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Michael Saya

Local Economy Expected to Rebound First

08-25-08
Michael Saya

Amid all the talk of gloom and economic doom, there are signs of a silver lining around the clouds, especially in our area.
A recent report on the Charlotte area economy says our region is "poised to
rebound in the second half of the year, ahead of the national economy."
Just as it did after the tragedy of 9-11, the Charlotte area will lead the nation in fighting off the sluggishness that has slowed things down this year.
While no one is expecting an overnight boom, a slow, steady growth is anticipated, and those of us living around Lake Norman can expect an even stronger recovery.
Certainly, the dramatic increase in the cost of gasoline has hurt all of us, has negatively impacted consumer spending and made most of us think twice about every dollar we spend, but gas prices have gone down in recent weeks, and that is another good sign.
Home prices, especially those along the lake, remain steady, and our area has not seen the huge drop in values like the rest of the nation. Mortgage interest rates are low, we live in a highly desirable area, and as the nation's economy begins to come back from the doldrums, those of us fortunate enough to live around here will see good times again.
If you don't believe our future is bright, take a look at our story on page 1 today. Smart folks don't drop tens of millions of dollars into new projects in areas that they don't believe have a very bright future.
So hang in there, keep positive and remember that bad times don't last, but strong people do.
And we are very strong people around here.
* * *
We recently said good-bye to our first-ever summer intern, and we wanted to say publicly what we said privately last week: we will miss her.
Liz Carlton, a Denver resident who attends Pfeiffer University, has been working with us since May, and she was a God-send.
When we decided to hire Liz last winter I had no clue I would be spending much of my summer in doctors' offices, hospitals and recovering from three rounds of surgery.
Liz came just in the nick of time, wrote some wonderful features, and hopefully learned a lot.
We're grateful she was here. Article by: Ken H. Fortenberry

The Peninsula in Cornelius North Carolina Lake Norman

05-04-08
Michael Saya

The Peninsula and the surrounding town of Cornelius bask in the splendor of Lake Norman and the area's ample shopping, waterfront dining and recreational parks.

  • Cornelius has blossomed over the past decade into a town that offers high quality restaurants, shops and entertainment venues.
  • Nearby Jetton Park is the perfect destination for a sunny day. The 106-acre park offers lakeside hiking and biking trails, tennis courts, a beach and large playground.
  • Nearby towns of Huntersville and Davidson offer a small-town atmosphere as well as shopping, dining and entertainment.
  • Open-air Birkdale Village in Huntersville offers a Barnes & Nobles, Gap, Talbot's, Banana Republic, Dick's Sporting Goods, 16-screen movie theatre, an assortment of restaurants and more.
  • Just a short distance from The Peninsula, Northlake Mall opened in 2005 and features more than 150 stores and a 15-screen movie theater.

With quick access to I-77, residents of The Peninsula are only 20 minutes away from the fun and excitement of downtown Charlotte and surrounding areas.

  • Charlotte boasts a diverse cultural arts community, including:
    • North Carolina Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
    • Discovery Place science museum
    • Children's Theater of Charlotte
    • Mint Museum of Art
    • Mint Museum of Craft + Design
    • Afro-American Cultural Center
  • Professional and collegiate sports have blossomed in the Queen City:
    • Carolina Panthers (NFL)
    • Charlotte Bobcats (NBA)
    • Charlotte Sting (WNBA)
    • Charlotte Knights (AAA Baseball)
    • Charlotte Checkers (ECHL Hockey)
    • NASCAR racing at Lowe's Motor Speedway
    • NCAA football Meineke Car Care Bowl
  • Paramount's Carowinds amusement park, Verizon Wireless Amphitheater and uptown Charlotte Arena are great entertainment options.
  • The Peninsula residents are only a short drive from the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport.
  • The Charlotte area also offers other great shopping venues at SouthPark Mall, Concord Mills, Carolina Place Mall, Phillips Place and more.

Welcome to the Town of Huntersville! A community that is enjoying a booming economy and explosive growth

05-04-08
Michael Saya
HUNTERSVILLE

Huntersville:
Welcome to the Town of Huntersville! A community that is enjoying a booming economy and explosive growth and a place where residents enjoy good schools, low crime, employment opportunities, convenient access to Lake Norman, great shopping and restaurants, Lowe's motor speedway, a public golf course and a private country club community. Huntersville is located just 10 miles north of Charlotte, where art museums and sporting events can be attended. The communities shown range in price from apx. $150,000 - $800,000The Town of Huntersville, North Carolina is a growing community, nearly 12 miles north of Charlotte. The Town's population is approximately 30,000.

Huntersville was incorporated in 1873, and is believed to have been named for Robert Boston Hunter, a large land owner and cotton farmer. the land around Huntersville was ripe for farming, and with close proximity to a railroad, the town quickly grew.

Life in Huntersville's early days was built around farming, family and church. Originally called Craighead, the Hunter family became such a large presence in the community, the town was renamed. Farmland was fenced in with split rail fences (some still remain today), and animals grazed freely. Families often shared their beef in the autumn and looked out for their neighbors. In the truest sense, Huntersville was a community.

The Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church was the first church built in Huntersville around 1875, and backed two local schools - the McClintock Academy and the Orr School. Both schools were similar to junior colleges and Huntersville boasts of educating a number of ministers, professional men, teachers and business leaders in the late 1800's.

As the town grew larger, so too did its business community. the Virgin Manufacturing Company, a cotton mill, encouraged the development of Huntersville's "mill town" on the east side of the railroad tracks. A brick yard business, located in both Huntersville and neighboring Cornelius, helped provide the bricks for many local buildings. Many of the older brick buildings and some remaining chimneys can still be seen today in the older section of town.

Today, older generations of Huntersville residents are mixed about the tremendous growth the town is experiencing. Many people will claim that Huntersville has always poised itself for such progress. Others reminisce about "the good old days" when traffic was easy and farmland was untouched.

It is the sense of Huntersville's past that has brought so many new residents to this town. The allure of the remaining farmland, the simple commute into the city of Charlotte and the proximity to the relatively new Lake Norman are just some of Huntersville's enticements.

For information on the Town of Huntersvillse, Click Here.

The town of Davidson presents its own historic charm.

05-04-08
Michael Saya
Davidson North Carolina (NC)



The town of Davidson presents its own historic charm. Newcomers consistently find a warm welcome, a friendly blend of tradition and appreciation for new ideas. Davidson is known as the home of prestigious Davidson College and the town has a whiff of old New England about it. In fact, Money Magazine rated in the top 10 places to live. You´ll find excellent educational opportunities in Davidson, with Davidson Elementary being recognized as a NC School of Excellence in 2001 and 2002. Davidson College is home to a number of performing arts events each year, including musical and drama, guest speakers, and special symposia. The private golf community of River Run is located in Davidson. River Run offers a tennis complex, two swimming pools and a stately Jeffersonian-style clubhouse overlooking the signature 18th hole. Homes in Davidson range from $225,000 ? Multi Million Dollar Homes. For information of the Town of Davidson, Click Here.


Davidson College is located in the Town of Davidson. Davidson College invite you, whether you are new to Davidson or have been away for a number of years, to come soon for a real visit. Until you have stepped onto the beautiful campus of Davidson and experienced the Davidson community spirit, you can´t fully appreciate what sets our college apart from so many others. For information on Davidson College, Click Here.

At River Run offer's more than custom homes, The life style of the residents, many whom have relocated from across the country, have chosen River Run because of its casual and friendly atmosphere, the location in the Town of Davidson and the proximity to Charlotte and its international airport. With many of the relocating families, the excellent Davidson schools are a priority. To other active adult buyers, the varied, social, cultural and sports amenities offer a well- rounded lifestyle.

The River Run championship golf course is on nearly a thousand acres. River Run amenities include: (tennis and fitness center, walking trails, pools, and two clubhouses). The tennis center has 16 tennis courts (including 9 clay and 4 indoor courts).

River Run is close to varied restaurants, medical facilities, shopping, and with professional sports just minutes away from your door. Choose River Run so that you can leave behind the stress and traffic, noise, and congestion.

For information on the River Run Golf Course in Davidson, Click Here.

Charlotte North Carolina Leading the Way

04-27-08
Michael Saya

Charlotte North Carolina is leading the way and house value as well as existing are still a great deal in the Charlotte and suburbs areas. In the last 3-4 months the national news has rated the different states and there is one shining light Charlotte North Carolina. Some say Charlotte is like a teen ager and has not even bloomed yet, the next New York city. Charlotte is a major hub for US Air and the second largest banking with Bank of America and Wachovia headquarters in Uptown Charlotte. There are about 60,000 people coming to the Carolinas every year and not stopping anytime soon. Call me for more info and news links. Thanks Michael Saya 704-996-5856