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The city council voted to pursue a federally funded study that would examine the posibility of extending the light-rail to Chesapeake.

The starter light rail is currently under construction in Norfolk and will extend 7.4 miles. There is also a study underway that will determine the outcome of extending the light-rail to Norfolk Naval Base and Virginia Beach. 

For more details please read the article from the Virginian Pilot. http://hamptonroads.com/2009/11/chesapeake-seeks-study-joining-lightrail-line

The holidays are practically here already! If you are looking for fun things to do this season, here are a few recommendations:

- The Grand Illumination Parade Saturday, November 22, 2009

-MacArthur on Ice

- Holiday Lights at the Beach

- Holiday Treet Lighting

And many more! For additional information please read this article from the Virginian Pilot Online http://hamptonroads.com/2009/11/holiday-spectacles-around-hampton-roads

It’s going to be a great Holiday season!

The first time home buyer tax credit has been extended until April 30, 2010 for buyers purchasing a principal residence and has been expanded to “move up” buyers (existing home owners). These are some of the conditions for sales occurring after November 6, 2009:

• $6,500 tax credit for existing home owners who qualify
• $8,000 tax credit for first time buyers
• $125,000 income limit for single taxpayers and $225,000 income limit for married taxpayers filing jointly

For additional information about the tax credit please visit the Federal Housing Tax Credit Website here, or please feel free to contact me by email or phone.  I look forward to helping you find your dream home in Norfolk, Virginia!

If you’re looking for something to do for Halloween weekend, there are plenty of options! The Masquerade in Ghent Halloween  block party starts at 5:00 p.m. today at 20th and Manteo Street.

If you’re up for something spookier you could try the Portsmouth Ghost Walk. The Ghost Walk is one night only (tonight!) and is $10 per person.

Check out this link to Halloween Happenings page from Hamptonroads.com  

Have a happy & safe Halloween!

Many city dwelling dog owners face the issue of not having enough space for their dogs to run and get adequate exercise. I know my three dogs love going to the dog park because they can run and play without a leash. 

It is hard to find an open space that doesn’t conflict with people, buildings, or cars. Thankfully residents in Norfolk are addressing this issue and are partnering with the City to create parks that protect dogs and allow them to have fun, too. There are currently 13 dog parks in Norfolk, 4 of the parks are fenced including the Bea Arthur Dog Park , located at PETA headquarters.

Here is a map of all of the dog parks in the area. There is nothing better than watching your dog run free- ears and tail flying!

Dog Parks Locations: Recreation, Parks and Open Space - City …

The 2009 Stockley Gardens Fall Arts Festival will also take place this Saturday and Sunday. The festival takes place twice-yearly on the 3rd weekend in May and  the third weekend in October. The event draws 50,0o0 people per year and raises money for Hope House Foundation. Admission is free and there will be an abundance of art, music, friends, and food. It is going to be a busy weekend in Norfolk!

For additional information about the Festival and Hope House Foundation. Please visit this link.

Visit  Town Point Park at the downtown waterfront  this Saturday and Sunday, October 17th & 18th for the 22nd annual Wine Festival . Over 30 wineries will be represented at this event. Wines will be available for tasting and purchasing by the bottle or case. Please visit the Festevents website  for ticket information and other event information.

Picture from previous Wine Festival

A new light rail transit system is being built in Norfolk and should be completed by 2010. Sure, the roads are a bit messy right now, but The Tide will have a great impact on the city.

The Tide will be 7.4 miles long and will include 11 stations from Harbor Park to Newtown Road. The project is a little over 50% complete, and will be finished by 2010. There will be a total of 9 vehicles, each will carry 180 person and will operate from 6am-midnight.

The goals for the light rail system are  to enhance the redevelopment of the city of Norfolk, improve access and reliability of public transportation, and link residential, educational, employment and other activity centers. It also offers an “Eco-friendly” option for transportation.

Here are a few pictures of the construction. If you want to learn more about The Tide visit www.ridethetide.com

Aritcle courtesy of www.npsk12.com

This summer, NEWSWEEK, released its list of Top Public High Schools in the nation and two of Norfolk’s schools made the cut. Maury and Granby high schools were among the top ranked 1,500 schools. There were no schools from Chesapeake, Suffolk, or Portsmouth on the list.

According to NEWSWEEK, the public schools are ranked according to a ratio of the number of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and/or Cambridge tests taken by all students at a school in 2008 divided by the number of graduating seniors. All of the school on the list are in the top 6 percent of public schools measured this way.

For the complete article and more information about Norfolk Public Schools, visit this link: http://www.nps.k12.va.us/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1359:two-norfolk-high-schools-rank-in-the-top-1500-in-nation&catid=229:july-2009&Itemid=281

If you’re a first time homebuyer, don’t spend your tax credit before closing! Any activity in your bank account or on you credit report could jeopardize your loan going through. In other words, wait until after closing to make any large purchases (ex: new furniture). For more details on how activity in your bank account could affect your loan- Read the article below from the Wall Street Journal.

http://blogs.wsj.com/developments/2009/09/18/want-the-home-buyer-tax-credit-dont-shop-for-furniture/