Franklin named as destination city

Associated Press • January 13, 2009

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has named Franklin to its 2009 list of America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations.
The preservation also says Franklin "offers a rare blend of small-town southern hospitality and big-city amenities."
It highlights Franklin's downtown historic district, Civil War battlefields and family friendly festivals that attract more than 200,000 visitors annually.The organization's president Richard Moe says the city "has fostered a strong preservation ethic."The list of 10 cities also includes Athens, Ga.; Buffalo, N.Y.; and Santa Barbara, Calif.

Unique points revealed in recent survey by National Association of Realtors

Nashville market welcomes young, first-time buyers

The Tennessean

Current landscapes are changing.
Be it political, economical or social, major changes are occurring all across our nation that affect how we live, work and play. And as we all have seen, that change is also affecting the real estate market. But it's not all necessarily discouraging.
The Greater Nashville Association of Realtors, in cooperation with the National Association of Realtors, recently conducted a survey of people who had bought a home between June 2007 and June 2008 that revealed many specific changes and trends in the national and Nashville-area real estate markets.
From who is buying to how they are searching, there were many unique points revealed.
One of the most interesting facts the study uncovered is that homebuyers in our region, especially first-time buyers, are younger than what is typical nationally.
Additionally, the median household income of homebuyers in Nashville was $70,900 while nationally the median income was $74,900.
It is encouraging that the Greater Nashville area is ahead of the national trend on both fronts: younger people have greater access to buying a home in our area than elsewhere in the nation, and a smaller annual income is required to buy a home.
Thirty-six percent of homebuyers in the Nashville area were also first-time home buyers. This is an exciting statistic — our area is geared for growth!
In Greater Nashville, 90 percent of homebuyers used the Internet to search for their homes. That compares with 87 percent nationally. It's no longer good enough to put a "for sale" sign in your yard and have an open house if you're going to reach today's potential homebuyers. A balanced mix of many available advertising methods — from print to online — is necessary to gain exposure among potential buyers.
In our still-challenging real estate market, it's more important than ever that you consult an expert to make sure you're gaining the greatest exposure for your house, or alternatively taking full advantage of all the benefits and other incentives available to home buyers. And that's what agents are here for.
Just as we all must constantly learn and adapt with change, realty agents are constantly learning to stay on top of the latest trends and adapting to respond to the real estate market to make sure you are able to succeed regardless of your buying or selling goals.
With the new year, many of us often choose to make big changes. Some, like quitting a bad habit or starting positive ones, are not always easy. But buying or selling a home shouldn't be that way. Call a realty agent and enjoy the benefits of working with an expert in today's changing landscape.

A New York style deli comes to the heart Williamson County

Deli brings flavor of Big Apple to Cool Springs
The Tennessean
Even in slower economic times, Cool Springs seems to be a veritable garden where new businesses and eateries spring from the ground. Among the recent growth in the restaurant segment is New York Deli on Carothers Parkway.
Opened six months ago in a strip center, it's not much from the outside. But inside, the restaurant is spotless and filled with aromas of grilled meats and veggies
New York posters and photos adorn the walls, but the best view is of the open kitchen, where cooks produce subs and gyros to order.
Running the cash register is New York native Lucy Isaac, whose family was in the restaurant business, with sub shops in New York, New Jersey, North Carolina and South Carolina.
"I grew up in this business, so it's not new to me, though this is my first restaurant of my own," says Isaac, who is married to a physician who practices in Nashville.
Isaac and her family live in Brentwood; her children attend Woodland Middle School.
The reader board above the cafeteria-esque line lists options in categories of cold subs, hot subs, Greek style gyros, pitas and plates, salad platters, kids' meals and desserts.
Of course New York cheesecake is one of the optional sweet treats.
The sub shop serves Boar's Head meats and cheeses. Greek salads and tabouli are made from scratch by Isaac every day.
"They're family recipes," she says.
One of the big sellers at the restaurant is the Philly steak and cheese, according to the owner. Another is the gyro. Lamb and beef are roasted on site for the Greek dishes.
New York Deli offers carryout and catering; carryout accounts for about 30 percent of all business, according to Isaac.
The prices are a far cry from what you'd find in the Big Apple, with 8-inch subs going for $6.75 and 16-inch versions for $12.95. The 8-inch is ample for most appetites.
The hot subs are just the thing for these cold, gray winter days, and a slice of cheesecake suits, of course, any time of year, as does a fresh Greek salad — add feta, black olives and a few jalapeños for an even richer experience. French fries are cooked to order and come out fresh and hot.
This little deli avoids the rush of New York, but it does offer up New York style deli foods, right here in Cool Springs.

Presentations for Goose Creek development to start

Firms vie for Goose Creek project
The Tennesseean

FRANKLIN – Aldermen will hear presentations Tuesday from three engineering firms vying to be selected to oversee construction of the city’s Goose Creek sewer plant.
Late last year, Mayor John Schroer and city aldermen asked to have the top three design firms make their pitches for the project directly to them.
When completed, the plant will serve thousands of homes and businesses in the Goose Creek area. Officials have discussed making the new plant a "zero discharge" sewer facilitiy. Costs for the project have not been set.
The competing firms are Barge Waggoner Summer & Cannon, Inc., Gresham Smith and Partners, and Camp Dresser & McKee, Inc.
Presentations will begin at 2 p.m. in the City Hall boardroom. Each firm will be allowed 90 minutes for their presentations and to answer questions from aldermen.

Local Home Values Increase Despite Poor Market

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Metro property assessor is about to send out the 2009 property values, and he said it will be a double-digit increase over the last assessment.

The plunging housing market of 2008 will not affect home value reassessment in Davidson County -- the prices are still going up.
Assessor George Rooker Jr. said the last property tax assessment was in 2005, and this property tax assessment tries to figure out what your house is worth on Jan. 1, 2009.
"We believe that the average homeowner will probably see an increase in value of somewhere between 10 and 15 percent," said Rooker.
Rooker said the assessments compared to sales prices are good, and even sinking 2008 is 12 percent above 2005.
"It's a 4-year-old equation, and it's easy to let current circumstances allow us to forget that we had some very, very good years," he said.
But Metro councilman and veteran real estate agent Mike Craddock doesn't see it. He sees houses just not selling anywhere near their assessed value.
"I think they'll go nuts, because I don't see how on earth the assessments can go up," said Craddock.
Craddock said the average home in Nashville in January of 2008 sold for $221,000. One year later, the average home is selling for $196,437 -- down 11.2 percent in one year and still dropping.
Even Rooker realizes there could be trouble, especially with the average home losing value at 1 percent per month.
"People will probably be frustrated when they receive their appraisal," said Rooker.
The office is bracing for appeals. There were a lot of appeals in 2005 because of the rising market.
Your property value will be mailed to you sometime in March. The property tax rate won't be finalized until the summer.

Real Deal: Nashville area still looks ahead with optimism
The Tennessean-January, 7 2009

The title of a book I saw recently caught my eye.
It was Don't Look Back — We're Not Going That Way. There really is some value in reminding ourselves to look forward as we get ready to start 2009.
Looking ahead means that we need to have something to look forward to, and there is the real challenge. Lots of people and organizations seem to be just waiting for something to happen, not really looking forward to anything. They seem to have bought into the negative outlook fostered by media reports, and that is paralyzing their futures.
Others realize that making choices and setting goals gives them an entirely different view of life, no matter their current circumstances. They tend to be more positive and energized because they have purpose.
That outlook is true of the Greater Nashville area. We have a much more optimistic outlook, even with difficult economic circumstances, than many other cities. Why? Because we know we have a strong and vibrant future.
First, from an economic perspective, we are fortunate to have motivated leaders at area chambers of commerce and in the economic development departments of state and local government. Their strategic, focused and energetic efforts are keeping us ahead of other cities and on the right track as a region.
Second, from a leadership perspective, we have elected officials committed to wrestling with — and solving — issues such as education. The better job the government does, the more attractive the region.
Third, from a community perspective, we have much to look forward to, like NFL playoff games, exciting professional hockey, exceptional music of all kinds at world-class venues and much more. And, the world is seeing what we have to offer through extensive media coverage of presidential debates, sports, music and much more.
Finally, from an educational perspective, we have some of the best colleges and universities in the country that are creating our future leaders. Many of them graduate and move on to pursue their careers in other cities, but many, like me, stay in Nashville.
How does this all relate to real estate? It simply makes a strong case that there is no better place to be than here. People want to be here. They want to pursue their dreams here. And that means that the real estate market here, though not immune to national trends, will recover and grow sooner than other locations.
The Greater Nashville Association of Realtors is choosing to look forward to 2009 and will continue doing its part to help make this region even more attractive in the days ahead.

Hendersonville reflects on 2008

2008 marked by growth, goodbyes

Two thousand eight will be remembered for Obama, banks and Batman, but for Hendersonville the year could just as easily be remembered for a retail growth spurt, gas shortages and as the year we said goodbye to two of the city’s most distinguished residents.
Here are the top ten Hendersonville stories in 2008, in no particular order, as chosen by Sumner County Publications staff:

‘Streets’ opens with much fanfare
Consumers craving convenience and a way to keep tax dollars local flocked to the much-anticipated Streets of Indian Lake when the more than 182,307 square feet of new retail space opened its doors in March. The first phase of the retail component of the massive 400-acre Indian Lake Village includes high-end retail and specialty stores, restaurants, a Barnes and Noble Bookstore, and a new 16-screen Regal Cinemas movie theater.The original developers of the property, Continental Real Estate Properties, recently sold The Streets of Indian Lake to the Illinois-based Inland Real Estate Acquisitions, Inc. for a reported $60 million. What effect the nation’s recession will have on the new development remains to be seen. One retailer – a high-end clothier - has already closed its doors since the March opening. The new development brought with it more than a few traffic headaches for motorists; and city officials were put in the hot seat as to why the city hadn’t planned better to handle the influx.
Complete story

Franklin Theatre will be restored! Pledge Goal Achieved

Update: All money pledged for Franklin Theatre restoration

FRANKLIN -- The Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County has matched a $1.5 million challenge grant from the Martin Foundation for the restoration of the Franklin Theatre, the nonprofit preservation organization announced in a press conference today.
The former movie theater on Main Street closed in January 2007. The project restores the 1937 theater as a public performance, movie and meeting venue.

The matching of the challenge grant is part of the $6.5 million goal for the purchase and restoration of the theater.
If all goes as planned, the facility will open in spring 2010, said Heritage Foundation President David Garrett.
The Foundation was able to raise the $1.54 million in about 60 days.

History of Centennial Park

A photo history of Centennial Park

Nissan's Corporate arrival tops in 2008

THE TENNESSEAN • December 31, 2008
FRANKLIN — The iconic red logo over Interstate 65 says it all: Nissan has a home in Franklin.
Back in 2005, the global automaker announced plans to uproot from its longtime home in suburban Los Angeles and move to Franklin.
The move stunned rivals and was heralded by state and local leaders as a sign that once sleepy, history-laden Franklin was ready for the national stage.
The opening in July of the gleaming S-shaped Nissan Americas Building — and the attendant pomp and circumstance — put Nissan at the top of the biggest stories in Franklin and the state in 2008.
The $100 million project is a showpiece of modern, environmentally friendly architecture and proof for state and local leaders that Franklin can attract Fortune 500 brands.
But Nissan wasn't alone. Here's a look at the top stories in Franklin that drew the most attention this year.
New city projects launched
Plans for a new City Hall moved forward this year, and construction continued on the Columbia Avenue police headquarters as well.
Initial public meetings have been held about the designs of a new City Hall, which would be funded through a possible public-private partnership that could eventually reshape downtown with new homes, shops, a restaurant and a hotel.
Meantime, crews continue work on the city's new police headquarters, which has a $26 million construction cost along Columbia Avenue, while the project's total cost is a little more than $36 million.
Finally, crews broke ground — after 16 years of waiting — on $4.3 million in road improvements for Third and Fifth avenues north that will bring new sidewalks as well as underground utilities improvements.
City Hall sees shakeups
The year began with longtime city administrator Jay Johnson and assistant deputy administrator Randy Wetmore leaving the city in the wake of the firing of former solid waste director Joe Williams. Williams later sued the city, alleging his former bosses conspired against him.
The year ended with the appointment of Hamilton County, Ohio, official Eric Stuckey as the city's new city administrator while Schroer reorganized the city's internal structure to combine the city's engineering and planning departments into one division.