Judge rules in favor of waste transfer station near Aledo

Plans for a waste transfer station that could ultimately handle 1,000 tons of refuse daily have cleared a legal hurdle over the objections of the Aledo school district, city officials, Walsh Ranch developers and more than 900 residents, according to court documents.




An administrative law judge has ruled that the Brazos Transfer Station meets all state licensing requirements. But in his legal opinion, he stressed that the operators should use side roads to avoid snarling traffic for nearby schools.



The station, which would be just west of Fort Worth, still must win approval from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The commission's decision can be appealed, and the matter could ultimately end up in court.



The permit is being sought by Republic Waste Services. The station, to be built near Nu Energy Road and Interstate 20, would transfer to an authorized landfill a variety of waste, from residential and commercial municipal solid waste to wood, yard, construction and demolition and nonhazardous industrial waste. Initially, it would take in about 170 tons of waste daily but increase to 1,000 tons daily by 2030.



Developer company Walsh Ranches has led the fight against the station. The 7,275-acre ranch is expected to be a key development, ultimately bringing in more than 14,000 single-family homes and 5,000 apartments. Fort Worth has begun annexing parts of the Parker County ranch under the development deal.



Opponents said the community would be better off if significant truck traffic was not added to the roads used to access the Aledo district's main campus, an elementary school, a ninth-grade center, a special-needs learning center, a high school, a stadium and other athletic fields.



Aledo school Superintendent Dan Manning said he's concerned for staff, students and parents who will drive on the roads. On average, about 2,000 teachers, staff and students commute to the Aledo district campus, with access from East Bankhead Highway and Bailey Ranch Road, according to court documents.



The judge wrote in his opinion that to the "greatest extent reasonably feasible, Republic must require collection trucks traveling to and from the Brazos Transfer Station to avoid using Nu Energy Drive and Bankhead Highway south of the transfer station unless they are working a collection route in that immediate area."



The company must also require transfer trucks traveling to and from the Brazos Transfer Station to avoid using Nu Energy Drive south of the transfer station, East Bankhead and Ranch House, the judge wrote.



Opponents contended, as well, that most of the area isn't zoned for such uses. Within one mile of the transfer station site, only 7.23 percent of the property is industrial. The judge found that Republic adequately analyzed existing land uses within one mile and future land uses based on growth trends within five miles of the proposed transfer station. "The evidence demonstrates that the proposed Brazos Transfer Station constitutes a land use that is compatible with both existing and future land uses in the area," the judge wrote.



Robert Cox of Aledo said the location of the trash station is ridiculous. He believes that Judge Richard Wilfong didn't consider the opposition voiced by 900 area residents.



"I could have predicted it would come out in favor of the trash company," Cox said. "The TCEQ, the system and the laws are not favorable toward citizen involvement and protests. It all comes down to the legal process. And it's political."

Read more: http://www.star-telegram.com/2011/10/13/3443955/judge-rules-in-favor-of-waste.html#my-headlines-default#ixzz1gN3yJKTq

4259 Lake Bluff Drive, Fort Worth, TX - Home (MLS # 11514376) - Angie Murphy - Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

4259 Lake Bluff Drive, Fort Worth, TX - Home (MLS # 11514376) - Angie Murphy - Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

DfW Monthly Market Trend Report

Monthly Market Trend Report












Your complimentary monthly Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage customized “Market Trend Report” is now available for online viewing.







Just as markets change, so do consumer’s real estate needs. For specific information on a particular property or to begin the process of selling your home, contact me today.







To view your report, click on the link below and select your area(s) of interest.







www.cbdfw.com/markettrends

Texas Moter Speedway Condo ,Foreclosure Great Price!!

 FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY RACE FANS!! Two bedroom two bathroom condo at Texas Motor Speedway just remodoled and being offered at a stunning price! This condo looks directly over turn#1 & turn#2. Located on the 6th floor-this is an End Unit which features a balcony Huge glass area wall seats 14 race fans. This condo has new carpet,fresh paint & lots of granite

 Full Size Kitchen , full  view of the track . Each Condo recieves 8 Tickets for each race. This is the only floor that has Balonies to go outside and get the full effect of the race.

 For more info or to schedule an appt click here.

Smallest house in the world.

A guide to growing gardenias in the home garden

Watering and maintaining your home’s lawn and foundation:

Bedrock Foundation Repair offers the following tips to watering and maintaining your home’s lawn and foundation:




1. Install good ground cover. This will prevent excessive moisture from seeping deep into the soil. This will also prevent erosion of the soil and excessive drying of the soil through evaporation.



2. Water the soil around the house during dry periods just enough to keep the grass green. More watering may be needed in areas with more abundant shrubbery and plants. The south and west sides of the house are more exposed to the sun, and they may need more watering to offset rapid evaporation.



3. Never water too close to the foundation. Stay at least 18 inches away from the base of the foundation.



4. Never water directly into cracks in the soil near the base of your foundation. These cracks usually go a few feet deep, and the water will reach soil that is normally undisturbed by concentrated amounts of moisture. Depending on the shrink/swell potential of the soil, the soil may up-heave, or it may consolidate and lose volume. Either way, it can undermine the foundation.



5. Never place sand, sandy loam or rocks around the foundation. They are very porous, and allow water to pass quickly to the soil below, where the sun and wind cannot dry it out. Clay soils are non-porous, and are recommended for proper water drainage away from the house.



6. Never allow water to pond around the foundation. If water stands for very long, it will seep under the foundation, causing problems. Create a positive slope for water to flow away.

$6,390 toilet is fit for a king

This throne is designed for the king of the house who has everything.

Kohler

Kohler's stylish $6,390 Numi commode will, as the company's website says, "bring you the finest in personal comfort and cleansing." Not convinced you need one? We will let the features speak for themselves:



A motion-activated lid and seat.

Advanced bidet functionality (with adjustable spray patterns).

Integrated air dryer.

Deodorizer.

Heated seat.

Foot warmer.

Illuminated panels.

Built-in speakers and MP3 player jack.

You can also rest assured all that luxury does not come at the expense of the environment. Consumer Reports says this WaterSense-certified toilet uses dual-flush technology, which allows you to select a partial flush for liquid waste and a full flush for solid waste. How fun.



Now comes the bad news: The Numi won't be available until fall.



The Numi certainly is pricey, but it doesn't hold the title of the most expensive toilet ever — that honor goes to the International Space Station's $19 million, problem-plagued privy.

Who ever has this much money to spend on a Toilet? Needs to rethink their spending and give some to Charity.

DocuSign For REALTORS®

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Algae Control and Prevention in your Swimming Pool

One of the most common battles for swimming pool owners is prevention and control of Algae growth. Nothing can ruin a backyard summer more than struggling with algae in your swimming pool all summer long. The good news is that in most cases, there are a few simple steps that can be taken to avoid the cyclical struggle with algae growth that many pool owners' experience.

What is Algae? Algae are one-celled plants and there are over 20,000 known varieties. The word algae is derived from the Latin word for seaweed. Algae thrive in sunlight, warmer pool water, and pool water with inadequate sanitizer. It appears in pools as green, brown, yellow, or black slime often resembling fur. Algae will first show up in your swimming pool on steps and in corners where the circulation can be less effective. If unnoticed or untreated, algae can quickly spread and become out of control, sometimes in as little as 24 hours.



•Forms of Algae



Green Algae - this is the most common algae and is green in color and grows as a broad slime on the swimming pool surface. Green algae can be removed by brushing, but that doesn't kill the plant. Brushing along with super chlorination and/or algaecides should eliminate most green algae problems.



Yellow Algae - is also known as mustard algae and can appear as yellow, brown or muddy in color. Yellow algae does not grow as rapidly as green algae, but does grow in the same broad pattern. As with green algae, brushing combined with super chlorination and/or algaecides should eliminate most yellow or mustard algae problems.



Black Algae - black algae is the worst form of algae. Black algae show up first as small dots, appearing to be specs of dirt on the bottom or steps of the pool. Slowly over time these small specs grow larger and in more population in the pool, and start showing up on the walls of the pool. This growth slowly accelerates and without proper treatment can quickly get out of control. Black algae cover itself with a hard substance and resist all scrubbing with a normal pool brush. Only a stainless steel brush will break open the hard shell exposing the algae to sanitizers or algaecides that can then help kill the plant.



Pink Algae - pink algae is not really an algae at all. It is a fungus and appears as a reddish slime in the pool. It is easily removed with brushing and normal sanitizing.



Algae Prevention There are three primary components to creating the healthiest environment possible for your swimming pool in order to avoid constant algae problems. Two out of three won't do the trick in most cases, so make sure all three of these components are being addresses and maintained at all times. Preventative maintenance is the most effective form of algae prevention.



1. Circulation



2. Filtration



3. Water Balance



Circulation is a must. Make sure your swimming pool pump and motor are running properly and are in good order. You should be able to notice if your swimming pool has good circulation by a couple simple observations. First make sure your pump is pulling a full basket of water. If you see a lot of air in the pump basket, there is a problem. Secondly you can simply observe the circulation in the pool or feel the return lines with your hands to make sure water is returning to the pool with enough pressure to indicate good circulation.



Filtration is crucial. If the circulation in the pool is fine, the next step is to confirm that your pool is getting adequate filtration. Visually inspect your filter media to make sure there are not any holes or cracks in the filter cartridges or filter grids, or any of the equipment that hold the filter together. Once you verify that your filter is in good working order you will need to make sure that you are running the filter equipment for the proper amount of time each day. For the typical swimming pool, the filter needs to run for 6 - 10 hours a day, depending on the size of the pool, season, and climate.

Water Balance is the final piece to the puzzle. Once the circulation and filtration components are in good working order, the last primary issue is to balance and stabilize your swimming pool water. Always keep the proper amount of sanitizer in the pool and regularly test and adjust the alkalinity and PH as needed. Swimming pools like consistency!









Keeping these three components of your swimming pool maintenance plan in check should prevent most occurrences of algae and set you free from a constant battle with swimming pool algae.

Home Owner Maintenance Tip for Crawl Spaces

Crawl Space

Where a trench is dug for the foundations, and the earth under the house floor is not removed, a crawl space is created. It may have an earth floor, although a concrete slab is more desirable for storage and moisture control. Many codes call for crawl spaces to be thirty-six inches high where access must be gained, although many are less. Some are entirely inaccessible. Areas which do not have mechanical services require only a twelve inch clearance in many codes. This makes access for structural inspection and repair quite difficult.



Since they are hard to get into, and usually poorly lit, crawl spaces can be uninspected for long periods. Where moisture levels are high over the long term, structural damage due to rot and termite activity can go unnoticed for some time. Crawl spaces should have one square foot of venting for every 500 square feet of area. This is rarely provided. Heated crawl spaces in freezing climates should be vented in the summer only. The vents should be blocked off in the winter. Unheated crawl spaces should be vented year round. Crawl spaces with earth floors generally need venting more than those with concrete floors. It is acceptable to vent a heated crawl space by opening it into a basement. In this case, the crawl space can be vented year round.



Mike Crow


General Manager

TexInspec Home Inspection and Pest Control

email: clientcare@texinspec.com

phone: 817-265-5452 or 972-231-1945

web: www.TexInspec.com

.

Top 10 New Kitchen Trends in 2010

Top 10 New Kitchen Trends in 2010


More and more homeowners are remodeling and making the most of their space with these top 10 hot trends in the kitchen.



1. Kitchens are now featuring a “family room” feel with more seating and dining areas.

2. The most popular color choice for cabinets was white. It works well with almost any architectural style – traditional to contemporary.

3. Stainless steel appliances are still a big hit, especially the fingerprint-resistant steel finish.

4. More and more kitchens are featuring custom additions such as pizza-making stations, coffee bars and wine-tasting nooks.

5. Walk-in pantries are popular for families and allow for ample storage of surplus items and bulk purchase like paper towels and canned goods.

6. Tech-savvy kitchens are featuring more electronics, like wall-mounted televisions and built-in sound systems.

7. Eco-friendly kitchens boost water-conserving faucets, energy start appliances and eco-friend cabinetry.

8. Built-in appliances that look more like cabinets are popping up across the country.

9. Lighting can convert from well-lit workspace to dimly lit formal dinner with the flip of a switch. Recessed lighting combined with chandeliers will do the trick.

10. A save-and-splurge mentality helps keep remodelers on budget. Choose to splurge on appliances instead of countertops or a built-in wine rack instead of a porcelain sink.

3737 Bellaire Circle, Fort Worth, 76109-Open House Feb. 27, 1-3

Wonderful Westcliff home, with open floor plan Great for Entertaining. Kitchen has granite counter-tops, neutral backsplash, stainless steel oven and built-in microwave. Picture window in living room gives beautiful view of sparkling pool and extra large lot for the kids to play. Rear entry drive with additional parking drive in front of the home. 4th bedroom currently used as a living area or media room. This home will be a pleasure to show.


Check out the virtual tour
http://www.matrixtours.net/tour/C10756

$2,000 Dollars aYear Tax credit,for the life of the Loan!

Trinity River Vision Update !!

 An Exciting Year Lies Ahead






With project construction in full swing and tons of events planned up and down the river - this year is shaping up to be the most exciting year yet for the Trinity River Vision. Catch a glimpse of what's to come!


Work Continues at Henderson St. Bridge Site Major steps have been made as TRV crews prepare for the construction of the new Henderson St. bridge. Soon, people traveling through the area will see workers relocating utilities on the cleared sites and prepping for major construction that will begin this fall. Bridge construction is scheduled to begin late this year.







What in the World is Going On in Trinity Park?

If  you've driven along Forest Park Blvd. lately and seen the river banks in Trinity Park, you've probably asked yourself, "What in the world is going on?!" Well have no fear; it's all part of a plan to rebuild the banks of the river after years of erosion in the area. Recycled concrete is used to stabilize the shoreline, but it is covered with earth and seeded once in place.


The Historic Fort Worth Stockyards Master Plan recently received the distinguished 2010 Texas American Planning Association Chapter Project Planning award in San Antonio. Click here to read more about the plan to build a boat marina in the Stockyards.


 

 
Cowtown Wakepark Construction Remains On Schedule for Summer Opening

Cowtown Wakepark - the country's only urban cable wakepark - is happy to report that they will be ready to open up the cables to the public this summer. Click here to see photos of the progress.









                                                      

100% FINANCING USDA HOME LOANS!

100% FINANCING USDA HOME LOANS!

January 2011- USDA Guaranteed Loan Volume Tops $10 Billion for 2009 FY, up over 250% since 2007.

"NOT JUST FARM LOANS ANYMORE" - USDA loan popularity has literally exploded in 2009 due to recent changes that have made millions of borrowers eligible for rural mortgage programs. USDA Rural Development Loans are presently the only no money down mortgages available to borrowers who are not military veterans. 100% USDA Rural Home Loans are offered with no monthly mortgage insurance and great low interest rates.



What does this mean to you? Simply put, it means that a USDA Rural Housing Loan will almost always have a lower monthly payment than similar loan programs because there is no monthly mortgage insurance added on. And you can purchase a home with no money down.Take advantage of these exciting low rate USDA Home Loans and experience home ownership now.

For more information and to see if you Qualify Click Here.

Singer Jimmy Buffett falls head-first off Sydney stage

AFTER singing "It's been a lovely cruise, I'm sorry it's ended" singer Jimmy Buffett crashed off the stage after his final Sydney concert last night and was rushed to hospital with a head injury.




Shocked fans at the sell-out concert at the Hordern Pavilion were urged to leave the auditorium by Buffett's Australian tour manager Michael Chugg as the 64-year-old entertainer lay on the floor in front of the first row of seating waiting for paramedics and an ambulance to arrive.



He was rushed to Sydney's St Vincent's Hospital, in Darlinghurst, thirty minutes after the accident.



Neither Chugg nor his assistant David Pope would comment on Buffett's condition at the scene but an audience member said it appeared the entertainer had struck his head and was bleeding as he lay on the floor.



Chugg took the stage and insisted anxious fans leave immediately with security hustling the audience outside before the ambulance arrived.




Several fans said they felt that some statement could have been made about Buffett's condition before they were pushed outside.



After Buffett fell it appeared as if security men were arguing with a large man who had been at the front of the audience.



Audience member Dan Bateman, 30, told The Daily Telegraph Buffett fell face first off the stage.



"We were in the 10th row and it looked like he did a massive face plant after his encore and pretty much didn't get up,'' Mr Bateman, from Cairns, said.



"We were told to leave the premises. No one really wanted to leave because everyone was anxious to know if he survived the fall. Everyone was pretty horrified.''



Buffett had performed at the Opera House for three sell-out shows before last night's Australia Day performance which was a late add-on to accomodate fans unable to get tickets to the performances earlier in the week.



His last show was full of references to Australia and Australia Day, and, after apologising for not appearing in the country for 20 years, he said he and his Coral Reefer Band would return in 2012.

Down Payment Assistance Program - City of Fort Worth

 City of Fort Worth Assistance Program




This program is offered by the City of Fort Worth, but many lenders do not participate. Colonial gladly participates to help buyers get up to $14,999 toward down payment and closing costs for their home.



Highlights of the program:

• Must be in the City of Fort Worth.

• Must be a First Time Homebuyer.

• Must contribute $1000 or 2% of the purchase price, whichever is less. This must be their own funds, not a gift.

• $11,999 will be for down payment and up to $3,000 can be used for closing cost assistance

• Households must have a family income of 80% or less of median income, except in target areas. Family size:

1- $37,750 3-$48,550 5-$58,250 7-$66,850

2- $43,150 4-$53,900 6-$62,550 8-$71,150

• Available on existing and new construction.

• Housing ratio must be between 20-30% (up to 32% on new homes) and debt ratio not to exceed 43%.

• Must complete homeownership training program.



For more information, please contact:

AMANDA ANDERSON

817-282-8892 Office

817-680-6028 Mobile

amandaa@colonialssavings.com Email

APPLY ONLINE @ www.cnmcs.com/amandaanderson

Tax Credit extension for Military.....first-time home-buyers and existing home owners

Members of the military who serve outside the U.S. for at least 90 days between December 31, 2008 and May 1, 2010 have a full extra year to buy a home and still qualify for the $8000, first-time home-buyer tax credit or the $6500 credit for home owners who have owned their primary residence for at least 5 years.







Instead of having to enter into a contract to purchase a home by April 30, 2010 and close on the transaction by June 30, 2010, which is the guideline for those non-military home-buyers, service members have until April 30, 2011 to sign a contract and until June 30, 2011 to close.





This extension also applies to members of the Foreign Service and employees of the intelligence community who are serving on official extended duty outside the U.S. In both cases only one spouse must be serving on official extended duty to qualify for the extension.

To preview homes within Dallas-Fort Worth area Click Here!!!

To preview homes in your area outside the Dallas- Fort Worth Area Click Here!!