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The Real Estate and Building Industry
Coalition · 1201 Greenwood Cliff · Suite 310 · Charlotte, NC · 28204 |
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REBIC e-News for July 25, 2008: Cabarrus:
Kannapolis' concerns may slow land plan By Eric C. Deines · Independent Tribune · July 19, 2008
The City of Kannapolis' concerns over a portion of Cabarrus County's land-use plan for 39,200 acres of unincorporated land in the eastern part of the county may slow the county's approval process, originally slated for August.
Construction consultant joins school board race By Justin Vick · Independent Tribune · July 24, 2008
Construction consultant Blake Kiger is willing to provide his expertise free of charge to fast-growing Cabarrus County Schools.
Is Kannapolis prepared for new future? By Kathy Nelson · Charlotte Business Journal · July 25, 2008
How will Cabarrus and Rowan counties and the surrounding region meet the work-force and education needs of the N.C. Research Campus in Kannapolis?
Lancaster:
Builders Supply Co. has adapted to change By Johnathan Ryan · Lancaster News · July 25, 2008
A hundred years ago, people would line Elm Street with their horses and wagons to get ice and coal from Lancaster Ice and Fuel Co. on French Street.
Mecklenburg:
Mint Hill gets transportation plan By Melinda Johnston · Charlotte Observer · July 20, 2008
The town now has a Comprehensive Transportation Plan that details where all streets, bikeways, sidewalks and greenways should be built over the next 20-plus years.
Charlotte look stalls as others speed ahead By Steve Harrison · Charlotte Observer · July 25, 2008
Three years after it opened, the first section of Fayetteville's Interstate 295 look is mostly quiet.
Home building takes steep dive while values hold own By Bea Quirk · Charlotte Business Journal · July 25, 2008
The slump in housing sales has finally hit Charlotte-Mecklenburg with a vengeance.
A green czar for city government on council agenda By Susan Stabley · Charlotte Business Journal · July 25, 2008
Does Charlotte need a construction czar to take the lead on environmental issues?
City hikes fees on reviews, permits for development By Susan Stabley · Charlotte Business Journal · July 25, 2008
Developing neighborhoods, office buildings and shopping centers just got more expensive in Charlotte.
Area home sales fall faster than nation's By Stella M. Hopkins · Charlotte Observer · July 25, 2008
The Charlotte-area housing slump continues, with second-quarter sales declining more than national rates.
No reason for fear about Charlotte housing market From Karla Hammer Knotts · Charlotte Observer · July 25, 2008
If you're waiting for home prices in Charlotte to fall significantly before purchasing a home, be careful.
North Carolina:
Legislators end hectic session
Lawmakers came to the 2008 session two months ago hoping to pass a budget and little else.
With NC Legislature done, '09 challenges begin By Gary D. Robertson · RockyMountTelegram.com · July 22, 2008
Democrats adjourned the General Assembly, citing their usual list of accomplishments, which they'll use in appealing to voters to stay in charge of the Legislature for the next two years.
Housing sales off 37 percent in June By Staff Reports · The News & Observer · July 22, 2008
Sales of existing homes in the Triangle dropped more than one-third in June, marking the largest decline since the impact of the nationwide housing slump hit the Triangle in late 2006.
Realtors® upset over anti-tax campaign By Jack Betts · Charlotte Observer · July 24, 2008
Some members of the N.C. Association of Realtors® are mad as fire about having to pay an extra assessment to support the association's plan to actively oppose the transfer tax -- a new option for counties that has been impose nowhere since a few counties adopted it years ago.
Unfinished business in Raleigh: Transit Charlotte Observer · July 25, 2008
When legislative leaders Marc Basnight and Joe Hackney created the 21st Century Transportation Committee in 2007 to examine ways to improve North Carolina's transportation system and study innovative methods of funding them, no one was really counting on the 2008 legislature to solve the problem.
Union:
Board
extends deadline for sewer flow applications
A divided Board of Commissioners voted Monday to extend the deadline by 10 months for sewer flow applications for some lagging developers.
Cognac
tabbed to face Blackwood in House race
Western Union County Democrats have their man.
BOCC grants 10-month sewer flow extension The County Edge · July 25, 2008
For those builders at risk of losing their sewer capacity because of a flow permit deadline, they'll now have an extra 10 months.
York:
Fort Mill residents question proposed annexation By Jonathan Allen · Fort Mill Times · July 20, 2008
Town leaders are weighing questions and fears from the community as they consider doubling the size of Fort Mill under a proposal to annex 5,000 acres.
County councilman failed sobriety test By Adam O'Daniel and Toya Graham · The Herald · July 21, 2008
York County Councilman Paul Lindemann was "highly intoxicated" and "significantly impaired" when he was arrested in Columbia and charged with driving under the influence last week, according to a police report.
Lindemann responds to calls to resign By Matt Garfield · The Herald · July 25, 2008
York County Councilman Paul Lindemann still finds himself at odds with Republican Party leaders over his decision to seek re-election in light of a drunken-driving charge last week.
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REBIC e-News for July 18, 2008: Cabarrus:
By Adam Bell · Charlotte Observer · July 13, 2008
New census estimates show that Cabarrus County cities continue to enjoy double-digit growth this decade.
Concord site next up for Birkdale mixed-use model By Ken Elkins · Charlotte Business Journal · July 18, 2008
Can the Birkdale Village mixed-use model make a splash in a fast-growing part of Cabarrus County?
Mecklenburg:
Making water sustainability a priority By Glenna Musante · NAHB Land Development · Summer 2008
In 2001, when Jim Medall, president of Rhein Medall Communities, proposed building a low-density, master-planned golf course community on 1,600 acres of former timber land, he promised the project would be a national model for environmentally sensitive land development.
Buyers hanging as condo project folds By Kirsten Valle · Charlotte Observer · July 17, 2008
An uptown condo tower's crumbling finances have sent the project into foreclosure.
Housing slump slams Mecklenburg builders By Stella M. Hopkins · Charlotte Business Journal · July 17, 2008
Fallout from the mortgage crisis keeps clobbering Mecklenburg home building, with permits this year falling 30 percent below the lowest level in the last decade.
National:
Economist.com · July 10, 2008
Tumbling house prices in America, rising foreclosures and a glut of unsold homes have produced a variety of unusual, even desperate, responses from policymakers.
Mayors challenge affordable housing rules By Jonathan Tamari · Philly.com · July 16, 2008
Saying new affordable-housing obligations would force suburban towns to build beyond their capacity, a coalition of nearly 200 mayors said yesterday they would challenge the regulations in court.
North Carolina:
NC Senate OKs Easley's drought response plan
Gov. Mike Easley's drought response plan is advancing in the General Assembly as lawmakers try to adjourn by the end of the week.
Lawmakers hope to end session today By Staff Reports · The News & Observer · July 18, 2008
State lawmakers hope to wrap up their so-called "short session" today and head home to face voters in the fall election.
By Lynn Bonner · The News & Observer · July 18, 2008
Homeowners in big counties such as Wake, Durham and Johnston could see tax departments setting new values for their property more frequently.
Union:
County
waters down APFO, critics say
Union commissioners could soon be weighing changes to the adequate public facilities ordinance that has some county and school officials howling.
Monroe
council extends subdivision moratorium
Motion, second, vote, approved.
By Billy Ball · Enquirer Journal · July 18, 2008
With just days left in the N.C. General Assembly's 2008 session, Rep. Pryor Gibson, D-Anson, said district representation won't be cleared for Union County this year.
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REBIC e-News for July 11, 2008: Cabarrus:
Afton Village adding Southern flair to its housing mix By Ken Elkins · Charlotte Business Journal · July 4, 2008
Mayfield Development is adding to the residential mix at Afton Village, its booming Concord mixed-use neighborhood.
Campus draws more residential projects By Ken Elkins · Charlotte Business Journal · July 4, 2008
The N.C. Research Campus is spinning off its next wave of development - apartments built to support the expected influx of workers to Kannapolis.
Mt. Pleasant residents participate in planning By Beth Feeback · Concord Standard · July 11, 2008
About three dozen participants showed up last week to set priorities and goals for the Mt. Pleasant community plan.
Catawba:
By Dianne Whitacre Straley · Charlotte Observer · July 6, 2008
If a landfill could have a motto, Catawba County's Blackburn Landfill's would be, "Much of our trash is too good to waste."
Iredell:
By Joe Marusak · Charlotte Observer · July 6, 2008
Mooresville could lay the groundwork this week for two major east-west connector roads, one that could lead to a new Interstate 77 interchange at Cornelius Road, north of existing Exit 36.
Lancaster:
Lancaster schools will share in growth funds By Jenny Overman · Fort Mill Times · July 2, 2008
Local schools will share in the revenue generated by growth.
Mecklenburg:
LandDesign partners with a green certification group By Susan Stabley · Charlotte Business Journal · July 4, 2008
LandDesign Inc. has joined forces with Audubon Lifestyles in crafting greener communities.
Charlotte, Raleigh among U.S. leaders in population growth By Greg Lacour · Charlotte Observer · July 10, 2008
Charlotte and Raleigh rank among the top 10 U.S. cities in population growth, and Charlotte has risen from the nation's 20th-largest city to its 19th, according to U.S. Census estimates released Wednesday.
Crosland goes for the green: Part 1 By Susan Stabley · Charlotte Business Journal · July 11, 2008
The winners of Crosland's first green design contest are readying for their next challenge: going into business together.
Crosland goes for the green: Part 2 By Susan Stabley · Charlotte Business Journal · July 11, 2008
Many of the sustainable design concepts entered in Crosland's green development contest may soon be coming to a project near you.
By Bailey Patrick and Collin Brown · Charlotte Business Journal · July 11, 2008
Charlotte's post-construction controls ordinance went into effect July 1.
North Carolina:
Carbon monoxide detectors plan OK'd
Many N.C. landlords would have to equip their rental properties with carbon monoxide detectors under a plan headed to Gov. Mike Easley's desk.
Lawmakers work on loose ends as session wraps up By Gary D. Robertson · Myrtle Beach Online · July 11, 2008
Aiming for adjournment next week, the General Assembly put in a full day's work Thursday before the weekend, debating dozens of bills and sending several to Gov. Mike Easley's desk.
Union:
Federal
probe of county officials reaches grand jury
A federal investigation into allegations involving Union County government and county officials has reached a federal grand jury, according to the Union County attorney and a former county advisory board member.
Builder enlists water experts
Developers, seeking to prove water from a plant they propose to build in The Woods development would be safe, are comparing water from a similar plant to water from local sources.
Living in medical park gives seniors less need to leave Charlotte Observer · July 8, 2008
Senior living communities are popping up along highways and in suburban neighborhoods to serve an aging population, but in a medical office park?
By Julia Oliver · Charlotte Observer · July 10, 2008
Newly obtained legal testimony supports allegations by a former Union county manager that commissioners held secret meetings and pressured county staff to do favors for certain developers.
School system explores better, cheaper construction methods By Tiffany Lane · Enquirer Journal · July 11, 2008
The Union County school system is going green and saving some, too.
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REBIC e-News for July 3, 2008: Cabarrus:
Concord, Harrisburg agree to water pact By Gail Smith-Arrants · Charlotte Observer · June 29, 2008
The city of Concord and the town of Harrisburg last week approved a new Harrisburg-Concord water agreement.
Cabarrus tourism business is zooming By Adam Bell · Charlotte Observer · June 29, 2008
A tough economic climate apparently has not hurt the Cabarrus County tourism scene.
Mecklenburg:
Jail, parks bonds face key decision By April Bethea · Charlotte Observer · July 1, 2008
Charlotte voters could face their most expensive slate of local bond proposals ever if Mecklenburg County commissioners sign off on packages for new jail and park projects tonight.
North Carolina:
N.C. leaders hope to cut foreclosures
State legislators and Gov. Mike Easley said Tuesday they've come up with a plan that could keep as many as 25,000 N.C. homeowners out of foreclosure in the next two years.
NC budget votes won't happen this week By Gary D. Robertson · RockyMountTelegram.com · July 2, 2008
The General Assembly won't vote on a final state budget bill before the holiday weekend, legislative leaders said late Wednesday, as negotiations eliminated most House and Senate differences but uncertainty remained on whether Gov. Mike Easley would accept it.
House votes to put law on hold By James Romoser · Winston-Salem Journal · July 3, 2008
The N.C. House of Representatives approved a temporary stop to forced annexations yesterday, acknowledging complaints from residents who say that cities are abusing the state's law annexation laws.
South Carolina:
Catawba River lands scenic designation
This time, the Catawba River got the kind of recognition that makes its admirers proud.
Union:
A bulldozer in
your front yard
Very few problems of modern day suburban life bring neighbors together like a bulldozer parked in the front yard.
Commissioner: Settlement to happen soon in former county manager's
lawsuit
Union County commissioners may settle former County Manager Mike Shalati's wrongful termination lawsuit as soon as tomorrow, a commissioner said.
Sewerage probe reaches grand jury By Rebecca Sulock · Charlotte Observer · July 3, 2008
A federal investigation into allegations involving Union County government and county officials has reached a federal grand jury, according to the Union County attorney and a former county advisory board member.
By Susan Shackelford · Realtor® Reflections · July 2008
Union County mobilizes, wins big in fight against transfer-tax measure.
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REBIC e-News for June 27, 2008: Cabarrus:
A concrete idea for Kannapolis By Doug Smith · Charlotte Observer · June 24, 2008
When businesses outgrow their offices, they usually go in search of another building.
Incentive program expansion possible By Eric C. Deines · Independent Tribune · June 25, 2008
Currently, Cabarrus County's tax incentive program focuses on industrial development and large investments of $1.5 million or higher.
Officials: Land-use deal sets precedent By Eric C. Deines · Independent Tribune · June 26, 2008
Cabarrus County and Concord have entered into a zoning and utilities agreement that officials say sets a North Carolina precedent for local zoning agreements.
State approves expansion to Cabarrus board By Eric C. Deines · Independent Tribune · June 27, 2008
This week, the N.C. General Assembly passed a bill that will allow for the Cabarrus Board of County Commissioners to expand to seven members in 2012.
Gaston:
Nearly $1.4 million will be spent on upgrading five, rural subdivision roads in Gaston By Michael Barrett · Gaston Gazette · June 26, 2008
Gaston County residents who have been enduring life along five unpaved roads should get some relief within the next year.
Iredell:
Mooresville tax rate is going up By Joe Marusak · Charlotte Observer · June 25, 2008
The town of Mooresville will raise taxes by 5.5 percent and increase water and sewer bills under a new budget approved this week.
Lancaster:
County, state officials to meet with residents about noise By Jenny Hartley · Lancaster News · June 25, 2008
Some Lancaster County Council members and S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control officials will meet with residents who live near several concrete companies in Indian Land to discuss noise and dust problems Thursday.
Council eyes $14 tax hike in new budget By Jenny Hartley · Lancaster News · June 25, 2008
A $14 tax increase for the average homeowner will help fund several county agencies and a raise for county employees.
Mecklenburg:
Charlotte home prices slip for the year By Kirsten Valle · Charlotte Observer · June 24, 2008
Average Charlotte-area home prices have fallen for the first time over a 12-month period since 1991, figures released Tuesday show - and they might not have hit bottom yet, experts say.
Growth is questioned in review of water rates By Susan Stabley · Charlotte Business Journal · June 27, 2008
The culprit behind recent water and sewer rate hikes isn't conservation, but Charlotte's own growth policies.
Report recommends new ways Charlotte can pay for water lines By Susan Stabley · Charlotte Business Journal · June 27, 2008
As the drought creates volatility in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities' revenue stream, changes to how the department charges for water and sewer should be considered, a city report recommends.
Getting everyone on the same page By Julie Bird · Charlotte Business Journal · June 27, 2008
An influential architects' group is warning that growing resistance to its members' involvement in construction is increasing the likelihood of errors.
National:
The sharp housing downturn continues to pressure the economy By Joint Center for Housing Studies, Harvard University · June 23, 2008
The nation is in the throes of a housing downturn that is shaping up to be the worst in a generation, finds The State of the nation's Housing report issued today by the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University.
By Daniel A. Mica · TheHill.com · June 24, 2008
This is the summer of the Rotary Club pancake breakfast, the political party barbecue, the church picnic and the synagogue dinner.
Life on the fringes of U.S. suburbia becomes untenable with rising gas costs By Peter S. Goodman · International Herald Tribune · June 24, 2008
Suddenly, the economics of American suburban life are under assault as skyrocketing energy prices inflate the costs of reaching, heating and cooling homes on the outer edges of metropolitan areas.
Senate may pass mortgage aid plan as soon as today Associated Press · June 25, 2008
A mortgage aid plan is on track for passage in the Senate as soon as today.
North Carolina:
Repeal the transfer tax
I have been a long-time opponent of this so-called "home tax."
By Staff Reports · The News & Observer · June 27, 2008
House and Senate leaders said Thursday night that budget negotiators have reached agreement on tax breaks in the 2009-09 spending plan.
N&O blocked from budget meeting By Dan Kane · The News & Observer · June 27, 2008
Legislative leaders have promised to be open in their negotiations over the budget.
Union:
Reclaimed-water plant has history
The private reclaimed-water system proposed by developers to handle sewage at The Woods is rare.
New revenue needed to build roads By Jim Carpenter · The Enquirer Journal · June 22, 2008
At a June 17 breakfast, Brad Wilson, chair of the state's 21st Century Transportation Committee told Union County business leaders that North Carolina must find new financial resources and methods if its transportation needs are to be met.
Experts: Wastewater system would be safe and odor free By Jason deBruyn · The Enquirer Journal · June 25, 2008
The proposed sewer plant for The Woods would be state of the art.
Burr, 22, wins N.C. House 67 seat in runoff election against Furr By Kimberly Kinnecom · Independent Tribune · June 25, 2008
Justin Burr, the 22-year-old Republican candidate for the N.C. House 67 seat, beat out candidate Ken Furr, 65, in the runoff election Tuesday night.
By Tiffany Lane · Enquirer Journal · June 27, 2008
Shoppers no longer have to leave carbon footprints from gas-guzzling SUVs driving all the way to Charlotte for an exclusively organic experience.
York:
Kings Electronics to close Rock Hill plant, lay off 67
Kings Electronics will close its Rock Hill plant at the end of the month and lay off its work force, according to a report released Friday by the S.C. Commerce Department.
Rock Hill schools budget holds higher taxes for businesses By Jessica Schonberg · The Herald · June 24, 2008
The Rock Hill school board approved a budget Monday that raised taxes on businesses but did not cut any programs or increase class sizes.
Incumbents win council runoffs By Charles D. Perry · The Herald · June 25, 2008
Incumbents claimed victories in Tuesday's runoffs for two York County Council seats.
Organic grocer Earth Fare opens Rock Hill store today By Adam O'Daniel · The Herald · June 25, 2008
Shoppers no longer have to leave carbon footprints from gas-guzzling SUVs driving all the way to Charlotte for an exclusively organic experience.
World:
World's first 'Building in Motion' set for Dubai CBS · June 24, 2008
Italian architect poised to build 80-stiory tower with revolving floors powered by wind turbines.
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REBIC e-News for June 20, 2008: Cabarrus:
Board expansion pushed back until 2012 By Eric C. Deines · Independent Tribune · June 17, 2008
After being hit with several residents' concerns about a rush to expand the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners, the board's members agreed to push back its expansion to the year 2012.
In Kannapolis, home could be $1.5 million By Doug Smith · Charlotte Observer · June 18, 2008
There's no doubt the $1.5 billion North Carolina Research Campus that Castle & Cooke is building in Kannapolis will be a Next Big Thing for the city and the region.
By Eric C. Deines · Independent Tribune · June 20, 2008
An agreement planned between the City of Concord and Cabarrus County next month may set a precedent for North Carolina in regard to zoning practices.
Lancaster:
County funds 3 Indian Land projects By Jenny Overman · Fort Mill Times · June 18, 2008
The $30 million budget that passed a second reading by the Lancaster County Council last week includes funding for personnel and operations at three new facilities in Indian Land.
Newcomer elected to Lancaster council By Jenny Overman · Fort Mill Times · June 18, 2008
Larry McCullough will be the Panhandle's new representative on the Lancaster County council.
Mecklenburg:
Restrictions will protect open space, area waters By Susan Stabley · Charlotte Business Journal · June 13, 2008
The landscape for real estate development is dramatically changing next month when new rules designed to protect area streams and rivers take effect.
Charlotte Chamber to take case on incentives to County Manager Harry Jones By Susan Stabley · Charlotte Business Journal · June 13, 2008
The Charlotte Chamber will challenge Mecklenburg County's formula for awarding incentives after a business grant request for a German manufacturer was scuttled.
By Karen Shugart · Creative Loafing Charlotte · June 18, 2008
Four top U.S. home builders have agreed to pay millions in fines for alleged Clean Water Act violations at construction sites across the country, including the sites of two subdivisions in Charlotte.
Growing road needs to require new funding sources By Erik Spanberg · Charlotte Business Journal · June 20, 2008
Want more roads, better bridges and faster commutes?
National:
Hundreds indicted in mortgage probe By The Associated Press · MSNBC.com · June 19, 2008
Federal authorities announced Thursday that more than 400 real estate industry players have been indicted since March -- including dozens over the past two days -- in nationwide crackdown on mortgage fraud that has contributed to the country's housing crisis.
North Carolina:
Tax doesn't look so bad now
Triangle House and Senate members didn't go along with their Charlotte colleagues in 1997, but this time a lot of them are ready to get on the bus.
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