Posted on November 12, 2009 by mrwilliamsburg
11/12/09- York County has declared a local state of emergency, effective at 11 a.m. today, due to the impacts of the current Nor’easter event. A number of flood prone areas of the County have experienced flooding today and County officials would like to warn residents of low-lying areas of the possibility of additional higher flooding as the storm continues to bring high tides, rain and high winds to the region. In particular, occupants of residences and business in low lying flood prone areas are encouraged to consider moving to higher ground. Residents should diligently monitor weather forecasts to stay updated on any changes in the local weather conditions. Residents should tune to cable channel 46, local news and radio stations as well as WXGM 99.1 for additional updates. Residents with questions are asked to call the Public Information Office at 757-890-3300.
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Posted on November 12, 2009 by mrwilliamsburg
Have you been wondering what it takes to transform the world’s “Most Beautiful Park" into a winter wonderland? Check out The Making of Christmas Town a look at some of the behind-the-scenes work going on at Christmas Town at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, VA
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Posted on November 8, 2009 by mrwilliamsburg
LAST MINUTE REMINDERS!
Wines, Dinners, etc.
SUNDAY NIGHT WINE SALE! November 8, 2009
We hope that none of you spend any time on a beautiful fall day like this reading your emails but, in case you have habits that you just can’t break (not that we know anything about that), here’s a reminder about tonight’s big opportunity.
You can visit the Blue Talon Bistro this evening and take advantage of a Fall closet cleaning, or the wine cellar equivalent, in any case. They have roughly 200 bottles of wine, from single vineyard Monterey Pinot Noir to Alsatian Grand Cru Rieslings to super tasty Barossa Valley Shiraz. It is truly a grab bag of great stuff that we would love to hang onto but we are out of space.
Anyway, 4 pm tonight. We’ve got the boxes, so just pull up the truck!
KACHER DINNER
It’s Autumn – that much is obvious. For the farming impaired, that’s harvest season.
So, what makes more sense than a Autumn Harvest Wine Dinner, with great country style wines from super importer Bobby Kacher? We still have a few seats left for Thursday night’s dinner, so check your calendar. Menu details should be available on Tuesday, as Chef Everett is waiting for the latest reports from our suppliers to create the evening’s fare.
If you don’t know what impact Bobby has had on French wine making, you are in for a real treat. This company has been responsible for the discovery of some of the very best French wines coming into this country – both on the everyday, value side and on the singular, special occasion side! Join us for a fun, family style Autumn dinner that shows how hard these guys are working to bring you the very best.
Price: $58.50 per person, includes tax and gratuity.
Buy Tickets here
For more details, call us! (757) 476-BLUE
Or visit the Blue Talon’s website here
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Posted on November 7, 2009 by mrwilliamsburg
 Williamsburg, VA This year’s Veterans Day ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the Williamsburg Community Building on N. Boundary Street. The event offers those participating a special time to honor all military veterans, living and deceased, and is sponsored by the Greater Williamsburg Combined Veterans Organizations.
Read about other Veterans Day events in Williamsburg, Hampton Roads and Richmond VA |
Read more »
Filed under: Yorktown Battlefield, Yorktown VA, richmond va, va beach, virginia, williamsburg va tourist information | Leave a Comment »
Posted on November 6, 2009 by mrwilliamsburg
The government has extended and expanded the tax credit for first-time buyers. You now have until April 30, 2010 to sign a contract and qualify. And starting November 7, many existing home owners also qualify.
Am I eligible?
If you have not owned a home in the past three years, you may qualify. That’s right, even if you or your spouse owned a home more than three years ago, you are still considered first-time homebuyers and may qualify for the tax credit.
Existing homeowners thinking about buying a new home also be eligible for an up to $6,500 tax credit.
(For details, visit FederalHousingTaxCredit.com.)
Am I entitled to the full $8,000 home-buying tax credit?
It depends on your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) and current eligibility.
How does the home-buying tax credit work?
It is a direct tax credit that reduces the amount of taxes you owe. It’s different from a tax deduction, which only reduces the amount of your income that is subject to tax.
If your eligible tax credit is more than what you owe in taxes, the balance will be refunded to you. (See an example scenario at FederalHousingTaxCredit.com.)
This is not a loan. You do not have to repay this tax credit.
How long does the program last?
The federal home-buying tax credit applies to homes contracted for sale by 04/30/10 and closed on by 06/30/10.
For additional details on the federal home-buying tax credit, visit FederalHousingTaxCredit.com.
Filed under: First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit, First Time Home Buyers, hampton roads, williamsburg va | Leave a Comment »
Posted on November 6, 2009 by mrwilliamsburg
The Peninsula Health District, Virginia Department of Health, has announced there will be an After School H1N1 Vaccine Clinic on Tuesday, November 10 at Stonehouse Elementary School, 3651 Rochambeau Drive.
Vaccine administration will begin at 4:00 PM. The waiting line for vaccine will be closed when the clinic leader determines that no more persons can be served by 8:00 PM or that the supply of vaccine will be exhausted.
Read more »
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Posted on November 6, 2009 by mrwilliamsburg
Dropped by the New Harris Teeter at Quarterpath Shopping center on Wed. ( Along with half of Williamsburg it seemed ! ) The parking lots was filled to capacity.
It reminds me of an enlarged Ukrops. The sale prices seemed on par with other sale prices. Salad Bar was $5.99 ( Ouch) Everything looked great and vast assortments of everything. Sorry for the poor picture quality but I only had my phone with me.
Time will tell if it stays popular. I would say that the Farm Fresh , Bloom , and Ukrops will definitely see a migration of customers. Especially from the folks on the east side of town ! Other stores at Quarterpath will open soon. Subway, Chinese Restaurant,etc. Wachovia and Towne Bank are already open.
Click here to see a current sales flier for you to compare prices.
Filed under: Grocery Stores, Village at Quarterpath, Williamsburg Neighborhoods, williamsburg va | Leave a Comment »
Posted on November 6, 2009 by mrwilliamsburg
The small waterfront town of Urbanna, VA opens its streets for the 52nd annual Oyster Festival November 6 and 7, 2009. The festival has grown and so have the crowds. Crowds for the two-day event now number nearly 75,000. Food and craft booths number over 125 and the Fireman’s Parade features over 80 engines of every size and description. The Oyster Festival Parade on Saturday features over 80 units including numerous marching bands, antique cars, locally produced floats and the renowned Khedive Temple Shrine Club of Norfolk Don’t worry, if oysters are not your favorite seafood, there will be many other tasty regional entree’s to sample. You are sure to find clam chowder, clam fritters, crab cakes, turkey legs, funnel cakes, and much more. The streets of Urbanna will be closed to automobile traffic and are lined with local artists and vendors exhibiting all sorts of wares. Visitors are free to walk around this quaint 
waterfront town and sample food while they listen to live music and shop for arts and crafts.
The festival officially begins Friday, November 6, 2009 at 10 a.m. The Fireman’s Parade begins at 7p.m. and is followed with a live band and dancing behind the Firehouse from 8pm to Midnight. Saturday is the Virginia State Oyster Shucking Contest at 11a.m. and the Oyster Festival Parade at 2p.m. For all the details of this event visit www.UrbannaOysterFestival.com
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Posted on November 5, 2009 by mrwilliamsburg
This just in from NAR the UI bill including the homebuyer tax credit extension and expansion has passed the House by a vote of 403-12 after passing the Senate last night 98-0.
The new provisions take effect as soon as President Obama signs the bill, which is expected before the weekend.
Here are a few FAQ about the new Tax Credit provisions
Read more »
Filed under: First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit, First Time Home Buyers | Leave a Comment »
Posted on November 5, 2009 by mrwilliamsburg
Williamsburg James City County Schools Superintendent Gary Mathews has announced that he is actively seeking a new job. He made the announcement in a letter e-mailed to the entire school division.
Mathews also said he was one of four finalists for Mississippi’s State Superintendent of Schools, but apparently lost out to Tom Burnham, Dean of the School of Education at the University of Mississippi.
Upon learning of the decision, Mathews told WJC "I will seek other opportunities in the future, while providing our School Board with ample time to be thinking about, and ultimately seeking, my replacement whenever that might be in the coming months."
Filed under: James City County Schools, james city county virginia | 2 Comments »
Posted on November 4, 2009 by mrwilliamsburg
The 14th Annual Senior Health Fair will be held on Friday, November 6, 8:30 am – 12 noon at the James City /Williamsburg Community Center at 5301 Longhill Road. Free health screenings include vision, cholesterol, blood pressure, posture, and depression. Flu and tetanus shots will be offered.
Information on adult day care, hospice, nutrition, social services, safety, home health care, medical equipment, massage therapy, social and recreational opportunities, pet therapy, and more.
Call the Historic Triangle Senior Center at (757) 259-4181 for more information. Or check out their website here
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Posted on November 3, 2009 by mrwilliamsburg
One thing that we have yet to master is planning meals to cook at home for our family of four and then buying the groceries to prepare all of those meals. My well organized sister somehow did it for 30+ years, complete with my anal-retentive brother-in-laws shopping list organized by aisle format ( I’m not kidding)
Thanks to an update from Young House Love I have now discovered You’ve Got Supper .YGS was started by two busy moms in Richmond, VA and basically does your weekly recipe planning AND grocery list making for you . Just sign up for their free weekly email for five easy recipe suggestions. Pick the ones you want to make (or add others from their archive) and YGS automatically generates a complete, printable shopping list for you.
We are hoping to cut back on our weekly Dominos deliveries by using YGS recipe/ list updates !
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Posted on October 31, 2009 by mrwilliamsburg
Lumber Liquidators in Toano , Virginia , the largest specialty retailer of hardwood flooring in the U.S., has been recognized by Forbes Magazine as the 
number one best performing company in the magazine’s list of "America’s 200 Best Small Companies Of 2009." This is the first year that the Company has been included in the annual list.
"We are honored to be named the #1 Best Small Company in America by the prestigious Forbes Magazine," said Jeffrey W. Griffiths, President and Chief Executive Officer. "This achievement represents the hard work and dedication of all of our employees who are the foundation of our success. We look forward to continuing to leverage the Lumber Liquidator’s value proposition to drive growth and gain market share within the hardwood flooring industry."
Forbes’ list of 200 Best Small Companies in America is comprised of companies that have shown both sales and earnings growth. Candidates must have annual revenue between $5 million and $750 million, be publicly traded for at least a year, and have a stock price no lower than $5. Rankings are based on earnings growth, sales growth and return on equity in the past 12 months and over five years. Each company’s stock performance was also compared with those of its peers.
The list is featured in the November 2nd issue of Forbes Magazine
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Posted on October 30, 2009 by mrwilliamsburg
I know Howl O Scream hasn’t ended but Christmas is around the corner. Busch Gardens in Williamsburg is celebrating this holiday season with Christmas Town: A Busch Gardens Celebration. Experience the park in a whole new light with all-new attractions, shows and one-of-a-kind gift ideas that will make everyone say, “Now this is Christmas.”
Stroll under more than a million twinkling lights while enjoying hot apple cider and fresh-baked Christmas cookies. A complete Christmas Town experience includes a visit to Santa’s workshop and to the parks’ 45-foot, light-animated Christmas tree. Christmas Town opens at Busch Gardens on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 4 – 9 p.m. beginning Nov. 27,2009. The park will open each evening Dec. 18-27, excluding Christmas Day. For more information, visit www.ChristmasTown.com .
Read more »
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Posted on October 30, 2009 by mrwilliamsburg
This just in from the Tidewater Builders Association ( TBA) After an amazingly successful Fall 2009 Homerama at Culpepper Landing in Chesapeake plans for a Spring Homearama are moving full speed ahead. Two of the Culpepper Landing Homearama builders came away with buyers interested in a home in Founders Pointe, site of the event that is tentatively scheduled for mid-May of 2010.
Homearama 2009 builder Bill Ore Inc. is joining up with seven builders already committed to the event: Area Builders of Tidewater, Birdsong Builders, Hohmann Builders, Newhall Construction, Norman Miller Builder, Sadler Building Corporation and Sasser Construction. Another Homearama 2009 builder is currently negotiating a contract for a show home.
Already home to over 150 families, Founders Pointe borders Batten Bay, the James River and its creeks. The Isle of Wight County community is being developed by East West Partners, who have also developed Eagle Harbor in Isle of Wight, The Riverfront in northern Suffolk Gatling Point in Smithfield and Liberty Ridge in Williamsburg VA
Home prices in Founders Pointe currently start in the $440,000s. With last week’s sale of Norman Miller’s $659,00 spec home, only eight inventory homes remain for potential buyers, several of which are still under construction.
Founders Pointe is Hampton Roads’ newest waterfront community with quality homes tucked into quiet lanes and private cul-de-sacs, made all the more inviting by marsh, creek and wooded views. Eleven custom homebuilders are providing a wide array of innovative home designs featuring a variety of distinctive architectural styles.
Overlooking Batten Bay, with creeks and tributaries flowing to the James River, there’s never a shortage of breathtaking vistas and outdoor activities. Residents enjoy resort-style amenities including a community clubhouse , swimming pool, with water slide ,a children’s playground, leisure trails for walking and biking, an 844-foot observation pier and nature walk, and more. Even socializing with your neighbors is made effortless at Founders Pointe, with a year-round calendar of social events planned by a community Activities Director.
Founders Pointe is centrally located to all of Hampton Roads, near the historic town of Smithfield, just 3 miles south of the James River Bridge in Isle of Wight County. Located only minutes from the Peninsula ( Hampton, Newport News, Langley AFB) or 25 minutes to downtown Norfolk VA on the southside.
Stay tuned for further updates or sign up for updates here
Filed under: Founders Pointe, Isle of Wight neighborhoods, Real Estate, Suffolk, Isle of Wight, Smithfield Real Estate, hampton roads, isle of wight | Leave a Comment »
Posted on October 29, 2009 by mrwilliamsburg
There will be an award ceremony this Saturday at 9:00 a.m to mark the designation of Duke of Gloucester Street as one of the 10 Great Streets in America for 2009 by the American Planning Association (APA). The ceremony will be held in front of the Kimball Theatre on Merchants Square.
While it is a living history museum, Duke of Gloucester is also a vibrant community street for residents and the College of William and Mary.
The ceremony coincides with the Williamsburg Farmers Market, a recent recipient of its own honor, voted one of America’s Favorite Farmers Market.
You can read more about the award here
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Posted on October 29, 2009 by mrwilliamsburg
Are you thinking of building your dream home in the Williamsburg Va area ?
Would you like to learn a little more about the process ?
Below, you will find the contact information for a select group of Williamsburg VA area custom home builders. All have built in and are familiar with the numerous requirements to build in Governors Land, Fords Colony, Stonehouse, Greensprings West, Kingsmill, Liberty Ridge , Uncles Neck, Wexford Hills, Skimino Landing and many other communities throughout the Williamsburg VA area.
Read more »
Filed under: Va New HOmes for sale, Williamsburg Virginia Fords Colony, Williamsburg general information, York County Virginia New Homes, williamsburg va new construction, williamsburg va real estate | Leave a Comment »
Posted on October 29, 2009 by mrwilliamsburg
A flight attendant serves coffee, baggage handlers move luggage and two pilots saunter through the gate. Nothing surprising about this airport scene except the employees’ attire — they appear to be wearing nothing more than body paint.
The Richmond, Virginia –based PR/ Marketing firm CRT/Tanaka produced this 45-second YouTube clip for Air New Zealand to promote its policy of corporate transparency. The airline wanted to show that, like the employees in the spot, it has nothing to hide. The Youtube clip how now been seen by over 4 million people. Now that’s viral video . Over a million people watched it in the first 10 days it was posted . Another perfect example of how the public relations industry is using new avenues for social media to market companies.
Instead of paying for ad spots on cable or broadcast television CRT/tanaka, posted it for free on Youtube and has now millions of viewers worldwide. Unlike a 45 second spot of TV that a viewer might catch and then never see again this clip will be seen and forwarded forever until they choose to delete it, WOW , all for free.
No matter what approach a company takes in this day and age success in public relations version 2.0, seems to boil down to how well you can identify your target audience and relate to them using the most accessible tools.
It seems that businesses in the Williamsburg VA area are a little slow to get on the Social Media Bandwagon or whatever you want to call it. I would never call myself an expert ( Far from it) but I do generate an income from selling homes to clients that find me online in a variety of ways. ie. Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, Blogs, etc. If you would like to come to an informal session where we hope to explore these topics with others and learn from each other then plan on coming to the first of our monthly Meetups in New Town on Nov 4th. You can sign up here.
See you there
Filed under: Social Media, Social Media, virginia, williamsburg va | 2 Comments »
Posted on October 29, 2009 by mrwilliamsburg
Lawmakers are very close to extending the Tax Credit for first time home buyers. There are several news sources that are touting it as a done deal, but the reality is that it still has to go through the House and the President.
According to an article on Bloomberg, the tax credit would also include step-up buyers who have lived in their homes for at least 5 years. This addition is a huge boon to buyers and sellers alike as it has the potential to double the demand for homes as step-up buyers filter back into the Real Estate arena. This new proposal does have some differences from the previous iteration, and some of the key points outlined in the bill are as follows:
Read more »
Filed under: VA Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Real Estate, York County, James City Co, New Kent Real Estate, hampton roads, williamsburg virginia real estate | Leave a Comment »
Posted on October 28, 2009 by mrwilliamsburg
Sad to say I don’t remember having Halloween “Rules” when I grew up. We always trick or treated until neighbors turned their lights off. With that said here are the “Rules for Halloween around the area.
The information is for trick-or-treating on October 31st, 2009 is below:
Trick-or-Treat (hours by city)
Chesapeake, Yorktown, Suffolk, Williamsburg/James City County, Virginia
Official trick-or-treat time in all cities is 6-8p. All children should be off the street by 8p. Trick-or-Treating is reserved for children aged 12 and under.
Portsmouth, Hampton, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Official trick-or-treat time in all cities is Dusk to 8p. All children should be off the street by 8p. Trick-or-Treating is reserved for children aged 12 and under.
Newport News, Virginia
Official trick-or-treat time is 5-8p. All children should be off the street by 8p. Trick-or-Treating is reserved for children aged 12 and under.
Here are tips to follow for a safe Halloween night:
Read more »
Filed under: Halloween, Halloween Events, williamsburg va | 1 Comment »
Posted on October 26, 2009 by mrwilliamsburg
Since so many people plan in advance I wanted to post a few highlights of the Christmas Season events for the Williamsburg and Yorktown area of Virginia for the upcoming 2009 Holiday Season. This list is by no means download the Holiday Planner for a comprehensive list
The holiday season begins at Thanksgiving with a three-day “Foods & Feasts of Colonial Virginia” event at Jamestown Settlement and the Yorktown Victory Center and the new “Christmas Town: A Busch Gardens Celebration” debuting at Busch Gardens on November 27, and continues into December with Yorktown’s “Lighted Boat Parade” on December 5 and Colonial Williamsburg’s “Grand Illumination” on December 6.
Special programs in America’s Historic Triangle during the holiday season include:
Foods & Feasts of Colonial Virginia – Jamestown Settlement & Yorktown Victory Center Nov. 26-28, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Explore Virginia foodways of the 17th and 18th centuries during this three-day event beginning on Thanksgiving Day. At Jamestown Settlement, learn how food was gathered, preserved and prepared on land and at sea by Virginia’s English colonists and Powhatan Indians. At the Yorktown Victory Center, examine typical soldiers’ fare during the American Revolution and trace the bounty of a 1780s farm from field to kitchen.
Read more »
Filed under: Christmas Events, Concerts, General Area Information Hampton Roads Virginia, Williamsburg general information, colonial williamsburg, colonial williamsburg virginia real estate, concerts/ music, williamsburg va | Leave a Comment »
Posted on October 26, 2009 by mrwilliamsburg
Charlotte Park is the newest neighborhood to be announced in New Town in Williamsburg VA. Construction is starting soon on the first three DETACHED homes that are already under contract. This without any advertising at all.
This is a first-of-its-kind neighborhood for New Town. All previous neighborhoods in New Town ( Abbey Commons, Savannah Square, Chelsea Green have been attached/ town home neighborhoods. Home designs offered for the detached single-family homes will evoke the charm and allure of South Carolina’s coastal Low-country. The designs feature deep porches, steep pitched roofs, wide overhangs and dormers in the true Southern tradition. Interiors are spacious, well lighted with plenty of windows, and just perfect for living family-style with hardwood floors and high ceilings.
Each of the homes will overlook green spaces or park with large shade trees. The garages will be accessed by back alleys so no ugly garage doors will have to be seen from the front.
Phase 1 of Charlotte Park will feature 22 home sites. The homes will range in size from 1,500 sq. ft. to 3,500 sq. ft., and will have walking trails connecting the neighborhood to everything New Town has to offer. AS with al of the other homes in New Town all yards and green spaces are maintenance free. Feeing you from the drudgery of yard-work. Prices at this time are starting in the $400’s, although the smaller homes have not been priced at this time.
In the last 12 months, (Oct 2009 WMLS) 30 homes have sold in New Town. This includes sales in Abbey Commons, Savannah Green, Foundation Square Condos and Bennington on the Green Condos. 14 homes, town homes and condos are currently under contract making New Town neighborhood one of the most active in the Williamsburg VA/ James City County real estate market. As of today there are 29 active listings in New Town.
Construction of the pool and clubhouse for New Town will hopefully be completed by next summer.
New Town has fully embraced the idea of “new urbanism”, where neighborhoods are designed to be diverse, accessible, safe, and self-sustaining. Careful planning and development integrates residential, commercial and green space, enabling residents to live in a pedestrian setting, and live, work and play right within their own community.
Green parks, trails and open spaces surround the condos, apartments, and townhomes and soon to be built detached homes in New Town. Walking trails will allow residents plenty of places to jog, walk and bike.
Click here to Search all Town Homes, Condos, and detached homes for sale in New Town
read more about real estate in New Town here
 This post was authored by local resident and REALTOR, John Womeldorf. John is known around town as Mr. Williamsburg, for both his extensive knowledge of Hampton Roads and the historic triangle, and his expertise in the local real estate market. His websites, www.WilliamsburgsRealEstate.com and www.MrWilliamsburg.com, were created as comprehensive resources about living in Williamsburg and Hampton Roads, with the hopes of selling a house now and again. You can reach him at 757.254.8136 or John@MrWilliamsburg.com. |
Filed under: James City County Williamsburg VA Neighborhoods, New Town, Williamsburg Neighborhoods, williamsburg new town virginia real estate, williamsburg va, williamsburg va new construction, williamsburg va real estate | Leave a Comment »
Posted on October 25, 2009 by mrwilliamsburg
National Geographic Traveler magazine is featuring the Historic Triangle, Chesapeake Bay and Shenandoah Valley on its list of the world’s iconic destinations.
The magazine’s list ranks the world’s most celebrated travel destinations and how well they’ve weathered mass tourism while protecting the environment. The list will appear in the magazine’s November-December issue.
The Historic Triangle – Williamsburg, Yorktown and Jamestown – ranked the best among the Virginia destinations and was listed in the "Places Doing Well" category.
The Chesapeake Bay was in the "Places with Troubles" category, and the Shenandoah Valley was among "Places in the Balance."
Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists.
"Beautiful, with considerable historic character. The region has an excellent tourism infrastructure, and some areas are particularly well done: The recent work at Jamestown is superb, especially the archaeology and its interpretation; and the ongoing character of Williamsburg remains a key charm. The sustainability question is key—such as the expense of operating something like Colonial Williamsburg—and operational costs and government cuts to agencies such as the National Park Service (Yorktown) are a long-term concern."
"Williamsburg is a fascinating living museum. But its antiseptic quality belies the reality of life in the 18th century."
"The Colonial Williamsburg restored area and national parks at Yorktown and Jamestown are best experienced by the Colonial Parkway, which is still a pristine drive that links all three destinations and buffers them from the sprawl culture. Williamsburg has devolved into little more than an upscale suburban enclave. The growing residential population clings to a faux colonial aesthetic that is applied to homes, shops, and strip malls."
Read more here
Or buy the issue now on news stands.
Filed under: Jamestown, Yorktown Battlefield, colonial williamsburg | Leave a Comment »
Posted on October 23, 2009 by mrwilliamsburg
A builder has told homeowners in the Highland Parish neighborhood in VA Beach that it thinks some of their homes may have been built with tainted Chinese-made drywall.
John Ainslie, Ainslie Group president for construction, sent a letter to some homeowners in the Highland Parish community stating that Chinese produced drywall may have been installed by a subcontractor without the builder’s knowledge. Highland Parish is a community of 81 homes, located in the Southern Kempsville area of Virginia Beach, Virginia. was built by Virginia Beach-based Ainslie Group.
According to Ainslie , The Ainslie Group’s contract with its drywall supplier required the supplier to use U.S. Gypsum drywall or an acceptable substitute.
The builder said it planned to inspect homes to determine whether the drywall is present but gave no indication in the letter that the company planned to remediate the homes if the tainted building material is found.
Ainslie who is a past president of the Tidewater Builders Association,(TBA) was named to a task force of homebuilders from across the nation to advise government agencies investigating the effects of Chinese-made drywall. The group, will act as a resource for government agencies involved in the investigation and will also advise national legislators on policies and legislation designed to address the problem.
He has been a builder developer in Hampton Roads since 1984, and also serves on the Virginia State Building Codes Technical Review Board, an appointment from Governor Mark Warner.
One Highland Parish homeowner , Greg Woodson, who purchased his home in August 2006 for $595,000 has had numerous electrical appliances fail and has had to replace several air conditioning coils.
Woodson, who lives with his wife and two children in the four-bedroom home, said he hopes Ainslie will offer to fix the home.
Read about other Chinese Drywall Issues in Hampton Roads and Williamsburg VA here
Filed under: Business News, Va Beach New Homes, Williamsburg general information, va beach, virginia, virginia real estate | Leave a Comment »
Posted on October 21, 2009 by mrwilliamsburg
Just kidding !
Come and celebrate the opening of our nation’s only 18th-century coffeehouse –the newest exhibition building on the Duke of Gloucester Street in 50 years –
and be the first to see the new scene from Revolutionary City®!
Learn more: http://www.history.org/christmas/coffeehouse.cfm
Filed under: colonial williamsburg | Leave a Comment »
Posted on October 20, 2009 by mrwilliamsburg
With so many active military personnel living in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, this announcement seemed worthy of passing along.
DOD the and Army Corps of Engineers last week published the final rules for the (HAP) Homeowners Assistance Program, as it applies to Members of the Armed Forces permanently reassigned during the mortgage crisis. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), now provides relief for active duty military personnel who have been permanently relocated, and face or have faced a loss on the sale of their home. The program applies to those who purchased their property before July 1, 2006, and their reassignment was ordered at least 50 miles away, between 1 February 2006 and 30 September 2012.
HAP is a special relief program designed to provide financial assistance to eligible Military and Federal employee homeowners when the real estate market is so adversely affected by a military installation partial or complete closure, a reduction in scope of operations, or a realignment that the personnel are unable to dispose of their homes under reasonable terms and conditions.
· Q. How do I apply?
A. Visit the HAP web site: http://hap.usace.army.mil/ and download the application package. Complete the application and mail to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer District responsible for the area in which your home is located.
Filed under: Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, Real Estate, Suffolk, Isle of Wight, Smithfield Real Estate, VA Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Real Estate, York County, James City Co, New Kent Real Estate, hampton roads | Leave a Comment »
Posted on October 19, 2009 by mrwilliamsburg
Are you remodeling a a bathroom or kitchen ? Want to score a deal on new appliances, plumbing fixtures, bath accessories and lighting ?
Then head to the Ferguson Enterprises location at 618 Bland Blvd., Newport News for their annual yard sale that lasts for a week.
It is suggested that you come early in the week for the best selection.
Hours for the sale are 7:30 a.m to 5 p.m. Look for a large tent in the parking lot. The sale ends Friday, Oct. 23
More info here
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Posted on October 19, 2009 by mrwilliamsburg
The annual Homearama furniture sale is from noon to 6 p.m. Monday 11/19 at Culpepper Landing in Chesapeake, VA. Potential buyers can purchase everything from the couches and beds to wall hangings and candle decorations.
Most companies will offer discounted merchandise the day of the sale.
Homearama 2009 has now ended . That means the furnishings , accessories and decorating ideas of Culpepper Landing in Chesapeake can be yours.
Hundreds of designers use the Homerama show to highlight their talents and merchandise.
Curios Cargo of Va Beach has items such as outdoor furniture featured in The Thanksgiving House and The Green House. There ’s also an abundance of accessories, such as candles, pictures, metal wall decor and trunks, that designers used to decorate the homes.
Most customers who purchase items can haul away the new merchandise that day. If the items are too large, some companies will have trucks and workers on site to help move the items for a fee.
You can leave with something small or a whole house of furniture.
Designers will be available to answer questions and share ideas. People can come get free advice and suggestions for their using these items in their own homes.
Companies not leaving their items for the sale will still have them available in the stores. For example, Willis Furniture won’t leave its items at the Homearama sale but will still feature them at the Virginia Beach store.
Read More about this years Homerama 2009 at Culpepper Landing here
Filed under: Chesapeake VA, Culpepper Landing | Leave a Comment »
Posted on October 19, 2009 by mrwilliamsburg
I thought I would share an incident that happened to me last Friday. When I went to take a shower I noticed that we had no water pressure. I looked outside to see a bunch of guys digging and installing some type of large wiring underground. Turns out it was Cox Cable “ My friend in the digital age” I asked the foreman if they had ruptured my water line to which he replied “yes”
Did you call JCSA our water supplier ? again he answered yes. I immediately called James City County Service Authority ( JCSA) ,who indicated they had not received any calls for service interruption. JCSA said they would dispatch someone immediately since we had multiple homes that were without water.
Amazingly a supervisor for JCSA arrived within 8 minutes. (WOW) he assessed the leak and proceeded to find the valve to turn it off. Supposedly the water was pouring out at 1500 gallons a minute. Sadly it took about 40 minutes to turn it off and stop the water.
Next the heavy equipment, trucks and workers arrived. From the photos below you can get an idea of the work site. They even dropped off a portable toilet !
Thanks to their diligence twelve hours later our water and fifteen of our neighbors water was turned back on.
To my dismay the Cox subcontractors had also severed my cable when they were digging. SO no internet, phone or Cable TV. Ugh. I assumed Cox knew they had an outage since the workers knew they cut the cable. I was wrong. When I called at 4pm to see if they had it back on they said they didn’t know of the outage. The customer service rep said they didn’t have any work going on in my neighborhood and maybe it was Verizon installing wire for their FIOS service. I went and asked the workers again who they worked for to which they replied Cox Cable. Somehow Cox didn’t know they had work going on in my neighborhood. After begging them to get someone to come out on Friday they did send a service tech who ran a new line to our house and got everything working again. He made comments I won’t repeat in regards to the work crew that caused all the commotion.
I can only fathom how much this mishap is going to cost. No one has determined whose fault it is and who will pay. Miss Utility seemed to mark everything but since the markings are all dug up it could be difficult. I sure hope the cost doesn’t fall on JCSA and its customers ( ME and YOU) JCSA is investigating it and will report back with it’s findings.
Thanks to all who worked so hard to get our water turned back on.
Filed under: Business News, Williamsburg general information, james city county virginia | Leave a Comment »
Posted on October 18, 2009 by mrwilliamsburg
A Master Planned Golf Community Greensprings Plantation at Governros Ridge offers a wide range of custom built resale homes. Conveniently located in James City County/Williamsburg, Virginia. on the grounds of Named after and close by is the historic Green Spring Plantation. The site of Governor William Berkeley’s mansion and estate described by Lady Frances Berkeley in 1677 as "the finest seat in America & the only tollerable place for a Govenour .The community is built adjacent to and around the award winning Williamsburg National Golf Course where you can play 36 holes of golf on two different courses. ( special memberships are available to home owners)
Greensprings Plantation offers it’s residents scenic lakes, a swimming pool, tennis courts, playground and a beautiful clubhouse. An active homeowner association has many social events throughout the year.
Detached homes offered in Greensprings Plantation offer a wide array of architectural styles and home choices. From 3 bedrooms to 5 bedroom models. Square footages range from 2000+ to over 5000 square feet.
Located on approximately 375 acres, Greensprings Plantation has about 176 homes total.
Most homes were built between 1996 and 2000 by some of Williamsburg Virginia’s finest builders including Wayne Harbin, Kar San,Richard Dobson, Curtis and Davis and others.. The monthly home owner fee in Greensprings Plantation is $50 . The fee covers all common Area Maintenance ( entrances, playgrounds, park areas ), Use of the Pool, Clubhouse , Playground, Tennis and maintenance of those facilities.
From the chart below you will see that sale prices in the last 12 months since Oct of 2009 ranged from$426,500 to $575,000. List prices as of today range from $399,500 to $599,000. The average days on market for homes in Greensprings Plantation in the last 12 months was 163 days for the 5 homes that sold in the last 12 months. The average price per square foot on homes sold in Greensprings Plantation in the last 12 months was $146. Seven homes are currently for sale with one under contract. (Statistics from Williamsburg Area Association of Realtors (WAAR) WMLS)
Current Williamsburg/ James City County Schools for The Greensprings Plantation Community are Matoaka Elementary, James Blair Middle and Jamestown High School
See School Statistics for these schools here
Click here to Search all homes for sale in Greensprings West and Greensprings Plantation
Click here to search all Williamsburg, James City, York County,New Kent , Gloucester homes for sale currently listed in the WMLS
Location Map of Greensprings Plantation Community in Williamsburg, VA
| Photos of Greensprings Plantation Neighborhood Williamsburg |
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Filed under: Greensprings Plantation, James City County Williamsburg VA Neighborhoods, golf course communities, williamsburg va, williamsburg va golf couse homes, williamsburg va real estate | Leave a Comment »
