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Beartown Bears & Neuseopoly

Those of you who don't live here may not know that New Bern, North Carolina is named for Bern Switzerland.  The first settlers came here in 1710 from Bern.  You also may not know that the bear has been the symbol of the Swiss city since 1224, and that it's the modern symbol of New Bern.

With extensive plans being made for New Bern's 300th anniversary next year, Barbara Lubsen, a Neuse Realty broker, and her friend Vicki Vitale Farrow, an area artist, decided that New Bern should have are artist-decorated bear mascots throughout the town.  They gathered some friends and formed a committee they called "Bear Town Bears."  They came up with a plan and a recruited artists to create a number of bear designs.  Next they convinced area professionals, companies and organizations to "adopt" a bear by paying for bears and their installation.  When they began meeting in early 2008, their goal was to place 18 artist-rendered bears on the streets of New Bern.  As the project comes to its culmination at the end of this year, there are expected to be 40 bears.

Recently, North Carolina governor Bev Perdue was in New Bern (her home is here) for the dedication of a bear dedicated to her and the other founders of the Coastal Women's Forum.  You can see the governor and "Flag Bearer" and a number of the other fun and creative bears at the organization's website, http://www.beartownbears.org/.  Fairfield Harbour, the neighborhood that's been home to Neuse Realty for more than 30 years, recently launched a fundraising campaign to adopt a bear -- the campaign was so successfor that Fairfield will have two bears soon.

A bear has recently been purchased by Neuse Realty.  Dubbed "Neuseopoly" our bear is currently being painted by Fairfield Harbour artist, Dee Mayer, who also created the design.  Dee's sketch at the top of this blog indicates how our bear will appear when he is completed.  He will wear top hat and tails, just like the little guy in the Parker Bros. Monopoly® game.  Of course, since the buying and selling of real estate is the way to win at America's favorite board game, we think it's a very appropriate theme for our bear.

When he makes his appearance on the scene, we hope you'll come by to admire Neuseopoly, and the 39 other bears that will decorate New Bern next year.  And, if you aren't here now, we hope you'll make plans to join in the fun for our 300th birthday celebration. You can read all about the extensive plans at http://newbern300.com.

Neuse Realty Featured Listing: 1838 Caracara Drive

What value! A new home with more than 1800 square feet of living space on a one-third acre lot backing up to conservancy land.  A large living/dining area adjoins a beautiful kitchen with wood-tone cabinets and granite counters.  In addition, there's a family room on the main floor and a bonus room above the garage.  The 3 bedrooms/2-and-a-half bath plan includes a master suite with whirlpool tub.  This home is located in a resort community with easy access to boating and golf.  All this for just $184,900.  Interested in knowing more?  Call your Neuse Realty broker today at 1-800-343-0186.

The Outlook is Brighter!

Things in the world of real estate are definitely looking up!  Buyers are beginning to appear in most areas of the country.  Locally we’ve seen more activity in the past six weeks than we’ve seen in months!  If you drove past our office last Sunday you saw a parking lot filled with cars – something we haven’t seen for a while!

In an article dated July 29^th, the New York Times reported that “after a plunge lasting three years, houses have finally become cheap enough to lure buyers. That, in turn, is stabilizing prices, generating hope that the real estate market is beginning to recover.”

Like politics, all real estate is local.  Here in New Bern, buyers are returning -- and they aren’t “just looking.”  They are taking advantage of the extraordinarily low prices available on many fine homes and the low interest rates that are still available.  County-wide, nearly 600 homes have sold in 2009 – and 100 of them have sold since the first of July.  In Fairfield Harbour, where Neuse Realty is located, more homes are currently under contract than at any time this year.  Something is happening!

We know that this marketplace will become very active as homes begin to sell again in the northern states.  Eastern North Carolina has great weather year-round, excellent health care, and the best real estate values on the east coast.  The beautiful home shown above (listed and sold by Neuse Realty) sold this summer for just $235,000. The smart buyer is the one who gets ahead of the crowd.  Call your Neuse realtor today and begin looking for your next home while prices are down, interest rates are down and the outlook is up!

Our blog is back!  After a few months’ hiatus, the Neuse River News is returning.  We hope you’ll find our occasional reports from the Neuse River Region of North Carolina to be helpful and interesting.  Our blog contains not only real estate news but also lots of information about this community.  Browse through our old posts and you’ll learn about our active and interesting region.  If you know someone who is thinking of relocating to the South, we hope you’ll tell them about us and our blog.

Neuse Realty Listings: We have many excellent-value homes listed for sale, including these:

Spectacular Waterfront Value!  This large home situated on more than 1.5 acres in a very private setting on Broad Creek has expansive views of the Neuse River. It features a long wooden walkway to the water and a dock. With approximately 2500 square feet of well-maintained living space, this home has hardwood floors, expansive views and an enormous deck, a 22-foot family room and a huge bonus room in addition to living and dining rooms.  Click here to see more photos and details of this home.  An incredible buy at $369,900.

Country Cottage – In a private setting surrounded by English country gardens, this well-maintained home offers 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths including first floor master suite with adjacent study (fourth bedroom).  The two-story high great room is overlooked by a library/loft area.  The seller offers up to $3500 cash back for taxes, insurance, and other fees paid by the buyer at closing.  Learn more by clicking here.  Offered at just $192,500.

Ready for you! – A brick home in a gated, golf course community newly painted, professionally landscaped and ready to move into!  Featuring a large two-car garage, a private deck on the back, and an over-size master bedroom with its own bath, this home is perfect for retirees or first-time buyers.  Click here to read all the details.  Priced at just $166,000.

Such a pretty face!  – Just five years old, this home offers everything today’s buyer wants:  a huge bonus room in addition to a large living room and a separate family room; a white-cabinet kitchen with granite counters, a lovely wooded, golf course setting with pond views.  Built by one of New Bern’s best builders, this home is priced thousands under comparable new construction at $244,900.  Read all about it here. 

All of these homes are located in Fairfield Harbour, a gated, golf-course community located just a few miles from the city of New Bern.  A mature community with excellent water-sports facilities, Fairfield Harbour features three marinas and a sailboat club, access to a recreation center with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and active and friendly neighbors.

Neuse Realty has been serving Fairfield Harbour for more than 30 years.  Our broker associates and owners comprise the most experienced group of realtors in the Neuse River Region.  We are ready to help you find the perfect home. Please call your Neuse Realty broker for more information about these homes and many more.  Call 1-800-343-0186 or 252-633-4888.  We look forward to working for you!

The Sound of Freedom!

     

If you’ve never heard the sound of Freedom, you will have the opportunity at one of our area’s most exciting, loudest, fastest and highly attended event: the MCAS Cherry Point Air Show. MCAS Cherry Point is the east coasts largest Marine Air Station and Craven County’s largest civilian employer. For the air show, the base will open it’s gates to the public and offer free parking and free admission. A few of the performers of the air show include: The Canadian Forces Snowbirds Jet team, The F-16 Fighting Falcon, The P-51 Heritage Flight, The Trojan Horseman and The Shock Wave Jet Truck. There are fun filled activities for children, business expos for adults and simulators, food and fun for all ages.

The event begins Friday, May 15th at 5pm, continues Saturday at 8am and Sunday at 8am. A complete schedule can be found at Cherry Point Air Show Schedule. MCAS Cherry Point is located in Havelock, NC. For directions to the show see Directions to MCAS Cherry Point Air Show.

 

To learn more about Aviation in Eastern Carolina, from the Wright Flyer at Kitty Hawk to the F-35 Lightning, visit Aviation in NC

While visiting the area, be sure to take a look at some of our fine homes at Search for Homes This site will help you find any home in the Havelock, New Bern, and surrounding areas. You can search by neighborhood, price range, amenities etc. A few of our homes are listed below. Call us at 252-633-4888 or email sales@neuserealty.com for more information!

Have fun at the show!

 

141 Oakley Drive

Our featured home is in Creekwood, a newer subdivision of nicely priced homes situated between Havelock and New Bern. This new home, price well at $137,500, features 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, a large kitchen, laundry room and storage area. The spacious living area boasts a cathedral ceiling with fan and light. The master bedroom has a walk-in closet and private bath. Call today for a tour of this home! 252-633-4888 or email sales@neuserealty.com

 

514 Joyner Drive

On the other end of the price spectrum, we have a marvelous waterfront home, situated on right on the intracoastal waterway, minutes from the beach and on 2.5 acres! The home’s 3500 sq ft has all the possible custom amenities. Park your boat behind your home on one of 2 lifts or just watch the dolphins from your gazebo! Call us today for a tour of this home. 252-633-4888 or email sales@neuserealty.com

 

 

122 Fairmont Way

Barely 3 years old, this home’s improvements make it better than new. The privacy fence and upgraded landscaping add to the outdoor living. The 3 bedrooms and 2 baths are accompanied by an additional room, currently used as a study. Don’t be afraid to open a closet or cabinet in this home as it is tidy and as neat as a pin! It is still under the builders warranty and priced to sell at $157,500. Call us today for a tour of this home. 252 633-4888 or email us

 

Be sure to visit our other fine homes at Homes Search

 

Homes on parade in the lovely Carolina springtime

Spring is the time for home shows, and during the past weekend our two most important home shows occurred simultaneously. The New Bern Historical Society presented their annual Homes & Gardens Tour. This year 15 properties plus the gardens at Tryon Palace were open to the public. They ranged from a newly-constructed river-front home in historic downtown New Bern (what a beauty!) to a Victorian in the early stages of total remodeling, stripped to the studs (what a job!) (You can learn more about the New Bern Historical Society by clicking here.)

This was also the weekend for the beginning of the Home Builders Association of Craven and Pamlico Counties' annual Parade of Homes. Showcasing 35 newly completed homes, the annual event highlights properties ranging from modest starter homes to large homes featuring the latest trends and technology. The Parade continues next weekend, April 25 and 26. You can download the complete catalog of homes by going to the association's website (http://www.newbernbuilders.com/) and clicking on the image of the magzine in the lower left corner of the homepage.

Neuse Realty's Home Show

We want to show you a short "parade" of some of our new listings. As in the rest of the country, homeowners in our area have been affected by the decline in home sales and the fall off in real estate prices. That means that you can buy a home at a price that is many thousands lower than you would have paid only a couple of years ago. With interest rates lower than at any time in the past forty years, and mortgage money readily available, this is the perfect time to buy your next home. Here are just five excellent-value homes for your consideration. Call your Neuse Realty broker or see our website at www.neuserealty.com to learn more or to see many others of equal quality and value.

2070 Royal Pines Drive
A wonderful opportunity: a brand new, luxury home that is now bank-owned and priced many thousands less than previously. Featuring an open plan, a fabulous kitchen, two dining areas, a large screened porch, three large bedrooms and two luxurious baths, and an enormous second-floor bonus room with half-bath, this home on a golf course setting is a fantastic buy at $259,000. Call Jim English, the listing broker, or your Neuse Realty broker soon!

1116 Barkentine Drive
Just three years old, this beautiful home has been decorated to please the most discriminating buyer. Many extras including a Carolina room and deck overlooking the landscaped yard and the adjacent golf course. There's also a large second-floor bonus room with half bath. This home is priced to sell at $278,900. Learn more about the many special features of this home by calling Sandy Perry, the listing broker, or your Neuse Realty broker.

5817 Port Drive
Just two years old but featuring cottage styling, this comfortable home has a pretty face and a pleasing personality. Open plan living, stylish kitchen, three bedrooms plus three and one-half baths, and a huge upper level bonus room make this ideal for relocating families or grandparents. The builder-owner is ready to sell; this home is listed at $232,500 -- that's more than $30,000 less than the original asking price! Don't let this one get away! Call the listing broker, Barbara Lubsen, or your Neuse Realty broker to learn more.

2105 Royal Pines Drive
An immaculate all-brick home with newer roof (2006) and hvac (2008) located in a quiet, wooded setting in a gated community. Enjoy the glassed porch overlooking the quiet backyard. Enjoy too the excellent value -- this home is priced at only $215,000. See it soon by calling the listing broker, Joy Harsen, or your Neuse Realty broker.

 

1204 Santa Lucia Drive
A bright and comfortable brick home located near marinas and golf in a gated community, this home features a spacious kitchen and great room plus a large screened porch. Three bedrooms, two full baths; huge garage; easy maintenance -- all for just $183,000. Call Don Manweiler, the listing broker, or your Neuse Realty broker to see this one soon!

We have listed many other homes of comparable value. The Neuse River Region offers a relaxing lifestyle in a (usually) snow-free location where boaters and golfers enjoy year-round good weather. Our region provides all the services most people require, little traffic, low real estate prices and low taxes. We invite you to visit us soon. Call us at 1-800-343-0186 before you come and we'll help you arrange a pleasant stay and a tour of this area.

New Bern wears her age very well!

Historic New Bern is one of the prettiest small towns in the South.  Located at the junction of two rivers, New Bern was an important port city in colonial America and for a century or more after our new nation was founded.  The downtown historic district is made up of more than 20 blocks of beautiful old homes and churches.  Someof the homes were standing when the American Revolution began.  More of them were constructed during the early Federal period, when New Bern was a thriving city.  There's a large supply of homes built in the mid- and late-1800s, ranging from southern cottages to large Victorians.  Several of the grandest homes serve as B&B's today.  (Just google "New Bern B&B" to find an instant listing of many of them plus a map.)

The New Bern Historical Society and the New Bern Preservation Society have worked for many years to ensure that our architectural heritage is not lost.  The net result of their efforts is an area of beautiful homes with some of the highest property values in the region.  Many people prefer living in this area because it's so easy to walk to downtown shops, restaurants, and services.  A neighborhood association called Historic District Residents Association enables new residents to quickly make friends and become active in area events.

The annual Historic Homes and Gardens Tour is a major fundraiser for the New Bern Historical Society each year.  This year it will be held April 17 and 18.  You can learn more about this year's plans at the society's website (click here).

If you're planning a visit to the Neuse River Region soon, why not make it in mid-April and enjoy the opportunity to see inside some of the beautiful historic homes of which we are so proud?  It's a lovely time to visit us, when Spring is in full bloom.

(To see more beautiful old New Bern homes and gardens, open the slideshow called "Historic New Bern" at the top of the right column on this page, just above our Neuse Realty logo.)

Neuse Realty can help you find the perfect historic property

There are currently 25 homes available for sale in the downtown historic district, and your Neuse Realty broker can help you find a home that is just right for you.  Available properties include both condos and single family homes as well as a few old houses that have been divided into two or more apartments.  Condominiums are often beautifully restored, modernized "above the store" units in the center of town, but there are some new construction units available as well.  Single family homes range from small cottages with prices beginning in the high $200,000 range to spectacular waterfront beauties ranging in price up to nearly $1 million.  If you think you might enjoy the charm of an older home and the pleasure of living in the center of things, ask your Neuse Realty broker for more information about historic homes in New Bern.  Call us at 252-633-4888 or 800-343-0186.

Is Spring in the Air?

Four straight days of increases in the Dow-Jones averages is making us all feel just a little better.  Even the talking heads on the TV news have something positive to say!  Hoo-ray!

Sometimes bad economic news comes at us so hard and fast that we don’t notice some of the more encouraging happenings in real estate like very low mortgage rates, record-setting affordability, and new tax credits. Although our region is feeling the effects of the current recession, our local real estate outlook in the Neuse River Region is more positive than in most of the U.S. because we are not awash in
repossessed homes and job losses. Home prices have not fallen dramatically here.

Mortgage money is available for people with good credit scores and a down payment. The Bank of America, for example, is offering 30-year mortgages at a rate of 5% with 1¼points. BofA offers a variety of refinancing plans which enable lowering monthly payments, putting equity to work or both. Marie Phillips, vice president at the New Bern BofA office says, "We have plenty of money to lend, and we welcome inquiries from people buying or refinancing." At BB&T, Cameron Stallings points out that his bank is "still strong and still lending."  BB&T’s rate on March 10 for a 30 year fixed rate mortgage was 5.25% with no points. And BB&T is still making loans for land purchases.

The "stimulus plan" recently enacted by Congress includes a first-time home buyers tax credit that does not have to be repaid if the buyer remains in the home for three years. The credit, the lesser of 10% of the purchase price or $8000, can be added to the buyer’s funds at closing. This credit applies only to home purchases that occur before December 1, 2009. Income limits apply.

Another action currently being debated in Washington is a plan to help people in danger of losing their homes. Stopping the flood of foreclosures will end the downward spiral of real estate values by removing under-priced, bank-owned properties from the market place. Reducing the number of homes for sale will begin the process of enabling people in parts of the country where the foreclosure rates are high to sell their homes at reasonable prices. And that, in turn, will free up people who are retiring to purchase homes in eastern North Carolina and other retiree-friendly areas.

In another action, Freddie Mac has just announced its willingness to rent some of its foreclosed houses, again diminishing the supply for under-priced houses on the market.

There is beginning to be a concerted effort by the government, by banks, by real estate and home building associations to stop the flood of bad news about real estate and begin the process of helping people purchase homes.  Bringing a halt to the slide in real estate prices stabilizes the net worth of individuals and the nation.  That’s good news for all of us!

Neuse Realty Featured Listing
103 Kinsaw Court, Vanceboro

This year-old family home in a country neighborhood will be just right for young families or retirees.  The owners have added many deluxe features such as granite counters in the kitchen and top-of-the-line laminate flooring in the main rooms. Features include a fireplace, a screened porch, and some fencing. Built on two-thirds of an acre, this is the affordable new home in the country that so many people are looking for.  Priced at just $145,000.  Don't delay!  Call Margie Rowe, the listing broker, or your Neuse realtor today! 

Havelock receives an important visitor

 

When President Obama flew to Camp Lejeune last Friday for a major policy speech, Air Force One landed near the banks of the Neuse River, at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in Havelock. The president's helicopter then flew him over the enormous Croatan National Forest to reach his destination at Camp Lejeune.

Eastern North Carolina hosts a number of major military installations, and our political and community leaders work hard to assure their continued presence here. The relationship between the community and its military neighbors is excellent, particularly in the town of Havelock, the home of Cherry Point and NADEP, the Naval Aviation Depot, one of the largest aeronautical maintenance, engineering and logistics support facilities in the Navy . Residents of Havelock have a saying about the sound of the fighter jets that roar upon take off. They proudly say, "That's the sound of freedom y'all are hearing!"

Havelock is a city of about 22,000, not counting those who live on base. You can learn more about it at the city's website. Havelock is a very family-oriented town with good schools and many activities for children. There are four elementary schools in the city, two middle schools and a very good high school.  There's lots of information and links to each school's website at the Craven County Schools' website.

In addition, Craven Community College has a campus at Havelock. Reflecting the nature of the community, the college has an unusual facility, the Institute of Aeronautical Technology. Here students learn aircraft mechanics and related subjects. (Learn more here.)

To learn a great deal about the base, click here. These sites also host information about the military facilities here: www.cherrypoint.usmc.mil and www.nadepcp.navy.mil.

The brokers at Neuse Realty enjoy helping incoming military families find a home here, whether they are buying or renting. For information and assistance, please call us at 1-800-343-0186 or visit our website at neuserealty.com.

(Note: thanks to Karl Mielenhausen of Fairfield Harbour who took the picture of Air Force One shown above.)

Spring comes early in the Neuse River Region

Weather-dot-com says it will be 73 degrees in New Bern this afternoon! Blossoms on Bradford pear trees are ready to pop, and daffodils are in bloom everywhere. Golfers started their spring leagues weeks ago. Gardeners are busy planning and planting. Boaters (who never have to take their craft out of the water here) are enjoying sunny days on the Neuse River and beyond. We have four seasons but winter is brief and usually mild, and spring comes early.

As March approaches many opportunities can be found in this area for outdoor fun. Here's a sampling:

The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores always has activities planned for all ages. Tomorrow you can join their Barrier Island Exploration at noon. Monday at 10:00 join "Fishing Fanatics" for instruction on catching the big ones -- bait, equipment, licensing and instruction are all covered by the $20 fee. A canoe ride and picnic are planned for March 5 at 10:00 am. These are just a few of the many events and activities offered; see the full schedule by clicking here.

Also in the beach area, guided tours of historic Fort Mason are offered next Friday at 11:00.

While not strictly an outdoor event, Taste of Coastal Carolina at New Bern, benefits the good work of the Neuse Riverkeeper Foundation and all of us who enjoy the river. More than 20 area restaurants and chefs will offer samples and compete in the annual "Iron Chef" style competition. To purchase tickets online click here or call 252-637-7972.

Goose Creek State Park near Bath, NC, always has a full schedule of events of interest to bird-watchers and animal lovers. On March 7 at 10:00 am they present Predators of the Sky." From the Red-tailed Hawk to the Bald Eagle, come learn about some of North Carolina’s raptors. Meet at the Goose Creek Environmental Education and Visitor Center for a basic introduction of our local raptors followed by a 1 mile ranger-led hike through raptor habitat, ending at the beautiful Flatty Creek overlook. Discover many more events by clicking here.

While in the Beaufort County area, check out the Estuarium, an interesting small museum that also offers regular outdoor programs as well as information about the ecology of eastern North Carolina.

In New Bern, Tryon Palace always offers interesting events. On Saturday, March 14 a free garden lecture, "Discovering Birds in the Garden," will occur at 10:00 a.m. in the Visitor Center Auditorium.

For those whose outdoor interests tend more to city sidewalks than wooded trails, the Palace will sponsor an African American Historic Downtown Walking Tour of New Bern on Sunday, March 15 at 2:00 p.m. $4 per adult, $2 per student, leaves from Visitor Center Lobby. Learn about 300 years of African American history on a walking tour of New Bern’s historic district. This tour lasts approximately 90 minutes and covers 16 blocks. Reservations required: 252-514-4935.  See the full calendar of events at Tryon Palace by clicking here.

Neuse Realty's Featured Listing
5505 Fish Cay Court

This week's listing is perfect for the gardeners and nature lovers interested in the events listed above. Located in a quiet cul de sac in a wooded area of Fairfield Harbour, this home offers easy access to boating and other outdoor sports. The current owners, a master gardener and her husband, have created a beautiful landscape while being very ecologically-minded in making updates to this property. The charming interior is focused on the two-story great room. There are two bedrooms on the ground floor and two more on the second, with a total of three full baths. There's a large family kitchen and a very large dining room, perfect for entertaining. A library-loft overlooks the lower living areas. Spring will be the perfect time to see the gardens in bloom. The .4 acre wooded lot, more than 2000 square feet of living space, the many updates not discussed here, and the price -- only $198,000 -- make this a home to investigate! Learn more by calling the listing broker, Barbara Lubsen, or your Neuse Realty broker at 1-800-343-0186.

The State of the County

   

Jason Jones is the chairman of the Craven County Board of Commissioners.  A native and  a lifelong resident of Craven County, Mr. Jones was elected to the Board of Commissioners in 2006. He is the owner of S & J Farm which produces cotton and corn. Recently the editor of this blog heard Commissioner Jones speak about the economic situation facing Craven County today.  Perhaps you’ll be interested in some of the facts he shared.

The members of the Craven County Board of Commissioners are striving to be good stewards of tax payer money.  The board passed a $94 million budget for this present fiscal year.  Craven’s tax rate has remained at 61cents per $100 dollars of tax valuation for the past few years.  Our rate is 2 cents below other North Carolina counties of similar size.  We have a 98.27% collection rate.

The general fund is the chief operating account in the county.  It is divided into nine different funds.  Social Services is the largest fund.  Education and public safety account for the next largest shares.  Together these three items comprise 65% of the budget.  Recreation, libraries, solid waste management, the health department, soil conservation, the cooperative extension service and all other county government offices and services as well as debt service have to fit into the remaining 35% of the budget.  We have $25 million in our surplus account today.  It is our goal at the end of each year to put more money into that account than was taken out.  It is always increasing.

In 2007 the county borrowed $60 million to fund a number of projects.  Of these the largest and most expensive project is the new county jail complex.  In addition, we have completed or soon will complete these accomplishments: a new elementary school has been opened; a new school bus garage has been built; renovations and additions have been made at several schools; a fiber optic network connects county offices with the school system, the community college and the cities of New Bern and Havelock; we have contributed to the building of the new History Education Center at Tryon Palace; we funded the new Technology Building at Craven Community College.  These are worthwhile projects but they have increased our debt service cost.  When the money was borrowed it was determined that no property tax increase would be needed to cover the cost of repayment.  Now, in the current economic downturn, we have our fingers crossed that the promise can be kept. 

Where do we stand in the current economic situation?  All the county commissioners meet regularly with the employed staff to monitor revenues and expenditures.  It is our belief that income from sales tax will be hit hard in 2009.  Also, the decline in the housing market will have an enormous effect on county revenues.  Building inspections are down at least 25% from last year.  Unemployment numbers continue to rise and as a result, we are expecting social services expenditures to increase as more people qualify for assistance. We are faced with greater needs and shrinking income.

Members of the Board of County Commissioners are committed to doing all we can to keep the tax rate where it is. There will be no extras in the next budget.  We all believe this is not the time to enact a property tax increase. In North Carolina property is appraised for tax purposes only once in eight years.  2010 will be the year for revaluation.  Taxes will increase on some properties as their valuation is brought into line with their market value but it is our intention that the majority of property owners will see no tax increase.

The largest employer in Craven County is the government, which accounts for 30% of all jobs here.  The Fleet Readiness Center at Cherry Point is the single largest employer east of I-95.  The total payroll at Cherry Point is $1.23 billion. Local government has a great working relationship with the defense installations here, and all your local elected officials work hard to maintain that relationship.  We know that the Marine Corps and Naval facilities at Cherry Point are the economic backbone of this region.  The expected growth in the bases here and in Jacksonville will give us added strength during this recession.

The largest civilian employer here is BSH, manufacturer of Bosch and other brands of home appliances. Moen Industries and Hatteras Yachts are other major employers.  All of these are struggling in the current economy.  Our concentration will be on securing jobs and creating jobs in these troublesome times.  By continuing to work to provide quality services to the citizens of Craven County while keeping taxes low, we believe we are creating an attractive environment that will draw both new employers and new residents to this area.

Neuse Realty Featured Listing
1001 Caracara Drive

 

Great waterfront location! Great living space! Great value!  This lovely Cape-style home on a superb waterfront lot features a 24' living room a 16' dining room plus a 24' main-floor family room. The  main-floor features an oak-cabinet kitchen, large master suite and huge laundry room. Upstairs there are two more bedrooms plus a bonus room. The dock has power and water.  And just look at the view!  This home was just listed at the excellent price of $415,000.  To learn more, call the listing broker, Don Manweiler, or your Neuse Realty broker at 1-800343-0186.

Craven Regional Medical Center expands as the Neuse River Region grows

 
A $22 million dollar expansion is underway at Craven Regional Medical Center which will add two floors and 37 beds to the New Bern hospital. The project will include a state-of-the-art 20-bed cardiovascular-care unit with private rooms as well as a new 20-bed medical-surgical unit. The hospital's orthopedic unit will soon have 21 private rooms. Some two-patient rooms are being eliminated and new private rooms are replacing them.

Following the completion of the current expansion, Craven Regional Medical Center will be a 350-bed facility. In addition to comfortable medical/surgical areas, the medical center has dedicated units for neurosurgical, intensive and intermediate care, women's care, pediatric care and cancer care.

The hospital also has large, freestanding center for outpatient imaging and surgery at another location in the heart of the thriving McCarthy Square medical community in New Bern. A regional home care service cares for patients from throughout the tri-county region in the most comfortable of all settings, their home.

The Emergency Department treats 70,000 people every year. To help provide care for the growing number of individuals turning to the medical center for non-emergency care, Craven opened the Express Care division of it’s Emergency Services to care for minor illness and injury. Craven Emergency Medical Services paramedics provide emergency transportation for a large geographic area.

Sophisticated surgical suites and leading edge diagnostic and therapeutic services provide acute care for the 15,000 inpatients we care for each year.

Complete heart care is a focus of the medical center’s excellence in care. Physicians directing the cardiac program are of the highest caliber and include cardiologists, interventional cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons. From diagnosis through treatment – including surgery – to rehabilation and recovery, Craven Regional Medical Center has everything your heart will ever need.

Cancer care is available at the Cancer Center, located adjacent to the hospital. The program, accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, makes use of two linear accelerators to generate radiation therapy for about 500 patients annually each undergoing numerous treatments.

Coastal Rehabilitation Center, located in the hospital, has helped thousands of individuals return to independent living following illness and/or injury. Physical therapists, rehabilitation nurses, medical social workers, psychologists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and a recreational therapist team together to provide a comprehensive rehabilitation plan for patients of this accredited facility.

As the population of the Neuse River Region expands, and the number of retirees continues to increase, delivering the quality healthcare the community needs remains the focus of everyone in our medical community.

Neuse Realty Featured Property
903 Hurricane Court

Located in a quiet area, this well-maintained home enjoys a park-like setting. Built in 1995, is in like-new condition. It features oak hardwood flooring in the large living room (almost 18'x16') and in the adjacent dining room. Three bedrooms also have oak hardwood floors. The deck, which can be reached through slides in the   breakfast area, overlooks the rivate, wooded space beyond the one-third acre lot. All this for just $169,900. To learn more, contact your Neuse Realty broker today, or call Joy Harsen, the listing broker, at 800-343-0186.