Defense Secretary Leon Panetta’s news that President Obama and the department will ask for another round of Base Realignment and Closures, or maybe two more rounds, sparked fierce opposition in Congress and alarm in many military-heavy communities.
But not here. The possibility of a BRAC as early as 2013 with another in 2015 is seen by area leaders as more of an opportunity than a cause for concern.
“We’re ready to go,” said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, sounding a theme. “I think we’ve all known that with shrinking budgets and everything else that there was a very real chance of another one. … We fully expected something to come out, whether it was a BRAC or a consolidation.”
The 2005 BRAC moved about 4,650 Army, Missile Defense Agency and other federal positions to Redstone Arsenal along with the new headquarters for the Army Materiel Command, the U.S. Army Security Assistance Command and much more. Battle said it is expected to create as many as 10,000 additional jobs in the region over the coming years.
Repeating that success would be good for the region and a hedge against possible program cuts, said Joe Ritch, longtime chairman of the Tennessee Valley BRAC Commission. The official deadline to complete the 2005 BRAC moves was only last September, and he said they’ve never really stopped planning for future rounds.
“I think we were a little surprised at 2013; I think that’s going to be the more difficult one to get through Congress,” Ritch said. “But if it’s 2013, we’re ready to go. If it’s 2015, we’re ready to go. And if it’s 2013 and ’15, we’re ready to go.”
The new BRACs would help cut the federal budget, costing some communities valued programs or even bases. But optimism runs high in Hunstville.
The 1995 BRAC, which brought Army aviation to the arsenal, and the 2005 moves have positioned the area well to prosper from another BRAC, said Madison Mayor Paul Finley. The region works together as an experienced team that can point to a successful track record, he said, and show defense officials how the Tennessee Valley can help them again.
“I am amazed at the amount of homework that this community does when it comes to understanding where our assets can make the biggest difference in helping the Army and the military accomplish their goals,” Finley said. “We’ve put ourselves in their shoes.” (more…)
By: Huntsville Real Estate Expert Mike Manosky On February 1, 2012
Environmentally friendly features have become more important to home buyers according to the 2012 Home Buyer and Seller Profile published by the National Association of Realtors. The importance of various features such as heating and cooling, energy efficient appliances and lighting, landscaping, and an environmentally friendly community differ by region.
Commuting costs and environmental efficiency have increasingly factored into home buying decisions due to higher energy costs, but also due to overall concern for the environment.
Factors that are most important to buyers are those directly related to the buyers’ pocketbook.
Heating and cooling costs were at least “somewhat” important to 87 percent of home buyers.
Commuting costs were at least “somewhat” important to 73 percent of home buyers.
Now take a look at the Huntsville AL real estate sales for December.
Madison County/Huntsville AL Real Estate Sales Statistics
Huntsville AL and Madison County saw an increase of 7% in sold listings in December 2011 when compared to November 2011. The average list price decreased 1% to $194,072 and the average sales price decreased by 1% to $188,077. The average price per square foot was up by $11 per square foot, while market times increased by 10 days.
Having lived in the Huntsville AL area for most of his life, Mike Manosky understands exactly what makes this community special. In fact, those who know him well will tell you he carries the same traditional values and focus on the future as Huntsville.
Mike brings with him a keen eye for the details of buying or selling a Huntsville AL home and seemingly boundless determination and energy, which is why his clients benefit from his unique brand of real estate service. Rooted in Tradition, Focused on the Future – Mike Manosky will help make the most of your Huntsville AL real estate experience. Give him a call today, 256-508-0211 Direct or 800-803-0053 Toll Free, and discover the difference he can make during your family’s move.
Statistics are based on information for the North Alabama Association of Realtors and are deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
Nestled on a private cul-de-sac lot this gem is sure to please. A lovely formal dining room combined with an elegant formal living room is ideal for entertaining. Imagine all the delicious meals you can create in this gourmet kitchen. Flourishing with an abundance cabinet and counter space, a smooth-top range, a center island plus a huge pantry, cooking is sure to be a pleasure. An impressive family room with soaring ceilings, skylights and patio access is just waiting for family fun. A luxurious master retreat provides a soothing oasis of special conveniences and comforts at day’s end with a trey ceiling, two walk-in closets and sunny views. The pampering master bathroom features a garden tub, separate shower and dual raised vanities. The additional three bedrooms are generously sized and there are two additional full bathrooms. Bring all your toys as the two car garage plus a detached storage building is ready for stocking. Mosey out on the patio or relax in the screened porch. The private backyard is ideal for grilling and chilling. This the perfect place to call home. Call today for your personal tour.
Having lived in the Huntsville AL area for most of his life, Mike Manosky understands exactly what makes this community special. In fact, those who know him well will tell you he carries the same traditional values and focus on the future as Huntsville.
Mike brings with him a keen eye for the details of buying or selling a Huntsville AL home and seemingly boundless determination and energy, which is why his clients benefit from his unique brand of real estate service. Rooted in Tradition, Focused on the Future – Mike Manosky will help make the most of your Huntsville AL real estate experience. Give him a call today, 256-508-0211 Direct or 800-803-0053 Toll Free, and discover the difference he can make during your family’s move.
By: Huntsville Real Estate Expert Mike Manosky On January 13, 2012
With years of experience in art and art marketing, three Alabama artists, Charles Smith, David Simmons and Kurtis Thomas observed a need for a new approach to reaching art patrons and encouraging new art patrons. In this fast-paced world they realize the difficulty of scheduling an evening to attend a gallery opening, so they are going to bring the art directly to you, right in your home or office, in real-time, with real interaction with each artist through e-mail, live-chat, or by phone during the live web-cast; a fully integrated live experience including a printed prospectus of the show. Please join them in this ground-breaking event at ArtStreamLive.com. They also welcome your praises, suggestions, and criticisms, to help make your experience more enjoyable.
Having lived in the Huntsville AL area for most of his life, Mike Manosky understands exactly what makes this community special. In fact, those who know him well will tell you he carries the same traditional values and focus on the future as Huntsville.
Mike brings with him a keen eye for the details of buying or selling a Huntsville AL home and seemingly boundless determination and energy, which is why his clients benefit from his unique brand of real estate service. Rooted in Tradition, Focused on the Future – Mike Manosky will help make the most of your Huntsville AL real estate experience. Give him a call today, 256-508-0211 Direct or 800-803-0053 Toll Free, and discover the difference he can make during your family’s move.
Step into a magical world of holiday delight, as the already beautiful Burritt Mansion is decked out for the holidays by local designers & decorators. It will amaze young & old alike.
For 5 nights, walk at your own pace through the winter wonderland of holiday lights, enjoy the sounds of the season & see real-life nursery rhyme characters & of course, Santa. Children can make gifts & warm refreshements will be available. No cars allowed on these nights.
Times: 5-7:30 PM
Address: 4747 Bob Wallace Avenue Huntsville, AL 35805
Having lived in the Huntsville AL area for most of his life, Mike Manosky understands exactly what makes this community special. In fact, those who know him well will tell you he carries the same traditional values and focus on the future as Huntsville.
Mike brings with him a keen eye for the details of buying or selling a Huntsville AL home and seemingly boundless determination and energy, which is why his clients benefit from his unique brand of real estate service. Rooted in Tradition, Focused on the Future – Mike Manosky will help make the most of your Huntsville AL real estate experience. Give him a call today, 256-508-0211 Direct or 800-803-0053 Toll Free, and discover the difference he can make during your family’s move.
By: Huntsville Real Estate Expert Mike Manosky On October 21, 2011
There’s a goblin at my window,
A monster by my door.
The pumpkin at my table
Keeps on smiling more and more.
There’s a ghost who haunts my bedroom,
A witch whose face is green.
They used to be my family,
Till they dressed for Halloween.
- by Sandra Liatsos
It’s nearly that time of year again—Halloween, a time of ghosts and ghouls, tricks and treats, and costumes and candy! Did you know that Halloween is second only to Christmas in terms of spending? Yep–$1.2 million on costumes and another $2.5 million on candy, decorations, and other themed paraphernalia!
Other little-known facts include:
86% of Americans decorate their houses.
10% of pet owners costume their pets. (Click here for unique ideas)
35 million pounds of candy corn are produce yearly. (How many are consumed in your Huntsville home?)
Halloween traditions are many and varied. “Tis the night for donning a costume, wearing a mask, bobbing for apples, and, the children’s favorite—trick-or-treating. Looking for something different to give to the little ones coming to your Huntsville home this year? How about juice boxes, mini-marshmallows, popcorn balls, fruit roll-ups, 4 pack crayons, small glo-sticks, silly erasers, themed pencils, or goldfish snacks?
Ghoulish Groaners:
What is a mummy’s favorite music? Wrap Best Halloween insurance? Mediscare Favorite drink of ghosts and goblins? Ghoulade
Carving a Jack-o-Lantern:
Be your pumpkin orange, white, green, and yes, even blue, you want the face on the porch of your Huntsville home to be individual and unique. Get free templates to assist you in carving or for cut and paste faces here.
If you see a spider on Halloween, the spirit of a loved one is watching over you.
Costumes:
Forget the old standbys of ghost and witch. Get creative and think about the unusual. A bearded lady? A cupcake? Or perhaps popcorn or an aquarium? Although the web is filled with sites which sell costumes, you can express yourself by making your own garb. Check out CostumeIdeaZone.com for silly, serious, and/or super fast ideas.
A kid came up with a bright idea to dress up as an IRS Agent. This way he could take 28% of the man’s candy and leave without saying ‘Thank You!’ J)))
The annual Scarecrow Trail at Huntsville Botanical Garden includes over 100 creative, unusual and downright ingenius scarecrows. I’ve seen the scarecrows every year, but 2010 is the best one yet. The Theme was “Scarecrow Trail Goes Hollywood.”
It doesn’t take long to live in North Alabama and find out where the best pumpkin patch is. It’s Tate Farms Cotton Pickin’ Pumpkins in Meredianville. So pack up the kids and spend an adventuresome and family-friendly day at one of the happinest places around Huntsville in the fall. Pick your own pumpkin off the vine, pet the animals and try out the hay maize. You can also get lunch at Tate Farms if you stay a long time and need something to eat. For more info, call (256) 828-8288.
Cornfield Mazes are the rage all across America. The Brownsboro Cornfield Maize is the biggest one near Huntsville with over 14 acres and many special activities and events for the whole family. The MaIze is located east of Huntsville on US HWY 72. Turn North onto Brownsboro Road, they are behind the Post Office.
Graystone Manor is over 30,000 sqft of ultimate terror, with twists, turns and all manor of horrors the Doctor’s evil mind could conjure. And because the Doctor loves his bodies warm and fresh we have an indoor holding and ticketing area. Plus you can grab your last meal at Dead Debbie’s Diner while you wait, no need to die on an empty stomach. New for 2009: While at Graystone Manor be sure to go through Dr. Vanburan’s Asylum where the insane’s nightmares come to life.
Admission charged. Thursdays & Sundays 7-10 pm; Fridays & Saturdays 7 pm-12 am (closed Monday-Wednesdays plus Thursday Sept. 22 & 29 and Oct. 6) at 1918 Memorial Parkway N Huntsville (next to WAFF Channel 48 TV). Order tickets online or get when you go.
By: Huntsville Real Estate Expert Mike Manosky On September 23, 2011
For the third time in five years, Huntsville has been honored as a “Playful City USA,” a national program advocating for local policies to increase play opportunities for children. The non-profit organization KaBOOM! created Playful City USA in 2007 to help local governments ensure their children have the time and space they need to play.
Mayor Tommy Battle credits Huntsville’s ranking to his administration’s commitment to prioritize children’s health and welfare through the City’s Parks and Recreation department.
“Childhood obesity is a major social and health problem here in this country,” said Mayor Battle. “Our objective is to have a playground within walking distance of every child in Huntsville so that any child can have unstructured play, anytime, on a safe, state of the art, play ground.”
Only one and five children in the United States lives within walking distance of a playground. That’s not the case in Huntsville. The City currently has 66 public playgrounds, comprised of 42 City of Huntsville parks and 24 Huntsville City School playgrounds.
In the past year alone, Huntsville’s total expenditures for capital projects and improvements of playspaces for children was $275,000. The City’s cost to maintain playspaces was $435,000. In total, that’s more than $700,000 in funds dedicated to improving the mental, social, and physical welfare of our children.
The City, however, can’t do it alone. The EveryBody Can Play Playground in Brahan Spring Park is a testament to the community’s creativity and spirit in helping to provide a handicap-accessible playground for children and adults. Community groups, non-profit organizations and businesses contributed $325,000 for the project.
By: Huntsville Real Estate Expert Mike Manosky On September 16, 2011
Huntsville, Alabama’s Big Spring Jam is one of the largest music festivals in the Southeastern United States. It is recognized by the Southeastern Tourism Association as one of the top ten September events in the Southeast. Since its debut in 1993, Big Spring Jam has donated more than half a million dollars to area charities, health and human services agencies and arts and entertainment organizations. Big Spring Jam is held in downtown Huntsville’s Big Spring International Park.
InSideOut Tickets are $75* and include admission to the Big Spring Jam Festival as well as a reserved seat in the VBC Propst Arena to enjoy the artist playing on the WDRM stage presented by Landers McLarty Nissan on BOTH Friday and Saturday.
InSideOut Friday and InSideOut Saturday Tickets are $37.50* and include admission to the Big Spring Jam Festival as well as a reserved seat in the VBC Propst Arena on the WDRM stage presented by Landers McLarty Nissan Mercedes Benz Toyota. Friday ticket includes Alan Jackson with Drake White, Doug McDonald and Cecilia Halsey. Saturday ticket includes Josh Turner with Thompson Square, The Springs, Logan Mize and Madison Station.
The OutSide Two Day* Ticket allows you access to the outside stages at the Big Spring Jam on both Friday and Saturday.
The OutSide One Day* Ticket allows you access to the outside stages at the Big Spring Jam on either Friday or Saturday.
InSideOut Tickets are $75* and include admission to the Big Spring Jam Festival as well as a reserved seat in the VBC Propst Arena to enjoy the artist playing on the WDRM stage presented by Landers McLarty Nissan on BOTH Friday and Saturday.