Project Purpose

Rehabilitation of the structurally deficient and functionally obsolete Route 250 bridge over the Buckingham Branch Railroad at Shadwell, east of Charlottesville.

The existing concrete bridge, which was built in 1939, is significantly deteriorated. The maximum weight limit for vehicles using the bridge was reduced to 15 tons in March 2011 due to its poor condition. The center turn lane has also been closed because the deck is deteriorated in that area. Most fire equipment and large commercial vehicles are not able to cross the bridge because of the weight restriction.

The bridge now carries approximately 15,000 vehicles per day. 

Road Closure and Detour

Route 250 will be closed to through traffic on both sides of the bridge while the superstructure and deck are replaced. This work is scheduled for a 10-week period beginning May 1. 

Access to all commercial and private entrances near the bridge will be maintained during the closure. Route 22 (Louisa Road) and Route 729 (North Milton Road) will also remain open during the bridge closure.

During the closure traffic that normally uses Route 250 in the Shadwell area will be detoured off Route 250 using Interstate 64 between Exit 124, Route 250 (Richmond Road) at Pantops Mountain and Exit 129, Route 616 (Black Cat Road).

​Full Article HERE

The KCM Blog reports, "​Last week, the National Association of Realtors (NAR)  released their Pending Sales Report which showed that contracted sales were 12.8% higher than the same month last year and higher than any time since sales were impacted by the Homebuyers' Credit back in April of 2010.  The index stood at 101.4 which represents a level that is historically healthy."  

The Pending Sales Report is welcomed news.  However, before we get excited that indications are showing coming appreciation Mr. Shiller predicts that the housing market "is likely to remain weak and may take a generation or more to rebound."  His reasoning consists of "a weak labor market, high gas prices and a general sense of unease among consumers was out weighing low mortgage rates and would likely keep a lid on prices for the foreseeable future."  

There are more and more headlines reporting on the housing market showing signs of improvement and stabilization.  As things stand at the present I can't help but to think Mr. Shiller is spot on in predicting stabilization but no great deal of appreciation for the foreseeable future.  Perhaps this means Americans will return to purchasing homes as a place to raise a family, host family and friends, to personally enjoy, etc. verses purchasing a home to be a cash cow.  

It's that time of year again!  A Charlottesville favorite that we look forward to all year is back...
Fridays After Five at the nTelos Wireless Pavilion on the Downtown Mall.  Work hard all week and look forward to hanging out with your favorite people all while enjoying good music at a fantastic venue.

HERE is this year's first half schedule of bands.

See You There!!

The Charlottesville Area Association of REALTORS (CAAR) released today the 2012 1st Quarter Market Report.  Click HERE for the comprehensive report.  Highlights include:

• Median sales price for Greater Charlottesville is down 2.7% from Q1-2011 to $230,000
• Overall sales in the region are up 9.2% over the first quarter last year.
• Homes sold eight days faster on average compared to Q1-2011, down to 167 days on market (DOM) from 175.
• Top three areas for sales in Q1-2012 were Albemarle, Charlottesville and Fluvanna counties.

We are seeing signs of market stabilization and improvement; however, I am holding my breath as we will continue to have to closely monitor the conditions of the overall economy and consumer confidence along with how we fare locally this year with distressed (foreclosure/short-sale) properties.  

Sellers, realistic pricing and proper staging are the key elements needed in this market to successfully sell a property.  Buyers, market conditions continue to favor you in a very big way!  If you are thinking of buying...don't let what I feel is a historical purchasing opportunity pass you by!   

Had fun showing some property out in Western Albemarle this morning and was reminded driving by Beaver Creek Park what a great area we have to call home...fortunate to be able to enjoy so many awesome parks and beautiful views!

Looking for a great system to find homes in Charlottesville and its surrounding Counties?  
HERE you go!  

Also, don't forget to set up an automated search that will send you new listings that match your search criteria 24 hours after they are posted to the MLS.

​Questions about any of the properties?  Need contacts for financing?  Want to discuss stepping up your home search?  Contact me and let's get started! 

Looking for some fun things to do around Charlottesville this weekend?  HERE is a list of some scheduled events.  We are looking forward to taking our daughter to the "Curious George:  Follow the Monkey!" event on the downtown mall complete with a parade and moving screening at the Paramount.  

Make it a great weekend everyone!

"The Redfields Development Corp. has filed a lawsuit against the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors for denying a request to expand the neighborhood. 

Map from the developer depicting the many phases of Redfields. The area requested for rezoning is in the southwest

corner

Developer Gaylon Beights had sought to build 126 homes on a portion of the land.

Congratulations to Mike and Ghizlaine Taft on the opening of their new Carribean inspired restaurant Calypso.  Located at 1709 Emmett Street, Calypso offers casual Caribbean dining at an affordable price.  PLUS a drive-thru for coffee and goodies from the bakery!  Join them for a traditional Jamaican and Salvadoran meal accented with music, smiles and fun.  Calypso has daily Happy Hour specials, karaoke on Thursday nights as well as their U Street Jazz Series on Friday and Saturday nights.  To-go orders and reservations are available by calling 434-977-CAFE.

The Tafts completely transformed what was a bank building for years and most recently a local real estate office into a lovely, warm and inviting dining area.  They have a reputation for being very successful in their business ventures and I feel confident Calyspo will prove no different.  

Congratulations and best wishes Mike and Ghizlaine!!

FindCharlottesvilleHomes.com

​In the "comments" section simply put you are looking for homes near UVA.  Within 24 hours a comprehensive list will be sent to you with all homes For Sale within a short commute to UVA Hospital.  Making it Easy For You!   

With today's spring like weather it's hard not to get excited about the coming fun spring festivals we have here in Charlottesville.  One festival we're looking forward to is the first annual Taste of Monticello Wine Trail being held at the Downtown Pavilion on Saturday, April 21.  Click HERE for details!  We'll see you there!  

Ah, this brings back some good laughs from my childhood of my family more often than not being the ones showing up for church at the wrong time after these twice a year time adjustments!    

Here's a little history on daylight savings time:  HERE

Although not used by most of the world's countries, daylight saving time
is common in the Northern Hemisphere's northern latitudes.

  DST observed

  DST no longer observed

  DST never observed

In real estate we will typically see a slight spike in listings that go Under Contract within a short commute to UVA Hospital shortly after match day.  However, not surprisingly the past two years I feel the majority of the residents decided to rent verses buy due to the downturn in the market.  It will be interesting to see what the trend is this year given the signs of the market stabilizing and the historical low interest rates.

Here is a great single family home For Sale near the Azalea Garden area of Charlottesville that is a very short drive from the hospital.

Incoming Residents:  Need help finding housing here in Charlottesville?  Click HERE.  Or, on the other hand need help finding a Realtor outside of Charlottesville who works the market area you are moving to?  Contact me and let me help you make your transition easy!  

If you're looking to sell your property this spring remember that in this market it is a "price-war" and "beauty-contest" out there!  Be sure to work with a Realtor that is committed to investing the time to educate you on proper pricing and effective staging!  

Make it a great Monday everyone!

Cyclists who own iPhones or Android phones will have the opportunity this spring to help the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission collect data to help plan the next generation of bike infrastructure.

I am sure this is very welcomed news to both UVA graduate students, given the ever increasing demand for housing, as well as the merchants at Barracks Road Shopping Center!