THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, July 6, 1996 TAG: 9607040481
SECTION: REAL ESTATE WEEKLY PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY LOUKIA LOUKA, SPECIAL TO REAL ESTATE WEEKLY
LENGTH: 117 lines
Waterford Watchdog might sound like some 1960s TV show about a detective who always gets his man, but it's no act for the people who live in Waterford.
The monthly newsletter lets residents of this Chesapeake subdivision know about community news in a colorful, informative way. ``We let everyone know exactly what is going on,'' said Sherry Scott, a nine-year resident of Waterford who puts the newsletter together.
Some minor vandalism and cars traveling too fast have been problems in the past, but things have cleared up, Scott said. She credits the newsletter for keeping residents aware of things - good and bad - and for keeping residents in touch with each other.
Waterford Watchdog announces everything from meetings and security reminders to special events and congratulations.
Waterford, south of the intersection of Waters and Cedar roads, is a few minutes from the pulse of Chesapeake - the municipal center - and is connected by Pleasant Way to the community of Cheshire Forest. Even so, Waterford retains a comfortable level of seclusion in a stable, neighborly setting.
Attractive brick walls surrounded by shrubbery announce Waterford from Waters Road. The main corridor, Waterford Drive, is wide and makes an attractive entrance to the neighborhood.
North Haven Circle circumnavigates a lake. Residents in the waterfront homes say they row, paddle boat and swim in the lake, which is private. Several other streets in the community are cul-de-sacs.
According to the city's Planning Department, the first homes in Waterford were built about 10 years ago. Aerial photos of the land before it was developed appear to be farm fields.
Today, nearly 150 homes make up the community. A random look at 15 homes in Waterford shows an average assessment of $124,286.
Metro MLS, a regional multiple listing service, reports the average listing price of single-family properties sold during the first three months of this year was $123,979 and the average sold price during the same period was $121,737, making Waterford homes competitive with others for sale in Hampton Roads.
Architectural styles in Waterford are an eclectic mix of brick ranchers and two-story Colonial and Victorian styles with siding. A number of yards have treehouses and swing sets, which suggest families have young children.
Barbered lawns are the norm, with some featuring split rail or picket fences. Homes with sweeping verandas are nicely decorated with rocking chairs, potted plants and other inviting touches like Welcome signs.
Shari Bucknam, a Realtor with Re/Max Central, says Waterford houses that go on the market are usually fast sellers because lots are larger than usual, homes are affordable, it is in a prime location and there is a strong sense of community.
``It's a fabulous neighborhood,'' Bucknam said.
Sylvia Goodnough, who has lived in Waterford since late 1987, was attracted to the subdivision because the different architectural styles gave the community dimension and warmth. Another plus was the Great Bridge location.
``I like the area of Great Bridge, period,'' Goodnough said.
Sending her children to Great Bridge schools, getting into a neighborhood that was a good community for children, and the various architectural styles appealed to Amy Inge, who has lived in Waterford about five years.
Her home features many extras inside - wood trim, French doors, cathedral ceilings, a large kitchen and a finished room over the garage. At the time Inge was house hunting, the custom-built home was available. ``The house was perfect for us,'' Inge said.
The community's block security group has a strong presence in Waterford, but Scott said that one day she'd like to see a civic league form as well.
``Someday, a civic league will get born in this neighborhood,'' she said.
Diane Hurst moved to Waterford the same weekend as Scott. The two ar good friends and often work together on neighborhood projects like setting out Christmas luminary candles for each home and donating a food basket at Thanksgiving to a needy family.
``We'd like to do that (food basket) again this year if we can,'' Hurst said.
Over the years more development has occurred along the Waters Road corridor. That trend will continue.
The city's master road plan calls for the widening of Waters Road near Waterford, including the area that borders Waterford, said Bernard Whitlock, city traffic engineer.
However, Whitlock said there is no timetable or funding for the project. ILLUSTRATION: Color photos by GARY C. KNAPP
Sherry Scott and her dog enjoy their backyard pool. Scott edits the
waterford Watchdog, the neighborhood newsletter.
Diane Hurst, a nine-year resident, enjoys working on neighborhood
projects.
Map and graphic
About the neighborhood
Public schools: Pupils in kindergarten through 2nd grade are
assigned to Great Bridge Primary and pupils in grades 3 through 5
are assigned to Great Bridge Intermediate. Beginning this school
year, grades 6-8 will be at Great Bridge Middle School (the building
that served as Great Bridge Middle School South), and 9th- through
12th-graders will go to Great Bridge High School.
Shopping: There are a number of shopping areas along Battlefield
Boulevard North. For larger malls, residents say Greenbrier Mall is
a 15-minute drive and Chesapeake Square, a 20-to 25-minute drive.
Recreation: A private community lake offers swimming and boating
activities for residents; schools have recreational facilities;
Great Bridge Community Center offers activities, special events and
other programs for all ages. The center has a health room, gym, game
room, meeting room and a baseball field. Great Bridge Lock Park
offers a boat ramp, playground and picnic areas.
For Sale
At 938 North Haven Circle, a four-bedroom, 2 1/2 bathroom home was
listed for $151,900.
At 809 North Haven Circle, a four-bedroom, two-bathroom home was
listed for $136,000
At 828 Pleasant Way, a four-bedroom, 2 1/2 bathroom home was listed
for $149,000.
Sold
At 717 North Haven Circle, a four-bedroom, 2 1/2 bathroom home built
in 1994 sold for 130,000 in February.
At 916 Barrington Court, a four-bedroom, two-bathroom home built in
1990 sold for $129,000 in February. by CNB