Hello on this snowy morning.  Good news is we missed the "flash" freeze that was supposedly upon yesterday evening.  We have been so spoiled this winter that it is kind of nice to see a bit of winter.  Of course, the timing isn't great for my open houses today and tomorrow.  

The market in south Long Branch is off to a strong start with lots of interest.  That is partly due to the lack of houses for sale but more importantly speaks well to the interest of buyers in the area.  It is a great area and getting better.  Builders have recently taken a shining to our large lots with older homes and have snapped up many of the 50' lots in hopes of severing them in two.  This may be an appropriate thing to do where the current lot fabric and neighbouring homes suit.  Unfortunately, in many cases, the severing of the lots creates great inconsistency with the current lots and house types.  I truly believe that redevelopment in our area has been a long time coming and healthy in the broader sense.  What I think is missing is some sensitivity, and certainly creativity, on behalf of the builders when they create their designs.  While aesthetics is personal thing - and what is seen as "good design" varies wildly - I strongly believe there is middle ground to be had.  Builders need to make money, but the current residents have a right to input on their neighbourhoods - particularly when the builder requests the rules be modified.  Out neighbourhoods do not feature the cookie-cutter designs of newer planned communities and is what makes this area special.  I encourage builders to be more respectful of the heritage waterfront location when designing the facades.  I encourage neighbours to be open minded about change.  Most of all I encourage open dialogue between both because putting our fates in the the hands of the OMB is a scary prospect for both sides.