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January 2015
Believe in Better:
HELENA'S BETTER HOMES SECRET

Knob Hill, the Upper West and West Ridge.  That's what most people think when searching for the best new upscale homes in Helena.  But think again.  The better homes secret is right in the Aspen Park neighborhood at Mountain View Meadows.  Besides the fact that Aspen Park has stunning mountain views of both the Elkhorns and the Big Belts, Mountain View Meadows lies well above the valley floor.  Not as steep as West Ridge where the views are unmatched in Helena, but on easier to build executive size city lots in a neighborhood dedicated to high standards and gorgeous curb appeal.  Aspen Park, designed to meet the discerning needs of the over $350K buyers, includes the kind of amenities that make an upscale neighborhood feel like a gated community.  Design standards require a minimum of roof gables to enhance the look of the homes as well as a choice of steel architectural roofs or concrete tile shingled roofs which boast a 75 year warranty so that you can rest assured when it comes time to downsize -- if that time ever comes -- you won't have to worry about replacing your roof or damage from a leaky roof.  Design standards also include minimum square footage, stone on fronts of homes, timber and craftsman wood features, semi-xeriscape front yard landscaping options and main floor and lower level height requirement of 9' or more.  Add the convenience and reliability of complete city infrastructure, sidewalk access to the 2.5 mile paved Fun & Fitness Trail and close proximity to tennis , a dog park and other amenities at Mountain View Park and you'll wonder how you missed this gem when you built your last home. Located just a few miles from St. Peter's Hospital with several quick commute routes to the Capital and downtown, life couldn't be easier. When you purchase a new home in Aspen Park, you will have the confidence that your home will  grow in value and that your choice to live in Helena's better homes at Aspen Park will provide the prestige you deserve in a neighborhood like no other.

Building a Better Community

HBIA CHRISTMAS PARTY                         BENEFITS PREMIES

On Dec. 12, the Helena Building Industry Association held its annual Christmas Party (Masquerade) at the Ironfront Hotel on Last Chance Gulch.  From an ice sculpture to lighted vases, the stage was set for a festive time.  But the annual party is more than a good time.  Members donate goods for a silent auction to benefit a need in the community.  From a wheel barrel full of power tools to Frozen stuffed toys to a beautiful hand crafted wood bench to Hunting and Fishing gear, everyone could find something to bid on with proceeds from the auction going to premie twins, Rubie and Griffin, who came into this world five months early and have been in the hospital since July. Over $8,000   was raised to benefit the twins and help cover medical costs.  An honored grandpa, Jim More, stood proudly at the exit to the elevator thanking guests and showing off photos of the babies.  Whether a builder or a supporter of the building industry, everyone in attendance felt fortunate to be part of an organization that cares about its members and that works together to build a better community.

On TopicEXEMPT WELLS

In October, the Great Falls Tribune as well as other newspapers across the state ran articles to help Montanans understand the issues regarding exempt wells. Many builders and developers favor the use of exempt wells as a means to build a new home virtually on any parcel regardless of the environmental impact to rivers, underground water aquifers, and agricultural lands and despite the impact to unwary homeowners who might purchase a home with an exempt well only to discover that turning on a faucet does not guarantee water will come out.  It is estimated that in some parts of the Helena valley it takes approximately 10 acres to guarantee that a well can replenish itself to provide the water needs to service an individual home. And despite legislation to curb the practice, some groups continue to fight for exempt wells as a means to build subdivisions in sensitive areas that may not be able to support the needs of residents or that impact the water use of others.

According to the article, Montana officials were reviewing permit requirements for small water wells after a judge struck down a rule that had allowed residential subdivisions to drill multiple wells without obtaining permits. District Judge Jeffrey Sherlock said Friday that the 1993 rule violated the intent of the Legislature when it set limits on permit exemptions in the 1980's. The judge ordered the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) to come up with a new rule. The case stems from a long-running dispute over whether developers of subdivisions and other large projects have used the small-well exemption to skirt protections for water sources and the rights of other users.

Under the 1993 rule, permits have not been required for individual wells that flow less than 35 gallons per minute. There are more than 110,000 exempt wells in Montana, DNRC Director John Tubbs said. Tubbs said officials were considering an appeal or asking for a stay on Sherlock's ruling until a new rule can be put in place. He said the ruling should not immediately impact individual homeowners.

In the 1980's, state regulations required permits for multiple wells used for a single purpose or project. Those regulations were rewritten in 1993, to require permits only for those small wells that are physically connected as part of a system. In 2009, the Clark Fork Coalition and a group of ranchers petitioned the state to close what they characterized as a loophole in the permitting requirements. The petitioned was denied, and the case went to court.

While a new rule is pending, Sherlock ordered the DNRC to reinstate the earlier regulations, adopted in 1987. Those said that wells from the same development that draw water from a single source do not have to be physically connected in order to require a permit.

Benefits and Updates:
MOUNTAIN VIEW MEADOWS

1.  We were exceptionally pleased to see that the City of Helena jumped right in to clear the main thoroughfares in Mountain View Meadows when several inches of snow fell to the ground Christmas Eve. Not only were we thankful for such  a beautiful white Christmas,  but being able to get from one location to another would have been much more difficult if the City had not worked so diligently to clear the roads.  We all know how difficult it is for the road crews to cover all their bases and sometimes our little red truck with a plow can be seen clearing roads to supplement the city's efforts.  But when all is said and done, we need to thank the City for staying on top of the snow over the holidays.

2. One of the greatest benefits to city infrastructure is the reliability of services.  And if a problem arises, the ability of a professional staff to address the issues and resolve problems with the support of the general public.  City sewer and water services are as close to a guarantee as you can get that when you turn on the tap, water comes out.  And when it goes down the drain we know it is not polluting our water sources. Building subdivisions to city standards, as in Mountain View Meadows, is one more step towards protecting your rights as property owners while also protecting the rights of others.

New Homes
& City Lots for Sale

A choice of new homes to meet your lifestyle and budget are ready for move-in at Mountain View Meadows with more under construction.  Visit our Information & Sales Office at 431 S. Alice Street to tour our right-now homes, view plans to build and check out lot maps.  Have your own plan, your own builder or both?  Give us a call at 406-449-0800 to arrange a meeting.  The availability of new homes and lots is subject to change so check back often. Below is a listing of some of the new homes ready for move-in or currently under construction. 

Aspen Park at Mountain View Meadows
2946 Big Timber Loop.   

Although there are currently no move-in ready homes available in Aspen Park, check out this new executive-style home under construction.  This 5BD/3.5BA 3-story with bonus room and covered back porch will make your dreams come true.  Featuring a concrete tile roof, solid wood floors, upscale finishes and complete landscaping, this almost 3700 finished square foot home is planned for inclusion in the 2015 Parade of Homes, although this is negotiable if you decide you would like to purchase this home while under construction and prefer not to participate. For pricing information, contact Dawn Purvis, Century 21, at 439-6380.  This is your opportunity to purchase a Sierra Custom Home in a great neighborhood on a level city lot with outstanding views and community amenities.  MLS#290812.

Antelope Trace at Mountain View Meadows
567 Twilight St. $279,900

Stop by the Information & Sales office to see this new Sierra Homes 3BD/2BA plan. Just shy of 1900 Sq. Ft. plus a 1900 Sq. Ft. unfinished basement, this 3BD/2BA new home on a walkout lot will fit all your needs in style. Includes dishwater, refrigerator, oven, and microwave and features a breakfast nook/bar.  Low HOA fees of only $120 a year helps protect your investment.  MLS#290821. 

Craftsman Village at Mountain View Meadows
1521 S.F. TOWNHOME CONDO! - 2808 Twilight St.
3BD/2.5BA contemporary floor plan offers zero exterior maintenance perfect for the busy executive or modern family on the go.  Enjoy all the benefits of City of Helena services including Police & Fire Protection.  Close to the new city park with tennis, basketball, volleyball, horseshoes and a dog park and just steps from the 2.5 mile paved Fun & Fitness Trail.  A kitchen pantry, linen closet, and lots of storage space plus an attached 2-car garage keeps everything in place so you can enjoy your brand new home in style and comfort.  This 2-story plan features lots of light, maple floors and cabinets, a large master ensuite and tiled entryway. MLS#289207 $179,900.
"The Primrose" Garden Home - 2854 Twilight St.  
Under Construction: This 3BD/2BA gorgeous craftsman Sierra built home has all the features you could want including a main floor bedroom and bath, an attached 2-car garage, a laundry room, a front and side covered porch, and a fenced side yard perfect for all your favorite flowers, a family BBQ or letting the little ones or pets out to play.  At $219,900, it won't last long! MLS#290440. 

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Mountain View Meadows | 406-449-0800 | [email protected] | http://www.MVMeadows.com
431 S. Alice Street
Helena, MT 59601
In This Issue
The Best in Our
Neighborhood

CHRISTMAS/HOLIDAY DECORATING CONTEST WINNERS!

We cannot tell you how excited we were to see all the lights and decorations in the neighborhoods.  Even Aspen Park, which seldom shows too much participation in these events, joined in the fun.  There were so many more lights than last year that we had to come up with a new system.  We decided to create categories and select one home in each of those categories.  Then we ranked the top in each category based on what we thought were one through five.  Honorable mentions went to those who were next in line in their categories so that will let you know how close you were to winning so you can step up your game next year.  We added a "Grand Prize" of $150 plus second, third, fourth and fifth.  For next year, even though you can always win in your category, you cannot win the Grand Prize twice in a row.  That means, just because your category won the Grand Prize this year, doesn't mean it will win again.  Three adults and two children contributed to choosing the winners in each category.  Next year, we will put together a small neighborhood committee to help.  It's just too difficult...which is wonderful!-and we thank all of you for participating!

Categories: (Not in order of ranking)

Best Blow-ups, Most Lights/Most Decorated,  Most Unique, Elegant Traditional, & Just Because

GRAND PRIZE: MOST LIGHTS/MOST DECORATED

2782 Stacia Ave.

 2nd PLACE ($100): ELEGANT TRADITIONAL  542 Twilight

3rd PLACE ($75.00) 

BEST BLOW-UPS            2751 Ryland

4th PLACE ($50) 
MOST UNIQUE
2821 Stacia
5th PLACE ($25.00) 

           JUST BECAUSE              2868 Stacia Ave

HONORABLE MENTION: ($20 Gas Gift Card Each)

      MOST LIGHTS/MOST                      DECORATED:             2761 Stacia Ave

    ELEGANT TRADITIONAL:              2742 Ryland Ave                      2878 Alpine View           2759 Stacia Ave

           BEST BLOWUPS:             2751 Stacia Ave

             MOST UNIQUE:              2742 Stacia

             JUST BECAUSE:               2772 Favor Loop

Welcome to the
Neighborhood

BUBBA BARTLETT  - built a new home in Craftsman Village with Sierra Homes.

DON & ROBIN - Who purchased the parade home in Craftsman Village.

BARB L. - built a new Garden Home in Craftsman Village.

Congratulations! 

And Welcome to the Neighborhood!

Fun & Fitness

Keep healthy, stay warm and we'll catch you on the trail in the spring!

From Mark & Rebecca

We had a great time over the holidays entertaining friends, sharing good times with family, and attending events around town.  You may have missed seeing Britney in the office in December.  She had her tonsils removed -- seems it's a bit tough on adults, but we're happy to say she is back and ready to help you and answer your questions. Some of you asked about our 18 and a half foot Christmas Tree so we are including a photo below.  The worst part of putting up the tree, is having to take it down.  Not because it takes so much time, but because I hate to see it go.  Unfortunately, I got the flu over Christmas and haven't gotten better but even a bug can't keep the holiday spirit down.  Heading into the New Year, Mark and I want to wish all of you the best on record:  good health, good times and most of all a home filled with love and warmth of friends and family.  With those, you are the richest people on earth!  Happy New Year!

Mark & Rebecca (center) at HBIA Masquerade Party Dec. 12.  HBIA executive director Elaine Marcille shows off her leg to the right.  Great food, great people, great cause! 

Our 18 and a half foot tree.  Mark & I scouted it out, cut it and hauled it ourselves in our pick-up truck.  Thankfully Kris Baker and Scott Owens came by the next day to help lift it into its watering base.