The Farmers Market at Estrella Mountain Ranch

I think I'm embarrassed to say that in my 6 years of being a West Valley resident I finally had a chance to stop by last Saturday at the Estrella Mountain Farmers Market. The Farmers market is held once a month by the lake at Estrella Mountain Ranch at the yacht club - the next one is on May 19th.

It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon and it was worth the while taking a stroll through the tree lined path overlooking the boat docks. Fresh Tamales, jewelry, bags, crafts, olive oil, fresh fruit and veggies and salsa vendors were lined up under white tented booths.

If you go, take a lot of cash because very few of the vendors offer debit or credit card transactions and don't forget your camera. After a stroll, relax on the green grassy banks along the lakes and take in Arizona beauty. You may see me again, this time, I'll probably have a book or laptop with me - I get inspired by the water!

Cheers,
Uzi Husain
Arizona Realtor, serving Goodyear & The Phoenix metropolitan area

Growth Outlook for the West Valley...

snippets of business news, courtesy of my Team Leader at the Goodyear, Keller Williams office:

1. BUSINESS NEWS:
   The Collier International 2020 vision report projects that 50% of future growth will be in the west valley; that the downtown Phoenix and the area near 24th Street and Camelback will continue to be the location of choice for Class A office space but that it will continue into the North Scottsdale Airpark and Deer Valley areas as well as the Glendale Sports complex; the I-17 corridor will be where the infill opportunities will be -- older existing products will be torn down or remodeled; and that the Williams Gateway may become the east valley's version of Souther California's Inland Empire, an area that boasts one of the most robust economies in the US. For more info, visit their website at www.colliers2020vision.com.
2. Economy tracker: Building permits were down 45% in January 07 over January 06; unemployment was at 3.9% compared to 4.5% in January 06; personal income jumped up 1.% from the prior month due to increases in wages and salaries; personal spending showed an increase, with a .5% gain from the prior month; housing starts were down 38% over a year ago; and new home sales were down 20%.
3. More than 50 valley venues have been secured for NFL and Super Bowl XLII host committee events and parties during Super Bowl week. Final selection should be completed by early summer.

Cheers,
Uzi Husain, REALTOR(R)
Keller Williams Realty Professional Partners
WEB: http://www.UziHusain.com
"Consider UZIng a Professional for your next Real Estate Transaction"

Buzz...

I thought I'd share the following newsworthy items:

• The Surprise City Council unanimously approved Westcor's plans to build a 3,000 acre mixed-use project that will include auto mall, shopping mall, residential development and a hospital. The project will be located on the Loop 303 between Greenway and Cacus; opening is expected in 2008.
• The City of Goodyear is reviewing plans for the Estrella Falls mall also scheduled to open in 2008. This will be similar to the Chandler Fashion Center.
• Population figures show the following growth: Goodyear: 559% increase to 41,225 since 1990 ; Surprise population has tripled since 2000 to 103,000; Buckeye has seen a 368% increase, Glendale a 60% increase, and Peoria a 171% increase.
• The Peoria Center for Performing Arts opened in February after 1-1/2 years of construction; located between Peoria Avenue and Washington Street their website at www.peoriaaz.com
• Rose Properties has purchased a 17-acre commrecial parcel at the southwest corner of Avondale Boulevard and Lower Buckeye Road and plans to develop a retail hub.
• The WOMEN IN BUSINESS trade show and luncheon will be held on March 29th at the Arizona Biltmore. You can visit the following website at phoenix.bizjournals.com/phoenix/event/2885 for more information.
• Cancer Treatment Centers of America plans to build a $75 million facility along the Loop 101 as part of the Banner Estrella Medical Center. The 200,000 sf facility will have 30 to 40 beds; groundbreaking should take place in July with completion approximately 15 months later.
• Glendale is on the short list of hopefuls vying for the 2011 Super Bowl!