DICKINSON HOSTING HOUSING FAMILY FAIR

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The first Dickinson Housing Family Fair is scheduled for

Saturday, February 26, 2011

10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Location: Mt. Carmel Baptist Church

2920 Highway 3, Dickinson, TX

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This Fair is a great opportunity to come and learn about Home Ownership Programs that are available.  If you are interested in Home Ownership Opportunities, make sure to stop by and see what its all about!!

Bayou Realtors is proud to be involved with this event, and we will have a booth on site. Make sure to stop by, say hello, and tell us about your Future Home Needs. We can start sending you information immediately!

If you are ready now to start looking for your home, whether it is new construction, resale, HUD home, foreclosure, or short sale, be sure to contact Robert M. Bragg with Bayou Realtors. You can email Robert at robertmbragg@yahoo.com, or call at 832.256.8589. Remember to sign up for the newsletter by using the link on the right. 

METROSTUDY: JOB GROWTH, HOME STARTS SUGGEST H-TOWN RECOVERY

Metrostudy is a company that provides information about the housing industry and related industries. Below is information on a recent study they posted. View the Original Posting here.

HOUSTON (Metrostudy) – The Bayou City's economy is showing signs of recovery according to a recent Metrostudy report.

The Houston economy had over 13,000 more jobs at the end of 2010 than it had at the beginning, a .5 percent increase after a loss of 102,800 jobs in 2009.

Overall, Metrostudy recorded 18,752 home starts in 2010, a 1.1 percent increase over 2009. This is the first increase in new home activity after three straight years of decline, according to the Metrostudy report. Houston closed 20,579 homes in 2010, a 10 percent decline from 2009. Closings have outpaced starts since first quarter 2007, so the market has absorbed inventory.

Total new home inventory stands at a 5.9-month supply, below the six months that Metrostudy considers equilibrium for Houston. Finished vacant inventory has dropped to 5,320 units, a 3.1-month supply. “The Houston market continues to face fewer market obstacles than most U.S. markets,” said David Jarvis, director of Metrostudy’s Houston division. “Texas’ pro-growth policies and business friendly environment will continue to benefit local housing markets and allow for 2011 to show moderate growth.”

Are you looking to buy or sell a home, or do you have any questions regarding real estate? Be sure to contact me at robertmbragg@yahoo.com, or by phone at 832.256.8589. Also, be sure to join my newsletter by clicking on the link on the right.

95-Store Outlet Mall Planned for League City

Looks like the race is on to build an Outlet mall in Galveston County. Just this week, Simon Property Group announced they are going to build an outlet mall in Texas City, dubbed "Galveston Premium Outlets." Then, today, Tanger Factory Outlet Centers announced they are building an outlet mall in League City. The article below was printed in the Galveston Daily News. View the original story here!

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COURTESY PHOTO/Tanger Factory Outlet Centers Inc. An artist’s rendering shows a planned 95-store outlet mall near Interstate 45 and FM 646 in League City.


95-store outlet mall planned for League City

By Laura Elder
The Daily News
Published January 18, 2011

LEAGUE CITY — In what might be the starting gun of a fierce retail race, Tanger Factory Outlet Centers said Monday it planned a 95-store outlet mall near Interstate 45 and FM 646 in League City.

The Greensboro, N.C.-based company said it planned to build the 300,743-square-foot mall on 35 acres west of Interstate 45 between the city’s Big League Dreams sports complex and the Bay Colony shopping center.

The announcement confirming weeks of speculation came just days after another major outlet mall operator — Indianapolis, Ind.-based Simon Property Group — said it planned a 350,000-square-foot center along Interstate 45, south of Holland Road.

Neither Simon nor Tanger officials would comment about whether the county could sustain two major outlet malls, nor would either divulge possible tenants.

Outlet malls differ from regional malls such as the bustling Baybrook Mall and the struggling Mall of the Mainland because manufacturers sell directly to the public and promote discounts on merchandise.

Successful centers typically have a large concentration of discounted versions of popular stores such as Calvin Klein, Coach, Gap, Kate Spade, Kenneth Cole, Nike and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Simon operates successful centers such as Katy Mills in Houston and also Houston Premium Outlets in Cypress. Tanger operates 33 outlet centers, including one in San Marcos.

Last year, Tanger identified 17 markets it considered under served by the outlet industry, officials said.

Along with League City, Tanger plans two malls in Arizona. Sonrisa Development LLC owns the League City land Tanger has under contract.

Outlet stores, which are considered strong tourist draws, are the bright spot in an otherwise dreary commercial real estate landscape during one of the worst downturns in years, Hall said.

Industry observers also contend that outlet malls are outperforming regional malls and strip centers as consumer seek bargains.

When Tanger achieves the pre-leasing threshold of at least 50 percent, it will begin construction, likely by the year’s end, officials said.

Planned Outlet Mall Will House Nearly 100 Stores

The following article was printed in the Galveston Daily News. This can be a great economic boost to Texas City and also to the Dickinson Independent School District. Not to mention the jobs it will create during its construction, and also once it is complete! To see the original article, click this link!

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Photo courtesy of Premium Outlets, An artist's rendering shows an outlet mall planned along Interstate 45, south of Holland Road in Texas City.

Planned Outlet Mall Will House Nearly 100 Stores

By Laura Elder

The Daily News

Published January 13, 2011

TEXAS CITY — Major mall operator Simon Property Group said it plans to build a 350,000-square-foot outlet center at Interstate 45, south of Holland Road, delivering some of the biggest retail news Texas City has had in decades.

Indianapolis, Ind.-based Simon Property Group, which owns successful outlet malls such as Katy Mills in Houston and Grapevine Mills near Dallas, said it had an option to buy 55 acres that were previously part of a plan for Lago Mar, a 7,000-home residential community along the Interstate 45 corridor.

Lago Mar, west of Texas City, was sidelined by lingering real estate market malaise prompting landowners to begin selling off parcels for other ventures.

Developers are calling the proposed mainland mall “Galveston Premium Outlets.” The mall, between Holland Road and Walmart, will house about 100 stores, said Michele Rothstein, spokeswoman for Premium Outlets, the outlet division of Simon Property Group.

Rothstein said Premium Outlets is preleasing the center. She declined to name potential tenants but said interest had been strong.

“We are excited about the interest our merchants have in the project,” Rothstein said. “Typically, we announce stores much closer to opening.”

The center would offer a mix of product categories, including apparel and shoes, fashion accessories, leather goods, home furnishings and specialty retail.

Outlet centers differ from regional malls such as Baybrook Mall and Mall of the Mainland because manufactures sell directly to the public and promote discounts on merchandise.

Successful centers such as Katy Mills and The Mills are considered shopping destinations, boosting tourism in their home cities.

The center is projected to generate more than $120 million in yearly retail sales, $10 million in sales tax yearly and $1 million in property tax revenues, Simon officials said.

The news comes as unconfirmed rumors fly that Greensboro, N.C.-based Tanger Outlet Centers plans a large outlet mall on 20 acres north of Cross Colony Drive and west of FM 646.

La Marque is home to a small outlet mall — Gulfway Plaza, 14047 Delany Road. But Gulfway Plaza, which never had the large concentration of tenants to lure tourists, has found a more profitable purpose by leasing space to a mix of government agencies, professional offices and factory outlet tenants.

It’s been a long time since Texas City has had such big mall news.

Operators of Mall of the Mainland, plagued by tenant departures, last year filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Not long after, lender Pacific Western Bank took possession of the property and hired Boxer Property Management, known for turning around distressed properties, to manage and improve operation.

The Premium Outlets has 83 outlet properties in its portfolio — 57 in the United States primarily in or near major metropolitan markets such as New York, Los Angeles, Boston and Chicago and visitor markets such as Orlando, Las Vegas and Palm Springs, Fla.

INTERIOR PAINTING 101

Have you recently walked through your living room and felt that something just does not look right? You take a quick look around and mentally note the different elements of the room trying to determine what feels out of place.

You realize that the problem is not your furniture or decor and you wonder what could be wrong. Then you look at the walls. The bright orange paint that appealed to you 15 years ago has finally begun to lose its charm. Or perhaps the color is perfect; however you have recently begun to notices chips, cracks, and even fading of the paint.

Depending on the level of your discontent you will make one of two choices: replace it with a new coat of paint or live with it. If you do decide to replace it, here are a couple tips to get you started:

Brush Basics - There are generally two brush options for you to choose from: natural bristle brushes and synthetic bristle brushes. The synthetic is best for latex paints, for oil-based paints you can use either natural or synthetic brushes.

Tape Talk - One of the best pieces of advice is to buy plenty of low tack tape and use it to tape off baseboards, moldings, and doorknobs. It will save you time on cleaning.

Patience is a Virtue - When applying multiple coats of paint, allow the walls to dry to the touch between applications. Premature brushing of the second coat can ruin the job by pulling up the first coat of paint.

There are numerous videos, blogs, and websites available to get more info on how to paint an interior wall.  The above video is only an example of many that I found.  Here are a few more:

E-how Tips on Painting
House Painting Info Guide

UPDATES FROM DICKINSON GATOR BYTES

*** These updates are straight from the Dickinson GATOR BYTES email newsletter. To join their email list, Click Here. ***

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE NOVEMBER CALENDAR

Reminder to parents: Early dismissal Thursday, student holiday Friday.

As a reminder to parents, Dickinson ISD will have early dismissal on Thursday, Oct. 28 with schools dismissing two hours early. The following day, Friday, Oct. 29, is a student holiday while teachers are in staff development.

Dedication Ceremony and Open House Nov. 3 for new Barry Lussier Field House

The community is invited to a dedication ceremony and open house at 6 p.m. Nov. 3 for the new Barry Lussier Field House on the Dickinson High School campus. The new field house was finished earlier this year while work has continued throughout the year on the Walk of Honor, a covered walkway connecting the Field House to DHS. A short ceremony followed by tours of the facility will be offered.

The new facility features a large foyer and reception area, a weight room overlooking Sam Vitanza Stadium, an athletic training area, locker rooms, classroom and office space as well as storage areas.

The Field House is one part of a large renovation and expansion project taking place at Dickinson High School. Sam Vitanza Stadium opened in 2007, followed by a new Agricultural Facility and Baseball Field in 2009, restroom renovations in 2009 as well as roofing and air conditioning projects in 2010. A new two-story academic wing with classrooms and science labs is currently underway behind DHS, plus expansion of the kitchen and dining area, a new free-standing band hall in front of DHS and renovations to the current fine arts areas.

Dickinson ISD hosts Bullying Awareness Forum for Parents this Thursday, Oct. 28

Dickinson ISD will host a Bullying Awareness Forum for Parents from 5:30-6:15 p.m. Thursday, October 28 at the McAdams Junior High Auditorium. Featured keynote speaker Ginger Robinson will talk to parents about "Communicating in Times of Conflict," which will include discussion about personality types, parenting styles and classroom conflict management tools and how parents can provide their children with "bully-proof" protection.

Other topics to be addressed include how to detect bullying, cyber-bullying, warning signs that a child is being bullied, bullying in and out of school and how parents can help their children make healthy choices.

October is recognized as National Bullying Prevention Month to raise awareness of bullying prevention.

Empty Stocking registration planned for
8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 1-2 at DHS Library

Registration for the annual Empty Stocking Program, sponsored by the Dickinson Interfaith Lay Group, will be held from 8:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. next Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 1-2 in the Dickinson High School Library. The program has been providing food and toys to hundreds of econonically disadvantaged families each year since the early 1960's. Last year, the group provided 1,250 area children, from birth through 12 years old, with holiday gifts.

Campuses host Red Ribbon Week activities to stress importance of staying drug-free

This week,the Dickinson Gators will be "Teaming Up Against Drugs" by wearing red ribbons sponsored by Maxim Insurance to show their pledge to be drug and alcohol free. Along with all that red, some exciting events are taking place all around the district as students pledge to be drug and alcohol free.

This past Friday, Barber students got to see a BMX presentation by three professional riders. The riders performed electrifying stunts and even jumped and flipped over some of the teachers! At the end of the show, the bikers talked about the hard work and dedication it takes to become successful. They reminded the students that the key to finding success is to stay drug and alcohol free.

Dunbar students on Monday got to see their principal get attacked by a dog! Don't worry, it was all for demonstration and Mr. Lankford was a good sport. "Jimmo," the drug dog, visited the campus and showed the students what can happen to you if you mess with drugs.

Over at San Leon Elementary, the students are wearing their pajamas to school on Wednesday as they "Follow their Dreams" to a drug-free life. On Thursday, they will have a book parade and dress up as their favorite characters.

K.E. Little is also having fun this Red Ribbon Week. Every day they will be celebrating by wearing something different. Along with those wardrobe changes, the students will be sporting dog tags because they are "PAWS"-itively drug free! The DePelchin Center will also be stopping by to do a Red Ribbon Week presentation.

Last but not least, McAdams is also seeing red, but in a good way. This week, the Student Council is hosting a poster contest and the Drama Club is performing drug awareness skits. Winners Inc. will also be on hand to talk to the students about the meaning of Red Ribbon Week.

DHS Gator Marching Band ends marching season with UIL Area Finals performance

The Dickinson High School Gator Band marched their best performance of the season at UIL Area Contest in Galena Park this past weekend. They ranked seventh out of 30 bands to advance to finals.

The band concluded their marching season by marching in UIL Area Finals which is quite an accomplishment in itself. Congratulations Gator Band for another great marching season! The band is under the direction of Trevor Braselton.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE NOVEMBER CALENDAR

TEXAS - 1, RECESSION - 0

TEXAS (The Atlantic) – Even in the middle of the Great Recession, Texas is faring well compared with the rest of the nation, racking up an ever-growing list of accomplishments.

In addition to ranking fourth in the country with the least amount of state debt, Texas has four cities in the Milken Institute’s Top Five Best Performing Cities Index, four among Forbes' list of top ten “Cities Where the Recession is Easing,” and four in last year’s Top Ten in Homebuilding.

Texas is home to three of the top five most resilient major metro areas for employment, with McAllen first, Austin third, San Antonio fifth and El Paso and Houston not far behind in the top 15.

The Lone Star State also claims 64 Fortune 500 companies — more than any other state — in addition to being dubbed Top State for Business for the second time in three years by CNBC.

The Atlantic says these accomplishments are because Texas’ major cities have chosen comparatively stable industries — Houston is the nation’s energy hub, Austin leads in education and technology, and San Antonio dominates the health care and education sector in addition to military spending.

“Our research shows that the more tax incentives and less regulation you have, and the less likely businesses are to get sued, the more likely it is they’ll want to come and prosper in your state,” said Brooke Rollins, president of the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

These factors support Texas’ position as a global economic leader, having the 15th largest economy in the world. This success has a trickle down effect, working its way into the suburb areas, such as Dickinson, located just south of Houston.



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TexaPlex
Houston TexaPlex
Dickinson Video