Archive for December, 2007
by John M. Zukoski on December 28, 2007 | 
No Comments | Topics: Parks
The construction of Devany Square in the heart of the Villages at Dublin Ranch is well underway. Devany Square will be a 2-acre park on the corner of Finnian Way and Chancery Lane that borders the soon-to-be-built Promenade. Devany Square will be endowed with the following amenities:
- Water play area
- Shaded promenade walking path
- Play area for kids
- Picnic tables
- Rose garden
- An abundance of trees
- Vine covered trellis
- Brick ribbon labyrinth
- Informal performance area and small amphitheater for intimate concerts, etc. This will basically be a small mound.
Devany Square should be completed during the summer of 2008. Please click on the picture above to see an enlarged snapshot of the Devany Square conceptual design.
by John M. Zukoski on December 28, 2007 | No Comments | Topics: Opinions
Dublin home sellers enjoyed a significant average selling price increase from $484K to $654K. The week-ended 12/28/07′s average sales price was the highest in about 2 1/2 months.
by John M. Zukoski on December 22, 2007 | 1 Comment | Topics: Development
The City of Dublin will be receiving $3.4M in Federal funds for its approval of high-density housing near the East and West Dublin BART stations (e.g., Elan, Windstar, Metropolitan, etc.). In addition to general enhancements along Dublin Blvd, the City will be purchasing identity markers and a gateway feature that will be at the Dougherty and Dublin Blvd. intersection next to Dublin Honda. This funding provides an example of why cities like Dublin are approving high-density and affordable housing projects. It’s simply too hard to pass up the Federal and State funds.
This past Tuesday night, the City Council reviewed several options for the gateway feature and ultimately selected the “Eternal Ribbon” feature. Here is how the architect describes this feature:
A modern twist on the traditional gateway arch this design manifests constant motion combined with stability. Inspired by the Moebius strip, a steel ribbon rises from two sweeping earth mounds. The arch’s seemingly fluid form changes dramatically when viewed from different angles along Dublin Boulevard and Dougherty Road while its textured metal skin captures the changing light. The shape of this 30 foot tall structure is reflected in the earth by a curved path cut into the mounds. The relationship between the rolling earth forms and graceful arch creates an infinity symbol-a resonant visual that speaks to the City’s rich history and bright future.
The cost of this gateway feature is estimated to be $580K. The original design called for tall and full trees. However, Mayor Lockhart and the other members of the Council directed City staff to ensure that the trees would not be blocking the view of Dublin Honda.
by John M. Zukoski on December 21, 2007 | No Comments | Topics: Opinions
Dublin’s average real estate home sale dropped this week reflecting the typical slow-down during the holiday season and a mix of homes towards the more affordable area of the spectrum. Look for average prices to surge once again in the new year.
by John M. Zukoski on December 17, 2007 | No Comments | Topics: Schools
Rumor has it that some Board members of the Dublin School District would like to see new home impact fees slated for East Dublin school building redistributed to West Dublin school development. At a minimum, this would be divisive…and illegal. Please be sure to email members of the School District Board to let them know what your thoughts are on this issue.
Here’s the link to their contact information:
http://www.dublin.k12.ca.us/vnews/display.v/ART/45eda5fc661cf
by John M. Zukoski on December 15, 2007 | 3 Comments | Topics: City Hall · Retail
The Dublin Planning Commission approved Big Lots! request this past Tuesday to make facade, landscape, and parking improvements that will bring Big Lots! into conformity with the rest of the newly and beautifully renovated Shamrock Village Center.
Big Lots! request to add 4,185 sq. ft. of additional storage space was also approved. However, the big win will be the aesthetic improvements. If there is a downside, it would be that the historic black walnut trees from the original orchards in the northwest corner of the property will be removed.
Here is an existing building in the Shamrock Village Center that provides a vision of what the redesigned Big Lots! Dublin store will look like:
This is just one example of how Dublin City Hall has been able to successfully influence and encourage retail/commercial property owners to make aesthetic improvements to their buildings that give them a more modern and functional look. There will be a similar push by the City for the property owners in the Dublin Downtown and surrounding area to make improvements that fall in-line with the Downtown Specific Plan.
With the Planning Commission’s approval in tow, look for the City Council to also approve Big Lots! request to make improvements.
by John M. Zukoski on December 14, 2007 | No Comments | Topics: Opinions
Dublin had another banner week with the average home sale price jumping another 9% to 657,571 (including 1 BMR sale) – on top of the 14% spike last week. This trend appears to be at least partially due to a shift in preference from condos to single family homes over the past few weeks.
by John M. Zukoski on December 8, 2007 | No Comments | Topics: Things To Do
Dublin has a new program called “Meet the Author” where residents and non-residents can spend an hour or two with well-known authors. The idea is for authors to share insights into their creative process and anecdotes about their subject matter. Attendees can also ask questions and share their comments throughout the discussion.
The first MTA event was held at the Dublin Senior Center this past Wednesday night with local author Chuck Acquisto. Chuck edited the multi-run hit “Wisdom to Grow on: Incredible Letters And Inspiring Advice for Getting the Most Out of Life” which is a compendium of letters written by celebrities, politicians, sports stars and business magnates such as Robin Williams, John Wooden and many more. Chuck passed around the actual letters (preserved in an album) and shared highlights from each letter. Please click here for an article about Chuck, the book, and the charity that proceeds from sale of Wisdom go to.
Please contact the Dublin Senior Center at 925-556-4511 if you’d like to get more information on this program or if you would like to recommend authors for future MTA events.
by John M. Zukoski on December 8, 2007 | No Comments | Topics: Opinions
The week-ended 12/7/07 saw an average sale price increase of 14% as the upward trend that started with week-ended 10/19/07 has continued strongly.
