Raleigh-Cary one of best places for entrepreneurs

This may not be ‘green’ but it helps bring in green!

In a joint study released by Fortune Small Business and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, the Raleigh-Cary region is ranked as the third best large metro area in the United States in which to start a business according to Business Leader 10/14/09.   The area’s  central location, mild climate, the recent influx of residents from other parts of the country, and world-class universities continue to be calling crads. Charlotte ranked 7th among large cities, and in midsized areas: Wilmington at No. 14, and Durham at No. 15.

1007 Cane Valley Lane, Chapel Hill, NC | Powered by Postlets

1007 Cane Valley Lane, Chapel Hill, NC | Powered by Postlets

Green Jeanne is pleased to present this attractive country home with energy saving features. It’s ENERGY STAR rated so it’s qualified for the 5% lifetime discount from Duke Power and is at least 15% more efficient than BAU homes. Other green features include: hot water heat, metal roof, insulated cast concrete basement, and bamboo floors. It’s easy… Read More care inside and out with all wood, tile or concrete floor. The siding, porch and decks are composite for low maintenance. The home is gorgeous inside with 2008 upscale renovations. The gourmet kitchen features Jenn-Aire stainless appliances, granite counters, island and cherry cabinets with double over, 5 burner gas cooktop and microwave. The new master suite opens to the expanded deck facing permanent easement for privacy. The fully finished basement includes rec room, home theater, full bath, wet bar leading to new patio, and laundry plus separate mechanical and storage areas. Worth a look for privacy, country living & horse potential.

Shared via AddThis

Garner 55+ community now building green!

Builders go green with ENERGY STAR

The Village at Aversboro developed for the retiring boomers is already a hit.

All the homes started this summer will be ENERGY STAR certified. The four builders are committing to more efficient homes.  It wasn’t a huge leap for these custom  builders accustomed to producing a consistent quality product.  The decision does represent a response to the market and represents a commitment to be green.

Many boomers understand the need to reduce green house gases.  Purchasing an ENERGY STAR homes aligns with their desire to reduce their personal carbon footprint.   ENERGY STAR homes save energy as they cost less to operate.  ENERGY STAR homes are 15% more efficient than standard construction similar homes.  Certified ENERGY STAR homes receive a 5% discount from Progress Energy for the life of the home. That’s real money over time!  Seniors on fixed incomes appreciate savings.

Going green is what attracted my client to the seniors only community.  We’d been on the road for several days looking for just the right ranch in the right location and coming up short.  After  a refreshing break at the new LEED certified MacDonalds on Kildaire Farms Road in Cary, we realized that Garner’s 55+ community might just be the right situation!  So we hustled on over to check out the first ENERGY STAR certified homes.

BTW, check out the MacDonald’s.  It’s cool with wheat board table tops, FREE WiFi and a free plug in station for electric cars.  It’s the first LEED golden arches in the NC.

Back to our story about The Villages at Aversboro.   We were excited with the long plantation like drive into the community leading to the club house.  The first class club house available for resident’s use free of charge includes a spacious meeting room, fully equipped kitchen and a front sitting porch.  Residents can join the Rex Wellness Center on Timber Drive.

Strategically located off Highway 70, in 10 minutes you can be downtown Raleigh, driving on I40 or downtown Fuqua-Varina.   It’s a walkable neighborhood connected to Heatherwoods and minutes to Lake Benson or shopping center at the corner of Vandora Springs and Timber Drive.

Every time I’ve visited there have been folks walking the neighborhood.

The 147 homes are designed for aging in place built on slabs with few steps, masters down, and 36″ door ways.

Developer Douglas Ball assembled a top notch builder team.

• Manning Homes
• S&D Builders
• Woodall Construction
• Edmondson & Associates

Several years back while was working the Parade of Homes at Kings Ridge for Gina Miller, builder Tim Stevens told me about the exciting senior development planned for Garner.  I’ve followed its progress and was impressed with the project.  Knowing the quality of the builders it was easy for me to recommend The Village at Aversboro to my client.   I was impressed with the quality of construction, attention to detail, choice of plans and customer centric builders at Kings Ridge.  The well laid out Frank Betz and Donald Gardner plans attracted Parade visitors to the homes.

The builders approached The Village at Aversboro with the same customer focus producing easy to live in homes just the right size for downsizing boomers. These area handsome homes packed with upscale features all with first floor masters.   An optional second floor bonus room with full bath is available in most plans.  Notable are the screen porches and sun rooms that expand the living space.

Links

Area links

• The Village at Aversboro – be sure to check out “In the News” & social events
• Lake Benson Park – a jewel of a park just a sidewalk stroll away
• The Future of Open Spaces – Wake County’s plans including White Oak Park coming this fall across from Lake Benson
• Rex Wellness Center in Garner
• Photos of the Village at Aversboro and Lake Benson

Previous articles published in the News and Observer

·         Homes geared to seniors N&O Sept 15, 2009

·         A Silver Lining  N&O Tuesday, Jul. 07, 2009

Toll road coming and I-40 construction

540/Triangle Expressway Gets Green Light

This summer, the NC Turnpike Authority will begin construction on the 540/Triangle Expressway turnpike. This project will extend 540 from Cary at NC 55 to the Holly Springs/Apex area at the NC 55 bypass as a new turnpike freeway. In addition, the project will also construct the new Triangle Parkway turnpike within Research Triangle Park. In early July 2009 the Federal government approved a multi-year, $380+ million loan for the project, and on July 13 and July 14 the Turnpike Authority sold more than $620m of toll revenue and state appropriation bonds. This means the financing for the project is now complete and the Turnpike Authority will sign construction contracts for this $1 billion freeway project this summer. Construction on the section in Research Triangle Park will commence almost immediately.

It would be hard to overstate the importance of this milestone for our region. This project – which consists of the extension of 540 by more than 12 miles to the southwest past Apex to the Holly Springs bypass, as well as the creation of a new Triangle Parkway (Durham Freeway extension to 540 in Research Triangle Park) – represents a billion dollar investment in our region’s future by the NC Turnpike Authority. By 2012, we will see 16 miles of new turnpike freeway in southern Durham and western Wake counties, with the RTP section opening earlier. The Triangle Expressway turnpike will provide travelers with a mobility option that they may not have otherwise seen for decades, if ever, and will help preserve our area’s economic vitality and quality of life.

I-40 Cary/Raleigh widening contract signed! Construction begins summer 2009.

On July 1, 2009, the NC Department of Transportation signed the I-40 Cary/Raleigh widening contract. This project will widen a 6 mile stretch of I-40 between Cary and Raleigh from 4 to 6 lanes. The project will also eliminate the “inner” and “outer” beltline designations that have vexed residents and visitors alike. Construction begins in summer 2009 and will be completed by June 2011.

In less than two years, this project has gone from an unfunded future project request to construction. The speed at which this occurred is a testament to the focused efforts of NCDOT, the Capital Area MPO, and the RTA which catalyzed the accelerated six-lane widening concept in 2007. And it is welcome news for thousands of commuters on the Triangle’s “Main Street” and most critical roadway.

Noise barriers will be installed much to the appreciation of the Drees Homes Brandywine neighborhood that borders I-40 at Trinity Road.  The standard concrete barriers will be1,200 feet long, vary in height from nine feet to 23 feet according to NCDOT will be installed.

Quick Links

• NCDOT Project Description
• I40 Cary widening map
• TriangleBiz Journal article

Wynnbrooke – green neighbhorhood North Raleigh $15,000 savings!!

Wynnbrooke which began a couple years back as a KB home now includes MI Homes. Both KB and MI are building ENERGY STAR homes in ranch and story story plans.   Wynbrooke was featured as the second Martha Stewart development following Twin Lakes in Morrisville.

MI homes purchased lots from the developer and hosted its grand opening in May 2009. The MI homes blend well with the existing KB homes keeping a cohesive look in the 150 homes home neighborhood.  MI has a killer $15,000 toward options plus $2,000 in closing costs until the end of July.

KB is about finished with 3 spec homes to build yet having built most of the homes in the upper portion near Strickland.  The development near I-540  is ideally located for RTP commuting and easy access to  Raleigh amenities.  Many homes back up to easements providing privacy and greenery.  The homes on Edsel drive in the lower section back up to a stream providing a magnificent backyard view.  However I-540 runs parallel to Edsel drive.  The noise barrier plus the berm and trees do reduce the sound to a dull noise in the background.  Inside the home the road noise if virtually unnoticeable. Outside it could be a negative for some.

One of the nicest features of this neighborhood is the rare half acre lots.

Plans range from 2500-3800 sf and mid $300 to mid $400 in price.

Here’s a link to the original story about Martha’s association with KB Homes, USA Today: Martha Stewart to design houses with KB Home.

News flash the Martha Stewart ranch model will be for sale mid to late July priced in the high $300s.  The plan  named Kathonah for one of the towns in which Martha has lived is  very reminiscent of a beach home with tile floors and bead board with a wide entry hall.

The builder will be restoring the home to the floor plan with an ample 2 car garage, den, 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, master suite, living and dining rooms with a very Martha kitchen.

The open floor plan links the family room and adjoining dining room.  The formal dining room with columns is one of the largest I’ve seen in a home under 3,000 sf in a long time. It holds a table seating10 plus a sideboard and room to move around freely.

The kitchen is pure Martha reminiscent of a set from her cooking shows featuring an island with sink, expansive counters with plenty of cupboards, subway tile backs plash, upgraded appliances and a large eating area which leads to the deck.

The master suite is located off the living room with a discrete double door entry retaining privacy.  The plan also features a deck accessed both via the master and the living area.  Since this is a model there’s a gorgeous patio with stainless grill.

Click here for more photos of the model, a featured master down MI plan and the rest neighborhood photos.

ENERGY STAR homes are 15% more efficient than standard construction homes. In addition to increased comfort through additional insulation the homes cost less to operate on a monthly basis plus qualify for a 5% discount from Progress Energy for the life of the home. Now that’s real money over time!

Learn more about ENERGY STAR homes and what’s behind the walls to make them more energy efficient.

First time buyer $8,000 incentive

Summary of NCHFA Down Payment Assistance Programs
Single Family Properties                        July 2009

NCHFA Loan Program	DAP (Downpayment Assistance Program) $8,000, 0%, 30 year deferred 2nd mortgage. Requires $1,000 borrower investment of own funds.	DAP (Downpayment Assistance Program) $4,000, 0%, 30 year deferred, 2nd mortgage Requires $1,000 borrower investment of own funds. Limited number of loans – 125 (e) Minimum credit score – 700 Maximum qualifying ratios – 31/43%	NHLP (New Homes Loan Pool) Up to $25,000 or 20% of sales price (whichever is less); +$4,000 for energy efficiency retrofits. Requires $750 borrower investment of own funds. Can include $8,000 statewide feature for a $37,000 maximum 2nd mortgage.
Areas Served	Statewide	Statewide	48 non-profit approved organizations; borrower applies through non-profit organization. See www.nchfa.com for full list of non-profit organizations and areas served.
Eligible 1st Mortgage Loan Types	NCHFA FirstHome Mortgage Program Loan Types:  FHA, VA, USDA & Conventional	NCHFA FirstHome Mortgage Program Loan Types:  FHA, VA, USDA	NCHFA FirstHome Mortgage Program or Lender Programs Loan Types: FHA, VA, USDA & Conventional
Sale Price Limits	$210,000 new or existing construction.	$210,000 new or existing construction	New Construction: FHA 203(b) loan limit
Income Limits	80% or less of area median income; varies based on county and household size.	NCHFA FirstHome Program Limits: 1st mortgage limits (approximately 100 – 115% of area median income based on family size)	80% or less of area median income; varies based on county and household size.
Eligible Borrowers	First-time homebuyer requirement:  Yes (has not owned a home last 36 months)	First-time homebuyer requirement: Yes (has not owned a home last 36 months)	First-time homebuyer requirement:  Yes (has not owned a home last 36 months)

This information is not intended to be all inclusive.  Please contact a home ownership underwriter for further details. See www.nchfa.com for full details.

Western Wake – Cary Farmer’s Market Opens Saturday

More farmer’s markets!!!!  There are now 8 in Wake County.

Check if there’s a Farmer’s Market near you at NC Farm Fresh.

Grand Opening Celebration:  This Saturday, May 30,  8am-12pm
You Are Invited to the Celebration! You are cordially invited to the Grand Opening Celebration of the Western Wake Farmers’ Market! We’ve had four great weeks since the market opened at the start of May, and now it’s time to celebrate all this fresh, local goodness! Come and shop for fresh vegetables, fruits, meats, seafood, baked goods, coffee, eggs, cheeses, honey, flowers, herbs, jewelry and much more! Our many vendors will be giving away prizes too. Special events: Education: Learn about solar energy from Ed Witkin of Solar Tech South and hear Dr. Jiger Shah of Serene Smiles Dentistry on nutrition and dentistry. Taste:  Taste samples of fresh gazpacho from Chef Scott Crawford of Herons in The Umstead Hotel and Spa and hear what he has to say about eating local. Plus enjoy plenty of free samples from many vendors! Two Great Performances: Bring a blanket or a couple of chairs to enjoy this week’s special entertainment. The Turkish Teen Dance Group will entertain adults and kids alike at 10:15!  Come enjoy the unique sounds of RTOOT (Really Terrible Orchestra of the Triangle) at 11:00. Ribbon-cutting Ceremony: 9:45 am. Speakers include: Morrisville Mayor Jan Faulkner, Tommy Esqueda, Environmental Services Director for Wake County; Brent Henry, County Extension Director; and Jennifer Robinson of the Cary Town Council. Where & When Carpenter Village Marketplace May 30, 2009 8:00 am-12:00 pm CONTACT: Jennifer Gibbs Market Manager jgibbs9995@yahoo.com www.westernwakefarmersmarket.org

Green Building Program Receives Recognition

PRESS RELEASE

Green Home Builders of the Triangle Receive Recognition

For the third year in a row, the Green Home Builders of the Triangle (GHBT) received an Honorable Mention for Program of the Year during the recent awards ceremony at the National Green Building Conference, which was held by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in Dallas, Texas.  Renewable-energy advocate T. Boone Pickens was the keynote speaker for the awards ceremony, during which recognition was given to outstanding green builders and projects from all over the country.

Several GHBT members, including current chair Chad Ray, were present at the awards ceremony.  “We were very pleased to be recognized again as one of the top green building programs in the country,” commented Ray.  “This recognition is a testiment to the hard work and dedication of the residential construction professionals in our area who have embraced and promoted green building technologies,” he added.

GHBT is a joint project of the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Durham, Orange, and Chatham Counties and the HBA of Raleigh-Wake County.  With more than 240 members representing various aspects of the residential construction industry in the Triangle, GHBT promotes building techniques and materials that produce homes which consume less energy and other resources, facilitate better indoor air quality, and provide a more durable product requiring less maintenance.  During the past two years, more than 270 green homes in the Triangle have received GHBT certification through a process requiring third-party verification.  Each year, GHBT offers a Triangle-wide Green Home Tour, which is a free event that allows area residents to view a variety of these green-certified homes and talk directly to green builders.  More information on the GHBT program and annual Green Home Tour can be found at www.GreenHomeBuildersoftheTriangle.com.

Next year’s awards ceremony for NAHB’s National Green Building Conference will be held in Raleigh.  GHBT members will serve as the local hosts for this annual conference, which is scheduled to be held at the Raleigh Convention Center on May 16 – 18, 2010.
Contact:
Leigh Scott, Dir. of Green Bldg. Programs
cell 919-451-8116; w 919-493-8899
leigh@hbadoc.com

Chad Ray, GHBT Chair
cell 919-422-1365
wfpacker@aol.com

Way to go!  I’m excited to be a member of the GHBT and be part of greening the Triangle!!!

Did you notice that next year’s NAHB convention is here in Raleigh?  Yeah!!!

Local food events coming up!

Be part of the growing movement of supporting local agriculture

There are two great events coming up for you to learn more about the importance of growing food locally May 28th in Knightdale and celebrating the abundance at the Slow Food event June 14th in Orange County.

Organic Eating and Supporting Your Local Farms – Knightdale

When: May 28, 2009 7:00 PM

Where: East Regional Library, Knightdale

Learn more about the importance of eating local, the current state of local farming and we can support our local farms, and tips for eating in season on Thursday May 28th at 7:00 pm at the East Regional Library.

Carrie Le Chevallier Marketing Team Leader of Whole Foods Market and Annette White of Feed the Farm will be presenting this informative and vitally important program.

Fun organic fingerfood refreshments will accompany the program.

For further information or to register stop by the library at 946 Steeple Square Court Knightdale, call 217-5300, or email jmorley@co.wake.nc.us.

Learn more here:
http://environment.meetup.com/243/calendar/10432955/

Farm to Fork Picnic 2009

Hurdle Mills, North Carolina

Eat Local Triangle

Sun, June 14, 2009
4:00 – 7:00 PM

W. C. Breeze Family Farm
Hurdle Mills, Orange County

Join Piedmont farmers and chefs for an early evening of food, music and fun activities for the entire family! Visit http://www.farmtoforknc.com for ticket information, updates and to view the 2007 Farm to Fork Picnic slide show.

Organized by CEFS, Slow Food Triangle and Orange County Cooperative Extension and Economic Development

Price: $50 per person; kids 12 and under are free.
RSVP: tickets required
Website: http://www.farmtoforknc.com
Also: http://www.slowfoodtriangle.org/

PS. Last year’s event SOLD OUT quickly!

Learn more here: http://environment.meetup.com/243/calendar/10432938/

PS. The links go to REACH Meetup for you to meet others with similar interests or ride-share. I am one of the assitant organizers for the meetup Raleigh Environmental Action Circle for Humanity) that focuses on sustainability, environmental and social equity topics in the Triangle.

Downtown Raleigh Home Tour & CityGate Sustainable Living Demo Days

Downtown Raleigh Home Tour

Three great opportunities this weekend in downtown Raleigh!

• Downtown Raleigh Home Tour Saturday 11 am-5 pm – link to meetup for more information
• Chicken Coop Tour 10 AM to 4 PM, Rain or Shine
• Artsplosure Saturday and Sunday Moore Square

The CityGate Real Estate office will be a stop on the Downtown Raleigh Home Tour so please stop by and check our our vendors who will be here to discuss sustainable lifestyle decisions, more information on “green” choices while building, renovating, or upgrading your own home! Also a comparative analysis of the downtown Condo and Neighborhood Market will be supplied for all interested Buyers!

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

What: Downtown Raleigh Home Tour
When: Saturday, May 16, 2009
Hours: 11 am-5 pm
Tickets: $10 in advance / $14 at the door (cash or check only at the door)
Check-in: All attendees will need to check-in at the Home Tour Headquarters at the Wachovia
Capitol Center Courtyard (150 Fayetteville Street). The Headquarters will be open throughout the entire tour and attendees that purchase tickets in advance can pick up their tickets at WILL CALL.

SAVE MONEY: To save $4 per ticket, purchase in advance by clicking here.

Welcome to this year’s 5th Annual Downtown Raleigh Home Tour.

GET CLOSER to one of North Carolina’s most vibrant, eclectic downtowns. It’s an area of inspiring contradictions-classic, turn-of-the century architecture alongside crisp, state-of-the-art modernism. Whether you’re looking for a single-family home, historic neighborhood or a condominium overlooking the city and beyond, rest assured-you’re about to get a closer look at a space you’ll want to call home.

Each living space will feel truly alive amidst downtown Raleigh’s cosmopolitan scene. Dining, shopping, art, live performances-it’s all right on our doorstep.

As usual, there are a number of fun-filled activities taking place on Saturday, May 16. We’d like to encourage you to make a day of it and take advantage of all the happenings in downtown Raleigh. Dine at one of the downtown restaurants participating in Restaurant Week, take in the art scene at Artsplosure, or attend a fashion show as part of the Plaza Condominiums Raleigh Fashion Week & Strut 09.

For the first time ever, the Tour will be produced by the Downtown Raleigh Alliance. For more information on the Alliance and downtown Raleigh, visitwww.YouRHere.com.

For more information on the Downtown Raleigh Home Tour, visit www.RaleighDowntownLiving.com.