This year, “In The Park With Art” continues but with a new location.  The event will be held in the Palmetto Bay Village Center.  Located off Old Cultler Road at 180th Street, the new location will allow the crowds to not only enjoy more room as they stroll the rows of arts, but also perhaps take a walk over to the new Village Library.

More than 100 artists will be displaying their works during this two-day event. “In The Park With Art” takes place this Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

Traditionally, the event attracts thousands over the two days. The new location should ease the parking congestion that sometimes occured at Coral Reef Park.

All types of fine art from sculpture to paintings to jewelry from national and local artists such as Annie Maxwell, Humberto Benitez, Jim Lewk and David Maddern will be at the show, said Yolly Buchmann, president of the Cultural Council, a nonprofit consisting of volunteers.

“It’s a wonderful free family event,” Buchmann said. “There will be food, entertainment and several art classes for the kids.”

For more insight into Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay and surrounding area real estate please visit my website.

It’s nice to know that good ideas never go out of style.  In an age of high tech gadgets, in-home entertainment centers and the like, it’s still a great idea to know and interact with your neighbors.  If you’re like me, creating and/or joining a Neighborhood Crime Watch is a wonderful way to do just that.

Last night, the SW 74th Place Neighborhood Crime Watch met for a BBQ and meeting.  There were burgers, hot dogs, safety talk and the Mayor.  Yes, the mayor of Palmetto Bay, Eugene Flinn, stopped by to meet and greet.  We also had three representatives from the Village’s police department.

This is another reason I love living in Palmetto Bay.  Not only are your neighbors ready, willing and able to get involved, but there is genuine support from the Village government.

Oh, and before I forget, the crime rates are headed south.  Last night, we learned that this year’s numbers are nearly 20% lower than last year.  Our already safe neighborhood is improving.

In an age of decreased property values and when surrounding neighbors including Pinecrest and Cutler Bay both raised their rates, Palmetto Bay has found a way to slightly lower their tax.

Long-time residents who had their home’s market value capped at 3% each year may not see much difference in their taxes, but anyone who bought within the last 5-7 years will definitely rejoice.  The combination of the lower tax and the reassessed home value could lead to noticeable savings.

Overall, the Village will lose about $1M in tax income, but they have found ways to save elsewhere actually providing a positive income versus this year.

The vote was 4-1 in favor of the decrease.  The one nay vote was Palmetto Bay Vice Mayor Brian Pariser who said he voted against the proposed budget and tax rate because he thought the village could have lowered the rate even more to give taxpayers added relief. “We could have given that money back to the residents instead of putting it in our reserves.”

In early 2010, four monument signs will announce to motorists that they’ve entered the Village of Palmetto Bay.  In a brilliant “branding and marketing” effort, the Village also made sure never to lose sight of its “green initiative”.  To that end, all four signs will light up at night…powered solely by solar panels.

The “Welcome To Palmetto Bay” signs, with their green floral and ibis designs, will be placed at four key Village locations:

•Just south of Southwest 136 Street on U.S. 1

•Just north of Southwest 184 Street on U.S. 1

•At Southwest 136 Street & Old Cutler Road

•At Southwest 183 Terrace & Old Cutler Road

The cost of the sign project is $92,500.  It was approved by the Mayor and City Coucil in mid-July 2009.  As a resident, I again applaud this effort and feel it only brings additional value to our already healthy Village economy.

Check out the residential  real estate sales information for the communities in our area:

Coral Gables   South Miami   Pinecrest   Palmetto Bay

Sold                                                41                       8                          15                     14

Pending Sales                             64                      18                        20                     31

Mos. of Inventory                  20.9                  13.0                    19.1                  15.9

Avg. Sq. Ft. Price                  $323                  $118                $209                 $145

Median Price                         $532K               $360K             $610K              $392K

Hors d’oeuvres & Wine Will Be Served

5840 Paradise Point, Palmetto Bay MLS:M1275970

Located at the very end of Paradise Point, this home features unobstructed views of the canal and lagoons, and less than 5 minutes to the bay. From the roof top terrace enjoy direct bay views and wake up to fabulous water and nature views from the master suite everyday. Beautiful finishes, volume ceilings, hurricane impact windows. Home also features a boat slip that could accommodate a 50′ boat. No bridges! This is a private community with tennis courts, beach, pool, and clubhouse. Make this the perfect spot for your pickiest buyer.

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