The 39th Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Parade

The St. Andrew's Society of Washington, D.C. partners with The Campagna Center and the City of Alexandria to host the 39th Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Parade on Saturday, December 5, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., in historic Old Town. As the centerpiece of the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend, the parade celebrates the City's Scottish heritage, featuring more than 100 Scottish Clans, pipe and drum bands, Scottish dancers, re-enactment groups, Scottie dog groups, dignitaries and, of course, Santa Claus will march through the streets of Old Town. This year's Grand Marshal is the City's Chief of Police, Earl Cook.

The parade starts at the intersection of Wilkes and South Saint Asaph Streets. The parade will head north on South St. Asaph Street to Queen Street, turn right on Queen Street to North Fairfax Street, then turn right and head south on North Fairfax Street. The parade will turn right on King Street, passing Market Square, to the termination point at the intersection of King and Pitt Streets.

The St. Andrew's Society of Washington, D.C. partners with The Campagna Center and the City of Alexandria to sponsor the annual parade. Consistently ranked by the Southeast Tourism Society as one of the top 20 events in the South, the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend draws nearly 30,000 individuals and families to the parade. Tourists travel from throughout the Mid-Atlantic region to participate in this celebrated community event. For more information about the parade and all of the other weekend's festivities, visit www.scottishchristmaswalk.com.

All proceeds from the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend support the Campagna Center's programs, which help children in Alexandria arrive at school ready to learn and ensuring they are academically successful at each grade level. For information on The Campagna Center, call 703.549.0111 or visit www.campagnacenter.org.

What's so great baout Condo/HOA living? Part 5

Community associations offer one of the best opportunities for Americans to own their own homes. They are for the 21st century what land grants were in the 19th century, and what the New Deal and GI Bill were in the 20th. Why?

Community Associations Make the Market Efficient

Many community associations—especially condominiums—have greatly reduced urban sprawl. Because of their collective management and protective covenants, they are precisely what the Housing Act of 1949 intended when it called for “decent home(s) and suitable living environments.” Community associations, as alternatives to traditional single-family homes, are shining examples of free-market efficiency.
The factors that make community associations great places to live are easily ignored or misunderstood. Critics prefer to look at a few sensational issues instead of the whole picture. But for many community associations are affordable, enjoyable, efficient places to live.

FHA Releases Revised Condo Guidelines

On Friday, November 6, 2009, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) issued two documents related to FHA mortgage insurance requirements for condominium associations. These two documents: HUD Mortgagee Letter 2009-46A and Mortgagee Letter 2009-46B provide an overview of the FHA-proposed transitional criteria and successor criteria for condominium association requirements for FHA mortgage insurance.

These letters replace earlier proposals issued by FHA that triggered a strong response from affected industries. CAI provided FHA with its feedback on the earlier drafts of the criteria. The new transitional criteria and the successor criteria found in these documents demonstrate a positive movement by FHA in areas in which CAI provided comments, but will continue to pose a challenge for condominium associations. Read more ...

CAI has also prepared a short FAQ for condominium associations on this matter. That document may be viewed here.

What's so great baout Condo/HOA living? Part 4

Community associations offer one of the best opportunities for Americans to own their own homes. They are for the 21st century what land grants were in the 19th century, and what the New Deal and GI Bill were in the 20th. Why?
Community Associations Minimize Social Costs

Community associations also minimize social costs. Because they have mandatory covenants that require certain obligations from homeowners and the association, associations ensure that all who benefit pay their share and everyone is equally responsible. Community associations have sufficient enforcement authority that local government is seldom, if ever, needed to resolve assessment disputes. Many associations use alternative dispute resolution because it’s a faster and cheaper way to solve problems than legal action.

What's so great baout Condo/HOA living? Part 3

Community associations offer one of the best opportunities for Americans to own their own homes. They are for the 21st century what land grants were in the 19th century, and what the New Deal and GI Bill were in the 20th. Why?
Community Associations Make Owning a Home Affordable

Almost from their inception in the 1960s, condominiums have provided housing for low-to-moderate income Americans. In fact, in some areas, builders are required to include a certain percentage of affordable homes in new developments.
Also, converting rental apartments and commercial buildings into condominiums not only revitalizes many decaying neighborhoods, it’s also made ownership more affordable for those wanting to live in urban centers.
Community associations have made home ownership possible for millions of Americans partly because 21st century families tend to be smaller, the number of single-parent homes has increased, and more retirees are staying in their homes after retirement.

What's so great baout Condo/HOA living? Part 2

Community associations offer one of the best opportunities for Americans to own their own homes. They are for the 21st century what land grants were in the 19th century, and what the New Deal and GI Bill were in the 20th. Why?

Privatizing Public Service Allows Growth

Wherever a new community is built, local infrastructures are stretched. School populations, snow removal, storm water management, road maintenance, utilities, traffic, everything increases leaving the local jurisdiction unable to support new community development. Yet housing is sorely needed. Therefore, local jurisdictions often require community associations to assume many responsibilities that traditionally belonged to local and state government.
This privatization of public services has allowed local jurisdictions to continue developing needed housing without increasing local taxes. Instead, the developer must build the infrastructure and create an association to maintain it after it’s developed.

Public Forum: City of Alexandria’s Strategic Goal for Transportation

The City of Alexandria’s Strategic Goal for Transportation to Be Discussed at November 9 Public Forum

Residents are invited to speak at a public forum about the City of Alexandria’s strategic goal for Transportation tonight November 9, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., City Council Workroom, City Hall, 301 King Street. Community input is important to the City’s current strategic plan review and will help shape implementation moving forward. William D. Euille and Councilman Paul Smedberg will lead the discussion on the transportation goal, which focuses on Alexandria as an integrated, multimodal transportation system that efficiently and effectively gets people from point “A” to point “B”.

Residents are encouraged to give feedback in advance by submitting their comments online at www.alexandriava.gov/StrategicPlanning, by fax to 703.519.3356 or in writing to the Department of Transportation, Room 4100, City Hall, 301 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.

In written and/or oral comments, participants should address the following questions:
1. What two specific, measurable objectives should the City use to achieve its transportation goal?
2. What two specific projects or programs should Alexandria undertake in the next 10 years to accomplish its objectives?
3. What indicators will allow the City to measure progress toward its overall goal?
4. What opportunities should the City seek to capitalize on in pursuit of its goal?
5. What constraints should the City consider?

For more information, please call Yon Lambert, Principal Transportation Planner, 703.746.4081, Yon.Lambert@alexandriava.gov or visit www.alexandriava.gov/StrategicPlanning.

What's so great baout Condo/HOA living? Part 1

Community associations offer one of the best opportunities for Americans to own their own homes. They are for the 21st century what land grants were in the 19th century, and what the New Deal and GI Bill were in the 20th. Why?
Collective Management Protects Value

Americans have accepted, for the most part, the collective management structure of community association living. Covenants and rules are no longer a new concept to most of us: renters are used to lease agreements with restrictions; single-family, detached-home owners are used to zoning ordinances and building codes. The difference is that in traditional, single-family housing, restrictions are administered by public bodies rather than by private boards.
Most Americans have accepted private governance because they understand that collective management and architectural controls protect and enhance the value of their homes.

FTC Red Flag Rule

On November 1, 2009, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) implemented new regulations designed to address identify theft issues related to consumer transactions. The rules are referred to as "Red Flag" rules, as they require a covered organization to put in place procedures for addressing any "red flags" related to a consumer account when there are indications that the security of a consumer’s identity has been compromised.

Election Day!

It is Election Day in Virginia! Go Vote!

Who Lives at a Condo?

Empty nesters: People without children or whose children have grown up and moved out are attracted by the low-maintenance, amenities and security of community association living.

Working couples: Double-income couples can afford traditional homes, but many prefer community association living because they don’t have to spend as much time on maintenance.

Singles: Community associations offer affordable homeownership for those with a single income.

Retirees: Low-maintenance, security, lifestyle and amenities are all aspects of community association living that appeal to senior Americans.

First-time buyers: Many first-time buyers find it easier to enter the real-estate market with the relatively lower cost of co-op, condominium and planned community units.

Investors: Community associations appeal to investors because they often compensate for shortages in the local rental markets.