Found this blog today with a very interesting story about the above subject -Proximity to transit can affect property values in three somewhat different ways, one negative and two positive.First, being located very close to a transit station or along a transit line tends to have negative effects, due to noise and air pollution from trains, and increased automobile traffic from users. These nuisance may reduce residential property values very close to a transit station or rail line.Second, it gives one location a relative advantage over other locations …Third, transit can also increase overall productivity by reducing total transportation costs …I wonder if the data would hold true for the Central VA region … thoughts, anybody?
Date Archives May 2005
NGIC may add employees
NGIC woes– and maybe grows:The DoD recommends moving intelligence analysis tasks– potentially 1,337 jobs– from Bolling Air Force Base in DC to NGIC’s new, tucked-away Rivanna Station facility two miles north of the Charlottesville airport. That also fits nicely with defense strategies to relocate key functions out of the Washington area….Chamber of Commerce head Tim Hulbert is pleased with the possibility of more federal jobs, but finds it “highly optimistic” that 1,300 would come here. “One hundred would be great,” he says.He calls NGIC (pronounced “n-jic”) “a good solid employer” and says the federal government usually pays at market rate or above.
Charlottesville site of Internet “War-Game”
My Way News:WASHINGTON – The CIA is conducting a war game this week to simulate an unprecedented, Sept. 11-like electronic assault against the United States. The three-day exercise, known as “Silent Horizon,” is meant to test the ability of government and industry to respond to escalating Internet disruptions over many months, according to participants.They spoke on condition of anonymity because the CIA asked them not to disclose details of the sensitive exercise taking place in Charlottesville, Va., about two hours southwest of Washington.Nifty. This is a nice blurb (thanks to the Drudgereport) that goes in tandem with The HooK’s story today detailing how NGIC may benefit from the nation’s impending base closings.
Places 29 update
Local residents, newly versed in the basics of master planning, sat down Wednesday night and sank their teeth into the possibilities of land use along the U.S. 29 growth corridor in Albemarle County….With 1,500 to 2,000 new residents moving into the county every year, the time to plan for growth is now, Board of Supervisors Chairman Dennis S. Rooker told the 100-or-so residents who came to the meeting at the Doubletree Hotel Charlottesville.”the time to plan is NOW???”… The time to plan was 20-25 years ago. Admit failure and move on.This is an aerial view of 29 North from 1984.
Urban Renewal
RealEstateJournal | Regional News:It’s not clear whether real-estate fever will translate into long-term gains for poor urban neighborhoods. Some buyers are absentee landlords who hope for quick profits and may not be much more willing or able than their predecessors to invest heavily in renovation. Moreover, a spike in interest rates could cool investors’ interest in marginal neighborhoods.This is a great article showing many of the benefits of the recent real estate boom, particularly in Baltimore.
Nelson County continues to move forward
From Nelson’s site – The master planning process for Lovingston includes the coordination of many projects ˆ nomination for a historic district, the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission‚s rural transportation study, renovation of the 1809 courthouse, a market analysis of Lovingston that includes the implementation of the recruitment strategies from the 2004 target business study. Finally, the County is already planning for its 2007 bicentennial celebration along with the Jamestown 2007 commemoration. 
Nelson could be an exciting place, if they can manage the inevitable growth well.
How to shop for a mortgage broker
Interesting article at Forbes.com – the author clearly identifies the pros and cons of working with a broker. In short, “If you can find an honest and competent practitioner, you can land a better mortgage than you’d get on your own.” Always due your due diligence and educate yourself.