Diane Parker

Have you seen the new art sculptures in downtown Wilmington? Through May 2009, Creative Wilmington, the NC Arts Council and the City of Wilmington are sponsoring an exhibit as part of the PedArt series. The artist is Mike Roig from Carrboro.

On display are four pieces of art made of aluminum and steel. Each has moveable and wind-powered parts.

At Market and Front Streets - Portal

On Front Street at the Post Office - Watchtower

Flo Mojo - Across from the Battleship

Celestial Navigator - Near the Henrietta on the Riverwalk

With weekend highs predicted in the mid-60's, it's a great weekend to stroll the Riverwalk and see all that historic downtown Wilmington has to offer.

For information on Wilmington NC Real Estate, visit www.TheKeytoWilmington.com

The Wilmington City Council voted 6-1 on a resolution of intent to annex 3,900 residents and numerous businesses in the City. This would be the city's first annexation since 1998. There were two annexations in the 90's (1995/1998) that added approximately 23,000 residents.

The city feels broadening the city tax base helps keep taxes down for all residents and brings equity to those who benefit from city services such as parks, shoppings, roads, fire, police, etc.

The Wilmington City Council meets tonight at 6:30 pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall to consider a resolution of intent to annex 1000 acres in the Monkey Junction area.

If approved, the resolution of intent would signal the start of the annexation process. At its meeting Feb. 17, the council is slated to consider the annexation service plan, which outlines the city's responsibilities for providing services to new residents.

Here are some dates to remember:

March 26 - Public Information Meeting

April 7 - Public Hearing

May 6 - Council Adoption of the Annexation Ordinance

State law requires a year between the passing of the ordinance and the effective date of the annexation. Annexation would take effect in June 2010.

Tourists and locals alike are glad to see the Fort Fisher/Southport Ferry back in operation. The ferry has been closed in order to replace the loading ramp and reopened January 31st. Some locals prefer the ferry ride rather than a car commute between New Hanover and Brunswick Counties. Others just enjoy a day trip, relaxing, feeding the birds, enjoying the coastal scenery and smell of salt air. For the cyclist, many will drive to Fort Fisher and take their bike from Fort Fisher to Southport and spend the day. Tourists visiting the area will often stop at the Fort Fisher Aquarium and/or Civil War Museum before taking the ferry across to Southport. If you haven't had an opportunity to do so, check it out on your next visit to Southeastern NC. For information of the Wilmington NC area, please visit www.TheKeytoWilmington.com

Fare: One Way Pedestrian: $1 Bicycle Rider: $2 Motorcycles: $3 Vehicle and/or combination less than 20': $5 Vehicle and/or combination 20' up to 40': $10 Vehicle and/or combination over 40' up to 65': $15 The Fort Fisher ferry fare and schedule are as follows: Leaving Southport Leaving Fort Fisher 5:30 a.m. 6:15 a.m. 7:00 a.m. 7:45 a.m. 7:45 a.m. 8:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m. 9:15 a.m. 9:15 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 10:45 a.m. 10:45 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 12:15 p.m. 12:15 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:45 p.m. 1:45 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 3:15 p.m. 3:15 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 4:45 p.m. 4:45 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 6:15 p.m. 7:00 p.m.

I believe right now is a great time to buy a home. With all the mixed housing and economic news, I feel it is important to be able to point out facts to back up my statement. Below are some of the reasons I feel it's a great time to buy a Wilmington, NC home.

• Wilmington has great interest rates.
• Wilmington has lots of home inventory to choose from.
• Wilmington is a buyer's market for first homes or investment homes.
• Wilmington is a great place for first-time buyers; why rent when you can build equity.
• Wilmington is a popular retirement destination.