News

Local home sales soar in August 09/27/2011

Posted: September 9, 2011 - 5:10pm | Updated: September 10, 2011 - 1:42am

By Adam Van Brimmer

Housing stall? What housing stall?

The local residential real estate market continued to buck the national trends in August, with sales hitting a four-year high in the Chatham, Bryan and Effingham county area.

The 416 sales marked the second time in three months more than 400 homes changed hands in a one-month period, something that hadn't happened since mid-2008.

"We are a bright spot, a very bright spot, and it feels like we're going to have a good September as well," said Monica Spillane, president of the Savannah Area Board of Realtors. "People are finally getting the message that real estate is a local decision. It's about what's going on in town or in a particular area of town and not what's going on across the state or the country."

The hottest sales areas in August directly reflect local conditions, specifically manufacturer growth. Gulfstream has added 1,300 employees so far this year, and other manufacturers based west of Savannah - JCB, Mitsubishi, Firth Rixson, Efacec - have added hundreds more.

Many of those new workers have families, making schools a big consideration in home shopping. And the popularity of West Chatham schools like Godley Station and the Effingham County school system contributed to upticks in those areas, Spillane said.

Effingham saw 71 sales, more than double the August 2010 totals and 45 percent more than in August 2009. West Chatham recorded 72 sales, the fourth straight month the area eclipsed 60 sales.

Realtor LaTrelle Pevey, who is based in Effingham, said low prices in the areas west of Savannah are attracting clients, too. Effingham's average sales price fell to $147,673 in August, while West Chatham homes went for $160,049.

"Gulfstream and the others are bringing in a lot of people, and while the newcomers love Savannah, they like the price point and the ease of access to I-95 out this way," said Pevey, who owns ERA Adams-Pevey Real Estate. "Buyers are finding the price points and larger lots appealing."

Price points helped move homes in other areas of Savannah as well. Skidaway Island hit a three-year high with 26 sales, as retirees and upper middle-class families took advantage of list prices down 28 percent from a year ago. Chatham County's other islands hit a three-year high with  54 sales. The average sales price was under $300,000 for just the second time this year.

The local housing market's momentum runs contrary to the national outlook. Savannah has seen month-over-month gains in five of the first eight months of 2011, with pending sales -- those for homes under contract but not yet finalized -- having remained steady.

Nationally, strong pending and finalized sales in the spring slumped in the late summer months. The National Association of Realtor's chief economist, Lawrence Yun, largely blames mortgage underwriting standards, but renewed fears of a double-dip recession have also contributed.

Yet Pevey views Savannah success as something that could spread around the country.

"I have always been of the mindset that just as fashion starts on the West Coast and in the Northeast and eventually filters down to Savannah, the opposite is true with real estate," Pevey said.

"Now that things are looking better here -- with the port activity and tourism and everything else we have going for us -- our success can move out to the entire nation."

LOCAL HOME SALES SNAPSHOT

The Savannah-area housing market (Chatham, Bryan and Effingham counties) hit a four-year high for sales in August. A look at the local market (numbers include residential real estate, including single-family homes, modulars, townhomes and condominiums):

August 2011 |4,315 |663 |416 |236 |$183,579

July 2011 |4,353 |635 |381 |250 |$209,072

June 2011 |4,506 |698 |405 |268 |$200,910

May 2011 |4,546 |737 |371 |244 |$190,191

April 2011 |4,480 |663 |324 |295 |$186,350

March 2011 |4,574 |760 |353 |278 |$188,313

February 2011 |4,561 |636 |248 |225 |$186,819

January 2011 |4,568 |732 |213 |191 |$204,280

December 2010 |4,679 |507 |305 |147 |$204,441

November 2010 |4,818 |538 |243 |158 |$196,561

October 2010 |4,981 |567 |275 |172 |$186,121

September 2010 |5,155 |632 |278 |175 |$192,402

August 2010 |5,286 |706 |263 |195 |$196,760

LOCAL HOME SALES SNAPSHOT

Period	Available inventory	New listings	Final sales	Pending sales	Average sales price
August 2011	4,315	663	416	236	$183,579
July 2011	4,353	635	381	250	$209,072
June 2011	4,506	698	405	268	$200,910
May 2011	4,546	737	371	244	$190,191
April 2011	4,480	663	324	295	$186,350
March 2011	4,574	760	353	278	$188,313
February 2011	4,561	636	248	225	$186,819
January 2011	4,568	732	213	191	$204,280
December 2010	4,679	507	305	147	$204,441
November 2010	4,818	538	243	158	$196,561
October 2010	4,981	567	275	172	$186,121
September 2010	5,155	632	278	175	$192,402
August 2010	5,286	706	263	195	$196,760

DOD Releases Basic Housing Allowance Rates for 2011 12/28/2010
Housing allowance rates have just been released for 2011. Please read the following Coastal Courier news article. DOD Releases Basic Allowance Housing Rates for 2011.pdf

Liberty Park at Independence 12/15/2010
DR Horton Home Builders has begun construction of single family homes in their newest development "Liberty Park at Independence". For more information or to schedule a tour please call their sales office at 843-706-4035.

The Columns at Independence 12/15/2010
ECI Groups has completed construction on The Columns at Independence. The Columns consists of ten residential three-story apartment buildings with a total of 222-units. These are luxury apartment homes with great amenities such as Clubhouse, Pool, Outdoor Fireplace, and more. Contact The Columns at (912) 320-4788 for more information and schedule your tour today!

Ft. Stewart, Georgia - Blog by Medic's Wife 12/07/2010
Please read the following Blog by a Medics wife stationed at Ft. Stewart, Georgia. Ft. Stewart by Medics Wife.pdf

Top 25 Best Performing Cities 11/08/2010
Hinesville-Fort Stewart, Georgia came in at number 5 on the Best Performing Small Cities List. Read the following article for the rest of the story. Best Performing Cities 2010.pdf

Place Properties Closing in January 12/29/2009
Great news! Place Properties currently has a gorgeous apartment complex in Independence and is purchasing another parcel of Independence to build more apartments. Closing is scheduled for January. Check out Independence Place in our Neighborhoods section on our website for more information.

Sales at Independence! 08/11/2009
Independence Community is celebrating big closings and new construction projects about to be underway. ECI has a project in the ballpark of $18 Million, Independence Place Apartments at $30 Million, D.R. Horton at $2.5 Million and a new Middle School just across the Base border at $22 Million. A lot of great activity showing the market is taking a turn which will benefit Fort Stewart, Hinesville and the surrounding communities.

Real Estate Cyber Tips! 08/04/2009
I am pleased to be sending you our special Real Estate CyberTips E-Newsletter, which, in very concise form, will provide you with monthly Cyber tips and tricks along with our pointers to Internet places of special interest to real estate owners, investors and related professionals. Click on the following link and save to your favorites for easy access to this monthly newsletter. http://www.REcyber.com/cybertips/r1598

Is Hinesville the Fastest Growing Place in the Country? 05/19/2009
We headed to the oldest lumber yard in Hinesville, Georgia, to talk to the small business owner about the big changes around the corner. Isaiah Downs opened Down's Lumber & Supply in 1959. He said, "I've seen the town grow from Fort Stewart, when they first moved the first troops in, I was here." Not only has he seen soldiers come and go in large numbers, he's seen dirt roads turn into paved ones and washboards get replaced with washers and driers. Is Hinesville the Fastest Growing Place in the Country.pdf

Military Kids Offered New Schooling Breaks in Georgia 05/11/2009
Morris News Service | Story updated at 10:08 pm on 5/7/2009 ATLANTA - As Fort Stewart, Fort Gordon and Fort Benning are gearing up to accept more troops as a result of the latest round of base realignment, children whose parents are in the military may have an easier transition to Georgia schools when transferred here under legislation Gov. Sonny Perdue signed into law Thursday. Military Kids Offered New Schooling Breaks.pdf

Ft Stewart/Hunter Army Airfield Names Army's Best Post 05/08/2009
Posted: May 06, 2009 6:54 PM EDT Updated: May 06, 2009 8:58 PM EDT
FT. STEWART, GA (WTOC) - A small army was on hand Tuesday at the Pentagon to accept a big army's salute for a job well done. Fort Stewart Wins 1 Million.pdf

City to Host D.C. Reception 05/08/2009
City Officials flew to Washington D.C. Tuesday to host a reception honoring Fort Stewart for recently receiving the Army of Excellence Award, as well as to continue lobbying the cities case for the expansion of troops. City to Host DC Reception.pdf

41st Arriving to Train for Iraq 05/06/2009
Striped sleeping bags were strapped to several of the camouflaged-colored backpacks carried in by the approximate 290 Oregon Army National Guard soldiers as they arrived at Fort Stewart's National Guard Training area Monday night. Behind the concertina wire surrounding the site, soldiers from Charlie Troop, 1st Battalion, 82nd Cavalry, 41st Infantry Brigade, signed in, drew their bags and got bunking information from members of their training unit, the "battle ready" soldiers of the 188th Infantry Brigade, First Army Division East. 41st Soldiers Arriving to Train for Iraq.pdf

More Troops Coming? 05/05/2009
Monday, Hinesville Mayor Jim Thomas said this area is in for population growth no matter what happens with the so-called 5th Brigade Combat Team. More Troops Coming.pdf

Partners Plead for the 5th BCT 05/05/2009
Concerns that the 5th Brigade Combat Team might not be stationed here at Ft. Stewart with the 3rd Infantry Division dominated Tuesday's meeting of the Fort Stewarts Growth Management Partnership. Partners Plead for 5th BCT.pdf

Fort Stewart Wins 1 Million 05/05/2009
WASHINGTON (Army News Service, May 5, 2009) - Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield, Ga., were presented their fourth gold Army Communities of Excellence Award along with a grand prize check for $1 million at a Pentagon ceremony today hosted by Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli and Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management Lt. Gen. Robert Wilson.

Gates Juggles Today's Future in Budget Proposal 04/30/2009
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates made his second stop last week at a service war college, spelling out his thinking behind shifting $13 billion in warfighter programs away from traditional supplemental funding and into his base fiscal 2010 budget proposal. See the following article for the rest of the story.

No Answer on 5th BCT Coming to Fort Stewart 04/29/2009
Hinesville Representatives return from lobbying trip to Washington. 5th BCT and Ft Stewart.pdf

Georgia Commercial Properties Magazine 04/29/2009
Fort Stewarts Troops surge sets Hinesville up for huge growth. Please read the following for more information. Georgia Commercial Properties.pdf

Where the jobs are 2009 04/29/2009
In a tough year, the bright spots are in Healthcare, Auto Manufacturing and Military Base Expansion. Please read the following article for more details. Where the jobs are 2009.pdf

Leaders Plumb Plans for 5th BCT Arrival 04/03/2009
More than 200 of the Army's top leaders met at Fort Stewart on Wednesday to rehearse a concept drill and further discuss plans for the 5th Brigade Combat Team's arrival. The team, made up of 3,500 soldiers, is expected to begin trickling into the area as early as April 2010, bringing nearly 6,000 family members and civilian supporters to Fort Stewart and the surrounding areas.
Leaders Plumb Plans for 5th BCT Arrival.pdf

68-mile trail could draw tourists to area 03/20/2009
Coastal Courier- Rail-to-trail corridor would start in Riceboro- A proposed, 68-mile recreational trail could be the path to a happy, healthy and economically strong Liberty County. The Georgia Coast Rail-Trail, an estimated $49 million project, would bring some of Georgia's old railroad rights-of-way together into one continuous, state-of-the-art trek for hikers and cyclists. Read about the trail: Coastal Courier 3-20-09 68 mile trail.pdf

Georgia is on their minds 03/19/2009
Savannah Morning News- CEOs rank Peach State 4th for doing business- With companies throughout the world re-evaluating everything from which products to manufacture to where to locate offices to changes in corporate structure, doing business in the right place is more important than ever. Read how Georgia stacks up: SMN 3-19-09 Georgia on their minds.pdf

Builders, Developers discuss population increase 03/18/2009
Coastal Courier- Developers, builders and real estate professionals pushed chairs into a circle Monday morning to discuss preparing for the new brigade coming to Fort Stewart. Read the article here: Increase CC 3-18-09.pdf

Officials visit D.C., seek funds for growth 03/06/2009
Coastal Courier- In a fast-paced, two-day trip to Washington, D.C., Hinesville Mayor Jim Thomas and a pack of community leaders visited state federal representatives last week to voice concerns, ask questions and make requests on behalf of area residents. Ensuring money from the stimulus package for various projects was their main priorty. Read about their trip: Coastal Courier 3-6-09.pdf

Get ready: We're getting more Army 02/15/2009
Savannah Morning News- New buildings equate to area population increase of 10,000 or more: On most days, hammers slam against nails and electric saws tear through wooden beams. Sparks fly from welders' torches and bulldozers rumble as they level sandy dirt. An economic crisis might have slowed construction across the nation, but you wouldn't know it driving across Fort Stewart, home of the U. S. Army's 3rd Infantry Division. Read this front page article: Get ready SMN 2-15-09.pdf

Area businesses hiring 02/08/2009
Coastal Courier- By-products of the recent economic downturn- job losses, floundering businesses and dwindling retirement accounts- no doubt have members of the United States work force fearing for their financial futures. However, there are still a few employment opportunities out there- if you know where to look for them. Coincidentally, Hinesville and the surrounding Liberty County area just may be good starting points. Read the whole story: Area Businesses Hiring CC 2-8-09.pdf

Fort Stewart, Hunter Army Airfield expanding 02/03/2009
Army News- Soldiers at Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield have witnessed a vast expansion of their living and working conditions over the past five years that continues with new barracks, command facilities, a fitness center and the Army's largest chapel coming on line. Read the whole story: Fort Stewart, Hunter Expanding, Army.com 4-3-09.pdf

The Sikes Group announces sales figures 02/02/2009
Tom Pollock, Director of Operations of The Sikes Group, announced today that through their collective development Companies, $10.8M in sales were achieved for the year 2008. He further pointed out that these closed sales were accomplished in the worse Year in recent real estate business history; further adding that 2009 has also started with a 'bang' as 40 properties totaling a sales value of $3.4M have either been put under contract or Letters of Intent in the first month of the year. "These sales were generated throughout the inventory of Sikes Group properties located up and down the Georgia Coast. Our collective sales and financial stability during these extraordinarily tough time serve as a testament to both product and company diversity. Our commercial property division, Liberty Commercial Properties, also had a great year in accomplishing our greatest goal in the shopping center business - 'No Vacancies.' Recent improvements and renovations in Hinesville Square Shopping Center allowed UPS to double its store size, as other national tenants in the 'hot' Hinesville/Ft. Stewart market had substantial increases in sales volumes. Many of our retail tenants are experiencing steep increases over 2008, with sales increases from 14% to 19% over the previous year. In addition, our company acquired one of the more prominent pieces of commercial property in Hinesville, adjacent to Blockbuster Video and Sears. We expect to attract a national tenant for this site, adding another income producing property to our inventory. We were also able to acquire a "mega Jewelry store" with 14 years of very strong sales history in the rapidly growing Hinesville / Ft. Stewart market. We are full - 320,000 square feet of prime retail space in the Hinesville/Savannah Market," stated Pollock.

2009 BAH rates 02/01/2009
Army Magazine- New 2009 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates took effect on January 1. The average housing allowance increased by 6.9 percent ....... An individual soldier in a given location will never see a BAH rate decrease no matter what happens to housing costs there. Read the article: 2009 BAH Rates- Army- February 2009.pdf

Airport expected to make $550,000 for Liberty Co. 01/28/2009
Coastal Courier- As intended, the MidCoast Regional Airport is generating funds for Liberty County, with a little more than $500,000 expected this fiscal year. The Liberty County Development Authority, the Board of Commissioners and the City of Hinesville partnered to support the airport, but the LCDA serves as the operations manager. Read the whole article: Airport expected to make $550000 for Liberty Co CC 1-28-08.pdf

New middle school in 2010 01/25/2009
Coastal Courier- Dr. Judy Scherer is half way through her first academic year as superintendent of Liberty County Schools and, along with board members, has ambitious plans for the second half. Initiating two major projects, the construction of a new middle school and the creation of a career academy, Scherer said 2009 will be busy. Read about the new middle school: New Middle School in 2010 CC 1-25-09.pdf

Development up and coming 01/25/2009
Coastal Courier- Matt Sigman is a local private developer who doesn't seem to be fazed by any talk of bracing for the uncertainty as the economy recovers in the coming year. "If you look back in history, all the business developers... this is the time they made their money," Sigman said, alluding to a few entepreneurs, including John D. Rockefeller. Read about new developments in Liberty County: Development up and coming CC 1-25-09.pdf

New walkways and a skate park to provide hours of fun and leisure 01/25/2009
Coastal Courier- Surrounded by lush greenery, the marsh and the ocean Liberty Countians have ample ways to spend their leisure time and have a little outdoor fun. Whether it's walking the trails of Mellon Bluff, kayaking along the shores of Sunbury, hunting at Dorchester or Fort Stewart or playing sports at the Liberty County Recreation Department folks, young and old can find a way to stay active and be outdoors. This year the county is planning a few new things and have recently opened new parks and boat landings. Read about the new activities: New Park CC 1-25-09.pdf

Liberty holding tight in tough economy 01/25/2009
Coastal Courier- What a year 2008 turned out to be. Bailouts, foreclosures, business failures filled the national news. Did all this affect the local economy, and will 2009 turn out to be better? Ronald E. Tolley, CEO of the Liberty County Development Authority, says notable gains were made in the industrial sector in Liberty County. Read about our growth: Liberty holding tight in economy CC 1-25-09.pdf

Anticipation of new troops fueling development of post 01/25/2009
Coastal Courier- While most news of the day tends to point toward a continued downturn of the real estate development market, current activity in Liberty County seems to be going against the grain. Read the entire article: Anticipation of new troops CC 1-25-09.pdf

Fort Stewart preps for new Brigade 01/25/2009
Coastal Courier- The 5th Brigade Combat Team, made up of 4,000-5,000 infantry troops, is expected to arrive on Fort Stewart as early as 2010. Because the brigade represents an estimated 25 percent hike in post manpower, and because the 10,000-15,000 troop and dependents could bump Liberty County's population by more than 20 percent, there are already plans in the works to expand the fort's hospital. commissary and Post Exchange. Read the article: Ft. Stewart preps for new brigade CC 1-25-09.pdf

5th Brigade will bring service, jobs 01/25/2009
Coastal Courier- In a little more than a year, the 3rd Infantry Division is expected to grow by almost 20 percent of Fort Stewart's current troop strength. The first soldiers of the 5th Brigade Combat Team will begin arriving at the post by April of 2010, and by mid-December 2010, 4,000 soldiers, accompanied by an estimated 6,000 family members and civilian support staff, will make Liberty County and Fort Stewart their official home away from home. Read the whole article: 5th brigade will bring service jobs CC1-25-09.pdf

Obama backs plans to raise troop strength 01/22/2009
Coastal Courier- As President Barack Obama and the first family began moving into the presidential residence here yesterday, the administration unpacked a new presidential agenda on the White House's official Web site. Shortly after Obama took the oath of office, the president's agenda, including Obama's strategy for defense and Middle East policy, was uploaded to www.whitehouse.gov. According to the agenda, the administration supports the effort begun in 2007 to increase the size of the Army by 65,000 soldiers and the Marine Corps by 27,000 to help units retrain and re-equip properly between deployments and decrease the strain on military families. Read all about it Coastal Courier- 1-22-09- Obama backs plans to raise troop trength.pdf

Money for Defense in House Stimulus Package 01/21/2009
Association of the United States Army- Legislative update- The House released details of its economic stimulus package last week. According to the summary, the $825 billion package is the "first crucial step in a concerted effort to create and save 3 to 4 million jobs, jumpstart our economy, and begin the process of transforming it for the 21st century with $275 billion in economic recovery tax cuts and $550 billion in thoughtful and carefully targeted priority investments with unprecedented accountability measures built in." Of the $825 billion, about $8.8 billion would go to the Defense Department. See the breakdown in spending AUSA 1-21-09- Money for Defense in House Stimulus Package.pdf

Military projects are popular part of stimulus 01/16/2009
Army Times- The $12.8 billion in military and veterans construction programs included in an $825 billion economic recovery package unveiled Jan. 15tht may be one of the few areas of bipartisan agreement in the bill. The construction money- $1 billion for veterans hospitals and cemeteries, $7.5 billion in new military construction and $4.5 billion to improve existing facilities- is part of an economic stimulus plan that aims to create jobs, cut taxes by about $275 billion, and add benefits and healthcare for the unemployed. Read entire article: Army Times- 1-16-09- Military Spending.pdf

Construction continues for the BoE 01/16/2009
January 16, 2009- Coastal Courier- Board seeking architect to build a middle school on Fort Stewart- The Liberty County Board of Education has started looking for an architect to build a middle school on Fort Stewart and, in doing so, has broken with a long standing practice. Read entire article: Construction for New Middle School CC-1-16-09.pdf

Last of 4th BCT return home 01/05/2009
January 5, 2009- Coastal Courier- The 3rd Infantry Division's role in Operation Iraqi Freedom has come to an end as the last of Fort Stewart's 4th Brigade Combat Team returned home to their families earlier this week. Read all about it: CC-1-5-09- 4th Brigade home.pdf

Mayor concerned about housing for soldiers 12/07/2008
December 7, 2008- Coastal Courier- Traffic and housing needs are among the concerns over the next couple of years, Hinesville Mayor Jim Thomas explained during Thursday's city council meeting, as the city and Liberty County brace to accomodate a population swell of up to 10,000 from their neighbor, Fort Stewart. See entire article: Mayor Concerned About Housing CC 12-7-08.pdf

Poor economy good for U.S. military 12/03/2008
December 3, 2008- BusinessWeek- Pentagon completes strongest recruiting year in 4 years- Sgt. Ryan Nyhus spent 14 months patrolling the deadly streets of Baghdad, where five members of his platoon were shot and one died. As bad as that was, he would rather go back there than take his chances in this brutal job market. See entire article: Poor Economy good for U S Mil 12-3-08 Bwk news.pdf

Pentagon to Detail Troops to Bolster Domestic Security 12/01/2008
December 1, 2008- The Washington Post- The U.S. military expects to have 20,000 uniformed troops inside the United States by 2011 trained to help state and local officials respond to a nuclear terrorist attack or other domestic catastrophe, according to Pentagon officials. See entire article: The Washington Post December 1, 2008.pdf

Volunteers offer more than words 11/28/2008
November 28, 2008- Savannah Morning News- Area commanders praise local groups for support of soldiers, families- Soldiers assigned to Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield often offer high praise for the community supporting the installations. It's rare to get stationed in a community that supports soldiers more, they say. See entire article: Commanders Praise local Groups SMN 11-28-08.pdf

Third Infantry Division commander swears in 125 recruits 11/16/2008
November 16, 2008- Savannah Morning News- Maj. Gen. Tony Cucolo, commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division, administered the oath of enlistment to more than 125 Jacksonville- area recruits during an on-field ceremony Sunday during the annual Jacksonville Jaguars Military Appreciation Day. See entire article: Thrid Division Swears in 125.pdf

Cucolo stresses need for planning, preparation 11/14/2008
November 14, 2008- Coastal Courier- Gen.: 10,000 people will move here by 2013- When Maj. Gen. Anthony Cucolo III spoke to members of the Liberty County community during Wednesday's Progress Through People luncheon at the Econo Lodge in Hinesville, he didn't mince words. The commanding general of Fort Stewart and the 3rd Infantry Division spoke matter-of-factly about the impending arrival of the 5th Brigade on Fort Stewart. See entire article: Cucolo Stresses Need.pdf

Four more big cranes headed to our port 11/07/2008
November 7, 2008- Savannah Morning News- In his annual State of the Port speech, GPA executive director Doug Marchand acknowledged that even the country's fastest growing port is not immune to the slowing global economy. See entire article- Four More Big Cranes Headed to Port 11-07-08.pdf

Independence Anticipates Rapid Growth at Fort Stewart 09/01/2008
September 2008- Georgia Commercial Properties- Thanks to the United States Military's "Grow the Army" initiative, which seeks to expand the country's armed forces by approximately 74,000 soldiers, a South Georgia military base is gearing up for serious growth. Fort Stewart, a 285,000-acre base located next to Hinesville, will be welcoming a new brigade, totalling 3,900 troops over the course of the next few years. Read entire article: Georgia Commercial Properties Report Sept. 08.pdf

Officials prepare for onslaught of growth 08/04/2008
August 4, 2008- Coastal Courier- Pressing ahead with plans to cope with growth associated with an additional brigade at Fort Stewart, area officials met Tuesday to draft bylaws, propose a memo of understanding and schedule a general membership meeting. Substantial federal funding is available to communities impacted by the military if they have a growth-management organization to handle applications and payments. Read entire article: Officials Prepare for onslaught of growth.pdf

New commander of 3rd ID 07/15/2008
July 15, 2008- Savannah Morning News- It started with the passing of the 3rd Infantry Division's colors, was punctuated by the handing over of a gold commander's ring, and ended with the pomp and circumstance of troops marching across Cottrell field to a cadence tapped out by an Army band. Read about the change of command: SMN- Cucolo takes command.pdf

A Healthy Mix: Military and Industrial Expansion 07/01/2008
You'll have to forgive the people of Liberty County for thinking they're in the right place at the right time. When much of the rest of the nation is faced with the prospect of a slowing economy and a tumbling housing market, they see expanding growth. Read the article: Georgia Trend article on Liberty County.pdf

General recounts 3rd Infantry Division's Iraq Deployment 06/29/2008
June 29,2008- American Forces Press Service- While most people only read about history, the soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division helped to make history during their 15-month deployment to Iraq, the division's commander said here June 27th. Read the whole story: DOD- 6-29-08- General recounts deployment.pdf

Hinesville getting new VA clinic in year 06/27/2008
June 27, 2008- Savannah Morning News- The Department of Veterans Affairs plans to open four new community-based outpatient clinics in Georgia, including one in Liberty County, several state congressional members confirmed Thursday. Read the story: SMN- 6-27-08- New VA clinic.pdf

$430 Million slated for installation 06/12/2008
June 12, 2008- The Frontline- On May 22, U.S. House of Representatives approved the National Defense Authorization Act, a bill that includes more than $430 million in federal funding to help Fort Stewart prepare for the new infantry brigade combat team headed its way. Read entire article- $430M slated for installation frontline Oct. 08.pdf

Mayor: City ready to grow by a fourth 04/01/2008
April 1, 2008- Coastal Courier- The countdown to the start of the Fort Stewart's troop buildup has begun and Hinesville Mayor Jim Thomas said the city "is in fine shape" to handle the estimated 25 percent population surge expected to hit the county in three years. Read entire article: Mayor city to grow 25% April 2008.pdf

Experts believe recession will spare Liberty 03/05/2008
March 5, 2008- Coastal Courier- Military cities, such as Hinesville and Columbus, will be strong points in the state's economy this year, according to a forecast by Georgia State University. Those two areas will be booming because the national base realignment is boosting jobs in Hinesville/Fort Stewart and Columbus/Fort Benning by more than 3 percent each, the forecast said. Read the article: Experts believe recession will spare Liberty.pdf

Army announces re-stationing details 02/01/2008
February 1, 2008- AUSA News- The Army announced Dec, 19th where it will station more than 74,000 soldiers as part of its plan to grow the active and reserve component force over the next few years. Read the whole article: AUSA News- 2-1-08- Army announces details.pdf

Kingston tells chamber of Army's benefits 01/16/2008
January 16, 2008- Coastal Courier- U.S. Rep. Jack Kingston (R-Savannah) talked Fort Stewart finances, ongoing conflict in Iraq and preserving Liberty County's history during the Liberty County Chamber of Commerce's Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner last week. Serving as the keynote speaker, the congressman told local business people the current financial impact of the 3rd Infantry Division and expected future impact of an additional 3,900 soldiers planned for the post in 2011 continues to make Liberty County fertile for business. Read entire article: Rep. Kingston Ft. Stewarts $1.3 B local impact.pdf

News Brief: 01/02/2008: Army Reorganization 01/02/2008
January 2, 2008- AUSA News- To accomodate the anticipated strength increase of 74,200 by 2010, the Army revealed its plan Dec. 19 to station new active, Guard and Reserve units at larger posts across the country. The move would affect 380,000 soldiers and their families, and require $66 billion to buld 20 brigade complexes, 69,000 barracks spaces, 4,100 family housing units and 66 child development centers through 2013. Read about the plan: AUSA News- 1-2-08- Army Reorganization.pdf

Army Announces Plan to Station Soldiers, Boost Bases 12/19/2007
December 19, 2007- American Forces Press Service- The Army's new plan for stationing its growing number of troops will affect 380,000 soldiers and family members and cost more than $66 billion in construction projects through 2013. Announced today, the plan is the largest Army transformation since World War II, and moves the force toward a "modular," or brigade-centric posture. The Army's vice chief of staff told reporters at the Pentagon today that the design represents a holistic improvement across the entire service branch. Read all about it: DOD- 12-19-07- Army announcement.pdf

Savannah, Hinesville, Fort Stewart growing faster than state, experts say 11/15/2007
November 15, 2007- Savannah Morning News- Metro Savannah and the Hinesville/Fort Stewart areas are expected to add jobs faster than the rest of the state, according to a quarterly outlook released Wednesday by Economic Forecasting Center at Georgia State University. Read entire article: Savannah Hinesville Ft. Stewart growing faster than state.pdf

Ribbon cutting opens airport 11/05/2007
November 5, 2007- Coastal Courier- A ribbon cutting Monday marked the opening of the MidCoast Regional Airport at Wright Army Airfield. It was a milepost in the special relationship of the area's civilian and military communities. The state of the art facility replaces an aging, inadequate Liberty County Airport, and Fort Stewart is getting use of a 5,000-foot resurfaced runway in place of a deteriorating landing strip that had been closed to fixed wing aircraft. Read all about it: Ribbon Cutting opens new airport.pdf

Area job market called one of the best in U.S. 10/03/2007
October 3, 2007- Coastal Courier- The Hinesville/Fort Stewart community has zoomed from 20th to fourth place in the Milken Institute's ranking of best performing small cities. Read entire article: Job Market best in the US.pdf

Tour showcases BoE's new office 10/01/2007
October 1, 2007- Coastal Courier- More than 100 people visited the Liberty County Board of Education's new central office dedication Monday in an event that included a tour of the adjoining pre-K center. Read entire article: Tour showcases BOE's new offices.pdf

Savannah, Hinesville among country's 'best performing' cities 09/28/2007
September 28, 2007- Savannah Morning News- Savannah jumped from 78th to 34th in the just-released 2007 Milken Institute/Greenstreet Partners Best Performing Cities Indez, which ranks metro areas- both large and small- according to their ability to grow and sustain jobs. Read entire article: Savannah Hinesville among best performing U.S. cities.pdf

County Administrator: Airport opening Nov. 5th 08/03/2007
August 3, 2007- Coastal Courier- The long-awaited opening of the joint-use civil-military airport at Wright Army Airfield has been scheduled for Nov. 5. Read entire article: Joint use civil military airport opens Nov. 5.pdf

VP: Target not just about the bottom line 08/03/2007
August 3, 2007- Coastal Courier- A who's who of local business, political and community leaders converged on the Target distribution center in Midway for the site's grand opening Wednesday afternoon. Read entire article: Grand opening of Target's 1.5 millions S.F. distribution center.pdf

LCPC expecting more growth 06/01/2007
June 1, 2007- Coastal Courier- Jim Thomas, Liberty Consolidated Planning Commission Chairman, spoke during a recent Rotary Club meeting about the "explosion of expansion" in the county. By 2030, Thomas said, he expects the population of Liberty County to grow anywhere from 32 to 50 percent. To accompany this population growth, he discussed the 10,000 living units planned for the Independence Development in Hinesville, and touched on the development involved in the Midway master plan. Read entire article: Liberty County Planning expecing massive growth.pdf

Coastal Communications sold 05/02/2007
May 2, 2007- Coastal Courier- Coastal Communications, which provides telephone, high-speed Internet and entertainment services to homes and businesses in Hinesville, Richmond Hill, Midway, Fort Stewart and surrounding areas, has become part of CenturyTel, Inc. Read entire article: Coastal Communications sold to Fortune 400 company.pdf

Booming birth rate delivers needs at hospital 02/12/2007
February 12, 2007- Coastal Courier- With the looming prospect of delivering more than 700 babies this year, officials and doctors at Liberty Regional Medical Center recently met with Rep. Jack Kingston to discuss plans to expand the hospital's maternity ward. Read entire article: Booming birth rate delivers need at local hospital.pdf

Hinesville in line for VA clinic 12/01/2006
December 1, 2006- Coastal Courier- The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has recommended putting new outpatient clinics for veterans in both Hinesville- about 30 miles southwest of Savannah and home to Fort Stewart- and in Brunswick. See the article: Hinesville in line for V.A. clinic.pdf

In Coastal Georgia: Expect 844,000 residents by 2030 10/18/2006
October 18, 2006- Savannah Morning News- A Georgia Tech report predicts half again as many coastal Georgians by 2030. If you're planning to stick around coastal Georgia, you'd better move over. Read entire article: Expect 844,000 by 2030 from Savannah morning news.pdf

Affluent retirees would fuel economic boom, officials say 09/21/2006
September 21, 2006- Savannah Morning News- Tempted by the carrot of a more educated, more affluent population, Georgia's economic development experts are working to develop stretegies to hire retirees to the Peach State. Read entire article: Affluent Retirees will Fuel Economic Boom.pdf

Hinesville keeps getting bigger 03/21/2005
March 21, 2005- Coastal Courier- The actions brought more than 2,600 acres from the Independence project along West 15th Street and another 111 acres for development off Topi Trail. Read entire article: Hinesville Keeps getting bigger.pdf