Author Topic: Holt District  (Read 4298 times)

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Re: Holt District
« Reply #15 on: September 11, 2012, 05:42:02 pm »
Sorry this is a week late... RL got the best of me.


Welcome to another update of Holt District!

In today's update we head into the region's largest city, Sherkston. It is a huge city, so touring it will take several updated over the next little while. Today's update focuses on some local landmarks just south of Downtown Sherkston (or also known as the Sherkston CBD.) Today's update is on the shorter side - and I apologize - but it is still an awesome one.
We take a look at government landmarks, cultural and some areas which are just really well known. So let's continue!


You may also notice a new look around here! The new banners are part of Project "UrbanGrunge" (phase 3 to be exact!) - a small plan to unify the look of the Holt District website, HD Twitter feed and Holt District updates. The Maps site was not included since it recently just went through a redesign a few weeks before this project. Though it may change down the line to match everything else.




Sherkston - The Capital of Orchidsen





7.1 | Like the entire region of Holt District, Sherkston is experiencing a large building boom. Several smaller homes around the busy avenue and existing condominum tower were torn-down in order to make way for more condominiums. Several building designs are being used here, and it is one of the few projects where 2 builders have come together for one project.







7.2 |These condos will be expensive, sitting on prime real estate. They are a short walk to the downtown core, let alone a transit ride. They are also very close to the Toyota Centre, which is fuelling rumours one building may infact be both condos and a hotel - an area where Sherkston is currently lacking.







7.3 | Like every city or town in Holt District, Sherkston does have its own small quirks or hidden gems. In Sherkston, it is the old wooden roller-coaster that sits across the street from the arena. Built in the 1930's, it still is fully functional to this day, and a ride only costs $4 - a bargain many say.







7.4 |Of course, Sherkston isn't only just play. No, it is home to many political battles. As the title of this update suggest, Sherkston is the capital of Orchidsen, a name you should recognize from HDHIP. Orchidsen is the province which Holt District is in, and this is its Procincial Government Offices and Legislature. The large office tower houses the office of the ministries, of the Premier and of the various committees which are formed. The rounded, lower-roof portion of the building is the area for government staff to meet, have lunch (it is where the cafeteria is located) but most importantly it houses the legislature, where new laws and plans including HDHIP are debated between parties. Currently the Orchidsen Liberal Party holds a majority of seats, followed by the Progressive Orchidsen Party, and lastly the New Conservative Party.

The next election will acrually be something that will be covered in this CJ - but the timeline is top-secret from you the readers, for now.  :P






7.5 |Often at night several lights are left on in the government building, either because janitors are cleaning, someone hasn't turned off their office lights or because someone is burning the midnight oil getting the new study ready for the legislature to soon consume...






7.6 |Just east of the provincial capital complex is the "midtown" section of Sherkston. The area between the suburbs of both Sherkston and Manatee, this area is home to several low/mid-rise buildings, which employ many throughout the region. The area is said to contain some great shops with very friendly employees - though the service does come with a higher price tag on most items...






7.7 |[Midtown starts getting higher the closer you get to the CBD. But if you think these are tall buildings... well you haven't seen anything yet!






That's all for today. I know the update was a bit shorter, but it still showed a lot. There is alot more to see of Sherkston, so we will likely be here again next update.
And there may be some road construction going on... [Also sorry it took a week to get here... RL happened.]





Frex_Ceafus
Thanks for continuing to follow! :D





Next Update: We will likely once again find ourselves here in Sherkston. To CBD or not to the CBD... that is the question.








[/center]

Offline cheesey

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Re: Holt District
« Reply #16 on: September 11, 2012, 05:58:35 pm »
Wow, I love it!


Offline simlink ♔

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Re: Holt District
« Reply #17 on: September 17, 2012, 07:43:42 pm »


Welcome to another update of Holt District!

In today's update, we dive right into the Sherkston CBD / Downtown Sherkston Area. This area is the hub of commercial, office and high-paying jobs in the region. It has the highest concentration of jobs and skyscrapers in the region, and it is growing. Recently, an explosive building-boom has started in the city, following a loosening of planning regulations, again permitting the construction of super-tall skyscrapers in the region.

Despite the recent explosion in building construction, there are still various different styles of buildings in the CBD, including some more historic buildings in the "very first" CBD in the region, the old Sherkston Downtown core. Now just a component of the enlargened-CBD, the historic area is still home to many jobs - from start-up internet firms to long-established retailers - the area is certainly not dead.

So let's go check out the economic engine of the region!



Downtown Sherkston - Economic Engine





8.1 | This type of scene is becoming more common in Sherkston. Not just the tall buildings, but also the towering cranes. Several massive construction projects have started in the area, and the skyline is rapidly changing.







8.2 | As the building boom begins to take off, we are brought to this area. This area is the epicentre of the last building boom, and it is clear by the large amount of glass and modern architecture of the buildings in the area. A former parking lot is currently being prepped for another large office building. A large, multi-national real estate firm is responsible for this development.








8.3 | Here you can see a mix of the various buildings in Sherkston. You can see buildings recently completed (in the last 2 years, the large blue office building was completed) to buildings completed in the 1960's with few windows. On the left of the photo you can see 2 large construction projects. Those, along with the glass plot next to the project area, were intended to be a park until a change in planning for the city redesignated it as office space.







8.4 | These 2 buildings, despite not being super sky-scrapers, are more recent to Sherkston. The beige building on the left is a large office building, housing general professional services including dentists, lawyers and notaries. To the right of the intersection; the dark, glass building was completed in 2009 and is the headquarters to the Holt District Regional Police Service (HDRPS.) Of course, no photo would be complete without construction. :P Here an abandoned factory building has been demolished and is being prepped for construction. No word on the plans for this site.






8.5 |As mentioned, not all of Sherkston is suepr-modern skyscrapers. Between the massive construction sites at the bottom of the photo and the large glass office building, you can see the historic Downtown area of Sherkston, now known as "Old Down" to locals. The area is now home to internet firms, photography studio and several antique dealers. It is known as a hip area, and apartments are among the most expensive in the entire country, let alone the region.






8.6 |As new offices and new jobs are added to the city, demand for houses continues to skyrocket. Here we see phase 1 of a 2 phase project rapidly moving along. The city is expected to receive a huge population boost from this development, in addition to others which are currently in the process of being planned. May expect a 50% increase in population by the next census, to about 200 000. Some are expecting a larger increase.The sight of cranes is becoming a common one. Those in existing condos don't sleep much these days...





And a little teaser for an upcoming mini-update, likely to occur mid-week:

"While a sea of cranes graces the Sherkston skyline, there are still symbols of the old times. The heritage of this building is a cultural symbol, and one of the most important site in the province. While skyscrapers appear around it, it remains largely the same."







cheesey
Thanks! :D






Next Update: We are going to investigate the teaser quote above, and what it is referring to








Be sure to check out information about the upcoming September 2012 Census Update!
A massive update showcasing the latest developments and changes in population for the entire region.


Click here for more information.


Offline cheesey

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Re: Holt District
« Reply #18 on: September 17, 2012, 07:46:58 pm »
really nice work as usual, although i have to say that I honestly don't like how huge the banners are, my poor internet connection really dislikes them, and they do take up a bit too much space. That probably wouldn't be a problem with faster internet though.

Now, I have to ask, did you use bump mapping?


Offline brian50

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Re: Holt District
« Reply #19 on: September 17, 2012, 08:06:42 pm »
The Holt District is quickly becoming urbanized beauty !!

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Re: Holt District
« Reply #20 on: September 23, 2012, 10:24:25 pm »


September 2012 Census Update Page
*DATE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Offline simlink ♔

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Re: Holt District
« Reply #21 on: October 10, 2012, 03:01:45 pm »
[/center]

Welcome to the HDCensus - September 2012 Edition!

It is the the update you have been waiting for! Today's update will see us explore the growth of Holt District since its launch on July 27th. Building in the region on my part was paused on September 27th, when data for the update was starting to be gathered. So exactly 2 months of growth will be covered in this update.

In this update we will be exploring a number of things: we will have a look at population growth for each municipality, major developments across the region as well as progress on HDHIP - the Holt District Highway Improvement Plan. The region has experienced tremendous growth since the launch of Holt District. The region's municipalities have sprawled, with 8 out of 9 cities experiencing growth. The one decline in population was by a mere 0.1%. So as you can see, Holt District is becoming a popular place to live. In addition to strong growth, 3 municipalities experienced tremendous growth - these 3 exceeding 100% growth!

This update is broken down into the categories as mentioned, so you won't be too lost. So sit back and relax, this is a HUGE update; the largest of this CJ's life so far.  Enough of my talking... let's get started!


Let's get started with population data!
For each city there will be: the current population, population growth/decline, and RCI population.

We start with the region:


The region has experienced massice growth thanks to the promise of increased mobility from HDHIP leading to suburban developments in the west and the region-wide condominium boom.

We begin the individual muncipalities census data with Sherkston:


Sherkston experienced massive growth thanks to the ongoing condominium boom. Demand to residential space in Sherkston has eclipsed supply, driving prices skyhigh.

Next up is Manatee, just south of Sherkston:


Manatee experienced modest growth, mostly occuring from suburban housing developments. The condominium boom has just hit Manatee, so changes from the boom will be represented in the next census.

Now we start into the towns, starting with the coastal paradise of Shorecoast:


Shorecoast, too, experienced modest growth. Most growth came from a new low-density development and small condominium complex. 

Just north from Shorecoast is the bedroom-community of Midport:


Midport is the sole municipality in Holt District to experience a population decline. No new developments have occurred in Midport, and  the minimal decline was due to shifts in the average household size.

Heading to the community south of Manatee, we arrive in Norecount:


Norecount is another municipality of modest growth, seeing the small amount of growth occurring from an extension to the main residential area in the town. Development in Norecount has lagged behind the pace of its neighbours.

Heading straight up north on Highway 40, we arrive in Dofino; just north of Sherkston:


Growth in Dofino exploded, thanks in large part to demand to live close to, but not in, Sherkston. Its small, charming downtown area is a big attraction to people looking to move to the region. Lower house prices help, as well.

And for the last of the towns, we arrive in Old Port, which certainly is no longer struggling:


Told ya! In the first municipality, of 3, which experienced more than 100% growth is Old Port. After years of neglect, Old Port is gaining a foothold as a charming place to live. A massive, master-planned community is driving growth.

We move into the large, rural portion of the region with the 2 townships. We begin with Northwest Holt:


If you though growth in Old Port was astounding, Northwest Holt may have blindsided you. :P Formerly a series of small hamlets, Northwest Holt now has a thriving suburban expansion, leading to population increasing more than 4x it was.

And last, but definitely not least, is Saltfield. Saltfield experienced the largest growth of all municipalities, even more than NW Holt...


Development encouraged by the fact HDHIP cuts straight through the municipality has lead to massive strides in development. Large tracts are being developed at once, with development of office space occurring as well.

And there we have the population growth! From -0.1% to 788.2% population growth, Holt District is growing like a weed. Current projections see the region's population soon hitting 800 000. We shall see where it goes next census...

But... we're not done yet!


Holt District didn't grow via magic! In this section we are taking a look at some of the major developments that occurred across the region.
Many of these will be explored in greater depth in future updates. :)

The condo-boom may have only just hit in Manatee, not early enough to affect its statistics for this census, but it has already exploded and is changing the landscape.


The size of the condominium boom is really astounding... the project seems to stretch on forever. When complete, it will be nearly as large of the downtown area of Manatee. This section of development is hugging an existing office building complex and power transmission lines.


In Sherkston, where the condo boom began, population growth was particularly driven by this development. Once small houses, these houses were purchased and various developers constructed large condominium buildings.


In Dofino, the building-boom has been particularly large. Large, new subdivisions have been constructed in tandem with large amounts of office space; such as this development of commercial space.


The construction of houses has also exploded in Dofino, as evident by its nearly 70% growth rate. This stretch was previously unoccupied grasslands.


Would you believe this is Old Port, especially after the gloomy economic outlook given in previous updates? After a change in fortunes, Old Port is now in the midst of a massive expansion. It is home to the first privately-developed master-planned community, which will soon start construction on phase 2...


As you also saw, Northwest Holt had a soar in population, by over 400%! Starting as a small, huble collection of Hamlets; Northwest Holt is now a booming suburban municipality, which will soon have 2 highways intersect in its midst. Here you see one of the many new suburban developments.


The condo boom has even bitten the previously rural community. Though not towering skyscrapers, the sheer umber of mid-rise buildings has led to a large population increase. Commercial development is also beginning to take off.


Meanwhile in Saltfield, massive residential expansion has led to a need for expanded infrastructure. Here you can see a 2-lane road being widened to 4 lanes, just before it intersects the future Highway 82.


And that's it for major developments! There was certainly a lot more than we saw. :) Much more will be revealed in the coming updates, which will focus on the growth and projects we saw today. And there is still a lot more to be developed...


As Holt District has increasingly become a hub of development activity, the province announced a project to expand the region's highway system. Entitled HDHIP - Holt District Highway Expansion Plan - the plan is adding 3 new highways to the region. We've seen some progress up to now, and now we will see some more.

This will likely be the last dedicated progress-update for phase 1. Soon we will see it completed. :)




Starting in Sherkston, we see the reconstruction of the Highway 40 / Highway 140 interchange. Soon it will become the 40/140/282 interchange - with highway 282 coming into the fold.





Much of the chanigng of this interchange involves the construction of new ramps to Highway 282. here we can see where highway 282 will end, splitting to highway 40 and highway 140.





As part of the reconstruction of this interchange, acceleration and deceleration ramps are being constructed due to the expected increase in traffic.





Due to the layout of many of the new highway ramps, highway 140 has been closed temporarilly. This is to allow a more expedient reconstruction of the off-ramps, which will lead to both highways; 282 and 40. An overpass was demolished to allow for the widened highway.





Here we see progress in Saltfield, an overpass for the highway being constructed.





Due to the road having to go over the highway, engineers decided to extend the overpass past the parallel road and loop it around. Residents already approve of the resign, saying it has eased the flow of traffic and made safer a once dangerous intersection.





Here we can see another overpass in Saltfield; along with the highway snaking its way through the area.





This is the first paved-section of the highway to be completed. Its curved nature is met by the approval of residents, who like the fact it has avoided cutting through the forest as much as possible.





Here we see a road parallel to the highway winding itself to the other side of the highway. This section has just been paved, and is the catalyst for the remainder of the paving job.





And that's that for the HDHIP progress report - and the entire census! I've hope you enjoyed it - they will continue to be bi-monthly or quarterly. Time will tell. :)



WILL BE DONE NEXT UPDATE :)





I sincerely hope you enjoyed this update! A lot of work went into creating the census, development review and HDHIP progress report. It was a massive update... and will lead to a number more updates exploring all the new developments that have been occurring. :)







***Sorry for any formatting errors. I'm trying a new conversion method from the WYSIWYG editor at Simtropolis to BBCode for SM and Simopsis and SC4D.

Offline Republicmaster

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Re: Holt District
« Reply #22 on: October 20, 2012, 07:46:07 pm »
I like them highways! :P

Offline simlink ♔

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Re: Holt District
« Reply #23 on: October 22, 2012, 06:22:42 pm »
Thanks, Republicmaster! There should be more in the future. :)



HOLT NEWS
OCTOBER 22, 2012 EDITION

Enjoy! :)











Offline Ceafus 88

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Re: Holt District
« Reply #24 on: October 23, 2012, 09:43:14 pm »
Awesome Updates!

Offline Republicmaster

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Re: Holt District
« Reply #25 on: October 25, 2012, 02:17:47 pm »
Nice News

Offline simlink ♔

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Re: Holt District
« Reply #26 on: November 02, 2012, 04:06:20 pm »


Welcome to another update of Holt District!
Well gee, took me long enough. After a month without a full update (the last full update being the census update), I'm back! I thank you for your patience, RL has been hitting me hard recently. It will be for a while yet, but I have time to finally post this so I may as well. :)


In today's update, we will be looking at the planned community currently under way in Old Port. When completed it will be a massive development, taking up the majority of the western portion of the municipality. Phase 1 was recently completed, with phase 2 and 3 soon expected to enter the construction phase, further growing the town. It is a catalyst for growth in the region, which is still full-steam ahead.


So let's get on with the show!






Planned Community - Old Port Depressed No More...


10.1 | Building boom may be getting old here in Holt District, but to its residents and developers it sure isn't. The region continues to experience unprecedented growth, with many wondering if Holt District is in a bubble. Analysts note, however, that the increase in development matches - and may actually be below - the increase in jobs in the region. This planned community is an example of the growth; this is the first planned community development by a single developer in the region's history.


Here you can see the residential portion of phase 1.


*Click for full resolution!




10.2 | Houses in this phase were constructed under the previous planning regulations of the region, in that the minimum lot size is 2x2, with a few exceptions permitted. The limit has been lowered to 1x1 to make development more attractive given a lack of housing in the region. No word on the developer yet if phases beyond 2 & 3 (also approved and subject to the previous regulations) plans to develop 1x1 lots.


This was the second neighbourhood to be constructed. The community is made up of several different "neighbourhoods."


*Click for full resolution!



10.3 | The current centre piece of the development is the community centre. Hosting various community events and a branch of the Old Port library, it served the development well. It is actually featured as part of the development's advertising logo.



*Click for full resolution!



10.4| Phase 1 of the development, featured in this photo, looks exactly like phase 2. Or should I say phase 2 looks like phase 1? Either way, the housing style through much of the region is consistent - and residents don't seem to mind.

The 4 lane avenue is separated from the development by a wall of trees and a physical noise wall.



*Click for full resolution!




10.5 |
Offices were also developed as part of the planned community. The master-plan includes a commercial area and "downtown" area, which has raised concerns about Old Port's current downtown. The developer has pledged to construct the community's downtown in proximity to Old Port's current one, so as to encourage them combining in the future into one distinct area.


You can also see more housing, another neighbourhood part of phase 1.




*Click for full resolution!



10.6 | Residents haven't raise many concerns about this development, until now. It is rumoured the developer is circling the waterfront for condominium development - something residents are staunchly opposed to in this area. That particular waterfront, although not designated as, functions as a community park. On warm, sunny, summer days you can see residents up and down the grass strip.





*Click for full resolution!




That's all for today. I know it wasn't super long, but I hope you enjoyed it nonetheless. I'm not sure when the next update will be, RL is being fickle right now. :P




Republicmaster
Glad you like 'em! :) They'll be more to see soon...

Frex_Ceafus
Thanks for checking them out. :D

Republicmaster
Thanks! I originally intended to do them more often... that didn't pan out. :P





Next Update: Will be a surprise. :P Look out for teasers as usual!






Offline simlink ♔

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Re: Holt District
« Reply #27 on: November 07, 2012, 06:09:48 pm »

WELCOME TO THE NOVEMBER 2012 REFERENDUM!

I have been meaning to have more participation in this MD, and have more votes on key developments. So, to hit 2 birds with one stone I created the HD November 2012 Referendum. In this referendum, you will be taking the place of the citizens of HD. You will be voting on 4 proposals - 2 infrastructure proposals, 1 development proposal and a municipality re-organization.

This is how the referendum will work:

1. Voting opens as of this post on each site HD is published. You will be able to vote in the ST CJ Section, ST CJ Forums, SC4Devotion, Simmania and Simopsis.
2. You may vote as many times as you wish, on as many sites as you wish. maximum This is for the maximum number of votes.
3. Do not double post/double comment.This will result in not only those 2 ballots becoming null and void - but ALL your votes in that section of Holt District.
4. You MUST vote for all 4 proposals. If you do not respond to one, your entire ballot will not count.

What are you voting on?
As mentioned, you are voting on 4 proposals. Proposal 1I, Proposal 2D, Proposal 3ID, Proposal 4M.
Pictures and full descriptions will appear on the "ballot" below.

Proposal 1I: Proposal to extend an avenue in the City of Sherkston.
Proposal 2D: A mixed-use, medium density, development in Manatee.
Proposal 3ID: The creation of the "Manatee-Norecount" connection. The redevelopment of the right of way with road constructed.
Proposal 4M: The re-organization of the Township of Northwest Holt and Township of Saltfield into towns. The creation of town councils for each municipality.



THE BALLOT:

Proposal 1I: Proposal to extend an avenue in the City of Sherkston.

The below diagram displays the proposed extension of Callahan Avenue in the City of Sherkston. This avenue is in the western portion of the city. The development is no part of the proposal, but rather there to illustrate future considerations.


Q: Are you in favour of Proposal 1I, the proposal to extend Callahan Avenue in the City of Sherkston?

[  ] YES
[  ] NO




Proposal 2D: A mixed-use, medium density, development in Manatee.

The below diagram illustrates the proposed development which would see the development of land between Highway 40 and existing residential development. The proposed development is 100% medium-density, allowing for medium sized residential condominums (up to 7 levels) -  and medium-density commercial development. Commercial development includes medium density retail and office space. Prohibited uses for commercial portion would include low-density retail (i.e. big-box stores).


Q: Are you in favour of Proposal 2D - the proposal of medium-density development in the area bounded by Highway 40 in the City of Manatee?

[  ] YES
[  ] NO




Proposal 3ID: The creation of the "Manatee-Norecount" connection. The redevelopment of the right of way with road constructed.

The images below outline the proposal to create the "Manatee-Norecount" connector. This would be a north-south route connecting the 2 municipalities. In Manatee the project starts at a current t-intersection. In Norecount it ends at Regional Road 43. In the below diagrams, yellow indicates the primary route of the new 4-lane avenue. The avenue would transition to 5 lanes within Norecount. White dashed lines indicate residential/side-streets that would be extended and intersect with the connector.

In Norecount, the outlined redevelopment of the remaining ROW have been proposed. There is currently no proposal for ROW development in Manatee.



Q: Are you in favour of Proposal 3ID - The construction of the "Manatee-Norecount Connector" in City of Manatee and Town of Norecount and redevelopment of the remaining ROW in the Town of Norecount?

[  ] YES
[  ] NO




Proposal 4M: The re-organization of the Township of Northwest Holt and Township of Saltfield into towns. The creation of town councils for each municipality.

This proposal is proposing the re-organization of 2 existing townships in Holt District - the Township of Northwest Holt and Township of Saltfield. These townships have seen significant growth beyond their original rural municpality standing. Management of these townships directly has lead to a strain on regional resources, and under-representation of these municipality's residents. This proposal would re-incorporated the after mentioned municipalities into Towns. Each municipality would then elect a municipal council, which would report to the region.

Under this proposal, residents of the effected municipalities would be able to enter a contest to name their re-organized municipality. Entries selected by regional council would then be put to a general vote. The winning names in each municipality would be used as their new name, and used in all incorporation documents, etc. There will also be an option for the municipalities to keep their current name (i.e. Town of Northwest Holt, Town of Saltfield)



Q: Are you in favour of Proposal 4M - the proposal to re-organize the Region's Townships into Town status, with the option of a naming contest?

[  ] YES
[  ] NO



And that is the ballot! Please note you must answer yes/no for ALL questions, or your ballot will be deemed void. ;) Also note: answered to proposals should be Yes/No only. Comments about the proposals are welcome either before or after your "ballot." :)

---

How should I respond with my "ballot"?

Any form is fine, as long as you answer yes no. The preferred method, however, is as followed:

Proposal 1I: Yes/No
Proposal 2D: Yes/No

Proposal 3DI: Yes/No
Proposal 4M: Yes/No


Do I have to answer all "yes" or all "no"?
No, not at all! Feel free to vote yes/no on any, with different combinations. You are voting on a per proposal basis. :)

When does voting stop?
Voting closes on Monday, November 12th at 6:00 PM EST.

Where can I vote, again?

-Simopsis
-Simmania
-Simtropolis CJ Forum
-Simtropolis CJ Section
-SC4Devotion




That does it for the proposals and how to vote!
This is, I think, a fun way to get everyone active and participate in this CJ!

So, with the opportunity to affect where the region goes next - VOTE! Without your participation, this isn't all that fun. :P Remember, you can vote as many times as you wish, in as many editions of HD as you wish, so long as you don't double posting. Voting will remain open until the indicated time above. At that point, voting will close and results will likely be published the next day.

Periodic updates will be given as well. :)


THANKS FOR READING- NOW MAKE YOUR VOICE COUNT!



Offline Ceafus 88

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Re: Holt District
« Reply #28 on: November 07, 2012, 09:48:27 pm »
Proposal 1I: Yes
Proposal 2D: Yes

Proposal 3DI: No
Proposal 4M: Yes

Offline simlink ♔

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Re: Holt District
« Reply #29 on: November 13, 2012, 09:39:50 pm »



WELCOME TO ANOTHER HD UPDATE!


In today's update, we will be taking a tour through the Town of Dofino, which has been experiencing massive growth since the last HD Census. With lower housing prices and land costs, people, businesses and developer's have all been flocking to the town. This "flocking" has greatly changed the look of this once small-town. With the growth in Dofino this transformation means the death of the "small-town" in Holt District. With Old Port, Dofino and Norecount all beginning to sprawl, the former small town's just simply aren't anymore.



Some argue growth is destroying the region and should be more controlled. Others say the new lax controls are appropriate. Whichever side you lay on, the census bureau has changed its estimates for this census period. Previously, at the last census the census bureau has pegged the upper expected-population at the next census (in December) to be at 700 000. They realistically estimate an increase to 625 000, saying this was the most likely population. However, today, the census released its mid-period report. [/size]It is now estimating population at the next census will top 1 000 000.
[The regional census bureau is generally fairly accurate with predictions. If this estimate is reached, it would mean a population increase of approximately 600 000 in the past 2 census periods.



Fuelling the boom is the ongoing condominum boom. With new planning regulations in place, smaller scale buildings are cropping up in massive condo communities. Today, we will look at some of those in Dofino. So on we go. :)

ALSO! Results from the HD November 2012 Referendum will be released as part of this update.





THE END OF THE SMALL TOWN: SPRAWL STRANGLES HD


11.1 | Cranes are appearing everywhere in Dofino, it would seem. Since the last census, the growth of Dofino has exploded. The pace of growth is worrisome, others just call it progress. Here we see a new office park that is partially completed.





11.2 | Many long-time Dofino residents complain that development is ruining the charming reputation of the town, turning it into just another sprawl-ridden municipality off a highway. The masses would disagree, though. The "charming" branding is what actually is drawing people to Dofino. Large companies also seek-out the municipality. SimCo Food Processors, Ltd. recently made Dofino the site of its new global HQ. The company operates out of 2 of the 3 identitcal buildings, leasing 1 out to professionals. It built the third building in anticipation of requiring more space in the future.





11.3 | Residents in some cases don't even notice cranes like these, anymore. For some, it is a painful reminder of the "march forward." These cranes are constructing medium-density condominiums. A 2BD, 1BA can be yours starting at only $278,800! :P





11.4 | Some residents are critical of recent condominum complexes. As you will see shortly, some of jam-packed with buildings. Others, like this one, take a multi-building style to their developments, and leave large expanses of park space. Residents lament the new developments, often stating "that they should all have parkspace." Sadly, this is currently not a requirement under Dofino planning regulations. This may, however, soon change.





11.5 | Developments seem to be increasing in their scale. This one, for example, when completed will be amongst the largest in Dofino. In fact, another segment of this development is under construction in neighbouring Sherkston. Phase 1 here was recently completed, with the developer waiting for tree-removal permits for phase 2 of the development. The new Dofino mega-hospital was also recently constructed.





11.6| And here is what residents of Dofino lament: the repetitive, jam-packed, condominium buildings being constructed in the north-easterly portion of town. Although the colours vary, the buildings all follow the same basic floorplan. Some call for the blocking of this style of development, mostly long-time residents. The region, however, would likely overrule. They fall within regional planning regulations...






11.7 | Not making matters better is this development. Although the building style is different, the same problem persists. Repetition. Sadly, in the "post-small town era" of HD, these developments are increasingly common. Residents are left to feel helpless as they watch their small town get swallowed up into the new Holt District Metro Area...



11.8 | To finish off is a mosaic. This mosaic shows what residents see everyday, the sprawl of their formerly small-town. The mosaic starts in the Dofino Downtown area, and heads east towards the massive condomium-sprawl developments. It is striking the differences the top and the bottom of the picture show...


Sprawl has taken its grip on the region, with the small-towns blending into one giant metro-area with Manatee and Sherkston...






HD REFERENDUM RESULTS!

You voted and made your voices heard! The HD Referendum had members voting on 4 proposals. Below are the results of the 4 proposals. But first, the vote count.


Ballots Cast: 18
Rejected Ballots: 1
Valid Votes: 17



Here are the results:



PROPOSAL 1I: PASSED




PROPOSAL 2D: PASSED




PROPOSAL 3ID: PASSED




PROPOSAL 4M: PASSED



All motions passed. You have spoken. :) You will begin to see some of these projects in action in upcoming updates.





Thanks to everyone who voted!







Thanks for coming to today's update! I hope you enjoyed the sprawl, and the passing of the small-town era in HD. Sprawl is here to stay, and boy oh boy, does it have a stronghold on the region.

Thanks also to all those who voted in the HD Referendum. :)