Looking at Real Estate in Blacksburg, Christiansburg and the New River Valley of VA. Sometimes on topic, occasionally irreverent, always Real. That's why we're Real Estate. Simplified.
A few weeks ago, I was contacted by WDBJ7's news anchor Natasha Ryan about a story she was writing on the online social media site called Twitter.
Now, I've admitted my addictions here on the blog before, and it was interesting to see a local news outlet not only recognizing the power of the service but taking the time to investigate it further. Below is the final result, in two parts done on last night's broadcast:
Certainly I feel the service is an invaluable tool - it helps me connect with friends, it's enabled me the opportunity to meet current and future customers, and it's even influenced the creation of a new small business startup in the New River Valley. It's nice to see local news outlets exploring new ways of breaking news and staying in touch with their viewers. If you're on Twitter, make sure to check out these local news and civic organizations:
There are many more, I'm sure, but these were some I could recall off the top of my head. Thanks to Natasha and WDBJ7 for the story, as well as to Patsy Stewart, Ira Kaufman and Stuart Mease for their participation as well, and to Kevin Cupp for recording the video!
On Friday, I had the chance to sit down with Leslie Frantz, owner/operator of Hometown Appraisal Services, here in Blacksburg. Leslie and I have been chatting via email over the last few weeks about a changing marketplace's influence on appraisals. In this video, Leslie talks about tightening lending requirements, and the importance of working with local professionals who know the market they're serving.
The Current yesterday ran a "forum" piece regarding the proposed Blacksburg workforce housing project that's been hotly debated; it appears that the forum was a response to this October 5th editorial.
Please tell me this was a joke. Honestly. I'm confused as to the message this sends to community residents.
Quotes include:
"Residents ... would have the convenience of having
elementary, middle and (proposed) high schools; churches; parks;
recreation fields; and grocery and other shopping located one mile or
less from their neighborhood"
"Blacksburg Transit service would be extended to the site ..."
the residents would enjoy "social and environmental benefits of living in an EarthCraftdesigned and certified community -- the first such proposed project in Virginia"
Why is the Blacksburg Housing and Community Development Advisory Board determining that the best place to
put an affordable housing project is outside the Town limits? At least on the Harding Avenue site we were attempting to annex the property so that it'd be within the Town boundaries and it has easier access to downtown, but to say the Merrimac Road location is the best solution is crazy. The whole goal of the project is to find a location where residents can easily interact with things happening within the Town while utilizing current roads, public transportation and walking and biking trails, but as it is now the Merrimac Road location is outside of Town limits, and provides no easy alternative to get in and out of the downtown area other than Price's Fork Road. I haven't driven it - yet - but I'd guess the Merrimac Road location is nearly 5 miles from Main Street and College Avenue, widely regarded as the "center" of downtown. The Harding Avenue location is maybe half that, and for the most part follows established bike paths and suburban streets? Furthermore, to extend Blacksburg Transit just to serve this community smacks of "thank us for our generosity." The Harding Avenue had a bus stop literally yards away, eliminating the need for heavy rerouting of buses and scheduling.
The forum goes on to say that the project will be green and efficient, and will be the first such project proposed in Virginia. If they're referring to affordable housing that may be the case, but I don't think it's the first EarthCraft certified community in the state, nor is it the first in Blacksburg.
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