When engineers installed the Paradox Valley Salinity Control project in 1996 on the lower Dolores River in Southwest Colorado, the result was improved water quality in the nearby Colorado River and for millions of people and farms downstream.

But an unintended consequence of pumping briny fluid deep underground has been thousands of human-induced earthquakes.

The largest was a 4.5 magnitude quake on March 4, about a mile from the injection well, that was felt in Moab, Dove Creek, Cortez and Towaoc. The injected brine was the likely cause, according to seismologists.

After the record-breaking earthquake for that area, the Bureau of Reclamation salination injection well facility was shut down on a temporary basis to allow for further study.

Draft EISThis month, a Draft Environmental Impact Statement analyzing alternatives for continued salinity control at the location was released. Comments are being taken until Feb. 4. Those interested may submit comments by email to paradoxeis@usbr.gov, or to Ed Warner, Area Manager, Bureau of Reclamation, 445 West Gunnison Ave., Suite 221, Grand Junction, CO 81501.

Two public meetings will be held: at 5 p.m. Jan. 14 in Paradox at Paradox Valley Charter School, 21501 6 Mile Road; and at 6 p.m. Jan. 15 in Montrose at Holiday Inn Express & Suites, 1391 S. Townsend Ave.

According to the EIS, Because the underground reservoir pressure and induced seismicity have increased, and brine disposal rates have had to be substantially reduced in response, a new brine control and disposal facility is needed.

At the Reclamation facility near Bedrock, a series of nine wells draws up the briny groundwater prevalent in the Paradox Valley, known for salt deposits left over from an ancient shallow sea.

It is piped to a nearby injection well that sends the salt water 2.9 miles underground to the Mississippi Leadville Formation.

The Dolores River is a tributary of the Colorado River. By removing the natural salt loading in the Dolores River, water quality is improved on the Colorado for an estimated 40 million people downstream, including municipalities, 5.5 million acres of farms, industry, and for communities in Mexico.

The facility has been intercepting and injecting about 95,000 tons annually of brine into the injection well. The proposed alternatives are seeking comparable amounts to be removed, and would federal government funded.

The injected brine fluid is known to cause earthquakes by adding lubrication and pressure to fault lines. An estimated 6,000 mostly smaller earthquakes are thought to be caused by the Paradox injection well since the 1990s, according to government reports and seismologists.

After a 4.0 magnitude earthquake hit in 2013 in the vicinity of the injection well, the facility reduced injection volume to try and minimize induced earthquakes.

The big oneBut when the 4.5 magnitude hit six years later, Reclamation officials decided to shut down the injection well temporarily, said Lesley McWhirter, an environmental planner for the Bureau of Reclamation.

Well pressure is reaching permit threshold standards, an indication that the total capacity of the Leadville formation site storing the brine has been reached, she said.

The EIS proposes several alternatives, including no action, a new nearby injection well, a surface evaporative system, and a zero-liquid discharge brine crystallization system. Alternatives have a goal to last 50 years.

The Paradox Valley Unit is a cost effective salinity control project in the Colorado River Basin as it prevents 95,000 tons of salt annually from reaching the Dolores River and eventually the Colorado River thats approximately 7% of total salinity control occurring in the basin, said Ed Warner, Area Manager for Reclamations Western Colorado Office. Reducing salt in the rivers improves water quality, crop production and wildlife habitat in the basin.

Seismologist explainsWhen fluids are injected deep underground consistently in one location, there is a strong potential for earthquakes to occur, said seismologist Jim Pechmann, of the University of Utah Seismograph Station.

We know there is a cause and effect there, especially if injection has been occurring over a long time such as the Paradox injection well site, he said. He said that there is really no doubt that the large March 4 earthquake was induced by the brine injection.

Industrial injection wells are know to cause earthquakes in areas that are not known for them naturally such as in Oklahoma, Texas, and Southwest Colorado.

Fluids pumped deep underground create pressure against ancient fault lines, which become lubricated and slip, causing earthquakes, Pechmann said. The more the fault gets pressurized, the bigger the magnitude, he said. Old faults that have not been active for millions of years have zones of weakness that can slip under the added pressure. There are always old faults around.

Rock layers with porous features that allow the brine fluid to flow away from the injection well and not build up pressure would help minimize the potential for earthquakes, Pechmann said.

Alternatives priced at $99 million and upThree alternatives and a no action option have been proposed:

Alternative B1, B2: Cap the current injection well and install a new well nearby in the Paradox Valley. Initial studies indicate the proposed new well sites have a Leadville formation with less faults and more space that would be less susceptible to induced earthquakes. They are a greater distance from population areas, and would reduce the level of shaking experienced by residents. One of the sites would require two new bridges across the Dolores River. The costs of the wells, and associated pipelines and pump stations, would be between $99 million and $116 million, and operations and maintenance would create 20-23 jobs. Three-dimensional seismic geologic investigations would be completed to finalize the most ideal location.Alternative C: Brine would be collected from the existing brine production well field and piped to the existing surface treatment facility. Then it would be piped to a series of evaporation ponds seven miles southeast of the production well field. The facility would be operated to evaporate the water from the brine, thereby allowing the solid salt to be harvested for disposal in an onsite salt landfill, or to be used as a commodity.The conceptual pond system design includes a 27-acre surge pond, a 39-acre concentrator pond, 290 acres of crystallizer ponds, 24-acre bittern concentration pond, and a 10- acre-foot bittern storage pond. A hydrogen-sulfide treatment system would be included to remove H2S before brine is discharged to the evaporation ponds. Ponds would be netted according to FWS specifications to restrict access by birds and small mammals and to allow for snow loading.

Salt would be harvested from the evaporation ponds and disposed of in a 60-acre, onsite salt landfill. The salt landfill would reach a vertical height of 100 feet above the ground surface. Estimated construction cost is $132 million. Operation and maintenance would create 20 jobs.

Under Alternative D, brine would be collected from the existing brine production well field and piped to the surface treatment facility. Then it would be piped to a centralized treatment plant, consisting of a series of thermally driven crystallizers. The zero-liquid discharge facility would be operated to evaporate (and later condense) water from the brine, resulting in a solid salt and produced freshwater stream. The solid salt would be transported to an onsite, 60-acre salt landfill. Estimated construction cost is $112 million. Operations and maintenance would generate 157 jobs.jmimiaga@ the-journal.com

See original here:
Paradox Valley salt injection well nears end of life - The Journal

Published 6:00pm EST, Tuesday, December 17, 2019

The Wilton Christmas Carolers will sing on the town green at 4:15 p.m., on Dec. 18.

The Wilton Christmas Carolers will sing on the town green at 4:15 p.m., on Dec. 18.

Photo: Contributed Photo / Wilton Christmas Carolers

The Wilton Christmas Carolers will sing on the town green at 4:15 p.m., on Dec. 18.

The Wilton Christmas Carolers will sing on the town green at 4:15 p.m., on Dec. 18.

Wilton carolers will sing at gazebo

The Wilton Christmas Carolers will have their third annual Christmas caroling event on Wednesday, Dec. 18, at 4:15 p.m., at the Wilton Center gazebo. The community is welcome to join in.

We experienced a wonderful feeling of the spirit of this magical holiday season while caroling the last two years, with passersby of all persuasions joining in ... no singing talent necessary! said organizer Eleanor Sasso.

The group will provide flashlights and sheet music for all.

Any questions on the event: please text Eleanor at 203-216-6814.

The rest is here:
Wilton carolers will sing at gazebo - The Wilton Bulletin

PASO ROBLES Paso Robles Recreation Services and the Paso Robles Recreation Enhances Community Foundation is currently accepting applications for interested performers for the 2020 Summer Concerts in the Park series.

This highly popular family-friendly concert series attracted over 25,000 attendees in the summer of 2019 and has been an annual tradition throughout the area since 2001.

All shows are free and feature a wide variety of local and regional musical entertainment in the City Park gazebo.

We were thrilled with the outstanding attendance and community support for our Summer Concerts in the Park Series last summer, commented Lynda Plescia, Recreation Services Manager for the City of Paso Robles. Our varied line-up of talented musicians delivered fabulous shows and were looking forward to assembling another crowd-pleasing schedule of performances for the 2020 season.

Concerts will take place on Thursdays from 6-8 p.m., June 4 through Aug. 13.

Musicians interested in consideration for the 2020 season must submit a press kit by Friday, Jan. 17, containing the following materials:

A completed Band Interest Form available at prcity.com/concertsinthepark

One to two relevant videos of previous performances in the last three years

CD demo or downloadable songs

Website or Facebook page information or link

Setlist to cover a two-hour set

Two references

Interested performers must email an electronic press kit (EPK) by the Jan. 17 deadline to Recreation Services Administrative Assistant Wyatt Lund at wlund@prcity.com or submit a physical press kit to Concerts in the Park, Attention: Wyatt Lund, 600 Nickerson Dr., Paso Robles, CA 93446.

For more information, contact Lund at 805-237-3990 or the email address above.

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Read more:
Paso Robles Concerts in the Park Seeking Talent for 2020 - Paso Robles Press

With Christmas right around the corner, the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the Oaklawn Grange was held Dec. 12.

The Christmas tree and Gazebo were lit by Mayor Allan Fung and his wife, Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung. The event included visits with Santa Claus, music and horse-drawn hayrides provided by New Deal Farm. Visitors enjoyed hot cocoa, cookies other treats.

Horses Eddie and Lenny, driven by New Deal Farm co-owner Julie Kliever, brought riders throughout the neighborhood.

Santa arrived in a Cranston fire truck and then took a hayride to the Grange to meet with local youngsters. A crowd of approximately 150 people turned out, and many brought canned goods to benefit local food pantries.

The Oaklawn Grange was organized in 1909 by 38 people who met at the Old Meeting House, at the location of what is now the Oaklawn Baptist Church. At that time, Oaklawn was a farming community, and the church donated the Meeting House as a place of fellowship.

Original post:
Christmas at the Grange - Cranston Herald

AVON, Ohio -- The French Creek Foundation and the City of Avons annual Tree Lighting Ceremony went off without a hitch Dec. 7.

In addition to all the activities, Maya Rak, 10, helped Mayor Bryan Jensen to light the tree.

Maya is bravely fighting cancer right now and we are dedicating this years tree lighting to her, said Clint Gault of the French Creek Foundation, organizers of the yearly event.

What many people dont realize is that we have two meetings a month for six months in preparation of (the event) every year, with the ultimate goal of making an impact on a child who is going through a tough time, he said.

Maya Rak was the winner of the Ride with Santa competition this year. She is incredibly sweet, and my heart goes out to her and her family as she fights through her cancer treatments. I would ask that all say a prayer for her this holiday season."

The festival began at 5 p.m. at Avons gazebo at the corner of Detroit and Stoney Ridge roads. Maya and Santa then led the parade from the gazebo through Olde Avon Village to the municipal parking lot behind the Avon Senior Center, where activities took place.

Donations of canned goods, gift-wrapping supplies and money at the main tent all went to benefit the citys Community Resource Services.

Activities included a gingerbread house contest (see winners below); Live entertainment with a DJ, fairytale characters and an appearance by Lake Erie Crushers mascot Stomper; a craft tent; live reindeer and ponies; Avon school choirs; visits with Santa; and food, including pizza, cookies, coffee and hot cocoa.

"The event was the best it has ever been, Gault said, largely because of all of those who got involved and helped, with a couple thousand people in attendance, and the additions of pony rides and more food vendors.

We are blessed to have a mayor who stands behind and values community gatherings and helping to make an impact on those who are in need," he said.

The holidays sometimes can feel overwhelming with all of the year-end items that need to be completed, but it is important to take a step back and remember all of the blessings we have and be grateful for them, Gault said.

The event is a great reminder that, as the movie Its a Wonderful Life says, Life doesnt have to be perfect to be wonderful.

Winners of the gingerbread house contest were:

- Age Group 3-5: 1st -- Astoria Gault, 2nd -- Silas Long

- Age Group 6-8: 1st -- Bradley Wilson, 2nd -- Jon Gorney

- Age Group 9-11: 1st -- Samantha Gorney (also Library Choice Award), 2nd -- Samuel Plas

- Age Group 12-14: 1st -- Dominic Sprungl

- Age Group 15-18: 1st --Justin Sprungl

Read more from the Sun Sentinel.

Link:
French Creek Foundation, City of Avon team up again for holiday festival - cleveland.com

Gazebo Theatre Company, based in Bilston have worked alongside the toy appeal to provide free Christmas gifts for underprivileged and vulnerable children in the community.

The charitable cause supports children in families who may otherwise not receive any presents.

Gazebo's Dennis Ffrench, the longest playing black pantomime dame in the UK, and Rebecca Shepherd will be helping Santa deliver his toys alongside their fun, interactive panto workshops and shows.

The two groups will be visiting children across Wolverhampton and the Black Country.

Rebecca said: "Christmas isn't just about presents, it's about being with people you love and creating magical experiences and memories that last a lifetime.

"Working with Gazebo and the Sikh Toy Appeal this year, we've been able to do just that with so many families and young people.

"It gives us so much joy to see the smiles on their faces and spread the message of Christmas."

Last Sunday Gazebo and the Sikh Toy appeal presented gifts to young people and parents at St Chad's Church, Bilston.

They also had support from local councillors Olivia Birch, Linda Leach and Phil Page, who came along to the church to get involved.

Dennis added: "I have been performing Professional Pantomimes for 25 years. Working with Gazebo and the Sikh Toy Appeal feels like the pinnacle of my career.

"Not only is it a big thank you to a community who have supported me throughout the year, but it brings so much joy, love and hope into the lives of so many people.

"Gazebo and the Sikh Toy Appeal are the personification of community spirit, and I feel privileged and honoured to be part of that journey.

See the original post:
Wolverhampton theatre group teams up with Sikh Toy Appeal - expressandstar.com

Rotherham-based Gala Tent has acquired an important patent which relates to the fixings used on its marquees and gazebos.

Founded in 1999, Gala Tent is one of the UK's leading producers of marquees, tents and gazebos. It has grown to sell over 15,000 tents and marquees each year, along with around 100,000 event accessories and furniture products. It grew from a table top operation in Grimethorpe to a company with a turnover of 10m having moved into new 53,000 sq ft headquarters at Fairfield Park in Manvers in 2011.

The patent relates to the manufacture and use of new type of fixing known as Spirotite. This type of fastener has all the advantages of threaded fasteners without the disadvantages of the thread. Whereas thread can work loose under vibration and makes maintenance difficult and sometimes costly, this innovative fastener works on compression, so it is not affected by vibration, and will not work loose.

Spirotite fittings are seen as safer and more secure than traditional threaded fittings and offer a faster set up and lower maintenance of a product. It is also much more effective than a traditional nut and bolt system, which is less secure, less durable and can easily become loose. Due to the faster production process, Spirotite fasteners are also lower cost to produce, so are more affordable for the end user.

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"The grant of these key patents strengthens Gala Tent's position as a consolidator of IP in this space and provides our customers with access to a wider range of opportunities and potential development of further applications."

Mark Thompson, CEO at Gala Tent (pictured, left), added: "We have developed an innovative fastener that is set to revolutionise the way fasteners are used in industry.

"The idea for Spirotite was originally developed for Gala Tent for its marquee joint and it means that all the company's structures are easier and safer to erect. The fixing can also be scaled for the larger commercial modular structures, which will also enhance the security of the marquee, and speeding up the erection time in the process."

Gala Tent website

Images: Gala Tent

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News: Gala Tent tightens grip on industry - Rotherham Business News

Looking for something new and exciting to do this weekend? Take in an art show or concert? Take a hike or visit a local festival? Then look no further as we present what's happening:

"Animals in Winter,"a program for children ages infant to 5 with a parent, will take place from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Somerset County Park Commissions Environmental Education Center (EEC), 190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge. Attendees will join a naturalist to talk about animals and how they survive the winter cold. The hour will include games, crafts and stories. Fee is $10 per pair and $5 per additional child. Advance payment required. Register online at http://www.somersetcountyparks.org or call (908) 722-1200, ext. 5002.

Christmas Festival at the Morristown Green schedule Friday, Dec. 20, Santa House, 3 to 8 p.m. Santa visits and photos. Activity Tent, 5 to 8 p.m. Bethel A.M.E. Choir. Outdoors, 5 to 8 p.m. Miniature train rides.

The Alien Who Stole Christmas: The Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium will host The Alien Who Stole Christmas at 3 p.m. today at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg. The audience will discover the stars visible in the winter sky and follow Santa on a trip through the solar system as hes kidnapped by a friendly alien. The kids on the other planets also need presents. Recommended for ages 6-10. Planetarium tickets cost $10 for one show, $18 for two shows on the same day. For reservations and information, call (908) 231-8805 or visit http://www.raritanval.edu/planetarium.

Winter Wonder Lights: The Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium will host Winter Wonder Lights at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. today at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg. Guests will enjoy a laser concert featuring such holiday hits as Wizards in Winter, Rockin Around the Christmas Tree, and Dominic the Donkey. Recommended for ages 6-adult. Planetarium tickets cost $10 for one show, $18 for two shows on the same day. For reservations and information, call (908) 231-8805 or visit http://www.raritanval.edu/planetarium.

Mystery at the North Pole: The Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium will host Mystery at the North Pole at 7 p.m. tonight at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg. Poor Santa is too ill to deliver presents this year. Who could have done this? Who would want to sabotage Christmas? Was it an elf? A reindeer? The audience will need to look at the suspects and figure out who is guilty of hurting Santa. Recommended for ages 6-adult. Planetarium tickets cost $10 for one show, $18 for two shows on the same day. For reservations and information, call (908) 231-8805 or visit http://www.raritanval.edu/planetarium.

Tibetan Singing Bowls: Hunterdon Parks & Recreation presents Tibetan Singing Bowls from 5 to 6 p.m. tonight with instructor Lisa Perry at Echo Hill on Lilac Drive in Clinton Township. Cost is $12 per session for ages 13 through adult. Relax and absorb the healing vibrations from crystal and Tibetan singing bowls. As sunset approaches, everyone is invited to participate in a singing bowl circle. Bring a mat or towel to lie or sit on, a flashlight, and a singing bowl (optional). If it is raining, the group will hold the meditation in the main lodge. Pre-registration is required. Visit http://www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/depts/parks/programs.html or call (908) 782-1158 for more information.

Christmas Festival at the Morristown Green schedule Saturday, Dec. 21, Santa House, noon to 7 p.m. Santa visits and photos. Activity Tent, 1 to 3 p.m. Macculloch Hall Thomas Nast ornament coloring activity. 4 to 7 p.m. Holiday performances with the Original Music School. Outdoors, 3 to 4 p.m. Tuba Christmas, 4 to 6 p.m. Miniature train rides.

The Chatham Emergency Squad is presenting its 16th annual Winter Wonderland "Snow Village exhibit from 3 to 6 p.m. this Saturday, Dec. 21, and from noon to 3 p.m. this Sunday, Dec. 22, at its Chatham Borough building, located at 31 North Passaic Ave. Admission is free, and the exhibit will continue throughout the month of December. The impressive display features more than 100 "Department 56" model houses, cars and figurines with a working ski lift, an ice skating rink and more set amidst the backdrop of a snow-filled winter wonderland and a model train running through the center of town. The Winter Wonderland "Snow Village" will be open to the public weekends from 3 to 6 p.m. this Saturday, Dec. 21, and Saturday, Dec. 28, and this Sunday, Dec. 28, and Sunday, Dec. 29. In addition, the display can be viewed at a special "open houses" from 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 26. Special times and group tours also can be arranged by submitting a request at https://www.chathamemergencysquad.org/.

Saving the Swamp Walk and Talk, 2 - 3:30 p.m., Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center, 247 Southern Blvd., Chatham Township. The event will be a celebration of the saving of the Great Swamp with a slideshow of Great Swamp wildlife, a crisp afternoon stroll along the trails, and a special visit from a live owl from The Raptor Trust. This event is co-sponsored by the Morris County Park Commission, Outdoor Education Center and The Raptor Trust. Call 9(73) 635-6629 to register.

High Bridge Main Street Christmas Party: The Main Street Christmas Party is hosted by Scout's Coffee Bar + Mercantile and The High Bridge Neighborhood from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. today on Main Street. All are invited to come out for a special shopping event in High Bridge. The Main Street businesses have all come together to coordinate a street-long Christmas Party consisting of Maker Pop-Ups, Live Music, Libations, Food, gifts, and more. Bounce around Main Street, have a few drinks, and say hello.

Clinton Town Singles Walk: The Hunterdon Walking & Social Club will enjoy a Clinton Town Walk at 3 p.m. today after meeting at the North County Library, 65 Halstead St., Clinton in the left side parking lot. The group will walk through town to see the decorations and get in the holiday spirit. The group will then socialize at 4:15 p.m. at Riley and Jakes Restaurant on Route 31 South just before turnoff for High Bridge, rain or shine. The club is for 45+ singles and meets every Sunday afternoon for a walk and talk at parks and trails throughout the county, followed by a gathering at a local restaurant. For info, call (908) 788-7072 or visit http://www.angelfire.com/trek.hwsc.

The Winter Market is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Alexander Hamilton School at 24 Mills St. in Morristown.

32nd annual Christmas Concert, featured Orchestra of St. Peter by the Seat, at Notre Dame Church, 359 Central Ave., North Caldwell. Doors open at 6 p.m. No reserved seating. Tickets are $40. For information, call (973) 226-0979.

Menorah Lighting Celebrationat 6:15 p.m. outside Borough Hall, 140 Eagle Rock Ave., Roseland. Music, singing and refreshments. Remarks by Rabbi Kasowitz of Chabad of West Orange and Susan Werk of Congregation Agudath Israel in Caldwell.

'Wacky Wild Chanukah Experience', 5 - 7 p.m., Chabad of Basking Ridge, 3048 Valley Road, Basking Ridge. Featured activities include a "Mad Science'' show, "Dreidel Slime,'' doughnut decorating, crafts, games, hot latkes and dinner. Cost is $18 per person. RSVP at Chabadcentral.org/chanukah or call (908) 604-8844, ext. 225.

A Snowflake Party will be offered from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Somerset County Park Commissions Environmental Education Center (EEC), 190 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge. Family and friends can prepare for the inevitable snow by making giant snowflake decorations for display at the EEC and some to take home. Attendees can come any time during the party and spend as much time as they desire. The program is free and there is no need to register. For more information, visit http://www.somersetcountyparks.org or call (908) 722-1200, ext. 5002.

Madison Menorah Lighting, 5 p.m.,Chabad of Southeast Morris County, Madison, at the menorah located at the Madison Train Station across the street from the Hartley Dodge Memorial municipal building at 50 Kings Road. Refreshments following the lighting will be served in the Hartley Dodge Memorial building. There will be music, hot refreshments, and prizes for children. All residents and business people are invited to join Mayor Robert Conley and local town officials in the lighting of the menorah.

Menorah Lighting, 7 p.m., the Chatham Community Gazebo in Firehouse Plaza off Fairmount Avenue in Chatham. Refreshments following the lighting will be served in the Gazebo. There will be music, hot refreshments, and prizes for children. All residents and business people are invited to join Chatham Mayor Bruce A. Harris and local town officials in the lighting of the menorah. Hosted by Chabad of Southeast Morris County.

Christmas Festival at the Morristown Green schedule Sunday, Dec. 22, Santa House, noon to 7 p.m. Santa visits and photos. Activity Tent, 1 to 3 p.m. Gingerbread house making. 4 to 7 p.m. Holiday performances with the Original Music School. Outdoors, 2 to 4 p.m. Ice sculpting demonstration; 2 to 6 p.m. Miniature train ride.

To have your event included in this listing, please email P.C. Robinson at probinson@newjerseyhills.com. She may also be reached at 908 766-3900 ext. 219.

Original post:
WHAT TO DO THIS WEEKEND | Bernardsville News News - New Jersey Hills

A drop in interest rates spurred greater than expected home building in Hoover in 2019, and the market shows no sign of slowing down in 2020, industry observers say.

From Jan. 1, 2019, to Dec. 5, there were 443 single-family building permits issued in Hoover, according to records from the citys Building Inspections Department. Thats up 42 percent from the 312 building permits issued in all of 2018, records show.

Right now, its really booming, said Jim Wyatt, director of the Building Inspections Department. Theyre building wide open. Were not seeing any slow down at all. As long as interest rates stay reasonable, I think were going to see a continued building boom.

For the first 11 months of 2019, there were 299 closings on new homes in Hoover, compared to 236 in the same period in 2018, according to Multiple Listing Service data provided by Signature Homes.

Eighty-six percent of those 256 homes were built by Signature Homes, said Jonathan Belcher, the companys president. That compares to 175 homes closed by Signature Homes in Hoover in the first 11 months of 2018 and 198 for all of 2018.

I think from a year ago, were in a lot different position, Belcher said.

In early November 2018, interest rates on a 30-year fixed mortgage were a little over 5%, but fell to 3.5-3.75% by March of 2019, Belcher said.

That really had a huge impact in a positive way on home prices and certainly on the sales side, he said.

The average sales price of new homes in Hoover rose from $471,000 in the first 11 months of 2018 to $527,000 in the same period in 2019, Belcher said.

The Blackridge development by Signature Homes had a big impact on that sales price jump because the average sales price in Blackridge right now is $838,000, he said. There were only five homes sold in Blackridge in 2018, but there were 37 homes sold there in the first 11 months of 2019, he said.

The vast majority of new homes being built in Hoover are in Blackridge, Lake Wilborn and other sections of the Trace Crossings community, such as Abingdon and Green Trails, Wyatt said.

Homes also are being built in The Preserve, Lake Cyrus, Ross Bridge, McGill Crossings and Brock Point (on the eastern side of Hoover), but at a much slower pace, Wyatt said. The only sector of Ross Bridge still under construction is Glasscott, and those are mostly custom homes in the $1.2 million to $1.5 million range, he said.

Belcher said he does not expect to see the number of homes being built in Hoover to continue to rise. Instead, he foresees the market leveling out and stabilizing at the current rate.

There are about 1,100 homes planned for Lake Wilborn, Abingdon and Green Trails, and so far only about 300 of those have been completed, he said. Buildout for those communities should take another four to five years, depending on the interest rates and the housing market in general, he said.

There are still about 600 to 700 more homes to be built in Blackridge, and buildout there should take longer because of the higher prices, he said. Signature Homes expects to build another 18 houses in Brock Point off Shelby County 41, next to Greystone and across from Shoal Creek, and that subdivision likely will be completed in 2020, Belcher said. Homes there have been priced in the $500,000s to $700,000s.

In The Preserve, about 500 homes have been built so far, and there probably are a little more than 200 more homes still to be constructed, said Merry Leach, the lead real estate agent for The Preserve.

We still have plenty of lots to develop, she said.

Builders in The Preserve include Byrom Building Corp., Centennial Homes, FargasonBuilding Corp., Hastings Construction and Ridgecrest Properties.

There are a few home sites left in phase 14 of The Preserve, and the developer hopes to open phase 11, with more than 50 lots, in late spring 2020, Leach said. Phase 11 will include about 23 lots that are for one-level homes, she said. Were very excited about it.

Most of the homes in The Preserve are custom homes, and the average price there right now is about $650,000. The one-level homes likely will be less expensive, she said.

The low interest rates have meant many people have been able to afford more home than they thought they could, Leach said. It helps them build their dream home, quite honestly, she said.

The Hoover housing market is outperforming the market in most of the metro area, Belcher said. New home closings for the Birmingham-Hoover metro area as a whole were down 4.4 percent from 2,055 in the first 11 months of 2018 to 1,964 in the same period in 2019.

New home sales were down from 75 to 38 in Vestavia Hills, 168 to 155 in Trussville, 100 to 97 in Helena, and 85 to 84 in Pelham, Belcher said. There was increased activity in Calera, where new homes sales rose from 99 in the first 11 months of 2018 to 145 in the same period in 2019, he said. However, the average price of a new home in Calera was much lower at about $200,000, Belcher said.

Right now, there is only about a two-month supply of existing homes in Hoover and 3.9- month supply of new homes, for an overall average of 2.4 months, Belcher said. Usually, a six-month supply is deemed healthy, so supply is considered limited right now.

Excerpt from:

Home building boom expected to continue for Hoover in 2020 - Hoover Sun

So here is a fairytale for you: a house for a family with a large yard in Los Angeles for sale at around $12,000.

Thats what you could find in 1950s LA, when thousands of suburban tract homes sprang up in the San Fernando Valley and Orange County. They were home to mostly white, middle-class families following the war.

Theyve often been called ticky-tack, but not all were bland. Just think of the cool but comfy ranch style homes of Cliff May and the modernist houses of William Krisel and Dan Palmer.

Then there are Cinderella homes. These were designed by Jean Vandruff and marketed by his salesman brother Shannon. Vandruff was an inventor and architectural designer who dropped out of USC and dove right into designing a custom home -- long and low, with diamond paned windows, high gabled peaked roofs and large overhangs -- altogether they were like something out of a princess story.

Fairy tales were popular in those days. I was sitting at my drafting board and and my wife Eleanor came and looked over my shoulder and she saw the house that I was designing and she said, that ought to be a house for Cinderella, Vandruff said.

Local historian Chris Lukather is author of the new book The Cinderella Homes of Jean Vandruff. Hes a Valley native who thinks the areas better than average tract homes warrant a bit more love. Lukather has also written a book about local builder William Mellenthins birdhouse homes and he is working on a book about Robert Byrd.

Vandruff built a custom Cinderella home in Downey and through word of mouth, through no advertising, they had about 30,000 people come and visit this home, Lukather explains. People flocked to it. People camped out overnight. They sold out the first tract of homes in three days.

The homes were described by Vandruff as wife-prejudiced to accommodate women, with lower countertops and a window opening that went from the kitchen into the living room, which allowed the wife to have conversations with her children or her husband while she was working in the kitchen.

The Cinderella homes were a big hit for the Vandruff brothers in the 1950s, until the cedar shake shingles were declared a fire hazard in the 60s. Later, concrete versions of shake shingles were invented, but by then the trend had ended.

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How Cinderella Homes brought fantasy to the suburbs - KCRW