Wake Forest or Raleigh? Or is it both? Projected annexation....

I lived in Charlotte, NC years ago and I sold real estate there as well. I remember vividly taking buyers out to show them property and one of their main concerns were, "We want to be in the county and not the city." I told them each and every time that the home they were purchasing was "county" at the time but there was no guarantee that would last. Charlotte slowly became synonymous with Mecklenburg County. And, to that end, the line between Rock Hill, SC and Charlotte, NC became VERY vague!

Well, I noticed here in Wake County a similar pattern that started years ago. An article just out points to even more annexation by Raleigh. City lines between Wake Forest and Raleigh are already becoming obscure. There is one light on Capital Blvd where if you stand on one side you are in Raleigh and if you stand on the other side you are in Wake Forest. Parts of Wakefield Plantation are Raleigh and others are Wake Forest. Heck, you can have a physical address of Wake Forest but a mailing address of Raleigh. It all can be very confusing!

They latest projection targets these areas:

"The areas being eyed for ETJ inclusion are as follows:

• 2,079 acres between the Neuse River and Rock Quarry Road along Auburn-Knightdale Road
• 2,058 acres between Mitchell Mill, Watkins and Buffaloe roads
• 975 acres between Louisburg Road and the ETJs of Wake Forest and Rolesville
• 665 acres off Capital Boulevard near the Wakefield Plantation development
• 150 acres off Louisbury Road and Blackley Lake Road
• 73 acres off Old Milburnie Road"
  The above was taken directly from an article that can be read in it's entirety on WRAL.com

So, with this new growth what will happen to the infrastructure? What impact will it have on natural resources such as water? How will this expansion affect the school system? The road infrastructure? Public services?

I will say that Raleigh has done a much better job of handling growth than Charlotte did years ago. While there are the typical growing pains and the "you can't please everyone" syndrome Raleigh seems to be planning much better and taking smaller steps at a time........

Twelve Days of Christmas - Carolina Style! Day 2

Well, folks......here are the pictures from last night! Absolutely gorgeous homes!

Santa's helper? Well, I lay claim to him - the best assistant I ever had!

Enjoy.....

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

So many events, so little time!!!!!

Happy Holidays, everyone!!!

The season is definately upon us - that is blatantly clear as I see the shoppers in the stores (ya'll need to be a little nicer to your fellow shopper!), the jammed parking lots (ya'll need to have a little more patience!), the houses trimmed with lights (yes, there is a Griswald in my neighborhood!) and the reindeer antlers on the cars (okay - that one is kinda cute!).

There are so many events happening in Wake Forest and Raleigh that I thought I would be sure to list a few for you in case you don't have the time to research them yourself! Yes, I know that baking cookies, stringing lights, buying presents and singing Carols (yes, the city is rampant with "Carols" singing....watch for them!) takes time!!

• The Nutcracker - A stunning performance by The Carolina Ballet.
• Wake Forest Farmers' Holiday Market - downtown Wake Forest
• Tinsel Town - Koka Booth Amphitheatre
• North Pole Party - Marbles Kids Museum
• An Evening With Elves - Marbles Kids Museum
• The Raleigh Ringers Holiday Show - Meymandi Concert Hall

Well, those are just a few! Please be sure to click on the links above for more information and ticket information. I hope that you take the time to explore a little more of what Raleigh and the surrounding area has to offer - we are so lucky!!!

Back to baking cookies....

Flour covered shucking......

2007 Raleigh Christmas Parade

Wow - where has this year gone????

The 63rd Annual Raleigh Christmas Parade is happening next weekend! Can you believe it? Unfortunately, my family and I have missed it the last few years but NOT THIS TIME! We can't wait.

The parade starts at 9:30am and lasts about 2.5 fun-filled hours! Check out the link for the parade route......there are still some sponsorship opportunities available! WRAL also has some additional information available!

Holiday shucking.....

Welcome back! Where ya been?????

Hi everyone! It has been quite a while since I have "pinged" you all in an old-fashioned way letting you know that The Pink Oyster has been updated. There are several reasons for that!

• I felt that you all might be getting a little tired of the emails so I was givin' you a break! Dontcha just love me?
• I have been very busy myself! I am, of course, still bloggin' away at The Pink Oyster but I have also been bloggin' away at several other blogs.

Here are some of my other blogs, each with their own distinct flavors and seasonings, that you might want to check out!

• Carolina Dreamin'...Hip City - No Hassles - This blog is geared a little more towards the downtown Raleigh life, things to do in the area and large events happening.
• Luxury Raleigh Homes - Blog with news articles regarding the luxury market, high-end listings, and occassional Open Houses.
• Leesa's Blog / Active Rain - My blog that is geared to basically all things Raleigh. A little heavier on the listings, still fun, and there might be a little double posting between there and here. It's all good.

So, although I may wear many different hats lately and walk in many different shoes I still come home to The Pink Oyster and always will! Hey, isn't there medication or something for the whole different hats and different shoes thing?

I have also been cautiously revamping my website and I have added a website: Luxury Raleigh Homes.

I truely hope that you will take the time to look over the other blogs - hopefully you will find one that feels just right for you! And, as always, please pass me along!

Anyhow, glad your back and don't be a stranger - here for you any time! (As you have always been for me!)

Gratefully shucking.....

World Beer Festival Coming To Raleigh.......

Well, I would know! :)

The World Beer Festival was just recently in Durham, NC and is now scheduled for April, 2008 in RALEIGH! If you missed Durham (I did) DON'T miss Raleigh! Brewmeisters from all over the country and world will be showcasing some of the finest and unique brews available. Check out the link for ticket information (sold out VERY quickly for Durham), list of suds purveyors, and tentative schedule of events! Hope to see you there!

World Beer Festival

Hops and Barley shucking.....

OPEN HOUSE! Last weekend of the 2007 Parade of Homes!

Linville, Raleigh - I cordially invite everyone to visit my open house at 11229 Conley Cove Court on October 13 and October 14 from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

I will be holding this exquisite home open both Saturday the 13th and Sunday the 14th. Come tour one of the most luxurious homes currently on the market! Hope to see you then! Please mention that you saw my OPEN HOUSE mentioned here on The Pink Oyster to be registered to win a free gas card!

Property information

PODCASTS! PODCASTS! GET YOUR PODCASTS HERE!!!!!

Just a reminder! Please visit my podcast page

Raleigh Homes For Sale

for all of the latest podcasts on some of the greatest homes available in the Raleigh area! I will be continuosly adding homes as they are listed and updated as they go under contract. I hope you like the podcasts and if you have any questions or suggestions please feel free to pass them on.

Honestly, who thunk up the whole "podcast" name?

Just some old-fashioned shout-out shucking going on.................

Updates and Information on New Falls of Neuse Projects

I have many clients and friends in Wakefield Plantation that are curious as to the projects surrounding New Falls of Neuse Road. Progress has escalated dramatically over the road extension and that raises a few questions thoughout the neighborhood. I thought I would find as many links as I could to help answer some concerns and curiousity.

Falls of Neuse Corridor Plan

Neuse Detour is Topic of Hearing Today

Residents, Firefighters Worry over Proposed Bridge Detour

Bond Referendums

If you come across any interesting articles or news related to the project please feel free to share!

Just doing a little research shucking......

New Raleigh Link to Share

One of my blog readers was kind enough to share a link with us. Unfortunately, when you click the link it doesn't work. With a little research I was able to find the correct link and I wanted to pass it along. Some great stuff!

Share Your Raleigh

Informative shucking.....

Thanks to Jim Tobin for the link!!!

2007 Parade of Homes right around the corner.....

The 42nd Annual Parade of Homes is about to begin! What an extraordinarily exciting time! Builders will showcase the best of the best! Homes all over Wake County will be on Parade this year and I have been fortunate to preview some of the finest while under construction - simply breathtaking! The builders have pulled out all of the stops this year and the 2007 Parade will prove to be the best so far.

The following link is available to the public for previewing Homes that will be on Parade. Also, be sure to check out the News & Observer for the special Parade of Homes Preview that will be published September 29, 2007.

As always, should you have any questions regarding any of the homes that you see please feel free to contact me. I can help you with directions, builder backgrounds and prior accomplishments, private tours and detailed information!

North Carolina Build.com

Have a GREAT time at the Parade!

Leesa

Awestruck shucking.......

And The Drought Goes On.....

The picture says it all.....the drought continues to worsen. Raleigh City leaders have met and the outcome is grim unless the rain starts to fall. It was announced that Raleigh has only a 4 month supply of water left. One statistic from the article below indicates that "Raleigh's water supply at Falls Lake was at about 42 percent of its capacity......."

Restrictions that have been imposed are helping but without substantial and sustained rainfall to help bring lake levels back up the restrictions could get even tighter.....

Raleigh Water Customers Have 4-Month Supply Left......

Conservatively shucking......

Out with the old, in with the new....

Hhmmm, just a few short weeks ago I had a fantastic couple out with me looking at properties. They were from the Chicago area. At one point, the wife spoke up and asked if Raleigh was following the current trend of tearing down old homes to build new which was the case in her father's neighborhood in Illinois area. I answered no and that I was very proud of how Raleigh is big into protecting and preserving older neighborhoods and that it wasn't very common here. Shortly after that there was an article in the News and Observer to quite the contrary. I was quick to email that link to them and let them know that I mis-spoke. Well, several weeks later there is yet another article regarding "infill". Apparently it wasn't enough for me to say I was srong - now I have to admit that I was REALLY wrong.....hey, I can do that!

588 New Homes Replace Teardowns...

Humble shucking.........




Workers intentionally drop three trees on top of a house being demolished to make way for a larger house.
Staff photo by Chris Seward

In line at 2am? This isn't for the latest book release!!!

Everyone has been so concerned with how growth has affected the school system (and, rightfully so) that we seemed to have overlooked another group. Those that aren't quite in school yet. Daycares and pre-schools are overflowing and more are needed - NOW! Remember when you use to sleep out in front of a concert venue to get in first or stand in line at the bookstore in the wee hours of the morning to get the latest Harry Potter? Well, join the long list of parents that are going to drastic measure to be sure that their children get into a daycare/preschool.

Growth Puts Squeeze on Wake County Preschools......

If you would like more information on Wake County Public Schools please let me know and I will be happy to provide internet links and/or phone numbers for local resources.

Raleigh's "Green" efforts pay-off!!!!

"Raleigh has the potential with some of the initiatives it has undertaken and some it's developing to become the most green community in the Southeast," said Tom Jensen, who oversees the Cool Cities program for the N.C. Sierra Club, on Wednesday.

Fabulous quote from a great article highlighting Raleigh's efforts to combat global-warming.......Click on the link for the full article. Also, take a look at the articles sidebar - among the other cities is Wake Forest and Hillsborough for 2007!

Raleigh Called Cool In Fight Against Warming

Eco-friendly shucking....

Don't Stand So Close To Me....

It's a tight fit! Here is an article out just today regarding the enrollment numbers for Wake County Public Schools. Wow - according to the article we have moved into the 19th spot for the Biggest U.S. district....More students just keep on coming.

Wake Adds More Than 5,600 New Students

One thing that I have noticed that "new-comers" are not aware of is that Wake County Public Schools encompass ALL schools. Wake County is not broken up into districts. If the school is in Apex - it is Wake County, Raleigh - Wake County, Wake Forest - Wake County. It can be a bit confusing for people looking to potentially move to the area. If you have questions regarding the school district and how it is made up I can certainly help you with links and useful information - just let me know!

Ever-expanding shucking.....

Please file this under "You Gotta Be Kiddin' Me!"

Honestly, I have read some really stupid items in the papers and I have heard some really bad stories (and good, to be fair) about Homeowners Associations but this pretty much tops them all! I have read the story 4 times now to be sure that I read it correctly. Again, for those of you that are not local - we are in a SERIOUS DROUGHT! It is just PITIFUL to drive by the lake and see the level. The City of Raleigh and surrounding towns (including Wake Forest) are doing their best to place restrictions on homeowners and businesses to help preserve the little water that we do have left. Then, some arrogant, self-indulgent, affected, and imperious HOA Board from left field, decides on this. If said HOA Board reads my blog, feel free to contact me.....how pompous can you be? Seriously? You are going to use "my" water to serve your selfish needs? Exactly what purpose are you trying to serve? Should I live in your community I would welcome your directives and then turn around and sue you for MY fines from the city and sue you to have MY water turned back on. With this being published in the paper and your names out there I would be very worried about the little white trucks with the City emblem on them driving by your house. Puhleeze.....

Pink Oyster faithfuls.......read on and you decide! I, obviously, have made my decision.

Grass Must Be Green, HOA Decrees....

Uugghh.......incredulous shucking.....

Wake Forest goes for the 'Cool Green'.....

Excellent! Wake Forest has just joined the growing list of cities that are considered "Cool Cities". Check out the article hot off the presses from The Daily Tarheel. As a resident of Wake Forest I can certainly say that the Urban Foresty Advisory Board and the Greenway Advisory Board are donig a fantastic job! Kudos to Wake Forest!

"Cool Cities" Pledge to Reduce Emissions.......

Environmentally green shucking.....

History Prevails.....

For those of you not familiar with Wake Forest let me give you my view point. It is a wonderful "small" town that is quickly being consumed from the ever-expanding Raleigh. There is a wonderful historic downtown area and the birthplace of Wake Forest University is here. I can't tell you the number of times that I have run into people (out-of-towners) looking for directions to get to the University. The reply is always an abridged version of how Wake Forest University was originally Wake Forest college and was founded in 1834. In 1956 the college was relocated to Winston-Salem and thus became Wake Forest University. Anyhow, Wake Forest retains much of it's charm and has many historic residences and buildings. Sadly, as with any small town progression, little by little the historic charm is fading away. Committees, such as the DRC (Downtown Revitalization Corporation) are moving swiftly to put into place a plan that will preserve, maintain and foster many of the historic attractions in the area and I must say, they are doing a great job! Following is an article that came from WRAL.com regarding one of the historic homes that is being saved.........HOW WONDERFUL!

Preservationists Save Historic Wake Forest House

If you are interested in preserving historic homes and sites please let me know. I served on the Capital Area Preservation Committee and am also a member of National Trust for Historic Preservation. I would be happy to supply you with any information that you would like.

Old time shucking.......

No more water under the bridge.....

For those of you local this certainly isn't news....however, if you are in another part of the country let me just say that we are experiencing a serious drought! If anyone knows a bonafide rain-dance please pass it on. Not only are we lacking rain but the heat has become unbearable. Yesterday set an new all-time high in the Raleigh-Durham area with a temperature of 105 degrees.

The City of Raleigh held a meeting yesterday to discuss the current water restrictions that we are under and the following link will take you to the new restrictions that are to take effect August 28. Please take heed! Fines are hefty and we need to conserve.

Raleigh Water Rules To Get Stricter

Water-conserving shucking...