The Whitneyville Civic Association (WCA) is a neighborhood association which provides residents and business owners in the Whitneyville community with a voice in civic matters concerning our neighborhood. We organize to maintain and promote the unique social, ecological and historic character of Whitneyville. Members and friends of the WCA meet 6 times each year to share ideas and hear about issues affecting our neighborhood. Please visit our website at www.whitneyville.org for news and meeting schedules.

Leaving the heat of the city for a day at the shore is now a whole lot easier with Eastbound Trains to Guilford, Connecticut. Folks from Manhattan typically think of New Haven as the end of the line but effective on the 4th of July Shoreline East added convenient connections that leave Union Station minutes after the arrival of trains from Grand Central that will deliver passengers to Guilford.

There are many activities within walking distance of the Guilford Train Station. Walk less than 1/4 of a mile to step back in time while you wander the grounds of the oldest house in Connecticut. Now a museum the Henry Whitfield House was constucted of stone around 1639.

Continuing in a northward direction about a half mile will bring you to the Guilford Green. Considered one of the most picturesque town centers in New England you can simply enjoy the open space, poke around the surrounding shops or enjoy lunch at Whitfield's.

My office happens to be right next to the restaurant so if you like Guilford and decide a second home in the suburbs would be a great weekend retreat from NYC contact Dan Cummings - The Running Realtor via email or call my 24 hour access line : 203-672-2455

On a hot and Humid Tuesday on July 8th the Prospect Seniors had their annual picnic at the Prospect VFW. The party was catered by the Prospect Dairy Bar. They served, Potato and macaroni salad, Corn on the Cob, Baked Beans, Foot long hot dogs, hamburgers, watermelon, carrot cake and ice cream. Senior Sounds the band played and a great time was had by all.

I even got to help cook the burgers and hotdogs. I did have to leave a little early for a listing appointment however.

The Dairy Bar crew and me (in the hat) in the kitchen!

Everyone needs water to survive but if you want to enjoy the water of Long Island Sound the newly refurbished boat launch in Guilford Connecticut offers easy access for a modest fee. The Boat Ramp is cconveniently located at the end of Whitfield Street about a mile south of the Town Green.

For a nice lunch or dinner The Stone House Restaurant is within a few hundred yards of the boat ramp. During the summer months if you'd like a bite to eat in a less formal setting the Little Stone House Cafe offers soups, salads & sandwiches with live entertainment from local singers. Sit outside and enjoy a leisurely lunch, glass of wine or a beer while you relax.

For More Information About:

Guilford Real Estate Agent

Historical Home Prices in Guilford

A few Good Places to Eat

Dan@CummingsTeam.com

GUILFORD - "This town, the seventh oldest, was founded in 1639 by an oppressed but optimistic band of English Puritans. Henry Whitfield, a minister in Ockley, near London, was the moving spirit behind their emigrations. About forty of his friends and sympathizers formed a joint stock company to sail across the Atlantic. They were mostly young and energetic men, farmers, well-educated, and all of them persons of high standing in their community. In a deed of sale dated September 29, 1639, the Whitfield Company purchased the lands between Stony Creek and East River from the Squaw Shaumpishuh, Sachem of the local Menunkatuck Indian tribe. Whitfield's stone house at first served as a fortress and meeting place. Guilford Green was inspired by the typical 17^thcentury English common. In the fall of 1641 the settlers purchased from the Indians land beyond East River that included most of what became East Guilford."

"East Guilford, now Madison, was set off as a distinct church society in 1703, North Guilford in 1720, and North Bristol (North Madison) in 1753. Two good harbors and two tidal rivers assured success to Guilford in Connecticut ~ New York coastwise shipping and the West India trade during the 18^thcentury. In the American Revolution, British troops landed several times and burned two houses. The famous Sachem's Head Hotel ( 1797-1897 ) made this town the center of society for many years. John Beattie's granite quarries at Leete's Island employed as many as three hundred workmen and supplied stone for the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. Famous sons of Guilford include William Leete, an early Governor of Connecticut; Fitz-Greene Halleck, one of the noted Knickerbocker Poets; and Abraham Baldwin, a signer of the United States Constitution and Senator from Georgia."

Now that you have read what the historians say I will try to explain the town more my way. It's a beautiful blend of the old and the new with The Whitfield House still standing today. Constructed of stone in 1639 it has been through restoration and looking just fine. The home is oldest in Connecticut & the oldest stone house if all of New England, surviving time it has been a museum since 1899.

Henry Whitfield himself led quite a life, went back to England after 11 years also ditching his wife.

Just beyond the Whitfield house heading down to the shore amongst historic homes you see a strange sight. The Spaceship that "landed" back in the '80s one night.

Continuing south and looking out at sea sits Faulkner's Island with the second oldest Lighthouse built in 1802.

Heading north towards the center is a favorite place, steps from my office its like an escape, the Guilford Green. If you read the article about the picturesque Green it mentions a gadfly old guy always lurking around like some kind of a spy. Keeping odd hours myself I was acutely aware that Richard Greene was always out there. Sad to say its no longer that way, Mr. Greene passed away. Reflecting back over hundreds of years it is easy to miss one man modern day fears. Richard Greene was quite passionate when he felt he was right, always sharing his thoughts and putting up a good fight.

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If you are thinking about putting your home on the market, now is the time! Contact The Cummings Team! Let me show you what we can do to market your home. We cover New Haven Counties and the Shoreline Communites, including North Haven, Madison, Guilford, Branford, North Branford,Hamden, Northford and Wallingford. Give us a call today.

Sandra L Cummings
Realtor®

William Raveis Real Estate - Real Estate for Real People
21 Whitfield Street
Guilford, CT 06437
phone - 203-672-2456
cell - 203-676-5948
Sandra@CummingsTeam.com
Guilford Haven Real Estate

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Single family home sale prices in Guilford tumbled nearly 15% during the prime spring market of 2008. This is similar to the downturn seen in North Haven but both of these towns have a diverse housing base with many lower priced homes that are attractive for first time buyers. Mid-priced homes remain sluggish while lower priced homes are selling.

Second Quarter of 2001 : 108 homes sold with the median price of $295,000

Second Quarter of 2002 : 111 homes sold with the median price of $359,000

Second Quarter of 2003 : 99 homes sold with the median price of $369,900

Second Quarter of 2004 : 92 homes sold with the median price of $399,500

Second Quarter of 2005 : 83 homes sold with the median price of $485,000

Second Quarter of 2006 : 87 homes sold with the median price of $525,000

Second Quarter of 2007 : 76 homes sold with the median price of $522,000

Second Quarter of 2008 : 69 homes sold with the median price of $427,500

When you are Coming to Connecticut - Contact Dan Cummings - The Running Realtor for help with Real Estate.

Single family home sale prices in Madison remain the highest along the shoreline of New Haven County but sales volume dropped substantally. Typically around 80 homes sell during the prime spring months of April, May and June but with only 49 closed sales this year is the slowest of the decade.

Second Quarter of 2001 : 84 homes sold with the median price of $326,000

Second Quarter of 2002 : 84 homes sold with the median price of $381,000

Second Quarter of 2003 : 80 homes sold with the median price of $452,000

Second Quarter of 2004 : 102 homes sold with the median price of $457,500

Second Quarter of 2005 : 92 homes sold with the median price of $537,500

Second Quarter of 2006 : 77 homes sold with the median price of $608,500

Second Quarter of 2007 : 80 homes sold with the median price of $542,000

Second Quarter of 2008 : 49 homes sold with the median price of $495,000

When you are Coming to Connecticut - Contact Dan Cummings - The Running Realtor for help with Real Estate.

REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORT FOR WOODBRIDGE,CONNECTICUT

June 2007 v.s. June 2008

	New Listings	Avg List Price	No. Sold	Avg. Sales Price
2007	29	$603,171	18	$661,496
2008	12	$576,983	10	$772,850

In June 2008, the highest priced home listed in Woodbridge, CT was 155 Rimmon Road, an updated cape originally built in 1966 with 6434 sq.ft, 13 Rooms, 4 Bedrooms and 4.2 Baths. This home was listed for $1,129,900

The highest sale in June 2008 was for 12 Tallwood, a 4431 sq.ft. Colonial originally built in 1940 with 12 Rooms, 5 Bedrooms and 3.2 Baths. This home was listed for $1,799,-000 and sold for $1,400,000 after 330 Days on the Market.

There are currently 84 homes for sale in Woodbridge, Connecticut.

DOM in June 2007 for a home in Woodbridge, CT averaged 24 days. In 2008, homes are averaging 51 Days on Market. ↑

The average list price for a home in Woodbridge has increased in May 2008 from May 2007 by approximately 7%. ↑

The average sale price for a home in Woodbridge has increased in May 2008 from this time last year by approximately 15.4% ↑

If you have any questions or would like any information, please contact me at Donna@CTHomeConsultant.com

Listed below is a summary of last month's home sales activity. I have also listed the activity for the same month last year to show where the markets are headed.

REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORT FOR MILFORD,CONNECTICUT

June 2007 v.s. June 2008

	New Listings	Avg List Price	No. Sold	Avg. Sales Price
2007	87	$507,857	44	$385,035
2008	70	$504,979	31	$357,561

The highest listing in Milford, CT in June 2008 was for 130 Beach Ave in the Woodmont section of Milford. This is a 3618 sq.ft, 7 Room, 3Bedroom 2.1 Bath Colonial that was built in 2000. It is listed for $2,200,000..

The highest sold home in Milford for June 2008 was 159 Hillside Ave the Woodmont area. This was listed for $949,975 and reduced to $799,900. It sold in 93 days for $689,000 this is a 1920 Colonial with 1789 sq.ft, 6Room, 2 Bedrooms and 2 Baths. This was a foreclosure property requiring bank approval.

DOM (Days on Market) has increased from an average of 59 Days in June 2007 to an average of 81 days in June 2008. ↑

The average sale price in June 2008 has come down approximately 9.2 % in June 2008 compared to June 2007. ↓

The average listing price in June 2008 has come down approximately less than 1%
(.99% ) compared to June 2007. ─

Currently, there are 327 active listings available in Milford, Connecticut. As with most towns due to the large inventory, Milford is a buyer's market. Milford, CT offers a wide range of homes both in price and style making it a very desirable area due to proximity to the shoreline and a variety of commuter options.

If you would like more information or if you have any questions, please contact me @ donna@CTHomeConsultant.com

The traditional Music Under The Stars concerts are underway in North Haven this season and rumor around town is that the fun festivities may not be the same under the new town administration. For as long as I can remember it has been acceptable to pack a few beers for a relaxing night of music on the Town Green.

When I noticed the show tonight featured "Big Shot" a Billy Joel tribute band I asked my wife if she wanted to go. Since I'm not always in tune with the latest trends she informed me that word on the street is anyone on town property with alcoholic beverages will be fined. Not sure if she was trying to give me a nudge for Tee'd Off Tuesday but it sort of worked. Although I'm not officially annoyed about the rumor I would be pissed if I get a ticket.

After searching the town web site I did find an ordinance that indeed prohibits the consumption of "alcoholic liquor" on town property and began my investigation into the Grey Area. Of course the bureaucrats that earn their living sucking tax dollars out of our pocket never make anything easy to understand.

My first thought was liquor is a distilled process so maybe beer & wine are except from the ordinance since they are fermented beverages and are commonly allowed where "Hard Liquor" is not. Well the town cronies included language to define alcoholic liquor as described in Section 30-1 of the Connecticut General Statutes which after a little more investigation I discovered includes all liquid and solids with an alcohol content of more than 1/2 of 1% by volume.

My next task was to find out how much alcohol is in my beer of choice, Heineken contains 5.4% alcohol when measured by volume so it looks like the law clearly spelled out in black & white. The only shade of grey left is whether the first selectman issued her blessing allowing the town folks to carry on as they have in prior years.

Guess I'll just pack my cooler with a couple of cold ones and see what happens. Anyone interested in discussing real estate within my territory can feel free to contact me or catch me at the concert for a little conversation between songs.