Board plans daylong meeting to examine city's future
Possible property tax among retreat topics
The Tennessean• May 14, 2008
SPRING HILL — The city's future — and its parks, projects, streets and the possibility of resurrecting the property tax — will be hashed out at a retreat later this month for the Board of Mayor and Aldermen.
"It's good for the board to get together and talk about what we see as priorities," Mayor Danny Leverette said. "We can't look at Spring Hill as a city of 7,000 people anymore. We've grown to about 25,000 in the last eight years. It's time to sit down and talk about what we all want for our city. We won't all be lock-step on a monthly basis, but it will be helpful to better understand each other."
The May 24 retreat at Lipscomb University will also be educational for Spring Hill's new city administrator and finance director, Kenneth Weaver and Jim Smith, respectively.
Alderman Rick Graham, chairman of the city's Finance Committee, said it's not likely the city can continue without a property tax given the predicament it faces; building fees are no longer sufficient to support the budget.
The board eliminated the city property tax rate of 19 cents per $100 of assessed value in August 2005.
Leverette said people he has talked to are starting to understand that the board faces some difficult decisions.
"I think it is paramount that people will be able to see how their money is being spent," he said.
"They need to be able to see a return for their investment, right out of the gate."
News, interests, info and tips about the Real Estate Market in Middle Tennessee. Our Focus is the Nashville area, both Williamson and Davidson County and the surrounding areas of Franklin, Brentwood, Spring Hill, Thompson's Station, Hendersonville, Leipers Fork, Belle Meade, Nolensville, the Cool Springs area and the Vanderbilt area
May 23, 2008
May 22, 2008
According to the Feds Nashville home prices are holding
Nashville continues to ride out bubble
5/22/2008 -The Tennessean
The correction in home prices has sped up in the cities that benefited most from the housing bubble, but the federal government still says Nashville’s valuations are holding up.
The latest figures from the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight show that prices for homes sold in the first three months of 2008 dropped 3.1 percent nationally over the past year.
That’s a record, and adding in homes that were simply refinanced — but not sold — didn’t change the overall picture of declining values. The office’s pricing index of sold and refinanced homes dropped 0.03 percent, also a bad sign.
Reprising a familiar tune, though, the data show that price declines were pretty much confined to the bubble markets. Only 14 of the 50 states, plus the District of Columbia, experienced price declines, with the worst hit being California and Nevada. There, prices dropped by more than 10 percent.
In Tennessee, prices actually rose 3.9 percent, the OFHEO said, the 10th best performance in the country. In the Nashville area, the gain was the same 3.9 percent, placing our region in the top 20 percent among metropolitan areas.
Basically, the feds’ numbers depict the flip side of the boom, when prices were supercharged in a few markets but fairly consistent with inflation and population growth in most. Now prices in those once overheated markets are collapsing at breakneck speed, turning homeowners’ euphoria into angst.
But in the majority of markets, homes continue to be appraised and sell at values as high or higher than before.
That analysis is not much consolation, I know, to the thousands of local homeowners who have been waiting months to sell their homes for what they believe they are worth. But nearly two years into the housing slump, it’s hard to ignore a pattern that’s held up throughout.
The worsening economy may yet drag down the local housing market as well, as one prominent research firm, Moody’s Economy.com, now predicts.
As far as the popping bubble itself is concerned, Nashville and Tennessee appear to to have been spared.
5/22/2008 -The Tennessean
The correction in home prices has sped up in the cities that benefited most from the housing bubble, but the federal government still says Nashville’s valuations are holding up.
The latest figures from the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight show that prices for homes sold in the first three months of 2008 dropped 3.1 percent nationally over the past year.
That’s a record, and adding in homes that were simply refinanced — but not sold — didn’t change the overall picture of declining values. The office’s pricing index of sold and refinanced homes dropped 0.03 percent, also a bad sign.
Reprising a familiar tune, though, the data show that price declines were pretty much confined to the bubble markets. Only 14 of the 50 states, plus the District of Columbia, experienced price declines, with the worst hit being California and Nevada. There, prices dropped by more than 10 percent.
In Tennessee, prices actually rose 3.9 percent, the OFHEO said, the 10th best performance in the country. In the Nashville area, the gain was the same 3.9 percent, placing our region in the top 20 percent among metropolitan areas.
Basically, the feds’ numbers depict the flip side of the boom, when prices were supercharged in a few markets but fairly consistent with inflation and population growth in most. Now prices in those once overheated markets are collapsing at breakneck speed, turning homeowners’ euphoria into angst.
But in the majority of markets, homes continue to be appraised and sell at values as high or higher than before.
That analysis is not much consolation, I know, to the thousands of local homeowners who have been waiting months to sell their homes for what they believe they are worth. But nearly two years into the housing slump, it’s hard to ignore a pattern that’s held up throughout.
The worsening economy may yet drag down the local housing market as well, as one prominent research firm, Moody’s Economy.com, now predicts.
As far as the popping bubble itself is concerned, Nashville and Tennessee appear to to have been spared.
Franklin Theatre restoration update
Lots of gold still needed to light up silver screen
The Tennessean• May 21, 2008
FRANKLIN — With a gift of $1 million waiting in the wings and the potential for even more on the way, representatives of Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County say renovation of Franklin Theatre might be under way later this year.
To be sure, formidable challenges remain before the 70-year-old Main Street cinema can be reopened — namely, raising between $4 million and $6 million just to retrofit the now-empty building into a modern, state-of-the-art performance space. Even more would be needed to pay for operations once work is completed.
Despite the challenges, Franklin's top elected and business leaders are lining up to support a project that's drawn architectural firms' interest and remains a popular local cause though a movie hasn't played on its old screens since 2007.
"People come by and stop every day, (saying) 'When's the next movie starting?' " said Marty Ozburn, a local general contractor overseeing the theater's interior demolition. "We're getting a lot of response."
The Heritage Foundation bought the building with the intent to renovate it into a multi-use performance theater. The extent of any restoration, however, is intertwined with how much money can be raised.
"There is so much you could . . . bring to this project and the more money you have, the more you can bring to it," the foundation's executive director, Mary Pearce, said. "We want to make sure that money is spent wisely."
If all goes smoothly, Ozburn estimates that designing and renovating the building would take about year. That would mean a new Franklin Theatre could open in the early summer of 2009.
As it stands, the Heritage Foundation has about $3.2 million on hand for Franklin Theatre expenses, said President David Garrett, who made the announcement last week during the foundation's annual preservation awards ceremony.
Thus far, the project's biggest supporters include former Dollar General CEO Cal Turner and a volunteer at the foundation who answers phones in the office.
Turner made a million-dollar challenge to find a matching gift to support the project. That taker was volunteer Emily Magid, 61, who can be found answering phones and doing other volunteer work at the foundation's office each week.
Magid agreed to forgive the million-dollar loan she made anonymously last year that allowed the foundation to purchase the 70-year-old Franklin Cinema.
"I'm really delighted to have the opportunity to give back to this community," Magid said after the meeting. "I've only provided the foundation on which they could begin the reconstruction of something that seemed to be a beloved part of their lives."
She described herself as someone who prefers the focus stay on the theater and the community and not on her own work. "I'm just a harmonious bagwoman with jewelry," Magid said.
Meantime, Mayor John Schroer, one of the project's earliest supporters, is meeting with Nissan Motor Co. officials to help the effort as well.
"I'm asking for a lot of money," Schroer said of Nissan. "I asked them for a sizable contribution. . . . If Nissan does what I've asked them to, they won't need to go to anyone else."
Julie Lawless, a Nissan spokeswoman, confirmed the discussions and said Schroer's proposal is still being evaluated.
Said Schroer: "So far, they haven't said no."
Schroer called renovating the project "one of the most important in downtown Franklin." But the mayor does not want Franklin taxpayers to cover the project's cost through a contribution from the city.
"If the city's going to put money in it, the city's going to want to have control over it," Schroer said. "I don't think the city should have any control over what goes on in that theater."
Architects vie for project
Even as the money is being raised, foundation officials still must decide which architecture firm will oversee the project.
Three firms — Hastings Architecture Associates LLC, Street Dixon Rick Architecture and Studio 8 Design — made pitches of rough, conceptual plans and presentations of their credentials.
None of the firms' presentations offered specific details about the building's final appearance yet. An announcement about which firm will get approval from the foundation will likely be made this week.
"We feel it is right up our alley," Street Dixon Rick architect Baird Dixon said. "We think this is a project that only enhances the community." His firm envisions dining tables on a restored balcony inside the theater as well as an elevator and a cafe area.
However, all three firms stressed taking cues for the theater's final renovation from public input.
Matt Taylor, an architect with Studio 8, noted his firm would incorporate "a big public process effort."
Architect William Hastings called the public presentations "a very healthy first step of any great community project."
More donations welcome
The Heritage Foundation and the Downtown Franklin Association are continuing with their Franklin Theatre fundraising efforts but face an unexpected phenomenon.
"Our serious problem right now is that people think it's done. We've made incredible progress, but we don't have everything yet. And we're seeking those funds from many sources," said Nancy Williams, director of the Downtown Franklin Association.
While Magid is forgiving the loan used to buy the building, the cost of renovating and operating the facility and the theater's costs continue to grow.
"We need to do just about everything, from paying utility bills to the architects," Williams said. "And the smallest to the largest amount in donations are welcome."
The Tennessean• May 21, 2008
FRANKLIN — With a gift of $1 million waiting in the wings and the potential for even more on the way, representatives of Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County say renovation of Franklin Theatre might be under way later this year.
To be sure, formidable challenges remain before the 70-year-old Main Street cinema can be reopened — namely, raising between $4 million and $6 million just to retrofit the now-empty building into a modern, state-of-the-art performance space. Even more would be needed to pay for operations once work is completed.
Despite the challenges, Franklin's top elected and business leaders are lining up to support a project that's drawn architectural firms' interest and remains a popular local cause though a movie hasn't played on its old screens since 2007.
"People come by and stop every day, (saying) 'When's the next movie starting?' " said Marty Ozburn, a local general contractor overseeing the theater's interior demolition. "We're getting a lot of response."
The Heritage Foundation bought the building with the intent to renovate it into a multi-use performance theater. The extent of any restoration, however, is intertwined with how much money can be raised.
"There is so much you could . . . bring to this project and the more money you have, the more you can bring to it," the foundation's executive director, Mary Pearce, said. "We want to make sure that money is spent wisely."
If all goes smoothly, Ozburn estimates that designing and renovating the building would take about year. That would mean a new Franklin Theatre could open in the early summer of 2009.
As it stands, the Heritage Foundation has about $3.2 million on hand for Franklin Theatre expenses, said President David Garrett, who made the announcement last week during the foundation's annual preservation awards ceremony.
Thus far, the project's biggest supporters include former Dollar General CEO Cal Turner and a volunteer at the foundation who answers phones in the office.
Turner made a million-dollar challenge to find a matching gift to support the project. That taker was volunteer Emily Magid, 61, who can be found answering phones and doing other volunteer work at the foundation's office each week.
Magid agreed to forgive the million-dollar loan she made anonymously last year that allowed the foundation to purchase the 70-year-old Franklin Cinema.
"I'm really delighted to have the opportunity to give back to this community," Magid said after the meeting. "I've only provided the foundation on which they could begin the reconstruction of something that seemed to be a beloved part of their lives."
She described herself as someone who prefers the focus stay on the theater and the community and not on her own work. "I'm just a harmonious bagwoman with jewelry," Magid said.
Meantime, Mayor John Schroer, one of the project's earliest supporters, is meeting with Nissan Motor Co. officials to help the effort as well.
"I'm asking for a lot of money," Schroer said of Nissan. "I asked them for a sizable contribution. . . . If Nissan does what I've asked them to, they won't need to go to anyone else."
Julie Lawless, a Nissan spokeswoman, confirmed the discussions and said Schroer's proposal is still being evaluated.
Said Schroer: "So far, they haven't said no."
Schroer called renovating the project "one of the most important in downtown Franklin." But the mayor does not want Franklin taxpayers to cover the project's cost through a contribution from the city.
"If the city's going to put money in it, the city's going to want to have control over it," Schroer said. "I don't think the city should have any control over what goes on in that theater."
Architects vie for project
Even as the money is being raised, foundation officials still must decide which architecture firm will oversee the project.
Three firms — Hastings Architecture Associates LLC, Street Dixon Rick Architecture and Studio 8 Design — made pitches of rough, conceptual plans and presentations of their credentials.
None of the firms' presentations offered specific details about the building's final appearance yet. An announcement about which firm will get approval from the foundation will likely be made this week.
"We feel it is right up our alley," Street Dixon Rick architect Baird Dixon said. "We think this is a project that only enhances the community." His firm envisions dining tables on a restored balcony inside the theater as well as an elevator and a cafe area.
However, all three firms stressed taking cues for the theater's final renovation from public input.
Matt Taylor, an architect with Studio 8, noted his firm would incorporate "a big public process effort."
Architect William Hastings called the public presentations "a very healthy first step of any great community project."
More donations welcome
The Heritage Foundation and the Downtown Franklin Association are continuing with their Franklin Theatre fundraising efforts but face an unexpected phenomenon.
"Our serious problem right now is that people think it's done. We've made incredible progress, but we don't have everything yet. And we're seeking those funds from many sources," said Nancy Williams, director of the Downtown Franklin Association.
While Magid is forgiving the loan used to buy the building, the cost of renovating and operating the facility and the theater's costs continue to grow.
"We need to do just about everything, from paying utility bills to the architects," Williams said. "And the smallest to the largest amount in donations are welcome."
Nissan Americas Headquarters near completion
Nissan's name lights up Cool Springs skyline
With headquarters near completion, move-in starts July 7
The Tennessean• May 22, 2008
FRANKLIN — Finishing touches are being added to the 10-story Nissan Americas building in Cool Springs, with the first wave of employees scheduled to move in on July 7.
On Tuesday, the letters N-I-S-S-A-N appeared on the building's west side, which faces Interstate 65. The same 8-foot-tall red letters, which will glow at night, were erected Wednesday on the east side. It's a sign that this $100 million project is close to completion.
"Seeing the Nissan sign go up on the building is a big milestone," said Rob Traynham, director of nonmanufacturing facilities for the automaker. "It means we're one step closer to moving in and calling this world-class facility our home.
"Of course, we still have a few months to go, but we're coming into the home stretch. With a tremendous amount of help from our building partner, SKANSKA USA, and architectural partner, Gresham Smith and Partners, this project has moved along smoothly and we're excited to see our name proudly displayed."
Groups of employees will be moved into the building through August, until about 1,500 people occupy workspaces. Traynham said the second, third and fourth floors are close to completion. Furniture installation began May 1 and will continue through July. Crews are putting in wiring for communications and computer systems, and painting is in progress. An underground car salon, which will display Nissan's newest car models, is nearly completed, and flooring material in the three-story lobby is being installed.
The 460,000-square-foot building will include video conferencing centers, a cafeteria, coffee shop and merchandise store. A 10,000-square-foot fitness center in the building and the 1,135-space parking garage are finished. A covered walkway from the parking garage to the building is nearly completed. Grass and landscaping have been added.
Nissan officials said animals already have taken residence in a 2.5-acre wetland area the company restored.
"The plants are turning green, and we're seeing everything from geese to deer and frogs visit," Traynham said.
With headquarters near completion, move-in starts July 7
The Tennessean• May 22, 2008
FRANKLIN — Finishing touches are being added to the 10-story Nissan Americas building in Cool Springs, with the first wave of employees scheduled to move in on July 7.
On Tuesday, the letters N-I-S-S-A-N appeared on the building's west side, which faces Interstate 65. The same 8-foot-tall red letters, which will glow at night, were erected Wednesday on the east side. It's a sign that this $100 million project is close to completion.
"Seeing the Nissan sign go up on the building is a big milestone," said Rob Traynham, director of nonmanufacturing facilities for the automaker. "It means we're one step closer to moving in and calling this world-class facility our home.
"Of course, we still have a few months to go, but we're coming into the home stretch. With a tremendous amount of help from our building partner, SKANSKA USA, and architectural partner, Gresham Smith and Partners, this project has moved along smoothly and we're excited to see our name proudly displayed."
Groups of employees will be moved into the building through August, until about 1,500 people occupy workspaces. Traynham said the second, third and fourth floors are close to completion. Furniture installation began May 1 and will continue through July. Crews are putting in wiring for communications and computer systems, and painting is in progress. An underground car salon, which will display Nissan's newest car models, is nearly completed, and flooring material in the three-story lobby is being installed.
The 460,000-square-foot building will include video conferencing centers, a cafeteria, coffee shop and merchandise store. A 10,000-square-foot fitness center in the building and the 1,135-space parking garage are finished. A covered walkway from the parking garage to the building is nearly completed. Grass and landscaping have been added.
Nissan officials said animals already have taken residence in a 2.5-acre wetland area the company restored.
"The plants are turning green, and we're seeing everything from geese to deer and frogs visit," Traynham said.
May 21, 2008
Hidden Creek Community in Gallatin will bring a college plus jobs
Hidden Creek Community to get development boom
The Tennessean• May 21, 2008
The Hidden Creek Community, a commercial and residential development on Big Station Camp Boulevard, will not only bring a new four-year college to Gallatin, it will create at least 400 jobs, according to developer Dan Downs.
The planning commission’s approval Monday of the development was the final consent Free Will Baptist Bible College needed to finalize the land deal to move its campus to the Station Camp area.According to Downs, the project will also feature a new Publix grocery store, retail shopping spaces, restaurants and a Walgreens, creating hundreds of new jobs in Sumner.“It is estimated that some 400 jobs will be created by the Publix Center on Big Station Camp Boulevard,” he said. “This does not consider the additional jobs that will be created by the college and the rest of the Hidden Creek community.”According to Clay Walker, executive director for Gallatin’s Economic Development Agency, Free Will Baptist Bible College’s decision to move its campus here brings new jobs to the area. Walker said he couldn’t say how many jobs the commercial area of the development would generate.“I certainly wouldn’t dispute those numbers. I know in our recruitment of Free Will that the project alone has the promise of three-digit employment numbers,” he said. “Free Will’s benefit is not only in job creation, it’s in the enhancement it brings. Any job created is an important job.”The revenues generated from commercial establishments like Hidden Creek help local governments balance the books without placing undue burden on the taxpayers, Downs said.“The Hidden Creek community will generate millions of dollars annually to Gallatin and the county from sales tax dollars and property taxes,” he said. “We all know that retail and commercial development makes the city money while residential development places a burden on city funds and services, which is not recouped from the tax dollars contributed by homeowners.“Communities like this are what every county and municipality are trying to create through their comprehensive plans and transportation plans. “It is a place where people can live, educate their children, work, shop, worship and recreate all in the immediate area without the use of an automobile. “The achievement of this type of community has long been the goal of insightful planners and has now become a necessity given the ever-increasing cost of fuel and the impact it is having on every budget and the overall economy.”Planning commissioners approved the rezoning of two separate tracts making up a total of 51.26 acres on the western side of Big Station Camp Boulevard. The growth-and-development advisory board had previously approved 408 acres on the northeast side of that road.According to city records, Hidden Creek will be constructed in three phases with the first phase consisting of the college and four areas of retail development. Future phases show the college’s growth plans.Free Will has on the drawing board plans for a natatorium, which is an indoor pool facility, and spaces where pre-kindergarten programs would be held. There is no estimated timetable for construction of these future plans, according to Col. Mark Johnson, the college’s full-time relocation consultant.“It would also be a teaching opportunity. We require our teaching-education majors to be partly in the public schools and partly in private schools. That’s one reason we think it would be a good addition,” Johnson said.Construction is slated to begin on the first phase of the Hidden Creek Community in 2010, with the second phase beginning in 2014 and construction on the final phase on track for a 2017 completion.
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The Tennessean• May 21, 2008
The Hidden Creek Community, a commercial and residential development on Big Station Camp Boulevard, will not only bring a new four-year college to Gallatin, it will create at least 400 jobs, according to developer Dan Downs.
The planning commission’s approval Monday of the development was the final consent Free Will Baptist Bible College needed to finalize the land deal to move its campus to the Station Camp area.According to Downs, the project will also feature a new Publix grocery store, retail shopping spaces, restaurants and a Walgreens, creating hundreds of new jobs in Sumner.“It is estimated that some 400 jobs will be created by the Publix Center on Big Station Camp Boulevard,” he said. “This does not consider the additional jobs that will be created by the college and the rest of the Hidden Creek community.”According to Clay Walker, executive director for Gallatin’s Economic Development Agency, Free Will Baptist Bible College’s decision to move its campus here brings new jobs to the area. Walker said he couldn’t say how many jobs the commercial area of the development would generate.“I certainly wouldn’t dispute those numbers. I know in our recruitment of Free Will that the project alone has the promise of three-digit employment numbers,” he said. “Free Will’s benefit is not only in job creation, it’s in the enhancement it brings. Any job created is an important job.”The revenues generated from commercial establishments like Hidden Creek help local governments balance the books without placing undue burden on the taxpayers, Downs said.“The Hidden Creek community will generate millions of dollars annually to Gallatin and the county from sales tax dollars and property taxes,” he said. “We all know that retail and commercial development makes the city money while residential development places a burden on city funds and services, which is not recouped from the tax dollars contributed by homeowners.“Communities like this are what every county and municipality are trying to create through their comprehensive plans and transportation plans. “It is a place where people can live, educate their children, work, shop, worship and recreate all in the immediate area without the use of an automobile. “The achievement of this type of community has long been the goal of insightful planners and has now become a necessity given the ever-increasing cost of fuel and the impact it is having on every budget and the overall economy.”Planning commissioners approved the rezoning of two separate tracts making up a total of 51.26 acres on the western side of Big Station Camp Boulevard. The growth-and-development advisory board had previously approved 408 acres on the northeast side of that road.According to city records, Hidden Creek will be constructed in three phases with the first phase consisting of the college and four areas of retail development. Future phases show the college’s growth plans.Free Will has on the drawing board plans for a natatorium, which is an indoor pool facility, and spaces where pre-kindergarten programs would be held. There is no estimated timetable for construction of these future plans, according to Col. Mark Johnson, the college’s full-time relocation consultant.“It would also be a teaching opportunity. We require our teaching-education majors to be partly in the public schools and partly in private schools. That’s one reason we think it would be a good addition,” Johnson said.Construction is slated to begin on the first phase of the Hidden Creek Community in 2010, with the second phase beginning in 2014 and construction on the final phase on track for a 2017 completion.
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May 20, 2008
Belle Meade Plantation will have a music fundraiser
Songwriter entertainment benefits plantation
The Tennessean, May 21, 2008
The 2008 Carriage House Music Series kicks off today at the Belle Meade Plantation.
All of the proceeds from the fundraiser featuring songwriters will benefit Belle Meade Plantation's preservation and educational outreach programs.
In a partnership with ASCAP, the lineup includes J. Fred Knobloch, "If My Heart Had Wings" (Faith Hill) and "Meanwhile" (George Strait); Tony Haselden, "It Ain't Nothin' " (Keith Whitley) and "Take It Like A Man" (Michelle Wright); Roxie Dean, "Why They Call It Falling" (Lee Ann Womack) and "My Sister" (Reba McEntire); and Dave Turnbull, "Lucky Man" (Montgomery Gentry) and "If Something Should Happen" (Darryl Worley).
The evening will also feature a social hour, with complimentary wine and beer, as well as dinner by Big Guns Catering, which draws its menu from the Bound'ry and South Street.
Tickets are $40 in advance or $45 at the door. There will be another installment of the Carriage House series on Oct. 15.
Tickets for both events are available for $75.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.bellemeadeplantation.com/ or call 356-0501, ext. 40.
The event will be taped to air on Music City Connection: Heroes Behind the Hits (Channel 16), a monthly radio program produced by the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau on XM Satellite Radio.
The Tennessean, May 21, 2008
The 2008 Carriage House Music Series kicks off today at the Belle Meade Plantation.
All of the proceeds from the fundraiser featuring songwriters will benefit Belle Meade Plantation's preservation and educational outreach programs.
In a partnership with ASCAP, the lineup includes J. Fred Knobloch, "If My Heart Had Wings" (Faith Hill) and "Meanwhile" (George Strait); Tony Haselden, "It Ain't Nothin' " (Keith Whitley) and "Take It Like A Man" (Michelle Wright); Roxie Dean, "Why They Call It Falling" (Lee Ann Womack) and "My Sister" (Reba McEntire); and Dave Turnbull, "Lucky Man" (Montgomery Gentry) and "If Something Should Happen" (Darryl Worley).
The evening will also feature a social hour, with complimentary wine and beer, as well as dinner by Big Guns Catering, which draws its menu from the Bound'ry and South Street.
Tickets are $40 in advance or $45 at the door. There will be another installment of the Carriage House series on Oct. 15.
Tickets for both events are available for $75.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.bellemeadeplantation.com/ or call 356-0501, ext. 40.
The event will be taped to air on Music City Connection: Heroes Behind the Hits (Channel 16), a monthly radio program produced by the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau on XM Satellite Radio.
Nolensville is getting ready for big event
Nolensville: Add a new hue to red, white and blue of July 4
The Tennessean, May 21, 2008
Y'all are the best.
Linda Rowland called to let me know that town response to going green and making the town pretty has been great. A few people stepped up to volunteer to help her beautify Nolensville by planting flowers from Tant's Plants in the stone containers around town. "The volunteers helped make it easy work," she says of the job that was finished in a few hours over two days.
The recycling bags at our ballparks are being used well. Rowland says she had three huge bags of plastic bottles from one weekend at the soccer park.
Next goal: a litter-free Fourth of July event. Love it.
Speaking of, remember last year's inaugural Fourth of July celebration here? The Town Events Committee is working on this year's version and is enlisting volunteers. The celebration begins at 5 p.m. at Nolensville Park and closes with fireworks at dark. Volunteers are needed for one-hour shifts to help coordinate parking, pick up trash, assist with kids games and inflatables and do other miscellaneous duties. Organizations may trade volunteer hours for sponsorship. Several local businesses have stepped up to be sponsors. More are always needed. Forms are available at Town Hall and the town Web site, http://www.nolensvilletn.gov/.
Calling FHS Class of '74: Members of Franklin High School's Class of 1974 are working to locate fellow classmates for the 35th-year reunion in summer 2009. Contact Lynda (Farr) Winters at 615-478-3364 or e-mail nolensville@aol.com with your name and current mailing address.
Summer jam: The 29th annual Winters Brothers Band Southern Summer Jam will be June 14 at the family's farm just outside Nolensville. Bring a lawn chair to hear lots of Southern rock, country and blues beginning at 5 p.m. General admission on day of show is $10. Check out http://www.wintersbrothersband.com/.
Festival time: Nolensville First United Methodist Church members are planning their 34th annual lawn festival for 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 21.
A parade through Nolensville ending at the church starts at 10:30. Entrants are welcome. And local businesses are encouraged to sponsor childrens activities.
The Tennessean, May 21, 2008
Y'all are the best.
Linda Rowland called to let me know that town response to going green and making the town pretty has been great. A few people stepped up to volunteer to help her beautify Nolensville by planting flowers from Tant's Plants in the stone containers around town. "The volunteers helped make it easy work," she says of the job that was finished in a few hours over two days.
The recycling bags at our ballparks are being used well. Rowland says she had three huge bags of plastic bottles from one weekend at the soccer park.
Next goal: a litter-free Fourth of July event. Love it.
Speaking of, remember last year's inaugural Fourth of July celebration here? The Town Events Committee is working on this year's version and is enlisting volunteers. The celebration begins at 5 p.m. at Nolensville Park and closes with fireworks at dark. Volunteers are needed for one-hour shifts to help coordinate parking, pick up trash, assist with kids games and inflatables and do other miscellaneous duties. Organizations may trade volunteer hours for sponsorship. Several local businesses have stepped up to be sponsors. More are always needed. Forms are available at Town Hall and the town Web site, http://www.nolensvilletn.gov/.
Calling FHS Class of '74: Members of Franklin High School's Class of 1974 are working to locate fellow classmates for the 35th-year reunion in summer 2009. Contact Lynda (Farr) Winters at 615-478-3364 or e-mail nolensville@aol.com with your name and current mailing address.
Summer jam: The 29th annual Winters Brothers Band Southern Summer Jam will be June 14 at the family's farm just outside Nolensville. Bring a lawn chair to hear lots of Southern rock, country and blues beginning at 5 p.m. General admission on day of show is $10. Check out http://www.wintersbrothersband.com/.
Festival time: Nolensville First United Methodist Church members are planning their 34th annual lawn festival for 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 21.
A parade through Nolensville ending at the church starts at 10:30. Entrants are welcome. And local businesses are encouraged to sponsor childrens activities.
May 19, 2008
Rippavilla Plantation will host 2008 Preservation Conference
City's Historic Commission pleased to be part of preservation conference
The Tennessean• May 7, 2008
The state trust is a membership-based, nonprofit historic preservation education and advocacy organization. It puts out the Ten in Tennessee List, a yearly roster of the state's most endangered historic places.
Five years ago, it created the State Preservation Awards program to acknowledge work done to save historic properties.
The award will be given this year at Rippavilla, which is adjacent to hundreds of acres where the Battle of Spring Hill was fought on Nov. 29, 1864. This land is on the trust's endangered list and is considered one of the 38 most critical sites in the Civil War.
The trust hopes to preserve the land and incorporate it into the National Park Service. It has hired a consultant to look at ways to tie together battlefields and other historic sites for a Civil War heritage trail.
Property owners soughtAlderman Jonathan Duda, who is on the city's new Historic Commission, said the conference fits in well with some of the things the group wants to do. Members are working on an inventory of historic properties and will be soliciting those property owners.
"Some of the sessions are going to be real timely for what we are trying to do," he said.
Duda said he's especially interested in a session about how owners of historic properties may seek tax credits for their efforts.
"They either just don't know about it or (don't) know how they could benefit," he said.
"We need to educate and have available some tools and case studies where they can see it's a viable option for them."
At the conference, guests may pick and choose what sessions and events they attend, which range in cost from $20 for the preservation leadership luncheon to $140 for a membership that includes admission to the opening reception and a gala.
"This is our major fundraiser for the year and provides a major hunk of our survival for the work we do across the state," Brown said.
Learn more about the trust and the upcoming conference at http://www.tennesseepreservationtrust.org/.
The Tennessean• May 7, 2008
The state trust is a membership-based, nonprofit historic preservation education and advocacy organization. It puts out the Ten in Tennessee List, a yearly roster of the state's most endangered historic places.
Five years ago, it created the State Preservation Awards program to acknowledge work done to save historic properties.
The award will be given this year at Rippavilla, which is adjacent to hundreds of acres where the Battle of Spring Hill was fought on Nov. 29, 1864. This land is on the trust's endangered list and is considered one of the 38 most critical sites in the Civil War.
The trust hopes to preserve the land and incorporate it into the National Park Service. It has hired a consultant to look at ways to tie together battlefields and other historic sites for a Civil War heritage trail.
Property owners soughtAlderman Jonathan Duda, who is on the city's new Historic Commission, said the conference fits in well with some of the things the group wants to do. Members are working on an inventory of historic properties and will be soliciting those property owners.
"Some of the sessions are going to be real timely for what we are trying to do," he said.
Duda said he's especially interested in a session about how owners of historic properties may seek tax credits for their efforts.
"They either just don't know about it or (don't) know how they could benefit," he said.
"We need to educate and have available some tools and case studies where they can see it's a viable option for them."
At the conference, guests may pick and choose what sessions and events they attend, which range in cost from $20 for the preservation leadership luncheon to $140 for a membership that includes admission to the opening reception and a gala.
"This is our major fundraiser for the year and provides a major hunk of our survival for the work we do across the state," Brown said.
Learn more about the trust and the upcoming conference at http://www.tennesseepreservationtrust.org/.
The American Dream is still possible
The American Dream of home ownership is still within reach
The Tennessean, May 19, 2008
The Tennessean, May 19, 2008
The radio ads, in English and Spanish, and ads on MTA bus benches will run the entire month of June to coincide with National Homeownership Month.
The Coalition believes that every person should be able to buy a home, and it strives to make opportunities available. Its goal is to allow area teachers, firefighters, police officers and others to purchase homes in the communities in which they work.
The Coalition's efforts have been recognized nationally by the National Association of Realtors and the United States Conference of Mayors. And now, more than ever, its message is vital to our residents and communities.
So if you thought homeownership was only a dream, the Greater Nashville Homeownership Coalition has a message for you: Call 615-780-7000 to hear about programs and assistance available.
Since 2003, the Coalition has been communicating this message to our region, and it has paid off. Thousands of local residents have called this number and heard a message encouraging them to consider the purchase of a home.
Homeownership is not just an individual accomplishment.
We all win when residents put down roots in their community.
The Greater Nashville Homeownership Coalition is a public/private partnership made up of the Greater Nashville Association of Realtors, Regions Mortgage, The Housing Fund, the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency, the Tennessee Housing Development Agency, Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity and the City Paper.
New loan policies for Fannie Mae
Fannie Mae to institute new policy on down payments
Nashville Business Journal, Monday, May 19, 2008
In an effort to help get the housing market back on its feet, Fannie Mae, the largest buyer of U.S. home loans, will begin following a new policy on down-payment requirements for conventional, conforming mortgages that it purchases or guarantees. The change takes effect June 1.
The Washington, D.C.-based company will accept up to 97 percent loan-to-value ratios for conventional, conforming mortgages processed through its automated underwriter system. For loans written outside the system, the maximum loan percentage will be 95 percent.
The down-payment requirements of 3 or 5 percent will apply to loans for single-family, primary residences. Down-payment requirements will vary for other types of occupancy, property and transactions, Fannie Mae said.
"This new down-payment policy reinforces our goal to support successful homeowning, not just homebuying, as we seek to bring liquidity to all communities and help the housing market recover," said Marianne Sullivan, Fannie Mae's senior vice president in charge of single-family credit policy and risk management, in a statement.
The new policy will replace the one that was adopted last December requiring higher down payments in markets where home prices are declining.
Fannie Mae (NYSE: FNM) reported a $2.2 billion loss in the first quarter ending March 31, compared with a $961 million profit a year ago. On a diluted share basis, Fannie Mae lost $2.57 compared earnings of 85 cents a year ago.
The company said it is planning to raise $6 billion in new capital.
Nashville Business Journal, Monday, May 19, 2008
In an effort to help get the housing market back on its feet, Fannie Mae, the largest buyer of U.S. home loans, will begin following a new policy on down-payment requirements for conventional, conforming mortgages that it purchases or guarantees. The change takes effect June 1.
The Washington, D.C.-based company will accept up to 97 percent loan-to-value ratios for conventional, conforming mortgages processed through its automated underwriter system. For loans written outside the system, the maximum loan percentage will be 95 percent.
The down-payment requirements of 3 or 5 percent will apply to loans for single-family, primary residences. Down-payment requirements will vary for other types of occupancy, property and transactions, Fannie Mae said.
"This new down-payment policy reinforces our goal to support successful homeowning, not just homebuying, as we seek to bring liquidity to all communities and help the housing market recover," said Marianne Sullivan, Fannie Mae's senior vice president in charge of single-family credit policy and risk management, in a statement.
The new policy will replace the one that was adopted last December requiring higher down payments in markets where home prices are declining.
Fannie Mae (NYSE: FNM) reported a $2.2 billion loss in the first quarter ending March 31, compared with a $961 million profit a year ago. On a diluted share basis, Fannie Mae lost $2.57 compared earnings of 85 cents a year ago.
The company said it is planning to raise $6 billion in new capital.
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