2129 Edisto Ave in Riverland Terrace
Showing posts with label homes for sale in James Island. Show all posts
Showing posts with label homes for sale in James Island. Show all posts
Monday, January 28, 2013
Friday, December 31, 2010
Tidal Creek Home in Charleston, SC
Wonderful tidal creek home located in West Ashley. Luxury home builder's personal home, all the little extras you could dream off
For Sale: 3BR/3+1BA Single Family House in Charleston, SC, $710,600
For Sale: 3BR/3+1BA Single Family House in Charleston, SC, $710,600
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
Parkway would complete I-526
DOT unveils plan for low-speed 4-lane with bike access
By Diane Knich
The Post and Courier
Thursday, July 29, 2010
The completion of Interstate 526 from West Ashley to Johns Island and the James Island connector likely will be a low-speed, four-lane parkway that includes a path for bicycles and pedestrians, according to the S.C. Department of Transportation.
But transportation officials said the proposal is not final and could be modified after the agency gathers input from the public.
The Transportation Department released its preferred route Wednesday at a meeting in Charleston County Council Chambers. The proposed "parkway" extends from the end of I-526 at U.S. Highway 17 in West Ashley, across the Stono River to Johns Island and James Island, where it ties in to the James Island connector at Folly Road. The road would have speed limits between 35 and 45 mph, and most sections would have a planted median. The plan includes two 65-foot-tall bridges over the Stono River.
In 2009, the Transportation Department presented to the public six alternative routes for finishing I-526. The preferred alternative presented Wednesday is a hybrid of two of those proposals, project manager David Kinard said. "It's a lot different than anything we've proposed before," he said.
Kinard said the proposed parkway would cost about $489 million, which is lower than any of the other "reasonable" alternatives. There is $420 million from the State Infrastructure Bank available for the project, he said, and he didn't know yet where the Transportation Department would get the additional money.
The S.C. Department of Transportation's recommended preferred alternative for the completion of Interstate 526 includes:
--A four-lane parkway with a 15-foot, center median.
--Posted speed limits between 35 and 45 mph.
--A multi-use path along the entire length to accommodate bikes and pedestrians.
--Connection to James Island County Park and the West Ashley Greenway.
--Two connector roads onto Johns Island.
--The lowest cost of the seven reasonable alternatives at $489 million.
Public officials and citizen groups already were beginning to weigh in on the proposal Wednesday afternoon. Charleston Mayor Joe Riley and a consultant to the town of Kiawah Island were pleased with the plan, while the Coastal Conservation League and James Island Mayor Mary Clark came out against it.
Riley said he's "extremely happy with the wonderful solution. It's a quieter, more appropriately scaled road." Riley also said he was impressed with the bike and pedestrian path.
Paul Roberts, former chairman of the Kiawah Island Community Association and a consultant on road issues to the town of Kiawah Island, said "it's wonderful to see this thing is still alive."
Roberts said the proposal represents "a compromise that might be embraced by a larger number of people."
For people who live on Kiawah and Seabrook islands and parts of Johns Island, it means shorter trips to West Ashley and downtown Charleston, he said.
But not everybody was happy with the proposal.
Josh Martin, the Coastal Conservation League's program director for land use, said his group is opposed to building a new road, and instead would favor making improvements to existing roads to relieve traffic congestion.
He also said he doubted the proposed road would alleviate traffic problems and that drivers would actually drive 35 to 45 mph on "a four-lane highway."
Martin also questioned why the Transportation Department was holding public hearings on Aug. 31 and Sept. 2 at Burke High School on the Charleston peninsula. Most people who would be affected by the new road live in West Ashley or on James and Johns islands, he said.
Kinard said the Transportation Department hopes to have a final plan by the spring of 2011.
Clark, who with Town Council has voted twice to oppose I-526 coming to the island, said the plan to bring the route in as a parkway is a thinly veiled Transportation Department effort to get its project through. "Whether you call it a parkway, an avenue or a boulevard," she said, "it's still intruding across James Island and bringing traffic here."
Ron Barber is a retired teacher who lives in West Ashley near the starting point of the proposed extension. He said he wasn't surprised by the proposal but still opposes the plan.
"I have a Florida room, and I don't like the idea of people driving by and waving at them."
Edward C. Fennell and Melvin Backman contributed to this report. Reach Diane Knich at 937-5491 or dknich@postandcourier.com.
By Diane Knich
The Post and Courier
Thursday, July 29, 2010
The completion of Interstate 526 from West Ashley to Johns Island and the James Island connector likely will be a low-speed, four-lane parkway that includes a path for bicycles and pedestrians, according to the S.C. Department of Transportation.
But transportation officials said the proposal is not final and could be modified after the agency gathers input from the public.
The Transportation Department released its preferred route Wednesday at a meeting in Charleston County Council Chambers. The proposed "parkway" extends from the end of I-526 at U.S. Highway 17 in West Ashley, across the Stono River to Johns Island and James Island, where it ties in to the James Island connector at Folly Road. The road would have speed limits between 35 and 45 mph, and most sections would have a planted median. The plan includes two 65-foot-tall bridges over the Stono River.
In 2009, the Transportation Department presented to the public six alternative routes for finishing I-526. The preferred alternative presented Wednesday is a hybrid of two of those proposals, project manager David Kinard said. "It's a lot different than anything we've proposed before," he said.
Kinard said the proposed parkway would cost about $489 million, which is lower than any of the other "reasonable" alternatives. There is $420 million from the State Infrastructure Bank available for the project, he said, and he didn't know yet where the Transportation Department would get the additional money.
The S.C. Department of Transportation's recommended preferred alternative for the completion of Interstate 526 includes:--A four-lane parkway with a 15-foot, center median.
--Posted speed limits between 35 and 45 mph.
--A multi-use path along the entire length to accommodate bikes and pedestrians.
--Connection to James Island County Park and the West Ashley Greenway.
--Two connector roads onto Johns Island.
--The lowest cost of the seven reasonable alternatives at $489 million.
Public officials and citizen groups already were beginning to weigh in on the proposal Wednesday afternoon. Charleston Mayor Joe Riley and a consultant to the town of Kiawah Island were pleased with the plan, while the Coastal Conservation League and James Island Mayor Mary Clark came out against it.
Riley said he's "extremely happy with the wonderful solution. It's a quieter, more appropriately scaled road." Riley also said he was impressed with the bike and pedestrian path.
Paul Roberts, former chairman of the Kiawah Island Community Association and a consultant on road issues to the town of Kiawah Island, said "it's wonderful to see this thing is still alive."
Roberts said the proposal represents "a compromise that might be embraced by a larger number of people."
For people who live on Kiawah and Seabrook islands and parts of Johns Island, it means shorter trips to West Ashley and downtown Charleston, he said.
But not everybody was happy with the proposal.
Josh Martin, the Coastal Conservation League's program director for land use, said his group is opposed to building a new road, and instead would favor making improvements to existing roads to relieve traffic congestion.
He also said he doubted the proposed road would alleviate traffic problems and that drivers would actually drive 35 to 45 mph on "a four-lane highway."
Martin also questioned why the Transportation Department was holding public hearings on Aug. 31 and Sept. 2 at Burke High School on the Charleston peninsula. Most people who would be affected by the new road live in West Ashley or on James and Johns islands, he said.
Kinard said the Transportation Department hopes to have a final plan by the spring of 2011.
Clark, who with Town Council has voted twice to oppose I-526 coming to the island, said the plan to bring the route in as a parkway is a thinly veiled Transportation Department effort to get its project through. "Whether you call it a parkway, an avenue or a boulevard," she said, "it's still intruding across James Island and bringing traffic here."
Ron Barber is a retired teacher who lives in West Ashley near the starting point of the proposed extension. He said he wasn't surprised by the proposal but still opposes the plan.
"I have a Florida room, and I don't like the idea of people driving by and waving at them."
Edward C. Fennell and Melvin Backman contributed to this report. Reach Diane Knich at 937-5491 or dknich@postandcourier.com.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
21 Things You Should Never Buy New
I saw this post this morning and found #13 very interesting. The writer says to NEVER buy a new home for some very weak reasons. In reality a new home today can offer significant cost savings in the long run over older homes. But good deals are to be had regardless of whether the home is old or new. And lets face it housing doen't really fit in this list.And well I thought the rest of the list was kinda funny as well ...
21 Things You Should Never Buy New
If you're looking to get the most value for your dollar, it would do your wallet good to check out secondhand options. Many used goods still have plenty of life left in them even years after the original purchase, and they're usually resold at a fraction of the retail price, to boot. Here's a list of 21 things that make for a better deal when you buy them used.
1. DVDs and CDs: Used DVDs and CDs will play like new if they were well taken care of. Even if you wind up with a scratched disc and you don't want to bother with a return, there are ways to remove the scratches and make the DVD or CD playable again.
2. Books: You can buy used books at significant discounts from online sellers and brick-and-mortar used book stores. The condition of the books may vary, but they usually range from good to like-new. And of course, check out your local library for free reading material.
3. Video Games: Kids get tired of video games rather quickly. You can easily find used video games from online sellers at sites like Amazon and eBay a few months after the release date. Most video game store outlets will feature a used game shelf, as well. And if you're not the patient type, you can rent or borrow from a friend first to see if it's worth the purchase.
4. Special Occasion and Holiday Clothing: Sometimes you'll need to buy formal clothing for special occasions, such as weddings or prom. Most people will take good care of formal clothing but will only wear it once or twice. Their closet castouts are your savings: Thrift stores, yard sales, online sellers and even some dress shops offer fantastic buys on used formalwear.
5. Jewelry: Depreciation hits hard when you try to sell used jewelry, but as a buyer you can take advantage of the markdown to save a bundle. This is especially true for diamonds, which has ridiculously low resale value. Check out estate sales and reputable pawn shops to find great deals on unique pieces. Even if you decide to resell the jewelry later, the depreciation won't hurt as much.
6. Ikea Furniture: Why bother assembling your own when you can pick it up for free (or nearly free) on Craigslist and Freecycle? Summer is the best time to hunt for Ikea furniture--that's when college students are changing apartments and tossing out their goodies.
7. Games and Toys: How long do games and toys remain your child's favorite before they're left forgotten under the bed or in the closet? You can find used children's toys in great condition at moving sales or on Craigslist, or you can ask your neighbors, friends, and family to trade used toys. Just make sure to give them a good wash before letting junior play.
8. Maternity and Baby Clothes: Compared to everyday outfits that you can wear any time, maternity clothes don't get much wear outside the few months of pregnancy when they fit. The same goes for baby clothes that are quickly outgrown. You'll save a small fortune by purchasing gently used maternity clothes and baby clothes at yard sales and thrift stores. Like children's games and toys, friends and family may have baby or maternity clothing that they'll be happy to let you take off their hands.
9. Musical Instruments: Purchasing new musical instruments for a beginner musician is rarely a good idea. (Are you ready to pay $60 an hour for piano lessons?) For your little dear who wants to learn to play an instrument, you should see how long his or her interest lasts by acquiring a rented or used instrument to practice with first. Unless you're a professional musician or your junior prodigy is seriously committed to music, a brand new instrument may not be the best investment.
10. Pets: If you buy a puppy (or kitty) from a professional breeder or a pet store outlet, it can set you back anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. On top of this, you'll need to anticipate additional fees and vet bills, too. Instead, adopt a pre-owned pet from your local animal shelter and get a new family member, fees, and vaccines at a substantially lower cost.
11. Home Accent: Pieces Home decorating pieces and artwork are rarely handled on a day-to-day basis, so they're generally still in good condition even after being resold multiple times. If you like the worn-out look of some decor pieces, you can be sure you didn't pay extra for something that comes naturally with time. And don't forget, for most of us, discovering a true gem at a garage sale is 90% of the fun!
12. Craft Supplies: If you're into crafting, you probably have a variety of different supplies left over from prior projects. If you require some additional supplies for your upcoming project, then you can join a craft swap where you'll find other crafty people to trade supplies with. If you have leftovers, be sure to donate them to your local schools.
13. Houses: You're typically able to get better and more features for your dollar when you purchase an older home rather than building new. Older houses were often constructed on bigger corner lots, and you also get architectural variety in your neighborhood if the houses were built or remodeled in different eras.
14. Office Furniture: Good office furniture is built to withstand heavy use and handling. Really solid pieces will last a lifetime, long after they're resold the first or second time. A great used desk or file cabinet will work as well as (or better than) a new one, but for a fraction of the cost. With the recession shutting down so many businesses, you can easily find lots of great office furniture deals.
15. Cars: You've probably heard this before: Cars depreciate the second you drive them off of the dealership's lot. In buying a used car, you save money on both the initial cost and the insurance. It also helps to know a trusty mechanic who can check it over first. This way, you'll be aware of any potential problems before you make the purchase.
16. Hand Tools: Simple tools with few moving parts, like hammers, hoes and wrenches, will keep for decades so long as they are well-made to begin with and are well-maintained. These are fairly easy to find at neighborhood yard or garage sales. If you don't need to use hand tools very often, an even better deal is to rent a set of tools or borrow them from a friend.
17. Sports Equipment: Most people buy sports equipment planning to use it until it drops, but this rarely happens. So when sports equipment ends up on the resale market, they tend to still be in excellent condition. Look into buying used sporting gear through Craigslist and at yard sales or sports equipment stores.
18. Consumer Electronics: I know most folks like shiny new toys, but refurbished electronic goods are a much sweeter deal. Consumer electronics are returned to the manufacturer for different reasons, but generally, they'll be inspected for damaged parts, fixed, tested, then resold at a lower price. Just make sure you get a good warranty along with your purchase.
19. Gardening Supplies: This is an easy way for you to save money, and all you need to do is be observant. Take a look outdoors and you'll likely find such gardening supplies as mulch, wood, and even stones for free or vastly reduced prices. Used garden equipment and tools are also common goods at yard sales.
20. Timeshares: Buying timeshares isn't for everyone, but if you decide that it suits your lifestyle, purchasing the property as a resale would be a better deal than buying it brand new: on average, you'll save 67 percent on the price for a comparable new timeshare. If you're new to timeshare ownership, give it a test run first by renting short term.
21. Recreational Items: It's fairly easy to find high ticket recreational items like campers, boats, and jet skis being resold. Oftentimes, they're barely used at all. As long as they're in safe, working condition, they'll make for a better value when purchased used than new.
Lynn Truong is the co-founder and Deals Editor of Wise Bread, a blog dedicated to helping readers live large on a small budget. Wise Bread's book, 10,001 Ways to Live Large on a Small Budget, debuted as the #1 Money Management book on Amazon.com.
1. DVDs and CDs: Used DVDs and CDs will play like new if they were well taken care of. Even if you wind up with a scratched disc and you don't want to bother with a return, there are ways to remove the scratches and make the DVD or CD playable again.
2. Books: You can buy used books at significant discounts from online sellers and brick-and-mortar used book stores. The condition of the books may vary, but they usually range from good to like-new. And of course, check out your local library for free reading material.
3. Video Games: Kids get tired of video games rather quickly. You can easily find used video games from online sellers at sites like Amazon and eBay a few months after the release date. Most video game store outlets will feature a used game shelf, as well. And if you're not the patient type, you can rent or borrow from a friend first to see if it's worth the purchase.
4. Special Occasion and Holiday Clothing: Sometimes you'll need to buy formal clothing for special occasions, such as weddings or prom. Most people will take good care of formal clothing but will only wear it once or twice. Their closet castouts are your savings: Thrift stores, yard sales, online sellers and even some dress shops offer fantastic buys on used formalwear.
5. Jewelry: Depreciation hits hard when you try to sell used jewelry, but as a buyer you can take advantage of the markdown to save a bundle. This is especially true for diamonds, which has ridiculously low resale value. Check out estate sales and reputable pawn shops to find great deals on unique pieces. Even if you decide to resell the jewelry later, the depreciation won't hurt as much.
6. Ikea Furniture: Why bother assembling your own when you can pick it up for free (or nearly free) on Craigslist and Freecycle? Summer is the best time to hunt for Ikea furniture--that's when college students are changing apartments and tossing out their goodies.
7. Games and Toys: How long do games and toys remain your child's favorite before they're left forgotten under the bed or in the closet? You can find used children's toys in great condition at moving sales or on Craigslist, or you can ask your neighbors, friends, and family to trade used toys. Just make sure to give them a good wash before letting junior play.
8. Maternity and Baby Clothes: Compared to everyday outfits that you can wear any time, maternity clothes don't get much wear outside the few months of pregnancy when they fit. The same goes for baby clothes that are quickly outgrown. You'll save a small fortune by purchasing gently used maternity clothes and baby clothes at yard sales and thrift stores. Like children's games and toys, friends and family may have baby or maternity clothing that they'll be happy to let you take off their hands.
9. Musical Instruments: Purchasing new musical instruments for a beginner musician is rarely a good idea. (Are you ready to pay $60 an hour for piano lessons?) For your little dear who wants to learn to play an instrument, you should see how long his or her interest lasts by acquiring a rented or used instrument to practice with first. Unless you're a professional musician or your junior prodigy is seriously committed to music, a brand new instrument may not be the best investment.
10. Pets: If you buy a puppy (or kitty) from a professional breeder or a pet store outlet, it can set you back anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. On top of this, you'll need to anticipate additional fees and vet bills, too. Instead, adopt a pre-owned pet from your local animal shelter and get a new family member, fees, and vaccines at a substantially lower cost.
11. Home Accent: Pieces Home decorating pieces and artwork are rarely handled on a day-to-day basis, so they're generally still in good condition even after being resold multiple times. If you like the worn-out look of some decor pieces, you can be sure you didn't pay extra for something that comes naturally with time. And don't forget, for most of us, discovering a true gem at a garage sale is 90% of the fun!
12. Craft Supplies: If you're into crafting, you probably have a variety of different supplies left over from prior projects. If you require some additional supplies for your upcoming project, then you can join a craft swap where you'll find other crafty people to trade supplies with. If you have leftovers, be sure to donate them to your local schools.
13. Houses: You're typically able to get better and more features for your dollar when you purchase an older home rather than building new. Older houses were often constructed on bigger corner lots, and you also get architectural variety in your neighborhood if the houses were built or remodeled in different eras.
14. Office Furniture: Good office furniture is built to withstand heavy use and handling. Really solid pieces will last a lifetime, long after they're resold the first or second time. A great used desk or file cabinet will work as well as (or better than) a new one, but for a fraction of the cost. With the recession shutting down so many businesses, you can easily find lots of great office furniture deals.
15. Cars: You've probably heard this before: Cars depreciate the second you drive them off of the dealership's lot. In buying a used car, you save money on both the initial cost and the insurance. It also helps to know a trusty mechanic who can check it over first. This way, you'll be aware of any potential problems before you make the purchase.
16. Hand Tools: Simple tools with few moving parts, like hammers, hoes and wrenches, will keep for decades so long as they are well-made to begin with and are well-maintained. These are fairly easy to find at neighborhood yard or garage sales. If you don't need to use hand tools very often, an even better deal is to rent a set of tools or borrow them from a friend.
17. Sports Equipment: Most people buy sports equipment planning to use it until it drops, but this rarely happens. So when sports equipment ends up on the resale market, they tend to still be in excellent condition. Look into buying used sporting gear through Craigslist and at yard sales or sports equipment stores.
18. Consumer Electronics: I know most folks like shiny new toys, but refurbished electronic goods are a much sweeter deal. Consumer electronics are returned to the manufacturer for different reasons, but generally, they'll be inspected for damaged parts, fixed, tested, then resold at a lower price. Just make sure you get a good warranty along with your purchase.
19. Gardening Supplies: This is an easy way for you to save money, and all you need to do is be observant. Take a look outdoors and you'll likely find such gardening supplies as mulch, wood, and even stones for free or vastly reduced prices. Used garden equipment and tools are also common goods at yard sales.
20. Timeshares: Buying timeshares isn't for everyone, but if you decide that it suits your lifestyle, purchasing the property as a resale would be a better deal than buying it brand new: on average, you'll save 67 percent on the price for a comparable new timeshare. If you're new to timeshare ownership, give it a test run first by renting short term.
21. Recreational Items: It's fairly easy to find high ticket recreational items like campers, boats, and jet skis being resold. Oftentimes, they're barely used at all. As long as they're in safe, working condition, they'll make for a better value when purchased used than new.
Lynn Truong is the co-founder and Deals Editor of Wise Bread, a blog dedicated to helping readers live large on a small budget. Wise Bread's book, 10,001 Ways to Live Large on a Small Budget, debuted as the #1 Money Management book on Amazon.com.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
CHARMING JAMES ISLAND HOME ON LAGOON UNDER $300,000!
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Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Tis' the Season in Columbia to Decorate the State House Tree and Impeach the Governor ...
Oh the things we worry about in South Carolina ... As published on Yahoo! this morning.While the legislature worries with such pressing issues as impeaching Gov. Sanford and the residents of South Carolina worry about jobs and unemployeement benefits, those walking by the State House in Columbia worry about the pressing issue of the Christmas Tree.
It wasn’t long after the state Christmas tree was in place in front of the Statehouse in Columbia Monday that Benita Jacobs was walking by as she talked on her cell phone.
“Well, the bottom of it, everything’s coming off, all the green limbs are coming off of it. And it looks kinda shabby looking. Looks like Charlie Brown,“ she said, referring to the cartoon in which Charlie Brown picks a small, pitiful tree with very few branches or needles.
LaTina Morris also complained, shaking her head in disbelief that the tree is so much shorter than in previous years. It’s also missing a lot of branches at the bottom in back and on the sides. “I can’t believe they’re putting that up,“ she said.
It’s not the first time there have been complaints or problems with the state Christmas tree. In 2003, the Columbia Garden Club had just taken over the responsibility of decorating the tree and members wanted it to really sparkle. When a company donated 40,000 CDs, the club used those to decorate the tree.
They did sparkle, catching the sunlight as they spun in the breeze. But the wind also sent some of the CDs flying off the tree and smashing on the sidewalk. So the club pulled them off and redecorated.
The next year, the club wanted to use a South Carolina-grown tree. It found a beautiful one in Horry County, but it was a different kind of tree than what’s normally used. The limbs on this tree grew up instead of out, so when workers cut off the bottom branches so it would fit in the ground, all the greenery around the bottom of the tree was gone. The tree looked butchered, with some calling what happened the “Columbia Chainsaw Massacre”.
So what happened this year? The club had been buying the state tree from North Carolina, but found a less expensive grower in Pennsylvania. There aren’t many places that grow trees large enough, so there aren’t many choices.
They found a suitable tree, but the grower bundled it for shipment the same way he does smaller trees, with netting that surrounds the tree. That broke off some of the branches, leaving the bare spots that passersby were complaining about.
This tree is also shorter than previous ones. The state tree is usually taller than the Confederate Soldier Monument that it stands in front of, but not this year. Jane Suggs, with the Columbia Garden Club, calls it a “recession tree”, since it is smaller and was less expensive.
After the 2004 incident, the Columbia Garden Club brought in smaller trees and placed them around the base of the larger tree. Since they were the same kind of tree, they blended in, filling in the gaps and making the tree look full and symmetrical. They’ll do the same this year.
It should be noted that the Columbia Garden Club and the South Carolina Garden Club pay for the state Christmas tree, not taxpayers. The Columbia Garden Club decorates it, with members volunteering their time and energy. The club also spent $6,000 on an electrical box for the tree’s lights and $1,500 for a new stand that’s built to keep the tree in place in hurricane-force winds.
It wasn’t long after the state Christmas tree was in place in front of the Statehouse in Columbia Monday that Benita Jacobs was walking by as she talked on her cell phone.
“Well, the bottom of it, everything’s coming off, all the green limbs are coming off of it. And it looks kinda shabby looking. Looks like Charlie Brown,“ she said, referring to the cartoon in which Charlie Brown picks a small, pitiful tree with very few branches or needles.
LaTina Morris also complained, shaking her head in disbelief that the tree is so much shorter than in previous years. It’s also missing a lot of branches at the bottom in back and on the sides. “I can’t believe they’re putting that up,“ she said.
It’s not the first time there have been complaints or problems with the state Christmas tree. In 2003, the Columbia Garden Club had just taken over the responsibility of decorating the tree and members wanted it to really sparkle. When a company donated 40,000 CDs, the club used those to decorate the tree.
They did sparkle, catching the sunlight as they spun in the breeze. But the wind also sent some of the CDs flying off the tree and smashing on the sidewalk. So the club pulled them off and redecorated.
The next year, the club wanted to use a South Carolina-grown tree. It found a beautiful one in Horry County, but it was a different kind of tree than what’s normally used. The limbs on this tree grew up instead of out, so when workers cut off the bottom branches so it would fit in the ground, all the greenery around the bottom of the tree was gone. The tree looked butchered, with some calling what happened the “Columbia Chainsaw Massacre”.
So what happened this year? The club had been buying the state tree from North Carolina, but found a less expensive grower in Pennsylvania. There aren’t many places that grow trees large enough, so there aren’t many choices.
They found a suitable tree, but the grower bundled it for shipment the same way he does smaller trees, with netting that surrounds the tree. That broke off some of the branches, leaving the bare spots that passersby were complaining about.
This tree is also shorter than previous ones. The state tree is usually taller than the Confederate Soldier Monument that it stands in front of, but not this year. Jane Suggs, with the Columbia Garden Club, calls it a “recession tree”, since it is smaller and was less expensive.
After the 2004 incident, the Columbia Garden Club brought in smaller trees and placed them around the base of the larger tree. Since they were the same kind of tree, they blended in, filling in the gaps and making the tree look full and symmetrical. They’ll do the same this year.
It should be noted that the Columbia Garden Club and the South Carolina Garden Club pay for the state Christmas tree, not taxpayers. The Columbia Garden Club decorates it, with members volunteering their time and energy. The club also spent $6,000 on an electrical box for the tree’s lights and $1,500 for a new stand that’s built to keep the tree in place in hurricane-force winds.
Friday, November 13, 2009
JAMES ISLAND PRICE ADJUSTMENT
Just reduced on James Island to $380,000.Sellers are also offering a $2,500 towards Buyer's Closing Costs or Decorating Allowance, with acceptable offer. This is a must see on James Island, call today to schedule a private showing!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
TENTATIVE Agreement in Senate on Homebuyer Tax Credit
Homebuyer Credit Gets New LifeKey lawmakers in the Senate have tentatively agreed to extend the existing $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers and also offer a new $6,500 credit for existing homeowners who have lived in their current residence for a consecutive five-year period in the past eight years.
Home buyers must be under contract by April 30, 2010, and close before July 1. House Democrats have expressed concern about the cost of the tax credit for the government, and allegations of abuse have resulted in an IRS probe of the program.
Source: Wall Street Journal, Corey Boles and John D. McKinnon (10/29/09)
© Copyright 2009 Information Inc.
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