Last weekend I went down to, what I have always called, south beach. That beautiful stretch of pristine beach in front of the Hotel Del where I have spent so many wonderful moments from the late 1950s to now. The image of vast open beautiful white sand that leads down to the shore was the picture that I expected. But that was not the sight that I found. What I saw horrified me, and I do not use that term lightly. It also angered me, made me cry, and left me wondering just where I was. This could not be Coronado.

What I found was this beautiful beach had been confiscated by the Hotel Del and turned into some type of Vegas beach bar. First were the signs that laid claim to at least two-thirds of the beach. These posted signs started at the beginning of the beach walk, all along the walk, down the beach along the palm trees more than half-way to the shore, and across the beach from that point almost all the way to the rocks!

And what did these posted signs say? Welcome to Del Beach, please see an attendant for beach services. They have renamed the beach, and sectioned off the beach with signage, but it didnt stop there. Inside the sign-fenced area was another area with a real plastic fence that enclosed what seemed like hundreds of red and white lounges and some huge cabanas thrown in too. Of course there were more cabanas and lounges strewn within the posted sign area, and a couple of beach shacks were thrown in for check-in and guest services.

Ah, the guest services, now being served on our beach, for those who are allowed in, are cocktails. Yes, alcohol and smoking are allowed and welcome on this beautiful, sectioned off beach.

And you do need to be a guest or member or something. When I tried to walk onto this new Del Beach within seconds I was approached by a man in a white shirt who asked me if I was a guest or member. It was the first time in over 50 years that I was asked for a reason for being on the beach.

When I asked what was going on, and if they had a permit to take over so much of the beach, another man said it was private property! I saw one or two more white shirts (and a red shirt too) coming toward me so I turned and got off their beach.

This is not fair and is not right. The beach belongs to everyone, locals and tourists alike. Is this fair to the tourists that do not stay at the Del? What about all the people that are staying at other Coronado hotels, or all the people that come from all over San Diego County to visit our beaches?

Now dont get me wrong, I love the Del. So many memories from childhood on are centered at the hotel. I use their spa, and encourage friends and family to stay there. I realize that they are a good friend to our city, but sometimes even good friends can go too far and need to be reminded that friendships go both ways, the city does a lot for the hotel also.

This beach grabbing, without letting the residents know and confer on is wrong. It is especially wrong when their posted boundaries are just short of the water so that our Coronado lifeguards are responsible for the safety of these guests. Even if they are breaking our citys laws about drinking and smoking on the beach.

The turning of a beautiful pristine beach into some type of Hollywood/ Las Vegas pool party layout is not only wrong but it is so ugly.

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Where Has Our Beach Gone?

The Fayetteville City Council on June 5 conducted the first of two public hearings on the Lafayette Square luxury apartment proposal.

Coming on the heels of the opening of Pinewood Atlanta Studios, the $43 million project near downtown Fayetteville would give the city and county a first look at apartment living complete with concierge-level services.

The 11.6-acre property, located on the north side of Ga. Highway 54 between Lafayette Avenue on the east and Sharon Drive to the west, was rezoned in June 2011 under the PCD (planned community development) zoning designation for approximately 192 units that were slated for persons 55 years of age and older. Those plans were later abandoned. The current proposal calls for 210 luxury apartments contained in a gated community with no age restrictions.

The public comments portion of the public hearing included one by Tony Parrott, a resident at the adjacent Villages residential development. Parrott asked that Lafayette Square be limited to the 192 apartments approved several years ago, adding that the annexed area on the citys west side would be the best place for the apartment development.

The other speaker in public comments was Carolyn Cary who asked the developer questions concerning perspective tenants and the terms of leases.

Miles Hill, founder of The Charter Companies of Auburn, Alabama, said aside from a number of corporate apartments, all others would carry a 12-month lease. The corporate apartments would be fully furnished and would include a six-month lease, he said.

Were not interested in less than six months. Well let the extended-stay businesses deal with those, Hill said.

Pertaining to residency at Lafayette Square, Hill said tenants will be required to undergo a police background check, a credit check, a last landlord check and an employment check.

The layout of the property shows four apartment buildings, each with three floors, and six carriage-style buildings. Two of the apartment buildings will border Hwy. 54 with one on the north side of the property and one in the center of the site. As proposed, two of the apartment buildings will contain 39 units each with the remaining two buildings containing 54 units each.

Though previously approved as a PCD project and because PCD approval is project-specific, the current proposal requires rezoning due to several factors. Those include a change in the footprint of the proposed buildings, the change in usage from age-restricted to non-age-restricted and the small increase in the number of proposed apartments.

Originally posted here:
Fvilles first concierge apartments sail through council

New Bern, North Carolina (PRWEB) May 21, 2014

Real Estate Scorecard's North Carolina research trip took them north to the Pamlico Sound and to the home of the two time winner of a Bliss Award for Best Boating Community of the Year. River Dunes is a charming maritime village with a deep water marina off the Intracoastal Waterway at MM 173. Real Estate Scorecard observed three homes under construction during their visit and the communitys newest amenity approaching completion -two new Har-Tru tennis courts scheduled to open Memorial Day weekend.

The staff grabbed bikes during the early morning hours to explore the neighborhood and couldnt help but notice the lack of noise pollution, a priceless amenity. No rumbling traffic sounds. Just the sweet sounds water lapping near the docks, a gentle breeze swaying in the trees, and song birds saying hello. It was tough to decide which is more beautiful, the sunrises or sunsets. The sunsets over the water seemed to last forever.

River Dunes has incredible curb appeal and offers year round boating. Fourteen miles of natural shoreline provide all homes in the coastal North Carolina community privacy yet stunning views of the Intracoastal Waterway. Home styles include cozy coastal cottages, charming carriage homes and larger two story Charleston-style homes.

Take a peek at River Dunes homes.

Boaters will be the first ones to tell folks what an excellent marina River Dunes offers. During Real Estate Scorecard's visit, the marina was full of sailboats, yachts and cruisers. Grace Harbor Marina has 124 deepwater boat slips and is fully permitted for another 276. Set in the heart of the village, the one-of-a-kind inland basin marina offers a protected launching point for all types of boating activity. Additionally, the development team has done an excellent job of planning for sustainability, which includes achieving the honorable status of a North Carolina certified Clean Marina since 2008. The consistently rated five star marina offers floating docks, high speed fuel, diesel and gas, free Wi-Fi, and pump out.

To Real Estate Scorecard, River Dunes is in a perfect location, like a secret treasure waiting to be discovered. The staff enjoyed the ride from New Bern to River Dunes through miles of beautiful farmland and could feel our stress level disappear. The coastal North Carolina community is located just ten minutes from the charming fishing village of Oriental, home to waterfront restaurants, art galleries, antique shops and marine stores. In Oriental, the Sailing Capital of North Carolina, boats outnumber people; however, social, educational and cultural activities abound.

Amenities at River Dunes include:

11,500 Square Foot Clubhouse overlooking the marina with dining Grace Harbor Marina and Private 1,100 Foot Boating Access Channel 124 Deepwater Boat Slips with utilities Outdoor Swimming Pool overlooking the marina Fireside Hot Tubs and Cozy Cabanas Fitness Center with Steam Showers Tennis Courts under construction The Lake House for social events 238 Acre Nature Preserve Guest Cottages Riverside Chapel

The staff at River Dunes is busy preparing for the upcoming Leukemia Cup Regatta set for June 7 and 8, 2014. This significant charity event has raised over $300K for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of NC earmarked for blood cancer research and patient services. Events during the weekend include a Shoreside Celebration on Saturday June 7th. Real Estate Scorecard applauds River Dunes owners and staff for the generous time, talent and resources they contribute to the local community.

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Real Estate Scorecard Celebrates River Dunes New Amenity Set to Open Memorial Day Weekend in Coastal North Carolina

Delray Beach, FL (PRWEB) May 13, 2014

From lighted pickleball and tennis courts, to poolside cabanas, to the fully-equipped fitness center with trained staff, Villaggio Reserves Cabana Club clubhouse promises to serve up resort-style, 55+ living in the heart of Delray Beach.

Currently under construction at Hagen Ranch Road and Atlantic Avenue, the latest 55+ community from developer Ansca Homes recently celebrated the Cabana Clubs groundbreaking. Attendees witnessed the unveiling of the grand plans for Villaggio Reserves 38,000-square-foot resort area and town square. Every detail at the Cabana Club has been custom-designed to provide the latest and most popular athletic amenities, personal activities and dining options to match the emerging tastes and trends of the 55+ marketplace.

Buyers, visitors and guests who joined us for the groundbreaking discovered what we have known all along that the 55+ homebuyer has such varied interests that no single amenity or activity will suffice, said Ron Yuter, senior vice president with Ansca Homes. They chose Delray Beach, the city Rand McNally called Americas Most Fun Small Town, for a reason. At Villaggio Reserves Cabana Club, fun will be a daily activity.

From games and crafts to private events, the Cabana Club will suit any preference or pursuit. Enter through the expansive foyer and lobby to a variety of multipurpose rooms certain to welcome card and board games, as well as arts and crafts. To the right will be pair of billiard tables. Across the lobby, the Grand Ballroom and social hall will host theatrical and musical performances and private events. The caf will be open daily, offering indoor and outdoor lanai seating overlooking the community lake. Complimentary Wi-Fi Internet service will be available throughout the Cabana Club and patio deck.

Ready to work off that delicious meal? The Cabana Club will offer sports for athletes of all abilities. Inside, the fully-equipped and staffed Fitness Center will include a gym, sauna, massage rooms and mens and womens dressing rooms. Instructors will lead yoga and Zumba classes.

Outside, the resort-style patio area will have shaded cabanas overlooking the over-sized, lagoon-style pool with sitting areas, water fountains and areas for water aerobics, a lap pool, a therapeutic spa and a wading pool for the grandkids. Nearby will be six lighted tennis courts and a pro shop, as well as a bocce ball court.

Two lighted pickleball courts promise to be a hit at Villaggio Reserve. This low-impact, high-energy sport combines tennis, badminton and even ping pong on a court about the size of a tennis courts serving area.

Home buyers have discovered that the Cabana Club complements the contemporary designs and amenities found in each Villaggio Reserve home. Model residences offer coffered ceilings, granite countertops, Kitchen Craft Cabinetry, upgraded wall-to-wall carpeting and padding, 18x18 ceramic tiles and colonial-style 8-foot raised panel doors.

Residences range from two to three bedrooms, with a combination of baths, dens, entertainment areas and separate eat-in spaces. Some residences have covered porches. All residences have a garage and impact-resistant doors and windows. Homes at Villaggio Reserve are priced from $270,000 to the $400,000s.

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Villaggio Reserve Celebrates Groundbreaking of Cabana Club

Quick links to other pages on this site | Still can't find it? see Site Index Brad Nettles/Staff/FileKiawah Island Real Estate's main office is at the gated entrance to the upscale resort community. Buy this photo

Opinion

The crop of new real estate offices opening in downtown Charleston is largely tasked with courting buyers interested in homes on the peninsula and the surrounding areas.

That's not the plan for Kiawah Island Real Estate.

The real estate arm for the gated resort community is planning to open an outpost at 12 Queen St. later this month. Its sole responsibilty will be to market homes that are for sale on the barrier island, which is more than 25 miles away. The new office will be the fourth for the firm.

"With the improving market and millions of people visiting Charleston each year, it's a good time to open a branch office," said Chris Drury, broker-in-charge.

Staffers will use digital technology like virtual tours of the homes on the island, but the goal is to have people "come and see it firsthand and tour the island," Drury said.

"I believe that people come and go to Charleston and are not introduced to the possibility of Kiawah, and that's what we want them to do," he added. "We want them to help them discover us."

In terms of 2014 sales, Kiawah Island Real Estate reported $74.6 million in total volume for the first quarter, up 12 percent from the same period last year.

Rising rental activity

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Kiawah Island Real Estate opening downtown Charleston branch

Greenbelt, MD (PRWEB) May 09, 2014

Bozzuto Management Company, a subsidiary of The Bozzuto Group, a Greenbelt, Maryland-based real estate services company, announced today that the brand new six-story apartment community Fenwick will start pre-leasing May 10, 2014, and be ready for move-in July, 2014. Hardhat tours are scheduled for May 10, 2014.

Developed by Arlington-based Insight Property Group LLC, Fenwick offers studios, and one and two-bedroom homes located in the heart of Silver Spring, just a few blocks from restaurants, shopping, theaters, museums, sport venues and parks. Residents can walk to the Silver Spring transit station or take advantage of the on-site bike storage and repair shop, or the Capital Bikeshare station.

Each apartment features a keyless entry system with solid wood doors; 9- and 10- foot ceilings; Kaindl wood plank flooring; 42-inch midnight teak flat panel kitchen cabinets; full-sized front loaded Energy Star washer and dryer; stainless steel Whirlpool appliances; green certified plush carpet in bedrooms; quartz-top grey pine bathroom vanity, contemporary bath fixtures and tiles, and frameless glass showers or rounded curtain rod at bathtub. Select units will feature a moveable kitchen island, frosted glass doors, sliding glass doors, frameless glass showers, a built-in desk, and built-in open shelves.

Community amenities include a curated record collection with listening area; furnished guest suite; clubroom with bar, dining and casual seating; billiards, foosball, and TV gaming area with bar; private library with iMac and PC computers; and state-of-the-art fitness center with a yoga stretching area. The pet-friendly community will also feature a resort-style pool with cabanas, outdoor living area with fire pit, outdoor kitchen with grills and communal dining, and rooftop terrace with green wall. Local artists and artisans have created a variety of works that will be showcased in many of these spaces.

We are excited to present the myriad colors, textures, and personalities of Fenwick to Silver Spring, said Julie Smith, President of The Bozzuto Management Company. Fenwick is about creating a home where the relationships, communities and adventures that matter most will comfortably take root and grow.

For more information call (301) 289-7562 or visit http://www.fenwickapts.com.

About Bozzuto Management Company Voted Property Management Company of the Year in 2011 by Multi-Housing News, and in 2000 and 2009 by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), Bozzuto Management Company offers the finest in apartment living and management services. With more than 160 communities in exceptional locations throughout the East Coast, Bozzuto Management provides a resident experience that is truly beyond compare. The company is a subsidiary of The Bozzuto Group, a full-service real estate firm headquartered in Greenbelt, Maryland. For more information, visit http://www.bozzuto.com.

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Bozzuto Management Opens Fenwick Apartments In Silver Spring, Maryland

Prosper, Texas (PRWEB) April 30, 2014

Darling Homes has begun pre-sales for its new neighborhood at Windsong Ranch in Prosper.

Set against the lush meadows of Prosper, the 2,030-acre master-planned community of Windsong Ranch will feature two Darling Homes collections debuting this year.

Never-before-seen floor plans will be offered by the Dallas homebuilder at Windsong Ranch.

The first collection of homes, which has opened for pre-sales, is a series of homes ranging in size from approximately 2,600 to 3,700-square feet, will be situated on 61-foot wide lots, with prices starting from the mid-$300,000s.

The second collection, set to debut this summer, will feature larger homes, offering from 2,600 to 4,200 square feet of living space on 71-foot wide lots and starting from the $400,000s.

Both collections offer that distinctive Darling Homes signature, said Christine Kenny, marketing manager for the Dallas homebuilder. Dallas homebuyers will love the open floor plans, the attention to detail and the community amenities.

Windsong Ranch will preserve more than 600 acres of Texas open space, with a series of parks, green spaces, lakes and creeks available to local residents. In addition, Windsong Ranch will offer access to a first-class amenity center in The Commons, positioned on a hilltop overlooking a spectacular lake with gorgeous views of the surrounding countryside.

The Commons will also offer fitness facilities, a resort-style pool, lap pool, cabanas, kids spray park and much more. The Commons is also adjacent to The Esplanade, perfect for community gatherings and events.

Windsong Caf will offer a perfect place for family and friends to gather to plan the days activities or to simply catch up after a fun day in the community.

Link:
Darling Homes Begins Pre-Sales at New Windsong Ranch Community in Prosper

Homestead Structures offers our Pool House and Cabana alternative for your backyard. This pool house series features a porch for relaxing on with lots of storage space for all your pool equipment: chairs, life vests, suits, and etc. It also offers a changing room for your swim needs.

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Toronto, Canada (PRWEB) April 22, 2014

Cedar Wood Structures Inc. (http://www.CedarWoodStructures.ca), the Greater Toronto Areas leading provider of custom outdoor living structures, custom cabanas, and residential renovation and condominium improvements, is offering an expert opinion on the value of outdoor renovation projects.

Even though the thought of renovations seem daunting, about 40% of Canadians are planning some form of renovations this year and roughly 55% are planning major renovations within the next five years. (Sources: CIBC Poll: Renovation Nation? Canadian say theyll spend almost 30% more on home renos in 2014, Yahoo! Finance, March 27, 2014; https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/cibc-poll-renovation-nation-canadians-080000338.html; Kent, K How will you pay for that renovation? The Toronto Star, March 14, 2014; http://www.thestar.com/life/modernmoney/2014/03/14/how_will_you_pay_for_that_renovation.html.)

Most of those renovations are going towards general home maintenance, says Val Dumitriu, owner of Cedar Wood Structures Inc. That shows that although Canadians do want to improve their homes, they are still being smart with their money.

Although the inside of the home tends to be the focus for renovations, particularly when homeowners are thinking of adding value to their house, its important to remember that outdoor improvements are just as important and can also yield significant returns. Dumitriu suggests thinking of it from a practical point of view; the first thing a buyer sees is the outside of a home, meaning its what gives sellers that initial flush of confidence to like the rest of the house. He also notes that adding something like a wooden custom deck gives homeowners a return of close to 90%.

While a custom deck may provide the biggest return on investment, Dumitriu explains that other outdoor renovations can also add value to a home and increase the visual aesthetic. For example, adding something like fibre cement siding can be a huge benefit and can increase the value of a home just as much as adding a custom deck. (Source: Havre, J. The Top 2014 Home Renovations that Can Add Resale Value to Your Home, Justin Havre & Associates web site, March 14, 2014; http://www.justinhavre.com/blog/the-top-2014-home-renovations-that-can-add-resale-value-to-your-home.html.)

However, these arent necessarily do-it-yourself jobs, especially when it comes to more complex projects like designing and installing custom pool cabanas. Thats why its best to hire a professional if possible, Dumitriu concludes. These are projects that take a team of professionals working together to create the right look, design, and appeal. And if these jobs arent done right, they can actually devalue a home significantly.

Cedar Wood Structures Inc. specializes in designing, building, and delivering quality custom pool cabanas, gazebos, garden sheds, studios, outdoor bars and kitchens, pergolas and trellises, custom decks, and other outdoor living structures. Cedar Wood Structures Inc. also specializes in residential renovation, condominium improvements, and general contracting. With over 20 years of construction experience, company owner/operator Val Dumitriu holds a masters degree in civil engineering and is a certified building inspector. Cedar Wood Structures Inc. serves the Greater Toronto Area, including Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon, Vaughan, Markham, Newmarket, Aurora, Oakville, Burlington, Milton, Richmond Hill, Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Oshawa. To learn more about Cedar Wood Structures Inc., visit the companys web site at http://www.CedarWoodStructures.ca, e-mail us at info(at)cedarwoodstructures(dot)ca, or call toll-free at 1-888-993-8855.

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Cedar Wood Structures Inc. Torontos Leading Provider of Custom Pool Cabanas and Outdoor Living Structures, Details ...

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