Thursday Links 07-20-2006
Platitude-free punditry about rail Changes in the Housing Market are reshaping cities. Where are the bike routes in the Charlottesville? D.C.'s affordability rule gets shot down. The rule would require developers to make up to 10 percent of their units affordable to households with incomes…
Paying for Infrastructure
One of the most constant points of discussion in our (and other) region is infrastructure. We need it, but no one is willing or able to pay for it. From the WP: "I think we're finally coming to a place where growth is sustaining growth,"…
Builder’s Blitz in Charlottesville
I have been negligent in not writing about this event, starting today in Charlottesville. I make a general rule not to post press releases and such (and have written about Builders' Blitzes a few times), but this is an exception, due to Habitat for Humanity's…
Housing as a “right”
All I have to say this morning is - read what Rick wrote. Thankfully we live in a free country and this person is free to think and say what she pleases; I am free to think and say that her mindset is appalling and…
New Habitat Store in Charlottesville
One of the better assets to our community is the Habitat Store - a place for builders, remodelers and do-it-your-selfers alike. This week they celebrate their move from the staid 4,500 square foot quarters to their brand-spankin' new 20,000 square foot home on Harris Street…
Links of interest 05-05-06
It's a busy week; these are a few of thing items worth paying attention to. Thus, even with both the price increases and the recent the upward creep in interest rates, homes are still more affordable than they were before 1992.After much debate, Albemarle BoS…
Things I have not had time to read
Being away at this Leadership Academy is extremely challenging - business grinds slowly and I fear I am neglecting my clients. However, I am learning an awful lot; we have been spending time with Ann Atkinson this morning. Wow. Workforce housing *is* affordable housing Communities…
More on dealing with the changing market
The Realestatejournal has two informative articles here and here that emphasize a couple of things about the changing real estate market that seem to have been forgotten during the recent boom. 1) Real estate is an illiquid investment and 2) Plan (and be prepared for)…
Affordability efforts in action
The WP has an interesting article on affordable housing efforts in Prince William County, and the seemingly disingenuous efforts to roadblock those efforts. But Supervisor Maureen S. Caddigan (R-Dumfries) said she was not ready to endorse the project in part because it could be broadened…
Regulation, housing prices, affordability …
The NYTimes magazine this week is a jam-packed real-estate-centric issue. There are several articles I found interesting, but the story on Edward L. Glaeser is fascinating, enlightening and truly eye-opening. What fascinates me the most is his recognition and articulation of the interconnectivity of all…