Development

Misconceptions about Briar Chapel

May 10, 2008
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Misconceptions about Briar Chapel

The other day, I was talking with somone who wasn't all that thrilled about Briar Chapel. As I listened, it quickly became apparent that they had several misconceptions about the development, which were a result of some of the rumors that were floating around Chatham County during the planning stages.

Here are some facts I shared with them about Briar Chapel, which helped to clear up some of the confusion:
  • developers have preserved more than 50% (900 acres), including steep slopes, stream beds,...

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Briar Chapel Builders Announced

May 6, 2008
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Briar Chapel Builders Announced

Newland Communities has announced that they have selected four area builders to comprise the builder team for Briar Chapel, who will all be required to build sustainable, environmentally responsible homes. The builder team consists of Chatham Builder Guild, LLC; M/I Homes, Inc.; McNeill Burbank; and Vanguard Homes.

I have already met with some of these builders, and am prepared to assist you in choosing one that will best meet your needs. Please contact me today to get started.

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Senior VP of U.S. Green Building Council Visits Briar Chapel

May 5, 2008
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Senior VP of U.S. Green Building Council Visits Briar Chapel

Newland Communities hosted a pre-event opening reception for the Third Annual Green Home Tour, which occurred this past weekend.

Michelle Moore, the senior vice president of the U.S. Green Building Council, was the guest speaker and discussed Newland’s partnership as a founding sponsor of the U.S. Green Building Council’s Green Home Guide.

To learn more about this historic event, please refer to the press release.

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Green Home Tour Starts Tomorrow

May 2, 2008
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Green Home Tour Starts Tomorrow

I hope you'll join me on the Third Annual Green Home Tour this weekend. With 40 entries, this year's tour should be a fantastic event that you don't want to miss!

All of the homes have been entered in the green-building certification program that's run by the Green Home Builders of the Triangle. You'll see first-hand that green homes can fit a broad spectrum of aesthetic tastes and retain their curb appeal while still being more energy efficient, healthier, and environmentally responsible.

Below is a picture of the Briar Chapel Information Center, one of the...

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New Briar Chapel Entrance Sign & Artwork Installed

April 25, 2008
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New Briar Chapel Entrance Sign & Artwork Installed

Crews are working around the clock throughout Briar Chapel in preparation for the upcoming Green Home Tour. The most visible work is being done to the 15-501 entrance, including landscaping and a new sign.

In addition, a beautiful new art sculpture was unveiled along the wall opposite the entrance sign on 15-501, which is a stainless steel replica of Carolina smilax leaves. Newland Communities commissioned Jim Gallucci, a local sculptor for more than 25 years, to create the sculpture. Gallucci currently designs...

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Interested in Briar Chapel?

April 5, 2008
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Since launching this blog, I've had many wonderful folks get in touch with me to express interest in Briar Chapel. This has allowed me to educate them about green building, and pass along valuable feedback about what buyers are looking for to the developer.

So, if you haven't already discussed your housing needs with me, I encourage you to do so right away. Why spend your valuable time trying to gather information on your own, when I can fill you in on the details and answer any questions you may have during a short phone call?

I...

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Briar Chapel Launches New Website

March 31, 2008
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Briar Chapel Launches New Website

Newland Communities has just launched its new website for Briar Chapel, which ties very nicely into the "Path to Nature" advertising campaign they launched a few months ago. Along with the utility and landscaping work along 15-501, this is yet another sign that things are progressing towards the opening of their information center during the Green Home Tour in May. Stay tuned to this blog for more details.

Now is the time to let me know if you are interested...

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Blog Author Peter Winkler Becomes Certified EcoBroker®

March 27, 2008
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Blog Author Peter Winkler Becomes Certified EcoBroker®

It's official... I have earned the EcoBroker Certified® designation. This means that I have successfully completed a formal training program on the energy and environmental issues that affect real estate transactions. In other words, I am certified to address and encourage the benefits of energy efficiency and green features in homes, such as the ones that will be built in Briar Chapel.

From windows to moisture control to energy savings, I now have more resources at my disposal to help my buyers...

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Third Annual Green Home Tour

March 22, 2008
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Mark your calendars! The 3rd Annual Green Home Tour will be held on May 3, 2008 (10 am to 6 pm) and May 4, 2008 (Noon to 6 pm). Including several Briar Chapel entries, there are currently 42 homes on this year's tour. Stay tuned for more details.

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Woods Charter School Building Progress Continues

March 12, 2008
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Woods Charter School Building Progress Continues

Progress on the new Woods Charter School in Briar Chapel continues. In the photo below, you will see that curbing and sidewalks are being installed. Work is also being done on the inside in order to get the school ready for occupancy in the Fall.

At a recent meeting of Chatham's BOE, the Board discussed several options to relieve overcrowding at the North Chatham School. In addition to installing additional mobile classroom pods and re-assigning students to another school, they discussed the...

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About School Construction – 4/10/2007

February 25, 2008
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About School Construction – 4/10/2007

Found the following on the Chatham County Schools web site. This FAQ is a working document that will continue to be updated. The questions are answered with information available as of April 10, 2007. General School System Construction Questions • What is the order of new schools in the long range facility plan? Currently, he long range

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Briar Chapel Greenways Progress

February 19, 2008
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Briar Chapel Greenways Progress

Work continues on site development of Briar Chapel. The photo at the right was taken near the 15-501 entrance to the mixed-use development, just behind the recently installed fence. This multi-use paved trail can accommodate two-way traffic and a broad range of users, including pedestrians, cyclists, the handicapped, runners, and strollers. Although this one has an asphalt surface, other trails may be made of either crushed gravel or concrete, depending on location.

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School facilities in Chatham’s Capital Improvement Plan

February 19, 2008
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Chatham County Commission Chairman presented the State of the county address on Monday evening. Here are some of the highlights concerning schools - Several major facilities are in the current county 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to relieve overcrowding and replace deteriorating facilities. They are listed below. Virginia Cross Elementary (completed) - $17.9 million New Middle School -

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Woods Charter School Announces Waiting List

February 10, 2008
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Woods Charter School Announces Waiting List

Woods Charter School has announced that there is a waiting list for the 2008/2009 school year, which will be held in the new school under construction in Briar Chapel.


As of 2/1/08, there were no spots available for grades K-8... K has 85 children on waiting list, 1st has 40, 2nd has 45, 3rd has 50, 4th has 45, 5th has 32, 6th has 26, 7th has 25, and 8th has 8.

High School openings for 10th, 11th and 12th grades will...

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Volunteers Need to Help Build Trails in Briar Chapel

February 2, 2008
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Volunteers Need to Help Build Trails in Briar Chapel

Next Saturday (2/9), the Triangle Off-Road Cyclists (TORC) will continue to make progress on the emerging network of trails in Briar Chapel. Plenty of volunteers are needed in order to complete the first phase of trails, which are slated to open this Spring. Approximately 15-20 miles of trail will ultimately be built as the construction advances through the subdivision.

If you're interested, meet at the Exxon station at the intersection of Andrews Store Road and U.S. 15-501 between Chapel Hill and...

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Briar Chapel Middle School Occupation Date Moved Up

January 30, 2008
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Briar Chapel Middle School Occupation Date Moved Up


The Chatham County Board of Education (BOE) held a meeting on Monday, January 28, 2008, at Chatham Middle School.

At this meeting, the BOE held a discussion about the Briar Chapel middle school site - they want to ensure that the new school is ready for use as the 2010 school year begins. As a result, the architects will move the occupation date of the new middle school from June 2010 to April 2010.

This is encouraging news, especially considering...

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Woods Charter School Exterior Almost Complete in Briar Chapel

January 28, 2008
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Woods Charter School Exterior Almost Complete in Briar Chapel

The new Woods Charter school in Briar Chapel is progressing along very well. The Elementary wing (below) has nearly all of its windows installed. Inside, workers are busy putting up insulation and drywall.

Although the new school will allow them to increase enrollment, there may be a waiting list again for students wishing to get in to this school (ranked 6th on SAT scores in North Carolina). Therefore, if you plan to live in Briar Chapel, I suggest that you start familiarizing yourself with the application and admissions process now.

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Briar Chapel Among Recommended Economic Development Nodes

January 11, 2008
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Briar Chapel Among Recommended Economic Development Nodes

On January 7th, a Chatham County task force recommended that the county put commercial development in major corridor areas and preserve the county's rural character. Briar Chapel was listed among the economic development nodes recommended by the panel.

This means that future residents of Briar Chapel will have convenient access to a variety of retail stores and services. In addition, building standards will promote walkability, which will help reduce traffic and pollution. Likewise, the standards will likely require a number of features that...

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Update to Briar Chapel Development Timeline

January 2, 2008
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I just learned that the pre-sales event I mentioned in a previous post has been postponed until early-May. This will likely coincide with the Green Home Tour put on by the Durham/Wake Home Builders Association.

If you are interested in living in Briar Chapel, you need to start preparing for this event NOW. Give me a call at 919-360-1285 so that we can discuss the possibility of putting your existing home on the market, and start the process of getting you pre-qualified. The earlier you're prepared, the better chance you have to purchase the lot and/or...

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2008 Will Be Good Year

January 1, 2008
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Happy New Year!!! Guess what I did today? I spent an hour walking around Briar Chapel with my family! What a great way to get some exercise, spend quality time with the ones you love, and dream about what the future will hold.

I believe that 2008 is going to be a great year for those of you who are looking forward to living in Briar Chapel. Stay tuned for more details about the grand opening, which is only a few months away...

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