Whitney Latham, Author at New Park

First F-35A fighter jet arrives in Montgomery

Author: Whitney Latham

First F-35A fighter jet arrives in Montgomery

A group of people standing around a plane

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – This morning, a special ceremony was held at Dannelly Field to welcome the arrival of the new F-35A fighter jets.

Dannelly Field is the home of the 187th Fighter Wing, which is considered one of the United States Air Force’s most reliable combat units. This is why the unit has been tasked with flying the world’s most advanced stealth fighter jet and training the next generation of fighter pilots.

“It’s a clear reminder that our state is at the forefront of defending freedom, not just for ourselves, but for future generations,” stated Alabama Governor Kay Ivey.

The F-35A replaces the F-16′s that left Dannelly Field last year. It’s said that the new F-35A costs less and will have a much longer lifespan.

“So many partners played a role in getting the F-35′s here to Dannelly field. So, this day is not just for the 187th. But it’s an entire team of teams, our state and local partners, our federal delegation, our supportive community, and many others who have been dedicated to ensuring our Alabama airmen remain at the very forefront of military capability. This is an incredible achievement,” said Alabama National Guard Adjutant General Brigadier General David Pritchett.

The new aircraft is also expected to bring more people to the Montgomery workforce. Officials say that about 2,000 jobs are directly or indirectly tied to the F-35A, with an economic impact totaling 2 billion dollars.

Over the next five years, the 187th Fighter Winger will receive a total of 20 of the new jets.

 

 

This article was written for wsfa.com by WSFA 12 News Staff. To view the original article, please visit:

https://www.wsfa.com/2024/02/09/first-f-35a-fighter-jet-arrives-montgomery/

 

Grey Wolf Helicopter Training Unit Now Active at Maxwell Air Force Base

A group of people standing in front of a military vehicle

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – A new Grey Wolf helicopter training unit was activated at Maxwell Air Force Base on Wednesday.

The new unit is known as the 58th Operations Group Detachment 3.

It is responsible for formally training all aviators who will fly the MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopter, the Air Force’s newest helicopter.

The 908th Airlift Wing used to fly cargo planes. To get ready for the helicopters, it needed a major overhaul and underwent a multi-million dollar construction project. When it’s all said and done, the facility will house six training stations, including two operational flight trainers, a weapons simulator, and an integrated aircrew systems trainer.

This has been a years-long process. It was first announced that the MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopter was coming in 2020.

 

This article was written for wsfa.com by Bethany Davis and Brady Talbert. To view the original article, please visit:

https://www.wsfa.com/2024/01/31/908th-airlift-wing-activates-dept-defenses-only-grey-wolf-helicopter-training-unit/

Montgomery ranked 10th most sustainable town in U.S.

Montgomery, AL Capital Building

Montgomery, AL Capital Building

Montgomery, Alabama is the 10th most climate-conscious and sustainable town in the U.S. according to a report released by RYCOR HVAC, a New York heating and cooling company.

How the report was conducted

According to the report the ranking was determined by using the following initiatives that address climate change:

  • Green Infrastructure — EnergyStar buildings
  • Farmer’s markets
  • Alternative fuel stations
  • Walkability
  • Public transit and Amtrak stations

Bakersfield, California topped the list of most climate-conscious and sustainable towns in the U.S., followed by Lansing, Michigan, Wilmington, Delaware, Charlottesville, VA, Grand Junction, Colorado, Eugene, Oregon, San Luis Obispo, California, Duluth, Minnesota, Salinas, CA and Montgomery.

Montgomery’s Green Initiatives

Alabama’s Capital City has implemented several green initiatives over the past few years. They include:

  • More than $6.5 million has been saved over the past six years, thanks to energy efficiency programs
  • Montgomery’s energy program has expanded from 12 City facilities in 2019 to 50 facilities in 2022
  • Facilities are now realizing a reduction of 35 percent or more in energy use and emissions
  • In partnership with Alabama Power, converting 21,000+ street lights to energy-efficient LED lights throughout Montgomery
  •  Intentional development to reclaim and regreen the community by transforming vacant properties into high-quality public greenspaces, like the Shady Street Park & Trailhead

Building a smart sustainable city

In an Earth Day news release about Montgomery’s eco-friendly initiatives, Mayor Steven Reed told us why sustainability and conservation matters.

“Building a smart and sustainable city is essential to becoming a leader in this decade and beyond because it affords us the resiliency and quality of life that are key ingredients to future growth, job creation and development.”

 

 

This article was written for The Bama Buzz by Pat Byington. To view the original article, please visit:

REPORT: Montgomery ranked 10th most sustainable town in U.S.

 

New Park Voted a Neighborhood Fave in Nextdoor’s 2023 Local Business Awards

 

MONTGOMERY, AL | July 20, 2023 – New Park has been named to the winning list of Nextdoor’s 2023 Neighborhood Faves, the only annual awards where neighbors vote to celebrate their favorite local businesses. This year, Neighborhood Fave winners like New Park will receive greater visibility and ranking on the Nextdoor app as well as a sticker to showcase their win in the real world.

“Neighbors know best, and Nextdoor’s Neighborhood Faves are the only annual awards celebrating the businesses that are most loved by locals. This prestigious recognition is only awarded to 1% of the local businesses on Nextdoor and is a testament to the positive impact they have had on their community,” said Nextdoor CEO Sarah Friar.

Used by one in three households in the US, Nextdoor is the neighborhood network where verified neighbors and businesses connect to the neighborhoods that matter to them.

The complete list of winning businesses in each city is available at nextdoor.com/favorites. Join the neighborhood network by downloading the Nextdoor app or visiting nextdoor.com.

NEW PARK EXPANDS – ADDS 30 NEW RESIDENTIAL LOTS

A large tall tower with a clock on the side of a building

MONTGOMERY, AL | June 1, 2023 – Construction and development is complete on the next phase at New Park.  New Park is a 1,110 acre master-planned community that began in 2008 with over 180 residential lots and has since grown to over 330 lots with development expansions in 2014 and 2016.  Now the development is growing again.  Developer, Jim Wilson & Associates, LLC (JWA) has expanded the residential project, to offer 30 additional new residential lots that allow customers to select beautiful, livable and affordable home designs.  Marketed by Jim Wilson & Associates, LLC (JWA), lots are now available for purchase.  Contact the New Park Sales Office (334-215-9215) for more information regarding lot reservations and builders.

New Park, a family friendly community, located on Park Crossing in East Montgomery between Taylor Road and Ray Thorington Road, features a sparkling lake, beautiful landscaping, a neighborhood pool with a small splash pad, The GateHouse, ParkPlayce and ParkPath – a 1 mile walking trail around Chastain Lake.  New Park also offers outstanding access to nearby retail, restaurants, schools and the James W. Wilson YMCA.  New Park is perfect for whatever age or stage of life you are in – growing families with kids, empty nesters, young couples, first-timers, downsizers, or upsizers.  For more New Park information, visit www.newparkliving.com.

Jim Wilson & Associates, LLC, based in Montgomery, Alabama, has developed and managed a wide array of properties throughout the eastern United States, including Class A office buildings, hotels, residential communities and millions of square feet of premier shopping space. These experiences have brought knowledge and expertise that have generated new investment opportunities in capital, hospitality and gaming ventures as well. As a result, JWA’s services are expanding through the formation of partnerships and companies, including 42 Equity Partners and A&W Enterprises, LLC.  JWA was founded by Jim Wilson, Jr. and today is led by his son, Jim Wilson, Will Wilson, and a well-established team of talented and experienced professionals.  For more information about Jim Wilson & Associates, LLC, visit www.jwacompanies.com.

Montgomery, Alabama Ranks No. 1 as Most Affordable for Home Buyers

A view of a city street

 

As affordability becomes an even tighter squeeze, WalletHub has compared 300 U.S. cities across 10 metrics to find the most affordable places for home buyers. The study ranked Montgomery, Alabama, as the most affordable city for buyers.

The 10 metrics used to evaluate each city were housing affordability (median house price divided by median annual household income), maintenance affordability, average cost of homeowner’s insurance, cost of living, cost per square foot, real estate tax rate, rent-to-price ratio, median home price appreciation, quarterly active listings per capita, and vacancy rate.

The top 10 for overall affordability include:

  1. Montgomery, Alabama
  2. Flint, Michigan
  3. Toledo, Ohio
  4. Detroit
  5. Akron, Ohio
  6. Warren, Michigan
  7. Pittsburgh
  8. Yuma, Arizona
  9. Springfield, Illinois
  10. Palm Bay, Florida

In terms of the housing affordability metric alone, Springfield, Illinois, ranked No. 1, followed by Peoria, Illinois; Montgomery; Detroit; and Flint. The least affordable cities, according to WalletHub, include California’s Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, Berkeley, Glendale, and Los Angeles.

Looking at vacancy rates, Miami Beach, Florida, has the highest rate, followed by Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Detroit; Pompano Beach, Florida; and Flint. The lowest vacancy rates are in South Gate, California; Elk Grove, California; Fontana, California; and Arvada, Colorado.

 

 

This article was written by Leah Draffen for Builder Online. To view the original article, please visit:

https://www.builderonline.com/data-analysis/montgomery-alabama-ranks-no-1-as-most-affordable-for-home-buyers_o?utm_source=newsletter&utm_content=Article&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=BP_060223&

New Park Expands – Adds 30 New Residential Lots

MONTGOMERY, AL | JULY 31, 2022 – Construction and development is underway on the next phase at New Park.  New Park is a 1,110 acre master-planned community that began in 2008 with over 180 residential lots and has since grown to over 330 lots with development expansion in 2014 and 2016.  Now the development is growing again.  Developer, Jim Wilson & Associates, LLC (JWA) is expanding the residential project, to offer 30 additional new residential lots that allow customers to select beautiful, livable and affordable home designs.  Marketed by Jim Wilson & Associates, LLC (JWA), lots will be available for purchase in the Fall 2022.  Contact the New Park Sales Office for more information regarding lot reservations and builders.

New Park Development Company Sells 13 Acres

MONTGOMERY, AL  |  July 20, 2022 – Jim Wilson & Associates, LLC is excited to announce that New Park Development Company sold +/- 13 acres of vacant land located on the North side of Park Crossing, adjacent to New Park. The property is the second phase of a four (4) phase development. Phase two (2) will consist of approximately 45 residential homes. The terms of the sale are undisclosed. Lee Meriwether with John Stanley and Associates, Inc. represented New Park Development in this transaction.

Contact us at New Park today for more information about our community, builders, or developers, or for assistance with any additional questions.

5 Tips to Get Your Home Ready for the Holidays

5 Advantages of Buying a New Home

Soon your home will be filled with the sound of doorbells ringing as guests flood in to join the festivities!

 

The holidays bring so much joy —family, food, fun — and also a lot of preparation for the host! Here are 5 tips to get your home ready for the holidays!

 

5 Advantages of Buying a New Home

5 Advantages of Buying a New Home

There are many benefits to buying a new home. With A New Home, You’ll Have:

 

  1. ZERO repairs or renovations.

    1. A new home is move-in ready. You can trust everything is built to the latest building codes and safety regulations so you do not have to worry there will be any problems that must be fixed before you can move in. With a new home, you can move in and begin making it your own as soon as you have the keys!
  2. Energy Efficient and The NEWEST Technology

    1. New Homes are more energy efficient, and they often have the newest technology and/or amenities. Having a more energy efficient home gives you the benefit of reduced monthly utility bills. As well as the updated technology that new homes have, will help with the ease of everyday life.
  3. LESS Maintenance

    1. With modern plumbing, appliances, heating and air, a new construction home can leave you worry-free for several years. With less to worry about and fewer unexpected out-of-pocket costs after you move-in, you can spend time enjoying your new home rather than making repairs and updates to an existing home.
  4. WARRANTY

    1. Your new home will come with a New Home Warranty. All home warranties vary depending on which builder you choose. Meaning you can buy with confidence knowing the builder will cover the cost of any issues during the warranty period. And to help lessen maintenance costs even more, all appliances are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty and all systems are completely covered for the first year.
  5. UP-TO-DATE Designs

    1. New homes will have modern floor plans & designs with state-of-the-art appliances and design features. They often have an open floor plan that creates the perfect space to gather with family and friends. These floor plans are thoughtfully designed for the way people need and want to live in today’s world.

 

Homes Sold New Park | New Park Living

Contact us today with any questions, or to learn more about New Park

Call Now: 334-215-9215