What does your conscience tell you?
Ever get the feeling that you should be doing something other than what you are? Not just in the area of good vs. evil, but in your exercise and nutrition choices. Do you ever feel guilty about doing a half-hearted job on a project or neglecting your duty to family? Listen to your conscience. It's telling you that you're getting off track. It knows what you're capable of and where your priorities are. If you neglect those standards--if you get your priorities mixed up--your conscience is going to let you know about it. When you work, turn out a product that would make you proud--even if you think nobody notices. When you plan your day, make sure it agrees with the healthy direction you want to head. That'll keep that nagging inner voice from reminding you that "something is not quite right here." You may think no one is looking, but somebody is--you are.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Cairo Zoning
Zoning panel allows additional time for comment
First work session scheduled for today
By Doron Tyler Antrim
Hudson-Catskill Newspapers
CAIRO — The Cairo Zoning Commission has announced it is extending the public comment period for the proposed zoning law and plans to hold its first work session today.
In an e-mail, commission member Suzanne Bauer-Oldakowski said the comment period was being extended until Jan. 10, 2011.
“As the holidays approach and in response to the helpful comments already received,” she said, “the commission is making more time to receive comments, get questions answered and make necessary changes to the draft itself.”
The initial comment deadline was Nov. 26, but officials moved back the date after concerns were raised about its proximity to Thanksgiving.
“What is the rush to get this done?” said one anonymous commenter. “I feel you really need more time for input from people.”
Commission member Richard Booth on Monday countered criticisms that the law was being rushed. “We’re not going to push this through,” he said.
Seventeen comments have been sent to the commission so far. Some have been purely technical in nature, including comments from three members of the planning board. Others, meanwhile, have been more critical.
In a letter dated Nov. 15, Emily Calabrese, principal broker of 4 Seasons Realty Group, criticized the commission for zoning rural residential several parcels on Route 32 North that pay commercial taxes, adding the group “has been at a great disadvantage of never having had a real estate professional or appraiser on the commission.”
In one of his two comments, Planning Board member Ed Forrester, said: “It appears that the zoning commission has designated all vacant land on intersections as residential, when some have been paying taxes as commercial for years. This will surely limit commercial growth.”
None of the commenters overtly say they are opposed to zoning. One anonymous commenter simply said: “Keep up the good work.”
The commission’s first work session, which will address the comments received so far, is set for 6 p.m. today at Gallagher’s Banquet Hall.
It was anticipated the commission would set a date for its public hearing during Tuesday’s meeting, but officials say that will be postponed as the commission takes time to responds to the comments.
The zoning law was unveiled Nov. 4 during a public meeting in Cairo Town Hall.
The release of the plan caps a three-year effort to provide business owners, builders and residents with clear rules governing development.
The “rural-oriented” law divides Cairo into several residential, hamlet and commercial/mixed-use districts that call for specific uses and densities.
Homes and home-based businesses are allowed in all districts, but business growth within in the town will be centralized in the five hamlet districts, along Cairo’s Main Street and in commercial districts along Routes 23, 145 and 32.
There in so minimum lot size called for within the three residential areas, but density levels will be enforced.
“Lowering density protects the environment, rural character and will help maintain the quality of life residents have come to value in Cairo,” the law’s executive summary states. “Outside the hamlets, lot sizes are allowed to be as small as can be permitted for water and septic provided the overall density is met.”
In the hamlets, minimum lot size of a quarter to half an acre are called for “to promote the denser style of development traditionally found in these locations.”
The proposed law provides for flexibility in the design and use of subdivisions. It does not address style of color of residences, but includes commercial design standards for other buildings.
All existing uses will be allowed to remain.
Two overlay districts, used to protect resources in special areas, are also included in the law. The two districts will cover the Shinglekill Creek Watershed, which supplies the hamlet of Cairo with its drinking water, and the town’s stream corridors.
The seven-member zoning commission has met regularly for more than three years to draw up the law. During that time, it also drafted amendments to the town site plan law, which were adopted earlier this year.
Throughout the process, the commission has been aided by Nan Stolzenburg of Community Planning and Environmental Associates.
Cairo has never had a zoning law.
During its initial presentation, the commission said Cairo has the potential for tremendous residential growth. A full build-out at a 1.25 acre density could yield 11,000 new homes, translating into almost 27,000 new residents.
The commission concluded, however, that town land can’t support such development even if wetlands, streams and steepest slopes are protected. Doing so would change the character of the town and “not result in a sustainable future,” the commission said.
In a study performed by the New York Rural Water Association, it was found housing in some locations in Cairo has already exceeded the capacity of the land to support while other parts are vulnerable to water pollution.
A five-member body known as a Zoning Board of Appeals, appointed by the town board, will need to be established upon passage of the zoning law. Each member will serve a five-year term.
Enforcement of the law will fall to the zoning enforcement officer, another appointed position, which officials say could be the same person as the code enforcement officer.
Following the zoning commission’s public hearing, which could come in January or February, it will hand the law to the town board. The town board must then schedule its own hearing.
The proposed law was presented to the Cairo Planning Board earlier this month.
Written comments or questions can be sent c/o The Cairo Zoning Commission to P.O. Box 922, Cairo N.Y. 12431. Copies of the law and zoning maps are on file in town hall and the public library at 512 Main Street. All the documents, as well as the public comments, can be accessed online at www.planningbetterplaces.com/cairo.
In an e-mail, commission member Suzanne Bauer-Oldakowski said the comment period was being extended until Jan. 10, 2011.
“As the holidays approach and in response to the helpful comments already received,” she said, “the commission is making more time to receive comments, get questions answered and make necessary changes to the draft itself.”
The initial comment deadline was Nov. 26, but officials moved back the date after concerns were raised about its proximity to Thanksgiving.
“What is the rush to get this done?” said one anonymous commenter. “I feel you really need more time for input from people.”
Commission member Richard Booth on Monday countered criticisms that the law was being rushed. “We’re not going to push this through,” he said.
Seventeen comments have been sent to the commission so far. Some have been purely technical in nature, including comments from three members of the planning board. Others, meanwhile, have been more critical.
In a letter dated Nov. 15, Emily Calabrese, principal broker of 4 Seasons Realty Group, criticized the commission for zoning rural residential several parcels on Route 32 North that pay commercial taxes, adding the group “has been at a great disadvantage of never having had a real estate professional or appraiser on the commission.”
In one of his two comments, Planning Board member Ed Forrester, said: “It appears that the zoning commission has designated all vacant land on intersections as residential, when some have been paying taxes as commercial for years. This will surely limit commercial growth.”
None of the commenters overtly say they are opposed to zoning. One anonymous commenter simply said: “Keep up the good work.”
The commission’s first work session, which will address the comments received so far, is set for 6 p.m. today at Gallagher’s Banquet Hall.
It was anticipated the commission would set a date for its public hearing during Tuesday’s meeting, but officials say that will be postponed as the commission takes time to responds to the comments.
The zoning law was unveiled Nov. 4 during a public meeting in Cairo Town Hall.
The release of the plan caps a three-year effort to provide business owners, builders and residents with clear rules governing development.
The “rural-oriented” law divides Cairo into several residential, hamlet and commercial/mixed-use districts that call for specific uses and densities.
Homes and home-based businesses are allowed in all districts, but business growth within in the town will be centralized in the five hamlet districts, along Cairo’s Main Street and in commercial districts along Routes 23, 145 and 32.
There in so minimum lot size called for within the three residential areas, but density levels will be enforced.
“Lowering density protects the environment, rural character and will help maintain the quality of life residents have come to value in Cairo,” the law’s executive summary states. “Outside the hamlets, lot sizes are allowed to be as small as can be permitted for water and septic provided the overall density is met.”
In the hamlets, minimum lot size of a quarter to half an acre are called for “to promote the denser style of development traditionally found in these locations.”
The proposed law provides for flexibility in the design and use of subdivisions. It does not address style of color of residences, but includes commercial design standards for other buildings.
All existing uses will be allowed to remain.
Two overlay districts, used to protect resources in special areas, are also included in the law. The two districts will cover the Shinglekill Creek Watershed, which supplies the hamlet of Cairo with its drinking water, and the town’s stream corridors.
The seven-member zoning commission has met regularly for more than three years to draw up the law. During that time, it also drafted amendments to the town site plan law, which were adopted earlier this year.
Throughout the process, the commission has been aided by Nan Stolzenburg of Community Planning and Environmental Associates.
Cairo has never had a zoning law.
During its initial presentation, the commission said Cairo has the potential for tremendous residential growth. A full build-out at a 1.25 acre density could yield 11,000 new homes, translating into almost 27,000 new residents.
The commission concluded, however, that town land can’t support such development even if wetlands, streams and steepest slopes are protected. Doing so would change the character of the town and “not result in a sustainable future,” the commission said.
In a study performed by the New York Rural Water Association, it was found housing in some locations in Cairo has already exceeded the capacity of the land to support while other parts are vulnerable to water pollution.
A five-member body known as a Zoning Board of Appeals, appointed by the town board, will need to be established upon passage of the zoning law. Each member will serve a five-year term.
Enforcement of the law will fall to the zoning enforcement officer, another appointed position, which officials say could be the same person as the code enforcement officer.
Following the zoning commission’s public hearing, which could come in January or February, it will hand the law to the town board. The town board must then schedule its own hearing.
The proposed law was presented to the Cairo Planning Board earlier this month.
Written comments or questions can be sent c/o The Cairo Zoning Commission to P.O. Box 922, Cairo N.Y. 12431. Copies of the law and zoning maps are on file in town hall and the public library at 512 Main Street. All the documents, as well as the public comments, can be accessed online at www.planningbetterplaces.com/cairo.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Ski Season!
Area resorts prep for season opening this weekend — maybe
By Colin DeVries
Hudson-Catskill Newspapers
CATSKILL — Area ski resorts are gearing up for the start of the 2010-11 season, hoping that cold weather this week will allow for lots of snowmaking and an earlier opener than last year.
Hunter Mountain and Windham Mountain both hope to coat the slopes in white powder before the weekend, though a heavy rain storm have put a bit of a damper on those plans.
“This week is not going to be very good for skiing,” said meteorologist Joe Villani of the National Weather Service. “Any snow on the ground may be wiped out.”
Villani said temperatures were going to be around 40 degrees in the mountainous areas of Greene County on Monday and a storm rolling in Tuesday will dump 1.5 to 3 inches of rain across the area through Wednesday.
Wednesday night could bring snow showers and freezing conditions for snowmaking.
Temperatures will remain below freezing in the mountains through the weekend, Villani said.
Both Greene County resorts hope to blow snow during that freeze.
“We’re hoping to open — maybe — next Sunday,” said Jessica Pezak, communications director of Hunter Mountain. She said Hunter has chosen not to make any snow yet in anticipation of a clearing rain. “We’re going to do it right, do it well and make a lot of snow.”
Hunter Mountain has replaced 150 snowmakers with new energy-efficient snowguns this season, with up to 150 more being replaced next season.
Windham Mountain has already laid down a snow base on about six trails, said George Driscoll, marketing and sales director of Windham Mountain.
“We were just on for about 40 hours here,” he said. “We hope (the snow) hangs on after this weather event.”
Driscoll said the terrain has been tested and they “feel confident” the slopes will be open on Dec. 4.
The rest of December, Driscoll said, should provide for a pattern of low temperatures and ideal snowmaking conditions.
“Once we get through this (rain storm) we should be pretty good,” he said.
Both resorts estimated that, if the cold weather holds up this week, they could have 5 to 10 trails operating by the weekend.
Last year, the resorts didn’t open until Dec. 11.
Weather experts predict that winter ski season should be normal with snowfall and temperatures, meaning the 2010-11 season could be a long and snowy one.
“We’re going into a period where things will be in a period of normal and close to below normal,” said Russ Murley, of Precision Weather Service, on long-term winter trends. “Normal as far as snowfall and temperature.”
Murley estimated a normal year of snowfall for the mountainous areas of Greene County was 120 to 140 inches.
The weather phenomenon La Niña — which is characterized by cool ocean temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific — will persist through spring 2011, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, though its impact on the Northeast U.S. remains unclear.
“In our part of the country, (La Niña) is not a big signal,” Villani said, adding that it had a clearer impact on the South and Northwest.
He said there were equal chances of above normal, normal or below normal temperatures and precipitation in the Northeast.
Murley said that was an indication we have a “pretty normal winter” ahead.
New improvements
This year skiers and snowboarders can expect some new changes at Greene County resorts.
Windham Mountain has taken over restaurant operations at the Windham Country Club and will be offering a classy aprés ski season, with a high-end steak and seafood menu available.
Driscoll said cross country ski and snowshoeing centers are in development at the country club, which is now known as Seasons, "a perfect complement to a ski resort which has the most skiable terrain in a 200-mile radius from New York City," said Driscoll.
Windham Mountain also increased the size of its snowmaking pond, providing an “almost infinite” supply of water for snowmaking this year, Driscoll said.
Hunter Mountain has replaced its quad lift with a state-of-the-art detachable six-seat chairlift, called Kaatskill Flyer.
The six-seat chair is the first of its kind in New York State and travels 1,000 feet per minute and can deliver riders to the summit in 5.5 minutes — a full minute less than the previous time. The lift can shuttle 2,600 riders per hour — 200 more than the quad.
The Snowlite Express Quad will be moved to Hunter’s West Side and opened by winter 2011-12.
Hunter Mountain will also unveil North America’s longest and highest zipline tour in December. The Skyrider Tour is part of a new collection of zipline activities by New York Zipline Adventure Tours. The Mid-Mountain Tour and Adventure Tower have been operating since May.
Look for more information and snow report updates at http://www.huntermtn.com/ or http://www.windhammountain.com/.
Hunter Mountain and Windham Mountain both hope to coat the slopes in white powder before the weekend, though a heavy rain storm have put a bit of a damper on those plans.
“This week is not going to be very good for skiing,” said meteorologist Joe Villani of the National Weather Service. “Any snow on the ground may be wiped out.”
Villani said temperatures were going to be around 40 degrees in the mountainous areas of Greene County on Monday and a storm rolling in Tuesday will dump 1.5 to 3 inches of rain across the area through Wednesday.
Wednesday night could bring snow showers and freezing conditions for snowmaking.
Temperatures will remain below freezing in the mountains through the weekend, Villani said.
Both Greene County resorts hope to blow snow during that freeze.
“We’re hoping to open — maybe — next Sunday,” said Jessica Pezak, communications director of Hunter Mountain. She said Hunter has chosen not to make any snow yet in anticipation of a clearing rain. “We’re going to do it right, do it well and make a lot of snow.”
Hunter Mountain has replaced 150 snowmakers with new energy-efficient snowguns this season, with up to 150 more being replaced next season.
Windham Mountain has already laid down a snow base on about six trails, said George Driscoll, marketing and sales director of Windham Mountain.
“We were just on for about 40 hours here,” he said. “We hope (the snow) hangs on after this weather event.”
Driscoll said the terrain has been tested and they “feel confident” the slopes will be open on Dec. 4.
The rest of December, Driscoll said, should provide for a pattern of low temperatures and ideal snowmaking conditions.
“Once we get through this (rain storm) we should be pretty good,” he said.
Both resorts estimated that, if the cold weather holds up this week, they could have 5 to 10 trails operating by the weekend.
Last year, the resorts didn’t open until Dec. 11.
Weather experts predict that winter ski season should be normal with snowfall and temperatures, meaning the 2010-11 season could be a long and snowy one.
“We’re going into a period where things will be in a period of normal and close to below normal,” said Russ Murley, of Precision Weather Service, on long-term winter trends. “Normal as far as snowfall and temperature.”
Murley estimated a normal year of snowfall for the mountainous areas of Greene County was 120 to 140 inches.
The weather phenomenon La Niña — which is characterized by cool ocean temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific — will persist through spring 2011, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, though its impact on the Northeast U.S. remains unclear.
“In our part of the country, (La Niña) is not a big signal,” Villani said, adding that it had a clearer impact on the South and Northwest.
He said there were equal chances of above normal, normal or below normal temperatures and precipitation in the Northeast.
Murley said that was an indication we have a “pretty normal winter” ahead.
New improvements
This year skiers and snowboarders can expect some new changes at Greene County resorts.
Windham Mountain has taken over restaurant operations at the Windham Country Club and will be offering a classy aprés ski season, with a high-end steak and seafood menu available.
Driscoll said cross country ski and snowshoeing centers are in development at the country club, which is now known as Seasons, "a perfect complement to a ski resort which has the most skiable terrain in a 200-mile radius from New York City," said Driscoll.
Windham Mountain also increased the size of its snowmaking pond, providing an “almost infinite” supply of water for snowmaking this year, Driscoll said.
Hunter Mountain has replaced its quad lift with a state-of-the-art detachable six-seat chairlift, called Kaatskill Flyer.
The six-seat chair is the first of its kind in New York State and travels 1,000 feet per minute and can deliver riders to the summit in 5.5 minutes — a full minute less than the previous time. The lift can shuttle 2,600 riders per hour — 200 more than the quad.
The Snowlite Express Quad will be moved to Hunter’s West Side and opened by winter 2011-12.
Hunter Mountain will also unveil North America’s longest and highest zipline tour in December. The Skyrider Tour is part of a new collection of zipline activities by New York Zipline Adventure Tours. The Mid-Mountain Tour and Adventure Tower have been operating since May.
Look for more information and snow report updates at http://www.huntermtn.com/ or http://www.windhammountain.com/.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Arts Opening Reception
County Arts opens "Salon 2010"
 |
| Visitors at Saturday’s Greene County Council on the Arts opening reception for its Salon 2010 show and sale take in the assorted content of the exhibit’s more than 300 watercolors, photographs, prints and drawings, plus crafts and jewelry upstairs. (Jim Planck/Hudson-Catskill Newspapers) |
By Jim Planck
Hudson-Catskill Newspapers
CATSKILL - Greene County Council on the Arts officially opened “Salon 2010,” its annual holiday arts and crafts sale and show of small works on Saturday, and this year’s exhibit again offers work by some of the area’s best artists and crafters.
The show, however, also recognizes the state of the economy, and is accordingly somewhat experimental in offering unframed works for a lesser price, thus providing a wider mix of affordable items.
“This year’s showcase of original drawings, paintings, photographs and sculptures features unframed members’ works for under $100," said GCCA Executive Director Kay Stamer.
Director of Visual Arts Fawn Potash, who curated the show, indicated it also includes some hidden value works within that price category.
“Some of those prints by one artist are worth $1,500,” Potash said, “and he’s selling them for $100.”
“He’s a gallery artist in New York City,” she explained. “So there’s some real bargains to be had.”
“There are also three watercolors by another,” Potash said. “Her work is rarely seen for under $500.”
“And there is also a New York City artist, with those ceramic faces,” she said.
“So there’s work for $25, and there’s work for $100, and everything in between,” she said.
Potash said that, combined, there are about 140 artists and crafters participating, with the 100 or so artists each contributing three works, thus making for a very solid exhibit.
“There’s everything from professional artists to amateurs in this show,” she said.
Their works include a great sampling of local and regional landscapes -- panoramic vistas, cascading waterfalls, autumn colors, winter nights, pastoral farmlands, woodland streams -- all by area artists whose styles are as diverse and equally excellent as their content.
“We probably have more landscapes than anything else,” Potash said, “and a lot of them are local scenes.”
“We have a lot of that, and people love it -- local farms, local mountains,” she said. “Also, one artist is working with a local winery in the Hudson Valley (for his setting).”
“They’re all (categorized as) ‘small works’ under 20 inches, and $100 or under in cost,” Potash said.
“The show is unjuried, in all media, and includes drawings, paintings, photography, and print work,” she said. “We have a lot of watercolors, and there’s abstract work, too.”
“Upstairs is crafts (that are) under $100,” Potash explained.
That portion of the exhibit includes not only handmade crafts that are either functional, decorative, or both -- but is also an eye-catching selection of jewelry, ornaments, ceramics, cards, toys, and wearables.
The Greene County Council on the Arts “Salon 2010 Holiday Arts & Crafts Show” will run through Jan. 15, 2011, with gallery hours Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., plus every second Saturday from noon to 8 p.m.
The GCCA gallery is located at 398 Main Street, Catskill.
For more information, call (518) 943-3400.
The show, however, also recognizes the state of the economy, and is accordingly somewhat experimental in offering unframed works for a lesser price, thus providing a wider mix of affordable items.
“This year’s showcase of original drawings, paintings, photographs and sculptures features unframed members’ works for under $100," said GCCA Executive Director Kay Stamer.
Director of Visual Arts Fawn Potash, who curated the show, indicated it also includes some hidden value works within that price category.
“Some of those prints by one artist are worth $1,500,” Potash said, “and he’s selling them for $100.”
“He’s a gallery artist in New York City,” she explained. “So there’s some real bargains to be had.”
“There are also three watercolors by another,” Potash said. “Her work is rarely seen for under $500.”
“And there is also a New York City artist, with those ceramic faces,” she said.
“So there’s work for $25, and there’s work for $100, and everything in between,” she said.
Potash said that, combined, there are about 140 artists and crafters participating, with the 100 or so artists each contributing three works, thus making for a very solid exhibit.
“There’s everything from professional artists to amateurs in this show,” she said.
Their works include a great sampling of local and regional landscapes -- panoramic vistas, cascading waterfalls, autumn colors, winter nights, pastoral farmlands, woodland streams -- all by area artists whose styles are as diverse and equally excellent as their content.
“We probably have more landscapes than anything else,” Potash said, “and a lot of them are local scenes.”
“We have a lot of that, and people love it -- local farms, local mountains,” she said. “Also, one artist is working with a local winery in the Hudson Valley (for his setting).”
“They’re all (categorized as) ‘small works’ under 20 inches, and $100 or under in cost,” Potash said.
“The show is unjuried, in all media, and includes drawings, paintings, photography, and print work,” she said. “We have a lot of watercolors, and there’s abstract work, too.”
“Upstairs is crafts (that are) under $100,” Potash explained.
That portion of the exhibit includes not only handmade crafts that are either functional, decorative, or both -- but is also an eye-catching selection of jewelry, ornaments, ceramics, cards, toys, and wearables.
The Greene County Council on the Arts “Salon 2010 Holiday Arts & Crafts Show” will run through Jan. 15, 2011, with gallery hours Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., plus every second Saturday from noon to 8 p.m.
The GCCA gallery is located at 398 Main Street, Catskill.
For more information, call (518) 943-3400.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Thought for the Day..............
Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength.
- Corrie Ten Boom, author and human rights activist
- Corrie Ten Boom, author and human rights activist
Catskill Celebration!
Welcoming a brand new Day
A Day in December set to debut Dec. 4
By Doron Tyler Antrim
Hudson-Catskill Newspapers
CATSKILL — A big holiday festival is set for next week on Main Street in the village of Catskill.
The first-ever “A Day in December” is scheduled for Dec. 4 from noon until 5 p.m. and will include horse and sleigh rides, photos with Santa, a cookie contest, musical entertainment, vendors and more.
“So many people have offered things and given things,” said Eileen Dees, of The Garden Gate in Catskill, who led the effort to organize the event. “It wasn’t difficult to get people to do things.”
Throughout the five-hour festival, horse and sleigh rides — courtesy of Hensonville resident David Sherman — will be traveling from the corner of Main Street and Church Street, down Main to Bridge Street and then onto Water Street to the intersection with Church Street.
The ride will be free of charge.
Meanwhile, at the corner of Church and Main Streets, Boy Scouts will be selling fresh pine wreaths. The Brownies will be having a bake sale at Community Theater to benefit for the Toys for Tots program.
Photos will Santa will be available from noon until 5 p.m. at 418 Main Street.
Also happening throughout the day will be face painting by artist Cynthia Mullvaney at Community Theater and an ice sculpture display at Leggio Park.
Community Theater will also be hosting musical group The Zucchini Brothers and a screening of the Christmas-classic “The Grinch” at noon.
Sketch artist Stanley Maltzman will be at Swamp Angel Antiques between noon and 5 p.m.
In addition, Sawyer Chevrolet will be giving away bicycles every half hour throughout the day at the Catskill Village Police garage and raffling off a $1,000 savings bond at 5 p.m. Sleds will also be given away.
The Catskill High School girls chorus, known as the Trebelaires, will be caroling from noon until 1 p.m.
At 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Joe and Eileen Capone will be reading The Night Before Christmas at 388 Main Street. Dance company Petite Productions will be performing demos at that address at 2 p.m.
Also beginning at 2 p.m. will be The Daily Mail’s cookie contest. In order to qualify for the contest, cookies must be dropped off at The Daily Mail office, located at 414 Main Street, by 2 p.m. on Dec. 3. Please include a 3x5 index card with the following information: Name, address, phone number and complete recipe. Submission must be in a minimum quantity of one dozen. Each person is allowed up to three submissions.
Judges for the contest will include state Assemblyman Pete Lopez, R-Schoharie; Jim Riley of Mid-Hudson Cable and Kres Bjornsson of the Bank of Greene County.
Between noon and 2 p.m., Van Gorden & Co. will be hosting a book signing of Historic Places in Greene County, published by the Greene County Historical Society.
Stilt walker Corey Cox will be performing between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. and Imagine That! is hosting ornament painting starting at 1 p.m. Big Brother/Big Sisters will also be sponsoring crafts for children.
Craft vendors will be occupying some of Main Street’s vacant storefronts, Dees said.
“A Day in December” will be Catskill’s first village-wide holiday celebration.
The first-ever “A Day in December” is scheduled for Dec. 4 from noon until 5 p.m. and will include horse and sleigh rides, photos with Santa, a cookie contest, musical entertainment, vendors and more.
“So many people have offered things and given things,” said Eileen Dees, of The Garden Gate in Catskill, who led the effort to organize the event. “It wasn’t difficult to get people to do things.”
Throughout the five-hour festival, horse and sleigh rides — courtesy of Hensonville resident David Sherman — will be traveling from the corner of Main Street and Church Street, down Main to Bridge Street and then onto Water Street to the intersection with Church Street.
The ride will be free of charge.
Meanwhile, at the corner of Church and Main Streets, Boy Scouts will be selling fresh pine wreaths. The Brownies will be having a bake sale at Community Theater to benefit for the Toys for Tots program.
Photos will Santa will be available from noon until 5 p.m. at 418 Main Street.
Also happening throughout the day will be face painting by artist Cynthia Mullvaney at Community Theater and an ice sculpture display at Leggio Park.
Community Theater will also be hosting musical group The Zucchini Brothers and a screening of the Christmas-classic “The Grinch” at noon.
Sketch artist Stanley Maltzman will be at Swamp Angel Antiques between noon and 5 p.m.
In addition, Sawyer Chevrolet will be giving away bicycles every half hour throughout the day at the Catskill Village Police garage and raffling off a $1,000 savings bond at 5 p.m. Sleds will also be given away.
The Catskill High School girls chorus, known as the Trebelaires, will be caroling from noon until 1 p.m.
At 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Joe and Eileen Capone will be reading The Night Before Christmas at 388 Main Street. Dance company Petite Productions will be performing demos at that address at 2 p.m.
Also beginning at 2 p.m. will be The Daily Mail’s cookie contest. In order to qualify for the contest, cookies must be dropped off at The Daily Mail office, located at 414 Main Street, by 2 p.m. on Dec. 3. Please include a 3x5 index card with the following information: Name, address, phone number and complete recipe. Submission must be in a minimum quantity of one dozen. Each person is allowed up to three submissions.
Judges for the contest will include state Assemblyman Pete Lopez, R-Schoharie; Jim Riley of Mid-Hudson Cable and Kres Bjornsson of the Bank of Greene County.
Between noon and 2 p.m., Van Gorden & Co. will be hosting a book signing of Historic Places in Greene County, published by the Greene County Historical Society.
Stilt walker Corey Cox will be performing between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. and Imagine That! is hosting ornament painting starting at 1 p.m. Big Brother/Big Sisters will also be sponsoring crafts for children.
Craft vendors will be occupying some of Main Street’s vacant storefronts, Dees said.
“A Day in December” will be Catskill’s first village-wide holiday celebration.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Saying of the day...
The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance, the wise grows it under his feet.
- James Oppenheim, short-story writer, novelist, poet
- James Oppenheim, short-story writer, novelist, poet
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Impacting People...... who knows?
You can impact more people than you'll ever know
Too many people sit on the sidelines of life waiting for that one great opportunity or the chance of a lifetime. We seldom realize that while we are waiting, we are missing the small opportunities to make a difference that surround us in our everyday lives. For example, you could pick up the litter on a street that you travel often, help someone carry her groceries to her car, or offer to help a child read a book. Of course, this list could go on and on. Your small action could make all the difference in the world to someone and you may never know it. Don't sit around and wait for the BIG CHANCE because you never know...one of those small opportunities might turn into the next chance of a lifetime.
Too many people sit on the sidelines of life waiting for that one great opportunity or the chance of a lifetime. We seldom realize that while we are waiting, we are missing the small opportunities to make a difference that surround us in our everyday lives. For example, you could pick up the litter on a street that you travel often, help someone carry her groceries to her car, or offer to help a child read a book. Of course, this list could go on and on. Your small action could make all the difference in the world to someone and you may never know it. Don't sit around and wait for the BIG CHANCE because you never know...one of those small opportunities might turn into the next chance of a lifetime.
Hunting Season
Hunting season opens Nov. 20
ALBANY — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today reminded hunters that the 2010 regular deer season opens at sunrise on Saturday, Nov. 20, in New York's Southern Zone. Regular bear hunting season in the southeastern portion of the southern bear range also begins on Nov. 20, while regular bear season in the central-western portion of the southern bear range begins Nov. 27.
These big game hunting seasons close at sunset on Sunday, Dec. 12. See the 2010-11 New York Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide (www.dec.ny.gov/out door/37136.html) for a map illustrating the specific boundaries and season dates for the bear ranges.
“New York’s deer and bear populations are great resources for the state, and hunting is an important part of New York’s outdoor heritage,” said DEC Acting Commissioner Peter Iwanowicz. “Hunters provide a valuable public service by maintaining wildlife populations at levels that are compatible with public interests and natural resources. I wish all hunters a safe season and encourage them to embrace their role in responsible game management.”
The Southern Zone regular deer season is New York’s most popular hunting season, with participation from more than 70 percent of New York deer hunters. Harvest during this season accounts for nearly 60 percent of the total statewide deer harvest.
Following the regular deer and bear seasons in the Southern Zone, late bowhunting and muzzleloading seasons will open at sunrise on Dec. 13 and close at sunset on Dec. 21. Hunters taking part in these special seasons must possess either bowhunting or muzzleloading privileges.
In the Northern Zone, the regular deer and bear hunting season have already opened (Oct. 23) and will close Dec. 5. This zone generally includes the Adirondack Mountains, Tug Hill Plateau, Eastern Lake Ontario Plain and the Champlain and St. Lawrence Valleys. A late muzzleloading season for deer will open in parts of the Northern Zone from Dec. 6-12.
Hunters should be aware of several important programs and recent changes as they prepare for the 2010 regular hunting season.
• Harvest Reporting: Beginning this regular season, hunters will now have up to 7 days to report their harvested deer or bear. Reporting harvested deer or bear is mandatory, and successful hunters may report via DEC’s online reporting system or call the toll-free automated reporting system at 1-866-GAME-RPT (1-866-426-3778).
• Crossbows: Although a new law was passed this year to allow use of crossbows for big game hunting in the regular season, the changes do not go into effect until Feb. 1, 2011. This means that hunters cannot use a crossbow until the 2011-2012 hunting seasons.
• Chronic Wasting Disease: With no detections of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) since 2005, DEC has decommissioned the CWD containment area and no longer requires mandatory checking of harvested deer in that area. DEC will continue routine CWD surveillance throughout the state. See CWD Regulations for Hunters at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8325.html for more information.
• Junior Hunters: Junior Hunters (14 and 15 years old) can hunt deer and bear with a firearm when appropriately accompanied by an adult. See the DEC website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/46245.html for program requirements and to download the Mentored Youth Hunter and Trapper Permission Form.
• Bear Hunters: Successful bear hunters are asked to submit a tooth of their bear to assist DEC with monitoring the bear population. Please visit the DEC website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/45598.html for instructions.
• Venison Donation: Hunters are encouraged to participate in the Venison Donation program. By filling your permits and donating your deer, you help accomplish the needed deer management and you can feed less fortunate families. More information can be found at http://www.venisondonation.com/ .
Although safety-conscious hunters have significantly reduced the number of firearms-related injuries, studies show that individuals wearing hunter orange clothing are seven times less likely to be injured than hunters who do not wear the bright fluorescent color. Hunters are encouraged to review these and other hunting safety tips (http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9186.html) and pay careful attention to basic firearm safety rules that can prevent hunting related shooting incidents:
• Point your gun in a safe direction.
• Treat every gun as if it were loaded.
• Be sure of your target and beyond.
• Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
• Remember to wear hunter orange.
Hunters interested in getting the most up-to-date information about deer and bear management in New York are invited to join our e-mail list, New York Big Game (http://lists.dec.state.ny.us/mailman/listinfo/nybiggame). You may also catch the latest updates on New York’s fish and wildlife by subscribing to Field Notes (http://www.dec.ny.gov/about/63801.html), another free online e-mail list provided by the Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources.
For specific descriptions of regulations and open areas, hunters should refer to the 2010-11 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide. The guide is published annually and is available free of charge from all DEC regional wildlife offices, all license issuing agents and on the DEC website. Hunters are urged to review all regulations and safety tips contained in the guide.
These big game hunting seasons close at sunset on Sunday, Dec. 12. See the 2010-11 New York Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide (www.dec.ny.gov/out door/37136.html) for a map illustrating the specific boundaries and season dates for the bear ranges.
“New York’s deer and bear populations are great resources for the state, and hunting is an important part of New York’s outdoor heritage,” said DEC Acting Commissioner Peter Iwanowicz. “Hunters provide a valuable public service by maintaining wildlife populations at levels that are compatible with public interests and natural resources. I wish all hunters a safe season and encourage them to embrace their role in responsible game management.”
The Southern Zone regular deer season is New York’s most popular hunting season, with participation from more than 70 percent of New York deer hunters. Harvest during this season accounts for nearly 60 percent of the total statewide deer harvest.
Following the regular deer and bear seasons in the Southern Zone, late bowhunting and muzzleloading seasons will open at sunrise on Dec. 13 and close at sunset on Dec. 21. Hunters taking part in these special seasons must possess either bowhunting or muzzleloading privileges.
In the Northern Zone, the regular deer and bear hunting season have already opened (Oct. 23) and will close Dec. 5. This zone generally includes the Adirondack Mountains, Tug Hill Plateau, Eastern Lake Ontario Plain and the Champlain and St. Lawrence Valleys. A late muzzleloading season for deer will open in parts of the Northern Zone from Dec. 6-12.
Hunters should be aware of several important programs and recent changes as they prepare for the 2010 regular hunting season.
• Harvest Reporting: Beginning this regular season, hunters will now have up to 7 days to report their harvested deer or bear. Reporting harvested deer or bear is mandatory, and successful hunters may report via DEC’s online reporting system or call the toll-free automated reporting system at 1-866-GAME-RPT (1-866-426-3778).
• Crossbows: Although a new law was passed this year to allow use of crossbows for big game hunting in the regular season, the changes do not go into effect until Feb. 1, 2011. This means that hunters cannot use a crossbow until the 2011-2012 hunting seasons.
• Chronic Wasting Disease: With no detections of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) since 2005, DEC has decommissioned the CWD containment area and no longer requires mandatory checking of harvested deer in that area. DEC will continue routine CWD surveillance throughout the state. See CWD Regulations for Hunters at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8325.html for more information.
• Junior Hunters: Junior Hunters (14 and 15 years old) can hunt deer and bear with a firearm when appropriately accompanied by an adult. See the DEC website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/46245.html for program requirements and to download the Mentored Youth Hunter and Trapper Permission Form.
• Bear Hunters: Successful bear hunters are asked to submit a tooth of their bear to assist DEC with monitoring the bear population. Please visit the DEC website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/45598.html for instructions.
• Venison Donation: Hunters are encouraged to participate in the Venison Donation program. By filling your permits and donating your deer, you help accomplish the needed deer management and you can feed less fortunate families. More information can be found at http://www.venisondonation.com/ .
Although safety-conscious hunters have significantly reduced the number of firearms-related injuries, studies show that individuals wearing hunter orange clothing are seven times less likely to be injured than hunters who do not wear the bright fluorescent color. Hunters are encouraged to review these and other hunting safety tips (http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9186.html) and pay careful attention to basic firearm safety rules that can prevent hunting related shooting incidents:
• Point your gun in a safe direction.
• Treat every gun as if it were loaded.
• Be sure of your target and beyond.
• Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
• Remember to wear hunter orange.
Hunters interested in getting the most up-to-date information about deer and bear management in New York are invited to join our e-mail list, New York Big Game (http://lists.dec.state.ny.us/mailman/listinfo/nybiggame). You may also catch the latest updates on New York’s fish and wildlife by subscribing to Field Notes (http://www.dec.ny.gov/about/63801.html), another free online e-mail list provided by the Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources.
For specific descriptions of regulations and open areas, hunters should refer to the 2010-11 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide. The guide is published annually and is available free of charge from all DEC regional wildlife offices, all license issuing agents and on the DEC website. Hunters are urged to review all regulations and safety tips contained in the guide.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Blackthorn Ranch
Blackthorne rebirth underway
By Colin DeVries
Hudson-Catskill Newspapers
CATSKILL — To help in the restoration of a popular Durham resort tragically damaged by fire in September, county lawmakers have awarded an economic development loan toward the cause.
The Greene County Legislature approved a $200,000 low-interest Quantum Fund loan to the Blackthorne Resort last week, which will contribute to the resort’s rebirth before the 2011 spring tourism season.
Warren Hart, director of the county’s economic development, planning and tourism department, said assisting Blackthorne is pivotal to the tourism economy of Durham and Greene County at-large.
“First and foremost, it’s the retaining of existing jobs that would be lost,” said Hart, adding Durham’s economy was largely tourism-based.
The loan will go toward construction of a new restaurant and pub, the focal point of the East Durham resort.
A devastating fire in September destroyed the old restaurant and nightclub in the midst of the busy Catskill Mountain Thunder motorcycle festival.
Hundreds of people camping and attending the festival watched the roaring flames consume the restaurant. It is believed to have been started by a propane cooking fuel explosion, according to emergency responders. No one was injured in the incident.
Hart said the proposed restaurant design has opportunities for growth, possibly providing an increase for new employment.
A grant from New York State Homes and Community Renewal worth another $200,000 has also be applied for, Hart said.
The estimated cost of the construction is estimated to be more than $1 million.
The Greene County Legislature approved a $200,000 low-interest Quantum Fund loan to the Blackthorne Resort last week, which will contribute to the resort’s rebirth before the 2011 spring tourism season.
Warren Hart, director of the county’s economic development, planning and tourism department, said assisting Blackthorne is pivotal to the tourism economy of Durham and Greene County at-large.
“First and foremost, it’s the retaining of existing jobs that would be lost,” said Hart, adding Durham’s economy was largely tourism-based.
The loan will go toward construction of a new restaurant and pub, the focal point of the East Durham resort.
A devastating fire in September destroyed the old restaurant and nightclub in the midst of the busy Catskill Mountain Thunder motorcycle festival.
Hundreds of people camping and attending the festival watched the roaring flames consume the restaurant. It is believed to have been started by a propane cooking fuel explosion, according to emergency responders. No one was injured in the incident.
Hart said the proposed restaurant design has opportunities for growth, possibly providing an increase for new employment.
A grant from New York State Homes and Community Renewal worth another $200,000 has also be applied for, Hart said.
The estimated cost of the construction is estimated to be more than $1 million.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Friar Tuck Hotel Sells
Going, going, gone … again
 |
| The Friar Tuck hotel was sold for $2.5 million in an online auction Thursday. File photo by Claude Haton |
A year later, Friar Tuck hotel fetches $2.5 million
By Colin DeVries
Hudson-Catskill Newspapers
CATSKILL — The Friar Tuck hotel was sold for $2.5 million in an online auction Thursday, a year after the failed bankruptcy auction began a long period of limbo for the resort.
Michael Shaughnessy, executive vice president of Ulster Savings Bank, said Thursday afternoon that the bank was pleased with the sale although they did short-sell the hotel property.
Outstanding mortgage debt on the property exceeded $3.2 million when Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings began in September 2009.
A Nov. 19, 2009 bankruptcy auction’s sole bid of $4.5 million was never completed and ultimately resulted in the bank’s repossession of the property six months later.
“Obviously we’re disappointed,” said Shaughnessy during a phone interview Thursday. “But we’re not a real estate operator and our job was to sell the hotel and get the best price we possibly could… We’re happy to have it behind us.”
Shaughnessy could not release the name of the buyer but said it was a real estate investment group that was cleared by the auction company, international real estate firm Jones Lang LaSalle.
The sale did not include the timeshare properties, though the bankruptcy-court-appointed trustee in charge of liquidating the property, Marc Ehrlich of Troy, hoped the buyer of the hotel property would express interest in acquiring the contiguous timeshare property.
The hotel property, as advertised on auction.com, includes 170 acres and 12 buildings including the four-story, 372-room hotel built in 1971.
While the bidders had anonymity through the online auction process, the name of the purchaser may be available after the 30-day closing period.
A representative for the auctioneer did not return calls made Thursday and Friday.
Michael Shaughnessy, executive vice president of Ulster Savings Bank, said Thursday afternoon that the bank was pleased with the sale although they did short-sell the hotel property.
Outstanding mortgage debt on the property exceeded $3.2 million when Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings began in September 2009.
A Nov. 19, 2009 bankruptcy auction’s sole bid of $4.5 million was never completed and ultimately resulted in the bank’s repossession of the property six months later.
“Obviously we’re disappointed,” said Shaughnessy during a phone interview Thursday. “But we’re not a real estate operator and our job was to sell the hotel and get the best price we possibly could… We’re happy to have it behind us.”
Shaughnessy could not release the name of the buyer but said it was a real estate investment group that was cleared by the auction company, international real estate firm Jones Lang LaSalle.
The sale did not include the timeshare properties, though the bankruptcy-court-appointed trustee in charge of liquidating the property, Marc Ehrlich of Troy, hoped the buyer of the hotel property would express interest in acquiring the contiguous timeshare property.
The hotel property, as advertised on auction.com, includes 170 acres and 12 buildings including the four-story, 372-room hotel built in 1971.
While the bidders had anonymity through the online auction process, the name of the purchaser may be available after the 30-day closing period.
A representative for the auctioneer did not return calls made Thursday and Friday.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Foreclosure Myths
Four years into the housing crisis, myths about foreclosure still litter the minds of even the smartest of real estate consumers. When it comes to matters as high stakes as your home, confusion can cost you thousands - or even your home. Whether you’re a buyer looking at foreclosures, a homeowner struggling to keep your home or a seller concerned making sure your home can compete with the foreclosed homes on your block, these foreclosure myths are prime for the busting, with no further ado.
Myth #1: Foreclosure happens fast. With unemployment and underemployment still affecting nearly 1 in every 4 Americans, no one is immune from fears that a pink slip might quickly turn into a foreclosure notice. According to NeighborWorks America, nearly 60 percent of families seeking foreclosure counseling cited a lost job or cut wages as the reason they were facing foreclosure.
While the Obama Administration's Home Affordable Programs haven't been nearly as effective as predicted in actually preventing foreclosures, they have had the effect of extending the foreclosure process for many families. Even though the legal process of foreclosure can happen in as few as 6 months in most states, it is currently taking much longer for the average foreclosure to get to completion. Recently, JP Morgan Chase revealed that their average borrower who loses a home to foreclosure has not made any payments in 14 months nationwide; 22 months in FLorida and 26 months in New York.
To be sure, some see this as a good, others view it as unnecessarily dragging out the overall market's recovery. Many insiders will point out that these delays in foreclosure may be calculated to save the banks the costs of owning and maintaining foreclosed homes, not to help homeowners. In any event, the fact that foreclosure does not happen nearly as fast, in many cases, as expected does give families who are temporarily down on their luck some extra time to try to get back on their feet and save their homes.
Myth #2: Buyers can’t get clear title or title insurance on foreclosed homes. When the foreclosure robo-signing scandal first hit, there was widespread concern that buyers would not be able to get clear title on foreclosed homes, because the former foreclosed owners might be able to come get their homes back when the improprieties in the bank's foreclosure documentation processes came fully to light. At the same time, several of the country's largest title insurance companies publicly balked at issuing policies on bank-owned homes until the issue was resolved. At this point, the banks claim they have revamped their processes, and all banks have stated that they have found not a single borrower whose home was repossessed without them having missed the requisite number of mortgage payments. Nevertheless, a number of governmental investigations are still in progress.
The fact is, buyers of bank-owned properties in nearly every jurisdiction are protected from later title attacks by foreclosed homeowners by the bona fide purchaser rule, under which courts would prefer to simply award cash damages to be paid by the culpable bank to a wrongfully foreclosed-on homeowner, rather than reversing the sale or ownership to the new, innocent buyer. Additionally, the title insurers have now changed their tune and restarted issuing insurance policies on bank-owned homes which protect buyers' interests, after working with the banks for them to take responsibility in the event a former homeowner prevails in a wrongful foreclosure suit.
While there are still many intricacies of title to be resolved for foreclosure buyers who purchase homes at trustee sales and auctions, or for cash buyers who often went without title insurance in the past, on the average, Trulia-listed, bank-owned property purchased with an average mortgage and title insurance, the chances a buyer's title will later be successfully challenged by the foreclosed homeowner on the basis of robo-signing? Exceedingly slim.
Myth #3: Buyers should wait for the shadow inventory to be released. Many a buyer, discouraged with the homes they see on the the form in their price range, has decided to sit still and wait for the banks to release for sale what is called their "shadow inventory" - rumored to be anywhere from 4 to nearly 6 million homes that have already been foreclosed, but not listed for sale, or will be foreclosed in the near future. The fact is, to the extent that the banks have acknowledged the existence of a pool of homes they own but are not selling, they have expressed that their reasoning for holding the homes off the market is to avoid flooding the market and driving home values down any further. For that reason, buyers should not expect to see a massive influx of these shadow homes onto the market anytime soon - if ever.
The banks' current modus operandi is that as they sell a home, the replace it with another home in that market - if they sell 50 homes in a town that month, they'll put another 50 on the next. So, don't hold your breath waiting for a fabulous new flood of homes. Instead, set up a Trulia alert to notify you when homes that fit your search criteria come on the market, and be ready to call your agent and go visit any and every one that looks like it might be a good fit.
Myth #4: If you’re looking for a deal, you’re looking for a foreclosure. Despite what they may say, no buyer’s heart's fondest desire is to buy a foreclosure. But almost every buyer dreams of buying a great home - and getting a great deal on it. Many people think that to get a great value on their home on today's market, it means they must buy a foreclosure. As a result, the value and other advantages of buying an individually-owned home on today's market are frequently overlooked. Individual sellers with homes on the market right now are generally quite motivated, and understand that their homes are competing with discounted short sales and foreclosed homes. Many of these sellers are slashing prices in an effort to get them sold - the most recent Trulia Price Reduction Report revealed that 27 percent of homes on the market across the country have had at least one price reduction. Now that's what I call a sale!
Further, individual owners are often much more negotiable on a wide range of contract terms than a bank which owns a foreclosed home. You can work with non-bank owners on things like repairs, closing dates, choice of escrow provider, closing costs and even included personal property much more flexibly than you can when the bank is on the other side of the bargaining table. On top of that, many individually-owned homes are in pristine, move-in condition; that is much rarer with foreclosures. So, don't underestimate the value of the deal you might be able to get on a non-foreclosed home. Just get clear on what you can afford and look at all the homes that are available in that price range, without discriminating against non-foreclosures.
Myth #5: Having a foreclosure on your credit history means it'll take years and years before you can buy again. One of the most Frequently Asked Questions in the Trulia Voices Community by homeowners who are facing or have just lost a home through foreclosure is how long it will take before they'll be able to buy again. Until recently, the standard wisdom was that 5 years, minimum, would have to have elapsed between the foreclosure and the new home purchase. Now, though, borrowers can obtain an FHA loan with the low, 3.5 minimum down payment requirement as soon as 3 years following a foreclosure. To do so, though, all your other ducks must be in a row.
Post-foreclosure buyers need a credit score of 620-640 to qualify for an FHA loan; higher for a non-FHA loan - given that the foreclosure itself usually dings anywhere from 100-150 points off the credit score (not necessarily counting a full year or more of pre-foreclosure missed payments), former homeowners who want to buy again need to ensure they have no other late payments or credit dings after they lose thier home. You must have clean credit with no derogatory marks like late credit card payments following the foreclosure, and you may also be required to document 12 to 24 months straight of on-time rent payments after the foreclosure.
Further, the bank may impose a lower debt-to-income ratio on post-foreclosure borrowers than on borrowers who have not had a foreclosure, in an effort to keep your mortgage payments low, keep you from overextending yourself and boost the chances you'll be a successful homeowner over the long-term this time around. The bank will also need to see 2 years of continuous employment history in the same field, and documentation that you meet other loan qualification requirements.
Myth #1: Foreclosure happens fast. With unemployment and underemployment still affecting nearly 1 in every 4 Americans, no one is immune from fears that a pink slip might quickly turn into a foreclosure notice. According to NeighborWorks America, nearly 60 percent of families seeking foreclosure counseling cited a lost job or cut wages as the reason they were facing foreclosure.
While the Obama Administration's Home Affordable Programs haven't been nearly as effective as predicted in actually preventing foreclosures, they have had the effect of extending the foreclosure process for many families. Even though the legal process of foreclosure can happen in as few as 6 months in most states, it is currently taking much longer for the average foreclosure to get to completion. Recently, JP Morgan Chase revealed that their average borrower who loses a home to foreclosure has not made any payments in 14 months nationwide; 22 months in FLorida and 26 months in New York.
To be sure, some see this as a good, others view it as unnecessarily dragging out the overall market's recovery. Many insiders will point out that these delays in foreclosure may be calculated to save the banks the costs of owning and maintaining foreclosed homes, not to help homeowners. In any event, the fact that foreclosure does not happen nearly as fast, in many cases, as expected does give families who are temporarily down on their luck some extra time to try to get back on their feet and save their homes.
Myth #2: Buyers can’t get clear title or title insurance on foreclosed homes. When the foreclosure robo-signing scandal first hit, there was widespread concern that buyers would not be able to get clear title on foreclosed homes, because the former foreclosed owners might be able to come get their homes back when the improprieties in the bank's foreclosure documentation processes came fully to light. At the same time, several of the country's largest title insurance companies publicly balked at issuing policies on bank-owned homes until the issue was resolved. At this point, the banks claim they have revamped their processes, and all banks have stated that they have found not a single borrower whose home was repossessed without them having missed the requisite number of mortgage payments. Nevertheless, a number of governmental investigations are still in progress.
The fact is, buyers of bank-owned properties in nearly every jurisdiction are protected from later title attacks by foreclosed homeowners by the bona fide purchaser rule, under which courts would prefer to simply award cash damages to be paid by the culpable bank to a wrongfully foreclosed-on homeowner, rather than reversing the sale or ownership to the new, innocent buyer. Additionally, the title insurers have now changed their tune and restarted issuing insurance policies on bank-owned homes which protect buyers' interests, after working with the banks for them to take responsibility in the event a former homeowner prevails in a wrongful foreclosure suit.
While there are still many intricacies of title to be resolved for foreclosure buyers who purchase homes at trustee sales and auctions, or for cash buyers who often went without title insurance in the past, on the average, Trulia-listed, bank-owned property purchased with an average mortgage and title insurance, the chances a buyer's title will later be successfully challenged by the foreclosed homeowner on the basis of robo-signing? Exceedingly slim.
Myth #3: Buyers should wait for the shadow inventory to be released. Many a buyer, discouraged with the homes they see on the the form in their price range, has decided to sit still and wait for the banks to release for sale what is called their "shadow inventory" - rumored to be anywhere from 4 to nearly 6 million homes that have already been foreclosed, but not listed for sale, or will be foreclosed in the near future. The fact is, to the extent that the banks have acknowledged the existence of a pool of homes they own but are not selling, they have expressed that their reasoning for holding the homes off the market is to avoid flooding the market and driving home values down any further. For that reason, buyers should not expect to see a massive influx of these shadow homes onto the market anytime soon - if ever.
The banks' current modus operandi is that as they sell a home, the replace it with another home in that market - if they sell 50 homes in a town that month, they'll put another 50 on the next. So, don't hold your breath waiting for a fabulous new flood of homes. Instead, set up a Trulia alert to notify you when homes that fit your search criteria come on the market, and be ready to call your agent and go visit any and every one that looks like it might be a good fit.
Myth #4: If you’re looking for a deal, you’re looking for a foreclosure. Despite what they may say, no buyer’s heart's fondest desire is to buy a foreclosure. But almost every buyer dreams of buying a great home - and getting a great deal on it. Many people think that to get a great value on their home on today's market, it means they must buy a foreclosure. As a result, the value and other advantages of buying an individually-owned home on today's market are frequently overlooked. Individual sellers with homes on the market right now are generally quite motivated, and understand that their homes are competing with discounted short sales and foreclosed homes. Many of these sellers are slashing prices in an effort to get them sold - the most recent Trulia Price Reduction Report revealed that 27 percent of homes on the market across the country have had at least one price reduction. Now that's what I call a sale!
Further, individual owners are often much more negotiable on a wide range of contract terms than a bank which owns a foreclosed home. You can work with non-bank owners on things like repairs, closing dates, choice of escrow provider, closing costs and even included personal property much more flexibly than you can when the bank is on the other side of the bargaining table. On top of that, many individually-owned homes are in pristine, move-in condition; that is much rarer with foreclosures. So, don't underestimate the value of the deal you might be able to get on a non-foreclosed home. Just get clear on what you can afford and look at all the homes that are available in that price range, without discriminating against non-foreclosures.
Myth #5: Having a foreclosure on your credit history means it'll take years and years before you can buy again. One of the most Frequently Asked Questions in the Trulia Voices Community by homeowners who are facing or have just lost a home through foreclosure is how long it will take before they'll be able to buy again. Until recently, the standard wisdom was that 5 years, minimum, would have to have elapsed between the foreclosure and the new home purchase. Now, though, borrowers can obtain an FHA loan with the low, 3.5 minimum down payment requirement as soon as 3 years following a foreclosure. To do so, though, all your other ducks must be in a row.
Post-foreclosure buyers need a credit score of 620-640 to qualify for an FHA loan; higher for a non-FHA loan - given that the foreclosure itself usually dings anywhere from 100-150 points off the credit score (not necessarily counting a full year or more of pre-foreclosure missed payments), former homeowners who want to buy again need to ensure they have no other late payments or credit dings after they lose thier home. You must have clean credit with no derogatory marks like late credit card payments following the foreclosure, and you may also be required to document 12 to 24 months straight of on-time rent payments after the foreclosure.
Further, the bank may impose a lower debt-to-income ratio on post-foreclosure borrowers than on borrowers who have not had a foreclosure, in an effort to keep your mortgage payments low, keep you from overextending yourself and boost the chances you'll be a successful homeowner over the long-term this time around. The bank will also need to see 2 years of continuous employment history in the same field, and documentation that you meet other loan qualification requirements.
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