Local government, and the decisions they make, go a long way toward making a home salable. Here's a perfect example from Oro Valley, a town near Tucson, Arizona.
This bench (banco) would make a fine addition to any million dollar home in the Sonoran Desert.
It's a bus stop!
The town fathers of Oro Valley were thinking beyond utilitarian when they okayed this project.
The high wall behind the bench shades the people waiting to catch the bus. The water fountain provides a drink of cool water on a hot day.
Think of the last bus stop you saw in your town. Does it hold a candle to this? I'd love to see more Active Rainers running for local office. Who better than you to make your home town attractive to home buyers?
I'm Mike in Tucson, your preferred Tucson, Arizona mortgage lender.
Think of me as your local expert.
I show up ON TIME. I do WHAT I SAY I'm going to do. I FINISH what I start. If I mess up, I 'FESS UP & I fix it. In the mortgage business, these 4 things are why you'll want to do business with me.
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Mike that is awesome....... it shows pride in the community as well and makes the community more attractive to others......
Mike, that is a very creative and unique bus stop. It shows that people care about others and want to make it a better place to live. Just amazing!
Mike:
It was good to hear from you. I know we crossed paths. I worked at Beach Haven National and then Bay State bank on LBI. Hope all is well with you. This mortgage business is getting to be areal struggle, but I am luck that I get a lot of referral business. It keeps me steady, but not busy.
Stay in touch and take care.
Joe
Hi Mike, you make me MORE homesick for the great Southwest. My artist cousin has a great restaurant there... may be can use some experienced help!
That is certainly more attractive than a typical 'ol bench seat. What's the saying... if you're not part of the solution.... :) Good to see you back in the 'Rain buddy.
Jesse,
Thanks for stopping by; it's been awhile. Are you running for Mayor in Fairbanks?
Susie,
Have you blogged about the restaurant? Where is it? Come on back!
Joe,
My company was Michael Construction, Inc. We built 350 or so houses and remodels on LBI, before the 1987 crash took us under. Please email me a snail mail address for yourself.
Marey,
It shows what a little ingenuity can do, doesn't it?
Joe,
Thanks for being the first to comment! I was hoping to start a conversation about Active Rainers in local government. That could still happen, couldn't it? LOL
Mike in Tucson
Hi Mike...Having seen your 'town' I can just picture the bus stop. It would fit right in.
Well, there aren't any bus stops around me and definitely no buses but if that ever happens out here in the country I will keep your posts in mind.
Although we do not have a 'town' either, I am involved in my local area.
Kathleen
What a fabulous bench!! Our city will be improving our bus system in the very near future and a couple of interesting benches will add to the art and history of our city!! Thanks for the great idea!!
Mike, that's a beautiful bench. It would make a fine piece of furniture in a home.
Do you think they'd elect me to the Zoning Board?
:)
I believe more communities could benefit from the input of someone in our profession.
Not to sure about a conversation about rainers in local government, instead of a bench maybe a pothole picture......... I watched a friend of mine, his wife ran for city counsel...... it was grueling and this is a small town....... I think most of us participate more in charity and other functions. Maybe a conversation on what we do to improve our city?
A community's character can be reflected in how it presents itself not only to the world, but to its citizens on a daily basis. If ya don't like what ya see: get involved & change it! Those who don't have no right to gripe or moan.
Mike what a great perspective. I'm always amazed by public spaces and public art. Too often it's only visual and not utilitarian. Clearly the planners in your town get it!! I do need to remember to carry my camera around more. Your pictures make sucha a great addition to your posts!
Mike yeah it does! I want one in my backyard that would look good by my pool!
Mike,
The bench and the analogy make this a wonderful post. You are so right about our profession running for public office, Our association has two members serving as council people (1 Man and 1 woman) in two cities in the county. We find this to be a real plus because we know of items that could cause realtors problems before they become problems.
Don R.
Don,
That's encouraging! Thanks for commenting.
Marey,
Me too! In fact, I'm thinking about building one as a summer project.
Kate,
Yes you do! Don't make me come over there! LOL
Kent,
I think that Oro Valley really does think about how they present themselves to the world. Marana's giving them a run for their money, though!
Joe,
Sounds like you have a blog post in the making. Let me know, and I'll come read and comment.
Eric,
Of course they would! Send me a campaign button.
Gary,
It is, isn't it? I especially like the blue tile work.
Karen,
Thanks for commenting.
Kate,
So when are you coming back for a visit?!
Mike in Tucson
That bench makes me want to ride the bus or just sit and read a book, beautiful and inviting to the public.
Have A Great Day
Yes it looks good and it is very functional how different for the government.
I want to come visit! What a fun place you live in. That bench was just beautiful!
Mike: I just LOVE your area! What a fitting bus bench for the area--I love that your town thinks outside the box!
Debe,
Even the interstate highway interchanges in Tucson have artwork incorporated into the concrete and the railings over the freeway!
Joan,
Please do! Call first, and we'll show you the town.
Terry,
I agree that it's a different way of thinking. Thanks for stopping by to comment.
Doris,
I couldn't agree more!
Mike in Tucson
MIKE - I would never recognize that as a bus stop. Of course, I'm trained to locate bus stops by looking for giant pictures of REALTORS staring back at me. :-).
Hi Mike, great picture.
Most art is great and other pieces have to be moved :)
Remember the scupture on the corner of Mountain and Glen?
That is one nice bus stop. A mister, a cushion, a cup of tea and a good book... who needs the bus? It looks like the perfect place to stop for a while! :)