Avalon Park Daytona Beach Spring 2023

The Importance of the Environment in Traditional Neighborhood Developments

By Raven Halle

As Earth Day approaches and conversations surrounding climate and environment become even more prevalent, it’s increasingly important to talk about and understand the ways in which the place we call home influences the environment—and also how the environment influences our home. Like we’ve examined in prior articles, traditional neighborhood developments (TNDs) focus on using, rather than reducing, their natural environments. In short, traditional neighborhood developments conserve energy through efficient land use while also lessening the dependence on automobiles, which, in turn, promotes pedestrian movement towards parks, lakes, and the other green spaces typical of TNDs.

Where conventional neighborhood developments place precedence on the automobile, traditional neighborhood developments center around foot and bicycle traffic. And although TNDs focus primarily on non-automobile modes of transportation, the consideration of the environment in relation to the automobile is made clear: things like street trees serve to reduce visual pollution, and large, often circular patches of grass help to both mitigate and direct the flow of traffic. These successes in walkability are made possible by working with the land, not against it.

Even in language is the importance of the earth to traditional neighborhoods made evident. For example, we use the term “built environment” to refer to the man-made features of TNDs. Combining “built,” which suggests something not naturally made, with “environment,” which implies an organic component, does much to show that TNDs, at their linguistic core, are concerned with making the best use of organic elements, whether they occur naturally like lakes or are planted, like street trees. These aspects aim to create synergies not only between built and natural environments, but also between residents of a community by inviting more social interaction and lessening the isolating factors found in conventional neighborhoods, such as fenced-in parks and yards.

Since we have previously gone into detail about the aforementioned things like pedestrian traffic, street trees, and green spaces, it’s necessary to now view things from a wider lens, especially in relation to Earth Day and the environmental impact of traditional neighborhood developments on their surrounding natural environments. Some base principles of TNDs, including walkability, accessibility, and affordability, further contribute to the earlier conversation about placing more emphasis on bicycle and foot traffic than on vehicular traffic. This notion alone is huge in terms of sustainability: because TNDs are developed in a way that values walkability and accessibility, it is inherent to most TNDs that automobile-produced carbon emissions are much lower, as non-motor modes of transportation are encouraged more than driving. This, then, ties in with the idea of public transportation.

While many traditional neighborhoods may not have their own forms of public transportation we would consider typical, like buses or subways, it is often the case that we can consider carpooling to be its own sort of public transport. The increase of social interaction as a result of green spaces like parks lead to a greater sense of connection, which can then grow organically into a system of carpooling— whether it be to work, school, a place of worship, or the grocery store.

Further, and on a larger scale, traditional neighborhoods are rendered environmentally sustainable through things that are intentional, like parks and lakes, and things that, like nature, happen organically, like community-grown public transportation. Street trees combat visual pollution and serve as a method of forest conservation; walkability reduces greenhouse emissions; green spaces add fresh, breathable air; and mixed-use buildings cut down on construction. All of these factors exemplify the notion of naturally-occurring sustainability. And it’s because of these things that TNDs are sustainable, and through TNDs, we find connections that ultimately sustain us all.

Coffee Hour with BEAT

Celebrating Culture and Diversity in Avalon Park

As an immigrant who came to America from Switzerland almost 30 years ago, and I am deeply thankful for all the opportunities this land of the free continues to give me.

Over the years I have truly became a “global citizen.” I am writing this column on a flight from Zurich, Switzerland to Bangkok, Thailand, where I will connect to Taipei, Taiwan. From there, a quick visit to our offices in Osaka, Japan and then come back to the US next week via San Francisco, hence traveling around the world in a little over a week!

Our diversity is not just visible when I travel the world. When asked what the strength of Avalon Park Group “APG” is, I always say our diversity and internationality. Even back in Orlando, a typical day will start with picking up 2 coffees from Karen at Marketplace (she was born in South Korea). One of the coffees is for Marybel, APG‘s CFO and my co-captain, she is Dominican / Lebanese and was born and raised in Puerto Rico. Upon getting to the 4th floor in my office I will see Cynthia and Alba both born in Peru. On any single morning I will be in touch with team members in Asia, Europe, and America.

But then there are Orlando natives like Nicole or Trey on APG ‘s team, or Stephanie from the Kansas heartland. And sitting just a few yards away from Andreas in the Switzerland office is Ravi, who is from Malaysia, but spends his time living and working between Singapore and Switzerland.

I truly believe once people from all over the

other’s knowledge and strengths help “global problems” get solved much easier.

Immigrants made the US the greatest county in the world. They left their home country and came to the promised land. Many became very successful in culture, art or business. By leaving their native land, they demonstrated risk tolerance and adventurism.

It is getting dark as my plane leaves the Turkey air zone, approaching Iraq, then Iran and via Pakistan, India. I will land in Bangkok early in the morning local time, late in the night Switzerland time.

My journey will bring me together with people from all over the world, and it is deeply refreshing, and I always learn a lot from other cultures.

This is why I love the celebration of the diversity in our community in events like Absolutely Avalon. I hope to see you all there next month, where we can share our experiences together!

GET IN TOUCH

- Have an inclusion for the Avalon Park Sun?

Email: info@AvalonParkSun.com

- Editorial Staff:

Publisher: Beat Kahli

Content Editor: Stephanie Lerret

Graphic & Layout Editor: Kenzie Farrish

407.658.6565

3801 Avalon Park East Blvd. #400 Orlando, FL 32828

Buying Your First Home Means Making Some Big Decisions

When you’re ready to buy your first home, you may be torn between buying a smaller starter home as your first purchase or moving into a home in an area you want to stay in and don’t have to move from in the near future.

When looking for a place to put down roots and raise your family in an area that puts families first, look at Avalon Park in Daytona Beach. Its picturesque streetscapes blend traditional commercial architectural styles to establish a town center where people conduct business and socialize.

Considerations of a Starter Home

Buying a starter home is a great way to get your foot in the door of homeownership. It can also be an easy way to build equity, as you can use the money you save from renting to pay down your mortgage more quickly. A starter home is typically less expensive than a larger, more expensive home. This means that it’s easier for you, if you are a first-time buyer, to afford and make payments on your monthly mortgage.

It will likely save you tons of money in the long run on things like heating and cooling and property taxes. You can sometimes pull enough equity from the home without having to sell it, leaving you the opportunity to use it as an investment rental property.

A disadvantage of beginning with a starter home is that you will need to move again. It’s not only about the smaller space, but often starter homes are in areas where the schools may not be as well funded as they are in neighborhoods where the homes are pricier. The amenities in areas with starter homes may be less than you might want, like fine dining, bicycle paths, and a large variety of shopping options.

Considerations of a Forever Home

Buying a forever home for your first home is a great investment. You are not just buying an asset but also making a commitment to live in that location for the foreseeable future. You can set down roots for yourself and your family. If you have children, they can grow up in the same neighborhood and attend the same school system throughout their growing years.

You can customize your forever home, too, with the kind of improvements you want for yourself and not just as an investment. Your job options are improved in an area where businesses are likely to locate, too.

Of course, the cost of buying and maintaining your forever home will be higher and you may have to pinch pennies or even work a part-time job to make the payment. Many people feel like this is an acceptable option in order to have the home they want in the neighborhood where they want to put down roots.

Obtaining a Mortgage

The mortgage industry is one of the most competitive industries in the United States. The reason for this is that there are so many different lenders who are all competing for a customer’s business. Mortgage rates, the interest rate that is charged by a lender to a borrower for borrowing funds, are typically quoted as an annual percentage rate (APR) and include the cost of credit, such as points, fees, and other charges.

You should familiarize yourself with the different rates whether you’re considering an FHA, VA, or Conventional loan. Knowing your rate can help you calculate your monthly mortgage payments. Researching what are mortgage rates today can give you current and actionable information to make an informed decision.

Protecting Your Investment

Homeowner’s insurance is important for a number of reasons. It protects you from financial loss in the event that your home is damaged or destroyed by an event not caused by you, such as a fire. It also provides coverage for your possessions in the event of theft and vandalism, as well as loss of use if you are unable to live in your home due to damage or a natural disaster.

Purchasing a home warranty policy will cover things like HVAC systems, which can cost $8,000 to $13,000 to replace, as well as your major appliances. When you do decide to purchase a warranty, look over your home inspection report in case you spot any red flags. For the cost of a home warranty, you can have peace of mind knowing you’re covered when you need it most.

Buying a home is one of the most consequential decisions you’ll make, so ensure you make that decision clear-eyed, taking into account what you want now and in the future. Consider what kind of payments you can afford by checking interest rates and protecting your investment with homeowner’s insurance and home warranty. Then, put down your roots and make your house your home.

LEARN

Boys and Girls Club Youth Letters

My name is Chris M. The Boys & Girls Club has impacted my life by giving me a place I can go to after school. If I didn’t have a place to go to after school my Mom or Grandparents would have to pick me up every day when school is let out. I come from a one parent household. My mom is a nanny and leaving her job early to get me is not an option. Not to mention my grandparents aren’t always available.

Then Boys & Girls Club has impacted my life by me being less reclusive. I barely had any contact with kids my age outside on a regular basis outside of basketball or school. However, the Boys & Girls Club changed that for me. Since now I see kids from 3:00-4:30 every day.

The Boys & Girls Club has impacted my life by showing me a cool park at the Club. The park has all sorts of cool things such as a climbing wall, slides, moving swing, and a normal swing. The basketball court is really fun too. You can practice or play basketball for fun. The dodge ball or tennis court is my favorite. You can play or even referee at the courts.

This is how the Boys & Girls Club has impacted my life.

Hello, my name is Jill Prime and I am a Jr. Staff at the Rymfire Boys and Girls Club of Volusia/Flagler Counties. I have been working with the club for about 9 months, but was a club member for about 5 years. It feels good to come back to the club, but this time as a staff member. Being this is my first job here at the club I have learned lots of things already, such as responsibility and money management skills. I am really grateful to have this opportunity from the club.

My name is RoseBella B. The Boys & Girls Club has impacted my life by when we pray for snack. I love when we pray. I love when people are kind and show worship. It is nice for me to be here. It’s good to learn the rules in Club and to do the Club Code. Here we learn how to be leaders of our Club.

Boys and Girls Club allows me to have a safe place to come after school. I have a lot of fun every day. It makes my life happy. It is not just fun but educational too. At Club they help me with my homework. We get to use computers and do a lot of educational activities.

Boys and Girls Club helps keep me out of trouble. I love the staff. They sung Happy Birthday to ME!! I love the staff because they are kind. I love when Ms. Barbara makes up activities for us and she is really kind and helpful too. The staff is always there to help us even when we don’t think we need it.

They make the days go by quick with all the indoor and outdoor activities they have planned for us. I love the staff so much. I am really lucky to be at the Harris Saxon Boys & Girls Club.

Not to mention the friends that I have from school that goes there and the friend I have made. Me and my little brother are so happy to be able to come here every day. This is how the Boys & Girls Club has impacted my life.

WORK

Avalon Park Daytona Beach is proud to be a part of the Team Volusia EDC. We ae excited to share the annual report that outlines the great things happening in our community over the past year. Read the full version here.

PLAY

Save-The-Dates for Success Week Events

Mark your calendars for this years Success Events benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia & Flagler Counties!

• Deal for Success Texas Hold’em Tournament: August 3, 2023

• Gary Yeomans Lincoln Wine & Cheese kickoff event: September 26, 2023

• VIP Meet the Pros Event at DIS: October 3, 2023

• Epson Tour Championship Pro-Am: October 4, 2023

• Epson Tour Championship: October 5 – 8, 2023

• Michelob Ultra “A Swing for Success” Golf Tournament: October 9, 2023

Join the Next Generation of Responsible Development professionals & VCARD Executive Council for a premier networking event presented by Jobalia Development Group.

Thursday, April 13 • 5:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Persimmon Hollow in Port Orange

4647 S Clyde Morris Blvd, Port Orange, FL 32129

Register Now

VCARD Golf Tournament with Title Sponsor Seminole Asphalt Paving at the beautiful and exclusive Oceanside Country Club in Ormond Beach.

MONDAY, JUNE 19, 2023

8:30 A.M. SHOTGUN START

POST-TOURNAMENT BANQUET OCEANSIDE COUNTRY CLUB, ORMOND BEACH

Register now