would oppose the center's license renewal in 2013 if this situation isn't fixed. The carts disappeared from the median outside Palermo — but carts were still turning up down Indian Canyon closer to downtown. The problem just moved away a bit. Now, as you probably could predict, the carts are back creating eyesores right here are Palermo. The City of Palm Springs says to call a shopping cart removal service at 800-252-4613. But this service doesn't pick up all carts from all retailers, is slow, or doesn't come at all. Palermo residents also have taken to calling the individual stores, with limited success. The city manager, City Council, and the Palermo management must keep in mind that this is a continuing problem that requires constant monitoring and action. Palermo residents deserve better.

Here are email addresses for the the mayor and City Council:
Mayor Steve Pougnet — E-mail: Steve.Pougnet@palmsprings-ca.gov
Chris Mills — E-mail: Chris.Mills@palmsprings-ca.gov
Ginny Foat — E-mail: Ginny.Foat@palmsprings-ca.gov
Rick Hutcheson — E-mail: Rick.Hutcheson@palmsprings-ca.gov
Lee Weigel — E-mail: Lee.Weigel@palmsprings-ca.gov

Miss Penny Lane says: She's shopping for a solution.

Palermo Palm Springs residents can't subscribe to this alternative to Time Warner Cable?

You may have seen the commercials on TV about an alternative to Time Warner Cable. The fiber optic service is known as FiOS (pronounced "FYE-ose"), and allows you to bundle together different phone, Internet and cable services. Now Positively Palermo has been asked by the "Palm Springs Guys" to posted this note: "Ms. Penny Lane, Recently we have been seeing a TV commercial from Verizon advertising their new FIOS TV service finally being offered in Palm Springs. As a matter of fact, they are advertising High Speed Internet, FIOS TV, and one land phone line for just $99.00 per month. The TV package also includes a number of premium channels as part of the promotion. We called Verizon at 1-888-884 FIOS (3467), only to be told that it is not available to Palermo residents. We were wondering if you would please post this note on the Positively Palermo blogsite and encourage anyone else that may be interested in this package to call Verizon to express their interest in getting this so that Verizon may make it available to us sooner rather than later? It's a great promotion and it gives us another option than Time Warner Cable. Also, thank you for your time and dedication to the Palermo Community. We all really do appreciate it!"Here's a link to learn more about this service. FYI: This Web was contacted by a Verizon representative months ago about setting up a meeting at Palermo regarding this service, and the rep was directed to talk to someone in management. Miss Penny Lane says: She's always looking for ways to save a bundle of money on anything high-tech, to have more cash for the important things in life, like her collection of vintage vixen wigs.

Chirp in with advice about the need for a pest control company

Positively Palermo has been asked to post this: "Hi Miss Penny Lane: Can you put this question out to owners: Is there a need to have a pest control company? Who do you recommend? I'm not a desert native so I don't know what must be doing vs. what is not necessary. Thanks. We had a great vacation at Palermo over the holidays, but are sadly back in the frozen tundra once again ..." Please help with advice or tips if you have them. Miss Penny Lane says: The chirps of the crickets in summer often lull her to sleep. She has even named one or two that have managed to sneak into her home. They proved to be more reliable companions than any of her recent beaus.

Floor plans of Palermo Palm Springs

Kitchen in the D model floor plan

Positively Palermo has been asked about the floor plans in our development. There are seven in all, lettered from A to G. The two-story, two bedroom models are A, B, C and D. Models E and F are single-level, one bedrooms. Model G is a single-level, two bedroom. So far, we have been able to get five of the floor plans and post them. Go to the archives on the left-hand column of this page to find them. Model A was posted on Sept. 16, 2010. Model B was Sept. 28, 2010. Model C was Nov. 22, 2010. Model D was Oct. 15, 2010. Model G was Sept. 19, 2010. It's hoped that Models E and F can be posted soon. Miss Penny Lane says: The developer Enterprise created seven wonderful plans, so there's no excuse to pass up buying one and join our jolly crew at Palermo.

Interchange work at the 10 and Indian Canyon to begin Tuesday

The newspaper is reporting that the construction work on the 10 and Indian Canyon Drive will start on Tuesday. It's been delayed because of the rain. The work will cause some traffic headches. The paper says: "Westbound traffic on Tuesday will be directed off the freeway and then back on after passing the construction from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Eastbound traffic will be rerouted on Wednesday, according to Palm Springs city officials. Lane closures begin at 9 p.m. both days. The project has twice been postponed because of weather. The detours are estimated to add 15-20 minutes to motorists’ drive time ... The interchange improvements — which will use wrap-around ramps to ease congestion on current left turns onto the interstate — are part of a 230-road project list through 2030 in the Coachella Valley that is expected to cost roughly $4.2 billion over 30 years. Construction on the $25.9 million project at Indian Canyon was expected to be completed in early 2012 before the delays." For more information on the project go to this link. Miss Penny Lane says: She's eager for improvements so she can get to the outlets even faster.

A New Year's refresher course on the basics of Palermo Palm Springs

Positively Palermo has received e-mails from residents and would-be buyers requesting some basic details about our development. The information below also can be found elsewhere on this site. For example, the Web links in the left-hand column on this page have detailed street maps and unit types. With the arrival of the new year, here's a refresher course with some unofficial answers.

What is Palermo Palm Springs?

Palermo is a new 117-unit gated community on fee simple land near the corner of North Indian Canyon and San Rafael drives in Palm Springs. It consists of 83 two-story townhomes (all with two bedrooms and private back yards), 6 single-level units with two bedrooms with private front yards, and 24 single-level units with one bedroom and private front yards. Some two-story units have private pools or spas in the back yards.

What kind of townhomes and villas have been built at Palermo?

Seven floor plans exist, all with private yards of varying size. They are:

- Model A: Two stories, with 20-foot ceilings and glass windows in the front of the house. Two bedrooms, office loft, 2.5 baths, upstairs patio, garage (1,375 square feet).

- Model B: Two stories. Two bedrooms, 2.5 baths, upstairs patio, garage (1,320 square feet). The Model B units are the ones with a wall that shields the view of the front door from the street. The wall has three square openings.

- Model C: Two stories, with 20-foot ceilings in the back of the house living room. Two bedrooms, 2.5 baths, upstairs balcony, garage (1,275 square feet).

- Model D: Two stories. Two bedrooms, 2.5 baths, upstairs patio, garage (1,286 square feet). The Model D units also have a small walled-off patio on the street front.

- Model E: Single level. One bedroom with small office area, one bath, carport (831 square feet).

- Model F: Single level. One bedroom with office area, 1.5 baths, carport (936 square feet).

- Model G: Single level. Two bedrooms, 2 baths, office area, carport (1,131 square feet). All G Models are corner units.

How many of each unit-type have been built?

There are: 33 Model A units, 18 Model B units, 17 Model C units, 15 Model D units, 16 Model E units, 12 Model F units and 6 Model G units.

What is the construction status of Palermo's planned 211 units?

The first half is done. Phase 1 has 117 units, two community pools, two spas, a clubhouse, fitness center, and showers and restrooms in the pool areas. If the second half of Palermo is ever built, it is planned to have 94 units, a third community pool and spa, dog park, tennis courts and retail center. (Of the 94 units in Phase 2, six unoccupied model units have been built.)

Palermo streets often don't show up on Web maps. What are they?

The streets of Palermo are: Penny Lane, Enterprise Way, Foothill, Breeze Loop, Sandy Point, Sunburst Blvd., Melody Lane and the Quiet Side. The undeveloped Phase 2 would have extensions of most of these streets, as well as a new one called Jewel Court, off the tennis courts and third pool.

Miss Penny Lane says: Join our jolly crew at the one and only Palermo Palm Springs.