Newbury Market (house, buyers, schools)

[okaydorothy]

Originally Posted by corpgypsy

I think the news of this is a shame for the residents of this neighborhood. A hospital on that property certainly is NOT what was "sold" in the original plan or any of the subsequent plans. This community started in 2008. Homeowners continue to wait for the annually promised clubhouse and swimming pool, let alone the "walk to, world class" Newbury Market", which remains dirt with only preliminary road work completed. Promised were restaurants, theaters, shopping: " a new comfortable, contemporary place to live, work and play and destined to become the heart of the South Hills."


In the actual neighborhood, the park like setting does not exist. There is a large brightly colored play structure sitting at the intersection of 2 streets and directly adjacent to and across from homes. No fence no natural or man made barrier, just a large play structure hanging out. Just overpriced (IMHO) homes(with a change recently in the builders) offering no privacy in this touted mixed use community. The front porches are nice and the small lot concept would be desirable if the roads were adequately or artistically laid out etc. This appears to be just another common neighborhood plopped on a high hill with myriad unfulfilled pledges.


I drive past this area almost on a weekly basis and it is a shame. The current developers continue to tout a long list of attractions, "COMING SOON to Newbury Highlands". I fear the inhabitants have been had.

I agree ; I think the homes are very very overpriced and I wonder how many owners are upset. We are here almost 5 years and when we moved, we were told it would be a shopping center in 2 years. I love the little strip mall, but its not enough for the growing population.

[guy2073]

I dont think they would build in south fayette, they could go to collier or cecil and save alot in land costs, but then again look what they did in Monroeville

[lifepgh2op]

Originally Posted by guy2073

I dont think they would build in south fayette, they could go to collier or cecil and save alot in land costs, but then again look what they did in Monroeville

Does UPMC pay property taxes as a "non-profit?"

[guy2073]

Originally Posted by lifepgh2op

Does UPMC pay property taxes as a "non-profit?"

No but they have to buy the land. They over paid for the land in Monroeville

[lifepgh2op]

Originally Posted by guy2073

No but they have to buy the land. They over paid for the land in Monroeville

I would assume they would have to pay big bucks to whoever owns the Newbury land; as the land owner would have probably been making good money by "leasing" the land over the years to a retailer or restaurant franchise.

Not to mention, South Fayette (both Township and School District) will be missing out on all that property tax money over the years.

It will be interesting to see how this one plays out. UPMC already has their "Children's South" across from the development.

[WhoIsStanwix?]

Originally Posted by guy2073

No but they have to buy the land. They over paid for the land in Monroeville

Part of that overpayment was to a physician they were trying to woo, no?

I would love to see a study on the percentage occupancy in local hospitals. We have had so many close over the years and people are actually in favor of new facilities? Talk about inefficient. Folks wonder why our nation's healthcare costs so much. Do people not realize the amount of capital investment required to construct a new hospital? Impatient care makes up about 35% of all medical costs. A lot of that 35% is just to pay the mortgage and keep the lights on on the hospital building itself.

[Plink]

Originally Posted by okaydorothy

I agree ; I think the homes are very very overpriced and I wonder how many owners are upset. We are here almost 5 years and when we moved, we were told it would be a shopping center in 2 years. I love the little strip mall, but its not enough for the growing population.

OkayDorothy, I agree and I'll never understand the lure of a $300k+ townhome or $400k+ stand alone home in places like South Fayette, Peters, Cecil, etc...but it is what it is. I guess it has to do with the school districts, location, and a segment of the market that simply demands new construction whatever the price.

These newly built areas are like Northern Virginia (NOVA as it's called). It's all new overpriced housing, which mixes architectural styles within the same house and generally leaves me baffled and quite frankly, disgusted by these builders and their ignorance (see my earlier comment on one of the current for sale homes).

[Paul2421]

Originally Posted by Plink

OkayDorothy, I agree and I'll never understand the lure of a $300k+ townhome or $400k+ stand alone home in places like South Fayette, Peters, Cecil, etc...but it is what it is. I guess it has to do with the school districts, location, and a segment of the market that simply demands new construction whatever the price.

These newly built areas are like Northern Virginia (NOVA as it's called). It's all new overpriced housing, which mixes architectural styles within the same house and generally leaves me baffled and quite frankly, disgusted by these builders and their ignorance (see my earlier comment on one of the current for sale homes).

"overpriced" housing is a phrase that always confuses me.

[erieguy]

Originally Posted by Plink

OkayDorothy, I agree and I'll never understand the lure of a $300k+ townhome or $400k+ stand alone home in places like South Fayette, Peters, Cecil, etc...but it is what it is. I guess it has to do with the school districts, location, and a segment of the market that simply demands new construction whatever the price.

These newly built areas are like Northern Virginia (NOVA as it's called). It's all new overpriced housing, which mixes architectural styles within the same house and generally leaves me baffled and quite frankly, disgusted by these builders and their ignorance (see my earlier comment on one of the current for sale homes).

Actually, it has as much to do with not wanting to live directly in the city. It's a pleasure to visit but many don't want to live in it.

Builders build what sells. Can't blame them for giving their customers what they want.

Overpriced housing is ones opinion. Many couldn't be paid to live in the city and many couldn't be paid to live in the burbs.

[Plink]

Paul, it's an opinion, which is more a comment on the buyers involved. Usually, those using the phrase understand the simple economics involved. Perhaps a better way to say it is "houses that should be seen as overpriced". Does that help?