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Believe in Better:
"THE UPLANDS" FIRST FOR R-U ZONING
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A new zoning classification supporting mixed-use development -- an important growth management policy for the city of Helena -- has been created with final passage of Ordinance 3222 approved by the Helena City Commission just a little over a year ago. As Sharon Haugen, Director of the Department of Community Development explained, "R-U Zoning [Residential-Urban] is intended to recognize that there is a desire to create neighborhoods for single and two family developments that have close proximity to different professional/retail services that would be compatible in a neighborhood setting." Beginning in February 2015, the Helena Zoning Commission conducted work sessions to develop design guidelines for future development and redevelopment in the City of Helena. Due to recent discussions related to multi-dwelling unit development in the current R-1 and R-2 (Residential) Districts, the Zoning Commission worked to create a new mixed-use zoning district to be known as the R-U District. The Helena Citizens' Council and Helena Business Improvement District members were engaged throughout the planning process, and a meeting was also held with the City of Helena-Lewis and Clark County Consolidated Planning Board to discuss the vision of the Growth Policy and future development in the greater Helena area. All meetings held to discuss the new high density residential district were open to the public and notified in the Independent Record. Along with providing for single and two dwelling unit development similar to the current R-1 and R-2 (Residential) Districts, R-U Districts allow a compatible mix of professional and business offices and associated services, uses and signage allowances similar to the current R-4 and R-O (Residential-Office) Districts and setbacks, lot coverage and building heights that encourage a higher density urban type development. Mountain View Meadows is the first development in Helena to employ the R-U zoning in "The Uplands" neighborhood just south of the new Blue Cross Blue Shield Headquarters in The Crossroads Business & Retail neighborhood. "We are happy that MVM is the first subdivision to take advantage of this District," said Haugen who pointed out that others have shown an interest in R-U zoning for possible future development. By providing greater zoning options, the City has taken an important initiative in providing an avenue for better land use that will benefit residential and business communities throughout Helena.
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Building a Better Community:
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Have you heard about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Helena? They just celebrated their 50th
Birthday! For 50 years they have kept kids away from risky behaviors, pulled kids back from the brink of suicide, helped kids stay in school, and listened to their needs, fears, hopes and dreams. However, they are now facing the most difficult financial situation and likely the toughest time the organization has ever seen. Funding for BBBS from the state and federal governments has been substantially reduced and in some cases completely eliminated.
If you would like to help support BBBS you can donate directly and/or attend the Helena Chilly Open --Helena's only spoof golf tournament and chili Cook-off -- Saturday, October 21st! Be a sponsor, donor or golfer! Tee Times are 11 am and 1 pm at Green Meadow Country Club. Call 442-7479 to reserve your Tee time or register online at bbbs-helena.org.
Interested in learning more about BBBS or want to take the first step in becoming a Big? You can plan to attend one of their no-obligation Mentor Orientations. They are held on the first and third Thursday of each month (except holidays) at the BBBS office. Call 442-7479 to sign up and attend their next orientation and do your part to help build a better life for young people at risk in the Helena community.
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On Topic:
GEN X HOMEBUYERS
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While plenty of focus is given to Baby Boomers and Millennials home-buying preferences, little information is available about the Gen X homebuyer. Yet, according to Realtor.com's Clare Trapasso, Gen Xers are "the only generation to buy more homes last year than it did in the previous one."
While exact figures vary, the National Center for Policy Analysis estimates that as many as 10 million Americans were forced into foreclosure when the housing bubble burst. The effects of the Great Recession, which, according to Investopedia, officially ended in June 2009, will finally ease for about 1.5 million of these Americans that filed for bankruptcy. Referred to as the "Boomerang" or "Rebound" buyers now in their late 40's to mid-50's, they have the resources to get back into home ownership and the opportunity to secure financing as the seven-year indicator of having filed bankruptcy is finally purged from their credit records.
According to studies, Boomerang buyers are four times more likely to use FHA loans to purchase their new homes than other buyers. They are tech adept and pragmatic and not likely to purchase a home that stresses their budgets even when qualified by income for a higher priced home. They are moving towards a time in their lives when they want more freedom from financial stress, not less and would rather have money left over after paying the mortgage to spend on family, vacations and entertainment.
With that said, the Gen X buyers are mostly interested in move-up rather than starter homes. They sat out the last seven years in rentals and are looking for a comfortable space that meets the needs of a family with teen-age children. They no longer look for "the big back yard" but are more interested in homes that include a bonus space or basement for the kids to entertain their friends and less yard space so that the parents can do fun things in their spare time.
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Benefits and Updates:
MOUNTAIN VIEW MEADOWS
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1.
HALLOWEEN DECORATING CONTEST & TRICK OR TREAT:
Yes, it's that wonderful time of the fall! Did you know Halloween is only second to Christmas as kids' favorite holiday? Colorful fall and Halloween decorations are a great way to spruce up your porch or yard in October and lend a sense of community spirit to the other ghosts and ghouls hovering around the neighborhood. Check under "The Best in the Neighborhood" for details on this year's Halloween/Fall Decorating Contest. And remember to turn on your front porch lights on Tuesday, Oct. 31st to welcome trick or treaters to your home. The fun usually gets going about 5:00 PM and lasts till 8:00 PM or so.
2.
PET COSTUME CONTEST: Mountain View Meadows pet owners can show off their dogs/cats in costume by bringing them to the MVM office at 431 S. Alice Street between 5:00 & 7:00 PM on Halloween. We'll take photos of your pet to post on Facebook and you'll have the opportunity to win a $25 gift card for the best costumed pet!
3
. BOATS & RV'S: It's time to put your summer toys away. Just a reminder that Boats & RV's are only permitted on neighborhood streets from Memorial Day through the end of September. Boats and RV's are not permitted at any time to be stored on non-solid surfaces (for example, on gravel mulch rock) or in any unimproved areas. Thank you to all those who adhere to the standards and help keep our neighborhoods looking great!
4.
TIPS FOR DOG BARKING: Danielle in the MVM office has done some internet research to help people find constructive ways to keep dogs from barking. Stop by the Information & Sales office for a complete list, but we will publish one or two each newsletter. Here is #1:
1. Training: Always the first recommendation for any behavioral problem! Help is as close as searching online. Training not only helps your dog, you'll be surprised how much it helps you, too. You may get insight as to why your dog barks or what it is trying to communicate.
- Don't yell at your dog to be quiet--it just sounds like you're barking along with him.
- Keep your training sessions positive and upbeat.
- Be consistent so you don't confuse your dog. Everyone in your family must apply the training methods every time your dog barks inappropriately.
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New Homes F
or Sale:
PLANS TO BUILD AND BUILD TO SUIT
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A choice of new homes to meet your lifestyle and budget are ready for move-in at Mountain View Meadows with more under construction. Visit our Information & Sales Office at 431 S. Alice Street to tour our right-now homes, view plans to build and check out lot maps. Realtors are always welcome
. Have your own plan? Give us a call at 406-449-0800 to arrange a meeting. The availability of new homes and lots is subject to change so check back often. Below is a listing of some of the new homes ready for move-in or currently under construction.
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The Uplands at Mountain View Meadows
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311 Elouise Cobell: The Logan. 3BD/2BA, 1769 S.F. Granite, tile, soft-close cabinets and an oversized garage are just a few of the upgrades in this brand new floorplan designed and built by prestigious Sierra Custom Homes. You'll enjoy a spacious master ensuite with a walk-in closet, tiled shower, double vanity and water closet. Separate owner's entrance off the garage to tuck away your shoes and hang your coats. $289,900. For additional information, contact Dawn Purvis at Century 21. MLS#299745.
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Aspen Park at Mountain View Meadows
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2938 Big Timber Loop: GORGEOUS SINGLE-STORY with all the style and quality you've come to expect from a Sierra Custom Home. Just shy of 2000 S.F., this brand new 3BD/2.5BA beauty includes a luxurious master suite, an office/flex room, walk-in pantry, fireplace, Hardieplank siding, concrete tile roof, stone and timber exterior accents, a 3-bay tandem garage and a covered outdoor living space for family fun and entertaining. Stop by the office for a tour or contact Dawn Purvis, Century 21 at 406-439-6380. MLS#298866. $379,900.
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2930 Big Timber Loop: NEW UPSCALE HOME PLAN underway with 2460 S.F. of single-story living and an additional 280 S.F. finished bonus space above the garage. Vaulted living room, corner fireplace, breakfast bar, large pantry, den/office, wood doors and trim, wood floors, granite and tile throughout, an over sized garage, stone and timber exterior features, a concrete tile roof with a 75 year warranty, Hardieplank siding, a beautiful front porch entry and a huge covered outdoor living space are among the many amenities that set this home apart. Drop by the Information & Sales Center at 431 S. Alice Street to check out this brand new 3BD/2.5BA home priced at $419,000.
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Antelope Trace at Mountain View Meadows
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2789 Favor Loop:
The Wise. Talk about a "wise" choice! With 2123 totally finished S.F. this upscale home will provide you with all the space you need for single-level living on the main floor plus 2 bedrooms and a bath upstairs for family or guests. The master ensuite features dual walk-in closets, a separate tub and shower and a double vanity. You'll have plenty of time to relax on the front porch and entertain on the rear when you add low-maintenance landscaping. Be sure to check in early on this brand new floor plan just getting underway. Priced in the mid-300K's.
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2785 Favor Loop: The Sun.
Upscale 1872 S.F. single-level Weatherall-built home featuring an open floor plan sure to wow you with space and livability. The Sun features a fireplace, gas stove, pantry, 8-lite panel double doors leading into the flex room off the great room, a master suite with separate tub and shower, granite and tile throughout, soft-close cabinets, a concrete front porch with craftsman design elements, and a covered concrete patio in back. Call 406.449-0800 to lay your claim to this new home priced at only $299,900.
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2781 Favor Loop: The Big Sandy. Single-story with a whopping 1903 S.F. makes this contemporary designed open floor plan exceptionally desirable at $295,000 & up to $5,000 in closing costs. Home features a huge great room with a fireplace and vaulted ceiling, a light and beautiful master suite with double vanity and large walk-in closet, granite countertops, soft-close doors, and concrete porches front
and
back! Stop by the MVM office at 431 S. Alice Street for a personal walk-through or contact David Torgerson, Versant Real Estate Group, at 406-459-8565. MLS#297073.
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491 Twilight: Over 3,000 S.F. to wrap your family in style and comfort! Built by family owned and operated Grewett Construction, you'll love the beautiful wood finishes, natural light, and upper rear deck that makes this home a real standout. With main floor living and an additional 1548 S.F. walk-out basement, you'll have all the room you need now with plenty more to design to fit your current and future needs. MLS#298491. $310,000.
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Craftsman Village at Mountain View Meadows
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561, 563 & 565 S. Alice Street: Walls going up
on Sierra Custom Homes' Tri-plex condo building...and one of the three units is already sold! Now is the time to stake your claim on one of the two remaining condos. The first is a 1213 S.F. 2BD/2BA single-story with a covered outdoor living space. The second is an 1812 S.F. 3BD/2.5BA 2-story with an additional upstairs loft to tuck away the TV so you can enjoy the open downstairs floorplan. Both units are priced at $224,900. For additional information call Dawn Purvis at Century 21. MLS#299881 & 299882.
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| The Town Hall Main Floor |
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| The Town Hall Upper Floor |
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2793 Alexis Avenue: The Town Hall. Location, location, location--directly across from Mountain View Park with unobstructed mountain views! This beautiful 3BD/2.5BA classic craftsman 4-square home with 1914 S.F. features a full front porch, great room with fireplace, separate dining area, office nook, an upstairs loft (could be a 4
th
bedroom), air conditioning and a large 2-bay attached garage. Call 406-449-0800 for a walk-through. $289,900.
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Neighborhood:
FALL/HALLOWEEN DECORATING CONTEST
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We know fall nearly passed us by and we were thrown right into winter, but Halloween is right around the corner so it's time to bring out the pumpkins, cornstalks, spider webs and ghosts! Dress up your porch or entryway (yards are a plus) with your favorite fall and/or Halloween decorations and show off the spirit of the season...with a chance to win cash prizes! This year we will award 4 cash prizes: $100, $75, $50, and $25 plus five $5 honorable mention gift coupons. It has been more and more difficult to break down decorations into categories so all fall and Halloween decorations will be judged together on a scoring system considering variety of elements, originality, "handmade decorations", and day & night time appeal. Bonus points are given for including yard decorations.
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LAST YEAR'S TOP TWO WINNERS
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George & Julie Chelini
Are settling into their new custom built home across from Mountain View Park where they will enjoy the great views from their wonderful wrap around porch!
Congrat
ulations!
And Welcome to the Neighborhood!
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Fun & Fitness:
HALLOWEEN TRAINING
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Halloween is just around the corner and with that comes.... Trick-or-Treating! With children (and adults) traveling quickly from house-to-house asking for treats, there may need to be some exercising beforehand to get ready for this eventful night. Don't let the cold and snowy weather let you down -- the benefits of physical activity outweigh any doubts in your mind preventing you from going outside. For example, listed below are six health benefits of regular physical exercise taken from the mayoclinic.org:
- Exercise combats health conditions and diseases
- Exercise promotes better sleep
- Exercise can be fun... and social!
The bottom line on exercise:
Exercise and physical activity are a great way to feel better, boost your health and have fun. Aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise, or 75 minutes per week of vigorous exercise.
Try to engage in a combination of vigorous and moderate aerobic exercises, such as running, walking or swimming. Squeeze in strength training at least twice per week by lifting free weights, using weight machines or doing body weight exercises.
These health benefits are so important for everyone regardless of age, sex or physical ability. And that's why we have provided you with the 2.5 mile paved Fun & Fitness Trail to make it easy for neighbors to get out and exercise. Also be sure to make use of the 5 acre Mountain View Park where you and your family can run around, play on the playground, take your dog to the dog park, make use of the basketball court, tennis court, sand volleyball, horse shoes, and much much more.
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September slipped right past and here we are well into October. Mark and I spent the end of last month and the beginning of October in Ohio celebrating his mother's 90
th
birthday. After months of trying to plan a surprise party, Donna finally convinced Mark she didn't want us to throw a party. I was never convinced and it didn't stop family from coming in from as far away as Los Angeles, Arizona and Washington D.C. Out-of-state guests joined the family on Saturday evening for a dinner out to celebrate both Donna and Mark's brother, Bruce's, birthdays and at least 30 from church joined family and friends for brunch on Sunday. People who hadn't seen Donna since her auto accident five years ago were amazed at her youthfulness and self-reliance. Despite breaking her neck in the accident, Donna still lives by herself, maintains her own home, and is the first to put on a dinner spread for guests any day of the week as if it were Thanksgiving. The biggest birthday surprise was the arrival of Mark's cousin, Tom Lee, who was the White House pianist from President Johnson through Bush 1. Tom brought along his accordion and entertained guests throughout the brunch wowing them with his signature arrangement of "Lady of Spain." When we got back to Montana Mark spent little time trying to catch up on business at Mountain View Meadows and last-minute fall clean-up. After working all week in the office, he spent the weekend mowing and weed-eating in Aspen Park (once a farm boy always a farm boy). It's great to see the sun out again and we look forward to a beautiful fall and colorful Halloween. Be sure and get your decorations out while there's a break in the weather!
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