View of Palm Springs — and Palermo — from the tramway

A resident sent in this picture from the Palm Springs Tramway. Palermo is to the right of the first tree on the left. Miss Penny Lane says: She likes to ride up the tramway this time of year because it provides the opportunity to break out the stocking caps she knitted herself.

Palermo plants: Oh-La-La bougainvilleas

This site plans to highlight some of the plants on the city's approved landscaping plan for Palermo Palm Springs and provide background on them. See our Feb. 23 posting for the plants on the list. The first plant we looked at was the "agave desmettiana" that is now flowering our the development. See the Feb. 24 posting for information on that plant. Today the focus is on the "bougainvillea oh la la" plant. The top picture is of a plant flowering at Palermo. The lower picture is from the Palermo landscaping plan. The plants were originally in 5-gallon buckets. Here's how one plant guide describes it: "This vivid magenta-red dwarf bougainvillea is among the best for a groundcover or container color in hot, dry climates. It is descended from giant vines of South America and their many hybrids, crossed to develop this small shrubby form, and others, tame enough for gardens with limited space or entirely new applications such as slope stabilization. Oh-La-La bears dense color due not to its flowers but to modified leaves known as bracts. They are a signal that draws pollinators to the small true flowers hidden among them. The flowers are tubular blooms visited by hummingbirds and long-tongued insects, a bonus in the eyes of some gardeners. Give it full sun and average, well-drained to dry soil. Like most bougainvilleas, it blooms far more densely when conditions are dry. If over-watered, even in the desert, it will produce too much foliage and insufficient color. It has a large, fibrous root system that resents disturbance, so when planting a nursery purchase, keep the rootball intact. Dwarf bougainvilleas may be allowed to grow naturally or can be sheared periodically to produce a more dense, compact character. Use it as a single specimen in the ground or a pot, in small groups, or massed with other dwarf varieties for a truly outstanding display of color." Miss Penny Lane says: Oh La La, is right.

Indian Canyon Drive to be closed until Wednesday

The newspaper is reporting that North Indian Canyon Drive between Palermo and the 10 will be closed until Wednesday because of sand covering the road. David Barakian, the city's Public Works director, told the paper: "Your patience is appreciated while we work to clear the area. In the meantime, please use alternative routes." Miss Penny Lane says: She will need to find an alternative route to the Dairy Queen at Indian Canyon and the 10 to satisfy her sweet tooth.

Update: The front gate has been fixed

The front entry gate on Indian Canyon Drive was fixed last night. It's a beautiful blue-sky afternoon at Palermo Palm Springs. Miss Penny Lane says: Thank you to those responsible for this quick service on a weekend.

Watch out: Front entry gate is broken

It's windy out there. Palermo's front entry gate on Indian Canyon Drive is broken. One of the two sections of the gate is blowing back and forth in the wind. Indian Canyon is closed to the 10 because of blowing sand at the wash. The Desert Sun reports that the road won't reopen until Monday. Miss Penny Lane says: Be careful out there.

Moon over Palermo

A beautiful photograph of the super moon, courtesy of resident JT. Miss Penny Lane says: Bellissimo!

Enterprise's green fencing: Blowing in the wind

Positively Palermo has received this e-mail: "Miss Penny, Do you know who is in charge of the upkeep of the undeveloped area of Palermo? The 'temporary' green fence near the entry gate has been loose and flapping for days now. Is the bank MB Financial the one to contact, or Enterprise, or someone else? Is anyone watching over this property these days? My neighbor says to call city hall and make an official complaint that the property isn't being kept up but I'm not sure I want to do that. Are we lost in the wind?" Miss Penny Lane says: She was told the green fence was to be temporary, but she's had shoes that have come and gone during the time the fencing has been up.

Pawsitively Palermo: This Saturday, how to do your part to help dogs and cats in need

A resident of Palermo Palm Springs asks that this site alert residents about two ways to help animals in need. The first is that she will be participating in an art auction at the Blue Pear restaurant on North Palm Canyon Drive from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 26. She writes: "My silly paintings will be auctioned off (hopefull) and all proceeds benefit the PS Animal Shelter, which is almost completed! Fun event and great venue @ Blue Pear! Stop by if you can. Cheers, Tiff." The second is this notice from Animal Samaritans that she has forwarded to us. It reads: "Animal Samaritans' 11th annual Walk for the Animals could be the Desert's best animal walk ever! Along the walk route, you can learn what a dog's body language is telling you, compare your smelling abilities with that of your pooch's, and find AnSams' furry mascots, Annie and Sam.
    Date: Saturday, March 26 

    Time: 8 am - 11 am

    Place: Palm Desert Civic Park

    Fee: Free to all - but donations and walk pledges are needed

    Pledge Forms: www.animalsamaritans.org and Facebook

    Questions: 760.343.4908

Enjoy: Pet Vaccinations & Microchipping (no appointment needed), Over 25 pet and kid-friendly vendors, A Frisbee Dog Showcase, A Blessing of the Animals, Drug-Sniffing Canine Performance, Police K-9 Demo, The 2nd Chance Parade of Adoptable Dogs and Puppies, Kid's Petting Zoo, Pet Costume Contest, and Raffle Prizes: win a Diamondback bicycle from Joel's Bicycle Shop. Enjoy free continental breakfast items and Starbucks' Coffee. And please donate what you can!  We need walk teams to raise money and help Animal Samaritans STAMP OUT ANIMAL CRUELTY! Event proceeds benfit our Humane Education program and no-kill animal shelter." Miss Penny Lane says: These are pawsitively great ideas. 

Craigslist ad touts rental with air mattresses for Coachella fest that has 'comfortably slept 10'

You may have seen this reader comment regarding weekly and weekend rentals at Palermo Palm Springs: There's a "craigslist ad for an owner who is trying to get $1k for the Coachella music festival. I like the part where it says 'Sleeps 10.' http://palmsprings.craigslist.org/sub/2192619141.html" The link no longer works but ad still could be found elsewhere on the Internet. Here is the full ad that was on the Internet (the ad also included pictures):
"$1000 / 2br - Condo for Coachella Festival
*2 Story 1350 Sq Ft 2 bd/2 ba Condo in Palermo Community of Palm Springs 
*1 Cal King Bed/1 Queen/2 Queen Air Mattresses/Couch folds into Queen Bed (Have comfortably slept 10 people)
*Attached Garage and Backyard with BBQ
*2 Community Pools and Jacuzzis
*Community Clubhouse with Pool Table and Gym 
$1000 for Thursday-Monday OBO....make an offer"
Miss Penny Lane says: Thank you for the information.

Palermo full moon

Amazing full moon seen at Palermo Palm Springs. Miss Penny Lane says: Bella luna, my friends.

Memory lane: A year ago this week, our palm trees were taken

It was one year ago this week that numerous Mexican fan palm trees were ripped out of the ground. Positively Palermo noted back then: "These palm trees belong to the Palermo HOA. They apparently were put in too close to driveways by the developer, so isn't that who should pay for the removal because of their possible mistaken planning in the first place? But don't the trees themselves belong to the HOA and ought to be replanted elsewhere in the complex?" Here are two pictures from a year ago, the top one is from Sandy Point near Melody Lane and the second one is of our palms waiting to be trucked off. Miss Penny Lane says: She's a palm fan.

Cheers to St. Patrick's Day

Happy St. Patrick's Day, Palermo Palm Springs. Miss Penny Lane says: Her friends are in town, and they'll be hitting the new Irish bar Dickie O'Neal's on Palm Canyon Drive. She'll be the one with the green apple martini. Say hi.

The buzz on wasps

Positively Palermo received this e-mail. It reads: "Hi Penny Lane, I was hoping you can post this on the Palermo blog. We have noticed many wasps in our back yard since last fall. They continually land on our pool water which makes using the pool impossible at times. We are hanging a trap we bought at home depot but not sure if that will work. I think Palermo has an exterminator and I left a msg for Brandy to see if they can find the nest(s) and destroy them. Has anyone else noticed this problem? Thanks Penny for a GREAT blog that keeps us informed on what is going on in Palermo especially when we are home." We received a report last year from a renter in the area Melody Lane and Breeze Loop of wasps. Miss Penny Lane says: She's been known to run down the street waiving her bonnet to shoo off a wasp or two.

Fire extinguishers, smart meters and other updates

Hello Palermo Palm Springs. Here are some updates that residents have asked that we forward on to you. The first is that crews came around today and replaced the fire extinguishers on the outside of the buildings. You may want to check the expiration date of the one in your garage. The second is that SoCal Edison has installed the new "smart meters" in the complex. These are the meters that some homeowners elsewhere in Palm Springs have complained about because they received bigger electricity bills after the high-tech meters went in. The third is that a resident reports seeing a pool guy working on the back spa, so the temperature problem may be fixed. Miss Penny Lane says: She thanks her Palermo neighbors for the updates. You all are great.

Should there be more variation in pricing of Palermo condos based on size, location, privacy, etc.?

Positively Palermo has received e-mails asking that we discuss home sales and prices. Namely, the concern is that appraisers and banks aren’t looking at the differences in the four types of two-bedroom, two-story models that are in short sales and foreclosures when determining pricing. They also aren’t looking at upgrades, views, location in the complex on less-busy streets, privacy and number of adjacent neighbors, size of the back yards, and pools and spas. This is helping to depress overall prices. 

Palermo Palm Springs has 117 residences. First, let’s examine the seven model types. There are four model types (A, B, C, and D) with two-bedrooms and two stories. There is one model (G) with two bedrooms in a single level. The developer generally priced the two-bedroom models in this order: A unit had highest price, D unit had the second, B and C tied for third, and then the G unit. There also are two models (E and F) with one bedroom in a single level. The F unit is bigger than the E unit. (For easy reference, we have put in another post below the basics of these seven models.)

However, the developer in the initial sales push didn’t treat all of the units of the same model type equally. That is, for example, the price of a D unit could vary from another D unit, depending on location, views, yard size, privacy and other factors. Below, we have listed the top most desirable units based on the original “final unit release price” furnished to us. Please note that these prices may not have been what the units eventually sold for — but the list serves as a guide to the residences considered to be premium ones. We’re highlighting these "top 20" to show that the appraisers and banks are being short-sighted when selling individual units at prices that don't take into account distinguishing factors. All of Palermo's 117 units, not just these 20, should be evaluated individually by appraisers, and then the prices for all of us should go up. (Also, please note  “final unit release price” on these 20 units below and the other 97 units do not include pools or spas they were added.)

1. 260 Enterprise Way, A unit, $481,000

1. 270 Enterprise Way, A unit, $481,000

1. 3534 Penny Lane, A unit, $481,000

4. 250 Enterprise Way, A unit, $480,000

5. 3585 Sunburst Blvd., A unit, $477,000

6. 302 Breeze Loop, A unit, $473,000

6. 210 Enterprise Way, D unit, $473,000

8. 280 Enterprise Way, A unit $470,000

8. 318 Sandy Point Trail, A unit, $470,000

10. 312 Breeze Loop, A unit, $468,000

11. 3525 Sunburst Blvd., D unit, $466,000

12. 308 Sandy Point Trail, A unit, $463,000

13. 220 Enterprise Way, D unit, $463,000

14. 272 Breeze Loop, A unit, $461,000

14. 3591 Melody Lane, A unit, $461,000

14. 255 Sandy Point Trail, A unit, $461,000

17. 215 Sandy Point Trail, D unit, $460,000

18. 252 Breeze Loop, D unit, $456,000

18. 245 Sandy Point Trail, A unit, $456,000

18. 275 Sandy Point Trail, D unit, $456,000

For comparison sake, some A and D units not considered prime units had original “final release prices” that were $50,000 to $75,000 below the premium locations. Most of the B and C units had “final release pricing” in the mid to high $300,000s as they shared more common walls, weren’t on corners, and had smaller back yards. They were a few exceptions in the low $400,000s. The developer initially pre-sold a large number of Palermo residences with many of the prime units now in private hands. The developer apparently instituted more uniform model pricing as the economic downfall hit and as its unit inventory went down to 34 unsold residences. Miss Penny Lane says:

Background on the models at Palermo Palm Springs

Some basics about the 117 units at Palermo Palm Springs:

- 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.

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. Go to the archives on the left-hand column of this page to find the floor plans. 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. We have not yet posed the plans for one-bedroom models E and F. Miss Penny Lanes says: There’s something for everyone at our lovely Palermo.

Spring ahead, Palermo Palm Springs

Did you remember to move your clocks ahead? Miss Penny Lane says: She's spending the morning applying a face mask and other treatments because she's lost an hour of beauty sleep, and that's not pretty.

Palermo condos and premiums

There's little for sale at Palermo Palm Springs. The units that do go on the market are being snapped up quickly. Right now, it seems that the model type, location, views, backyard size, spas, and number of adjacent neighbors of the two-story, two-bedroom units aren't making a difference in price because of the short-sale or foreclosure status. Positively Palermo thought it might be a good idea in revisit the original pricing and marketing of our development. Back then, premiums were placed not only on model types but also on views and location within our community. Watch for detailed information about list prices. Miss Penny Lane says: Choosing a house is like choosing a boyfriend, the details the matter.

A word about the spas

There's concern about the spas. Here's an email: "Hi Miss Penny, We are not sure who to report this to so we thought we would start with you. We noticed that the spa in the main pool area was not working today.  Also, the light in the spa in the smaller pool area is not coming on. Can you direct this to the right people?" Let's hope the HOA and DRM are on this. Miss Penny Lane says: She unfortunately has been so busy that a hot tub isn't in her immediate future despite her aching body.

Is the city's proposed affordable housing development across from Palermo going bye-bye?

What's going on with the proposed townhome development at Indian Canyon Drive and San Rafael Road, across from Palermo Palm Springs? You may have noticed that the "Project Under Consideration" sign on Indian Canyon Drive has been taken down. The background: The city bought the property 10 years ago and wanted to build affordable housing there. It would for-sale units for moderate-income families, not rentals or Section 8 housing. The owners of the adjacent historic Wexler steel homes and others have been concerned about the development because of potential noise, overcrowding and blocked views. They've been fighting the city. The City Council last year instructed a committee to come up with some changes. This is how the city's Web site described the proposed development: "3.63-acre parcel at the SE corner of Indian Canyon Drive and San Rafael Road. Developer: Community Dynamics Inc. The (city) Agency purchased a 3.63 acre site from an affordable apartment developer in 2001 in order to build affordable multifamily housing. A Disposition and Development Agreement with the developer expired in 2003 when the developer was unable to reconstruct lost financing on the project. In May, 2008 the Agency approved an agreement with Community Dynamics of Santa Monica to develop and build a new residential community on the parcel. The new community will include 52 townhomes which will be sold to moderate income families that comprise a significant portion of the City’s workforce. The proposed community responds to the existing neighborhood’s architectural context and incorporates an aggressive green building program which addresses the Agency’s desired energy savings, water conservation, indoor air quality and recycling objectives." Now, Positively Palermo has learned from an insider that the fight may be over, with the city possibly abandoning the plans and putting the land up for sale. We'll keep you posed if the local media picks up on this and determines it's true. Miss Penny Lane says: She'd like to see a branch of Koffi coffee shop chain at that corner so she can charge up every morning before heading off to the day job.

Indian Canyon may reopen Wednesday

Indian Canyon Drive is still closed because of the sand. Officials say it may reopen on Wednesday. Miss Penny Lane says: This closure is seriously interrupting her DQ run for dilly bars.

Happy Mardi Gras, Palermo Palm Springs

A happy Fat Tuesday to the residents of fun-loving residents of Palermo Palm Springs. Miss Penny Lane says: She'll be roaming the streets of Palermo this evening, looking up at the balconies and hoping to get more beads for her collection. Please don't disappoint her.

Wind advisories in effect. Tree is uprooted at Palermo Palm Springs

There are  high wind advisories in place tonight in Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties. Indian Canyon Drive between Palermo and the 10 is still closed. A metal pole in the median of Indian Canyon and San Rafael was blown down. At Palermo, a tree was uprooted and is falling down on the south side of Sandy Point Trail. (Thanks to the resident for the picture.) Miss Penny Lane says: She's prepared if the power goes out tonight because she has a stockpile jasmine-and-honey scented soy candles on hand. She makes them herself.

Head's up: Indian Canyon Drive closed to the 10 because of high winds

Indian Canyon Drive is closed from San Rafael to the 10 because of high winds. Miss Penny Lane says: She's fastening down her bonnet, putting the top on the car, and heading out for the day.

Are weekend renters at it again?

Positively Palermo received an e-mail from a resident concerned about what seems to be weekend rentals. It reads: "Dear Miss Penny, Please help!!! I've contacted a HOA board member but nothing has happened. I am a longtime renter on Sandy Point at Palermo who cares about this place and plans to stay for years (god willing!) because I love it here. I also love my neighbors. But, a foreclosed unit by me on Sandy Point now is being rented out on a short-term basis including weekends. These 'vacationers' break the rules, with the 'vacationers' here this weekend bringing one of their dogs into not just the 'pool area' but in the pool ITSELF, and they also had wine bottles in the pool area. All this took place at the back little pool. Their dogs (think there are two) are barking a lot. I'm tired of the noise from nite time parties. I was told when I moved in here long ago that no rentals were allowed under 30 days which I thought then was generous as the last condo project I rented at in the desert didn't allow anything under 1 year. Thanks for what you do and this forum. I'd like to buy my unit someday." Miss Penny Lane says: She loves puppies but not in the pools, please.

Lights are back on at Palermo Palm Springs

There's was a black-out at Palermo Palm Springs. The lights now are back on after being out for an hour or so. Miss Penny Lane says: After lighting some candles, she's decided to keep the lights off and have one of her famous candle-lit dinners. You're all invited.

Water shut off today at Palermo Palm Springs?

Positively Palermo has received reports that all the water to the complex was shut off today without notice. Your faucets, etc., when they first run again may be making strange noises. Miss Penny Lane says: She hopes the problem is solved because she has plans on washing her hair this evening before her big night on the town.

Water shut-off information

Here's an update from the management company about a water shut-off. It reads: "Dear Palermo Residents: The water will be shut off at the building of 225 Sandy Point on Wednesday, March 2, 2011 from 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm due to a required plumbing repair. Should you have any questions or concerns please contact Brandi Scott, Community Association Manager or Ana Boone, Assistant Manager at 760-346-1161 or via e-mail at bscott@drminternet.com. Thank you." Miss Penny Lane says: Thanks to the resident who forwarded the update.

HOA newsletter on the dumpster problem

Here's another passage from the HOA newsletter. It reads: "There has been an ongoing problem with residents throwing inappropriate items in the dumpsters such as paint cans, large cardboard boxes and furniture. Please note, Palm Springs Waste Management will not dump the large bins if they have inappropriate items in them. Further, all residents should have their own recycle can and trash can for their unit. This costs $2,500 per month and is currently included in the monthly assessments paid by the owners. Therefore the Board requests that residents utilize their own personal trash cans before throwing items into the dumpsters. Hopefully, this will resolve the problem with the overflowing trash bins. Lastly, if you should see someone dumping inappropriate items in the trash bins, please contact management immediately as the Board will be assessing automatic fines to the owner to cover the cost for removal." Miss Penny Lane says: She continues to do her part by doing some dumpster diving, and she's found many discarded gems that now have a home at her condo.