Cleveland, Ohio 88 Acre Lakefront Nature Preserve Opened

PRESS RELEASE

www.portofcleveland.com

Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority Opens Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve

Connecting People and Nature on the Waterfront is integral to Port’s Strategic Action Plan

FEBRUARY 6, 2012 – The Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority officially opened the Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve today, providing public access to a unique 88-acre urban wildlife habitat.

The Preserve is a man-made peninsula on the Lake Erie shoreline and a haven for a variety of migratory birds, butterflies and animals. Located at the northern end of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard on Cleveland’s East Side, it is open during daylight hours and provides one-of-a-kind recreational and educational opportunities for children and adults. Admission is free.

“The Nature Preserve is an extraordinary asset complementing our ongoing efforts to realize the full potential of the Lakefront,” said City of Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson.

“The development of this unique nature preserve located in the heart of our capital city - Cleveland - is a perfect example of how we can redevelop our lakefront property and create an oasis in the middle of an urban metropolis,” said Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald. “After years of use as a dumping ground, this site will now be used to enhance the health and wellness of all of Cuyahoga County’s residents living in the area known as the ‘Western Reserve.’”

Speaking at the formal opening of the Preserve were: Cleveland Councilman Jeffrey Johnson, Port Authority Vice Chair Marc Krantz, Cleveland Metroparks Executive Director Brian Zimmerman, County Executive FitzGerald’s Chief of Staff Matt Carroll, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History’s Director of Wildlife Resources Harvey B. Webster, and Port Authority CEO Will Friedman.

The Nature Preserve is a land mass that was created over time as sediment dredged from the Cuyahoga River and Cleveland Harbor was placed within dike walls along the lakeshore. From 1979 to 1999 the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers managed the site – then known as Dike 14 – as a sediment disposal facility.

After the site was closed to dredge material in 1999, nature took hold, resulting in diverse habitats that

include grasslands, a forest area, meadows, mudflats, shrub lands and wetlands. The environment drew birds and animals – and people who wanted to see the site opened to the public on a regular basis, particularly for bird-watching and hiking.

“I am delighted that the residents of the Ward 8 community will now be able to experience and enjoy the Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve,” said Councilman Johnson. “It is a unique opportunity for us.”

Last May the Port Authority Board voted to officially rename Dike 14 and open it as the Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve. Managing the Preserve to connect people and nature is also one of seven key policies in the Port’s new Strategic Action Plan.

The "Biggest Week 2012" Birding Event May 4th - 13th attracts bird watchers from everywhere!!

I have always known that the Lake Erie Islands and shores were a birding "hot spot" with visitors coming from all over the world - but I had no idea how "hot" bird watching really is! Birders come to our region all year, but particularly during the migration seasons. The "Biggest Week 2012" is a fantastic opportunity for birders to enjoy what those of us that are local know - we live in an area rich with birds!

I love watching birds, and am at this moment watching a bevy of birds at the five feeders outside my office window, but that is as far as it goes for me. Apparently birding is quickly becoming a booming interest for the Boomers generation.

From their website:

The “Biggest Week 2012” is a 10 day “week” of some of the best birding North America has to offer. If you are anywhere else in the world in mid-May, you are in the wrong place. Think about it: A 10 day birding event featuring workshops, guided birding activities, half-day birding bus tours, keynote speakers, and more. Among the myriad of events offered during the festival are workshops, Woodcock Extravaganzas to observe the extraordinary displays of these woodland shorebirds, daily walks at the world famous Magee Marsh boardwalk and other area birding hot spots, evening keynote presentations, birding by ear workshops, and presentations on world birding. On top of all of that, birding guru Kenn Kaufman will be teaching several bird identification classes!

It all takes place in Northwest Ohio "The Warbler Capital of the World." The festival headquarters is moving to Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center this year, with additional vendors and activities at Black Swamp Bird Observatory.

The Biggest Week is organized by Black Swamp Bird Observatory, with support from our co-hosts at Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center, Lake Erie Shores and Islands (Ottawa County and Erie County Visitors' Bureau) , and Destination Toledo (Lucas County Visitors' Bureau).

The Biggest Week is hosted by Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center, Black Swamp Bird Observatory (BSBO), and Destination Toledo.

Visit : http://biggestweekinamericanbirding.com/default.htm for more information! Registration begins in mid-February. The event will be held from May 4th through the 13th. Sign-up for their updates.

Live near what you love - contact the Hisey Group today for real estate services in Ohio's "Vacation Land". 1-800-974-5184 or realestate@hiseygroup.com!

Boardwalk Business Owners are Expanding Their Put-in-Bay Footprint!

Axel and Harry's Waterfront Grill and the adjacent marina has new owners! New dining in "The Keys Island Grille" will add some new experiences for visitors to Put-in-Bay this year.

Many will know the marina and docks as the boarding area for the Jet Express and the Goodtime vessels. The Bookers are a class act and this is sure to be a well run business venture.

For info on the new marina visit: http://www.parkplaceboatclub.com

or call 419-285-3695.

Mid-American Boat Show: IX Center, Cleveland, Ohio

Plenty of time to catch the Mid-American Boat Show

at the IX Center in Cleveland, Ohio.

January 13th to the 22nd

www.ClevelandBoatShow.com

Make sure to visit the Put-in-Bay area!

New Liberty Aviation Museum at Erie-Ottawa Regional Airport

I recently stopped at the Lake Erie Islands & Shores visitor center at 770 S. E. Catawba Rd off State Route 53. This is a fantastic facility for visitors to the area, and provides a wide range of information and resources. Executive Director Larry Fletcher and I spoke about the "happenings" around our favorite area - Ohio's "Vacation Land" and he mentioned the new Liberty Aviation Museum building under construction just around the corner.

I stopped and shot some pictures and was amazed at the size of the structure being built and the amount of activity at the construction site. The centerpiece will be a B-25 Bomber manufactured in 1945. The George V. Woodling Jr. Foundation has provided $2 million of the #3.5 million project. The museum will also feature a PT boat, and will be the workshop for "Tin Goose" project workshop for the Experimental Aircraft Association. There are plans for many other attractions at the facility - stay tuned!

Follow the construction daily with their "Live" cam:

http://www.trimotorheritagefoundation.org/camera/camera1.html

Ohio's Northcoast Gardening Clubs & Organizations

Ohio is truly a hotbed of gardening activity during the growing season. All of the pent-up energy, garden catalog browsing (of which I am a participant) and planning are released within our region by individuals and groups. Here are just a few links to help you plan for your gardening and garden experiences:

Cleveland Botanical Garden An amazing group of gardens - and a fantastic program.

GardenWalk Cleveland GardenWalk Cleveland is a free, self- guided tour of some of the Cleveland, Ohio's lovely gardens, urban farms, vineyards and orchards. Their website for more info on the 2012 tour planned for July 21st and 22nd.

Ohio City Farm This farm is located near the Westside Market and within the growing Ohio City neighborhood. I drove around it several times this summer and it is much larger and nicer than I expected. A truly wonderful project and one of the largest urban farms in the U.S. Check out the website for additional info.

Bay Village Garden Club Bay Village is filled with beautiful gardens in lovely established neighborhoods. Check out their website for more info or to become involved.

Schoepfle Garden A wonderful 70 acre jewel in Northern Ohio. It's unfortunate more people don't stop and enjoy this lovely garden along the beautiful Vermilion River. I've been going there for years, and several times sat with Otto Schoepfle on his bench near the Magnolia tree discussing gardening. Take the time to visit this Birmingham, Ohio garden located just off of Route 113. The garden features collections of rhododendrons, roses, cannas, hostas, shade plants, and varieties of shrubs, topiary and trees.

Put-in-Bay Garden Club The third annual Garden Walk will be held on Wedneday, July 18th from 10 am to 2 pm. The tour will include 4 or 5 Island Gardens with a luncheon included. Mail for info (if anyone has an email please post it) at P.O. Box #814, PIB Ohio 43456. The next tour isn't until 2014 so get your tickets.

Do you have a garden club in counties along Ohio's shores and islands? Please let me know so we can highlight your events, meetings and membership info!

Residential Sales v.s. Listings in Vermilion, Ohio 44089 for 2011

Here is a general picture of the Vermilion, Ohio situation based on stats to date. Not something to applaud - but real estate is still moving. Contact me at leehisey@howardhanna.com for more detailed analysis or for info on selling your home.

Happy Holidays!

Some Holiday Spirit! Check it out for a little "feel good" break:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uH8FvERQHtM&fea

Aren't there some amazing things happening in downtown Cleveland, Ohio! From the medical mart to the flats and the lakefront plan to the casino - there is positive energy flowing again. Treamont and Ohio City are developing and growing with their unique style and flavor. Downtown is feeling invigorated again, and conversations I've overheard in the surrounding communities (and I hear a great deal driving 30,000 miles a year almost all in the northern half of four counties) is once again becoming hopeful and optimistic.

We still have some recovery time in front of us - but things are looking up. Spring is a time of new energy and growth and Northern Ohio is ripe for a burst of new life next spring.

How We Market - And Our New Facebook Page!

New Designs for Multigenerational Households?

Some old/new again homes are coming into the marketplace. Remember when it was assumed the older generation would move in with the younger generation at some point? No – I don’t either. But that was the case in most families.

Builders are once again building homes to accommodate multiple generations. Increasingly a parent or parents may move in with their kids. Young college graduates are staying home longer while they look for work – or just because they have student loans to pay-off. According to the U.S. Census Bureau the category “multigenerational households” increased by 30% from 2000 to 2010 and the major home builders are taking notice.

Some features:

• Second Master Bedroom Suites
• Kitchenettes
• Larger Ranch Models
• Separate Entrances
• Additional “Living/Sitting Rooms w/ Second Master Bedroom
• Perhaps a Move Away From Senior Communities? (restrictions)
• Stand-Alone Guest Houses/Flex Space

Additional changes – pets are becoming more and more “Part of the Family”. This is certainly true in our home where are children are older and moving on. We have several times in the last year listed and sold homes with multiple “cat doors” allowing the cat(s) to move freely throughout the home. They also included litter box closets with cat doors.

Home buyers needs change and the home building market changes to meet their needs. Are your needs changing? Contact me at the Hisey Group w/ Howard Hanna: Lee Hisey 440-315-6000 or leehisey@howardhanna.com.

Some Interesting Changes in Real Estate

There has been a great deal of “Not Negative” news regarding real estate in the last several weeks. It has been a refreshing change.

I’ve read numerous stories in real estate trade magazines, Bloomberg Businessweek Magazine, Barons, local newspapers and various business e-newsletters covering the changing demographics of buyers and renters. Some cover the actual event and you needed to ask “Why?” to realize the difference in the incentives behind the deal. Others covered studies or surveys.

Observations:

• The size of homes being built is continuing to shrink. (less seldom used space for space)
• More and more emphasis on energy efficiency – people are realizing energy in not going to get less expensive over the long haul .
• More renters – particularly among younger consumers.
• More in-law suites being included in new homes.
• Often small homes – but increased quality. (good – I’m so tired of poor quality McMansions built for square foot and not long term durability and quality of features)
• More outdoor features/usable living areas.
• More “walking” neighborhood alternatives. More younger buyers asking “How far to the nearest public transportation”.

I personally find these changes refreshing. It seems common sense is once again working it’s way into the home market.

ARE THERE ANY ADVANTAGES TO LISTING YOUR HOME DURING OHIO'S WINTER WEATHER?

Reasons to List Your Home During the Holidays

• Fewer Showings ~ Yes there are fewer buyers, but those buyers that are left are usually very serious about making a purchase. You may have fewer showings but great prospects!

• Less Competition ~ Most people wait until spring and summer to list their home, which means during the winter you will have far less competition than any other time of the year.

• Homes Show Better During the Holiday ~ Buyers love homes that can tell a story. The holidays are a great time to show homes because the home is usually dressed up for the holiday season.

• January is the Biggest Transfer Month ~ Did you know that more corporate moves happen during January than any other time of the year? This may be a great reason to list you home during the holiday season!

• Timing ~ By putting the home on the market during the winter you may be able to more easily hit your moving goals.

• More Time to Get Top Dollar ~ By starting to market your home early you may be able to secure a higher price.

• Great Time to Shop ~ If your home sells quickly you will be able to shop for your next home during the winter. This is a great time to find a bargain.

• More Advertising ~ Because most agents and offices have less inventory during the winter, your home may be advertised more often than during the spring and summer months!

• More Attention ~ Most agents will be able to devote more specialized attention to your needs during the winter because they have less clients to manage.

• The Market ~ Today’s interest rates are at forty-year lows. This gives buyers more spending power, and will be even more important when you begin shopping for your next home.

• Tax Benefits ~ By selling now you can have a closing after the first of the year for tax purposes.

• Loan Commitment ~ During the winter months you may be able to obtain a loan commitment quicker.

• More Time ~ You may be able to look at homes during the holiday especially during vacations.

• Highest Percentage ~ We usually have the highest percentage of listings sold to listings taken during this time of the year