Rosario Lewis, GRI, SRES ~ DDR Realty, Orange County, NY

Instead of disposing of city-owned properties in the conventional way through sale to the highest bidder at public auction, Newburgh New York's Department of Planning and Development has chosen a more prudent path. They initiated The Public/Private Housing Partnership Initiative, a method by which buyer developers are carefully selected for their ability and intent to develop city properties. Newburgh currently owns 10 properties they plan to handle in his way. These properties will be sold in "bundles" with the expectation they will be resold individually for owner-occupancy only.

Earlier this month the City of Newburgh Department of Planning & Development issued a "Request for Qualifications" (RFQ) for these 10 city-owned properties. RFQs must be received by May 23, 2008 in order to be considered. Visit the City of Newburgh's website: http://www.cityofnewburgh-ny.gov/hom/home.htmto download an updated RFQ form.

To identify developers as pre-qualified developers under The Public/Private Housing Partnership Initiative plan, the City of Newburgh will look for the following qualifications:

• Successful housing development experience
• Demonstrated housing development expertise
• Sound financial backing
• Commitment to implementing creative, quality development in a timely manner

Interested developers should attend the Open House scheduled for Friday, April 25, 2008. During this Open House interested developers and their construction/design professionals will have the opportunity to take a careful look at each property in order to gather information pertinent to their submissions.

For Additional Information ~

Visit: The City of Newburgh's website ~ http://www.cityofnewburgh-ny/gov/hom/home.htm

E-mail: Lourdes Zapata-Perez ~ lperez@cityofnewburgh-ny.gov or Jasmin Miranda ~ jmiranda@cityofnewburgh-ny.gov

Telephone: The Department of Planning and Development ~ Monday-Friday, 8:30AM - 4PM, 845-569-9400

Spring is in the air here in New York State, and many area outdoor sports' enthusiasts are anxious to go fishing. Whether their idea of fishing involves dropping a simple hook and line baited with a bread ball, or standing out in a rushing stream in waders painstakingly casting hand tied flies, this season is meant for fishing.

Here is information you can use if you intend to join the ranks of those in pursuit of the BIG ONE.

Some New York State locations and situations require licenses and permits, and some do not. For accurate information about New York State fishing requirements, visit: http://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/6091.html

New York State offers a wide variety of fishing opportunities. For a month by month break down of great fishing spots and the catches to expect there, visit: http://www.newyorkgameandfish.com/fishing/NY_0208_02/index.html

Now that you have all the information you need; go fishing, have fun, and create some great memories. Everyone loves a good fish story.

For three days in April, the 3^rd thru the 5^th, Sullivan County New York will host Rally New York USA 2008.

Those familiar with the Catskill Mountain towns of Ellenville, Neversink, Thompson, and Warwarsing may not recognize these usually quiet places this April when approximately 380 miles of roads are closed to normal travel for three days to accommodate Rally New York USA 2008.

This will be no local county fair. Rally New York USA 2008 drivers and two man teams come from the United States, Canada, South America, and Europe to compete in this, the opening round of the United States Rally Championship. Friday's and Saturday's runs will be scored as events in the New York Rally Championship.

At first sight competing autos in Rally New York USA 2008 may look familiar, the kinds of vehicles you normally see on neighborhood streets, but these are not your average soccer mom Suba Imprezas, Mitsubishi Lancers, Ford Focuses, Volkswagen Golfs, all-wheel-drives, and two-wheel-drives. No, these racers are specially-modified, and they are fast!

Are you looking for some racing excitement? If the answer is yes, come to Sullivan County New York and watch the dust fly.

For information visit: www.RallyNewYork.com

There is little that rivals the natural beauty of Sullivan County New York's Catskill Mountains in summer, and what better way to enjoy it than by bicycle. June 21, 2008 Walnut Mountain - Pearson Park, in the Village of Liberty, the three part event The Liberty Bike Fest 2008 will take place.

1.) For serious bicyclists and runners there is the first annual Walnut Mountain - Mountain Bike Duathlon which is a three part race that combines a 3.1 mile trail run, 10 mile mountain bike race, and a final 3.1 mile trail race. This race will be professionally managed by Tri and Du It Multisport on a course that is technically challenging. Prizes will be awarded to winners in several categories, t-shirts will be given to all participants, and a delicious lunch will be provided.

For further details about the Duathon or to register for this event visit the Tri and Du It Multisport website: http://www.triandduit.com/webforms/tad_EventDetail.aspx?EventID=30

2.) For those interested in a more leisurely bicycling or walking experience, starting at 9 AM there is the day long Country Road Tour. The Country Road Tour includes three family friendly choices of tour length: 5 miles, 15 miles, and 25 mile. For registration fees of $20 for adults ages 18 and up, and $15 for children under 18, participants will receive maps, official t-shirts, and lunch.

3.) For outdoor enthusiasts of all levels, starting at 9 AM there is the day long Bike Fest Expo. The entire family will enjoy a wide variety of businesses and vendors from the area offering their wares and giving demonstrations on the concourse.

• For information contact: Ride@LibertyBikeTrail.org
• Call: 800-516-0422 ext
• Or visit: http://www.libertybiketrail.org/bikefest/

Ice and snow, wind and low temperatures; these are the conditions we face in mid-February. Our instinct in winter is to huddle inside where it is warm and dry, keeping everything on hold as we wait for seasons to change and spring to arrive.

While winter may not seem like the best time to think about buyer or selling a home, there are things you can do now if you plan to get into the real estate market this spring.

Sellers:

• Contact a Realtor you trust to act as your Sellers' Agent
• Research to establish a realistic asking price for your property
• Prepare your property for showing and eventual sale

Buyers:

• Contact a Realtor you trust to act as your Buyers' Agent
• Investigate your credit and repair it if necessary
• Seriously consider your real estate needs and wants

Buyers and Sellers; It is tempting to sit warmly bundled with hot cocoa in hand as you wait patiently for spring, but making some preparations now will give you a jump start on spring activities.