SC4 Devotion Forum Archives

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Welcome to Holt District!

Holt District is my brand-new MD,and is also my second one. However, it is the first one I have published here at SC4Devotion. In this journal we will follow the Region of Holt District through developments - both good and bad - and the pains on motorists as roads are widened and residents + businesses as utilities are tinkered with the allow for new developments.

We will see developments go from the planning phases, through construction all the way to the end process. Likewise, those of you who know of Windemere & Taschereau also know I like road construction. That, too will be part of this MD as when an area grows, so to do the demands on its road/transit network.

Holt District will vary from Windemere & Taschereau in that instead of me adding "new" cities throughout the course of the MD, the cities I start with are it. Any new cities that come up will be result of new developments, and the bureaucratic mess that goes with it. As mentioned, we will see developments go from a plan to finished product. While this is not true for all developments - that would get boring pretty quick we will see some major developments through the entire process, and on a variety of styles. (Suburban sprawl, urban skyscrapers, business parks, etc.)

Holt District has been in development for several months, since about later March/early April. It has been a long road to this point, and those who have been following my Innocent Posts will (hopefully) be excited to be here, just as I am. Now, before I begin today's update (Yay update 1!) I will go into a bit about the MD website, map and twitter feed.  For information about the region of Holt District itself, check out the MD website!

Additional Media:
Additional media will play a very large roll in Holt District. Holt District (the MD) has a website (holtdistrict.weebly.com - link at the bottom of this post) which has some information about the region and general news that you won't generally get in an update. Sometimes a special post will be made to highlight something on the website, with feedback and discussion more than welcome here in the Holt District topic. Generally development proposals will be posted on the site, with discussion about them taking place here. The process of watching it go from plan to finished product will also take place here. It is only the "application", if you will, that is posted on the website.

Also, Holt District will have a streetmap. To be located at maps.holtdistrict.host22.com, it will be a streetmap (i.e. the elevated rail lines won't be on it.) This may change in the future as my abilities in this area improve. When this feature launches (it is currently only a welcome page) there will also be a regional transportation view available for more detail in other areas of transit - including EL-RAIL.

Lastly, Holt District Has twitter! Twitter will be used to let you know when updates will be coming out, random teasers and general "What I'm working on in the region today is..."

So with that... let's get onto the update. Again, welcome - to Holt District!



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INTRODUCTION + RETAIL 'DILEMMA'

1.1 \ Shorecoast Shopping Centre is at the cross-roads of 2 major arterial roads in Manatee. Having grown over time with 2 additions and several renovations, the mall is now home to Hecht's, Sears, JCPenney and a large multiplex movie theatre. The mall is a major draw for residents of not only Manatee, but the entire region as it is the only enclosed shopping centre in the region.

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1.2 \ Over time, the owner of the mall, Centurion Properties, Inc., developed portions of the massive parking lot into large office buildings. Several office building and even a department store exist on what was once pavement. When confronted with these proposals (over time) the city's council easily approved the developments, saying "It helps break up the pavement monster which is the Shorecoast parking lot, all while brining jobs to the area." Indeed, this building alone employs over 2 000 people.

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1.3 \ Although the mall has a diverse clientele, and wise base where it draws customers from - its biggest return visitors and spenders are those who live right around the mall. This is one of the older sections of Manatee.

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1.4 \ The food court benefits from a high school which is about a 10 minute walk away. The food court suring any of the lunches is packed - if you are a non-high school student you need to pick and choose when you go for lunch or a snack.

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1.5 \ However, not all retail is booming. This Kmart store, which has been in this location for 35 years - and expanded several times - has been loosing business to the mall since it has opened. The mid-range department stores in the mall have stolen business away from Kmart, while an out-of-town Walmart has put the nail in the coffin. Rumours of its closing have been swirling for years, though no official confirmation from the company.

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1.6 \ The only saving grace for this location is it is across the street from this minor league stadium, home to various local sports teams and the soccer and foorball teams from the highschool just down the street. Often, people will purchase snacks from Kmart, and on cool nights sales of blankets soar.

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1.7 \ Another source of customers is the casino resort, Holt Casino & Resort. It is inevitable that travellers forget something, and with Kmart in walking distance several tourists enter the store each week. While this is not a steady source of income for the store, it is better than nothing.

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1.8 \ However, Kmart's demise may now be more real than ever. Rumours are swirling that Walmart is in the process of purchasing the property from the land owner. The fact Kmart's lease is up in 11 months is doing nothing to help squash the rumour. Walmart previously tried to enter Manatee, 10 years ago, but their plan was rejected. Since this is already a retail site, chances any changes they make to the building would be approved. When their plan was rejected 10 years ago, they located 2 highway exits to the south in another town.

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1.9 \ It is becoming increasingly likely that the residents of the luscious suburbs in and around Kmart
could soon be faced with the sound of construction vehicles for months.

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That is all for today, the first update of Holt District! I hope for those who have been following its development it is everything you have been looking forward to. I am super excited about the prospects of this new MD, and I hope you will stay for the journey as things develop!


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Next Update: We will be looking at some more of suburban Manatee and may just venture into its downtown core...

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Have you seen the first development proposal yet?

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For the full description of the development, see the application on the Holt District website by clicking here. (http://holtdistrict.weebly.com/1/post/2012/07/norecrest-subdivision-application-application-m-025cen-69r.html)


What do you think of the development? Should it be passed?
Sound off below - are you for or against? You are the city council for this development!
The results will be revealed during Update 2.


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Replies will be done next update.

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Welcome to another update of Holt District!

In today's update we are still in The City of Manatee, this time looking at its downtown core and the surrounding area. Its downtown is a mix of both new and old buildings, and a mix of high-rises, mid-rise and low-rise buildings. The downtown core starts at the edge of the Shorecrest Shopping Centre to the north, working its way down to one of the major throughfares in the city. The are surrounding downtown is a mix of suburban housing, retail, parkland, office space and government buildings.

Before I get to today's update, I would also like to mention that the Holt District street map is up, but only uses the default in-game look at present. It will be upgraded and updated as time goes on. And voting has closed on the "NORECREST" subdivision... details in a few updates. :)
Okay, now we can go on to the second update...


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The Downtown Core + Cultural Park



2.1 | Manatee is not just a suburban sprawl nightmare. It does, in fact, have a large and bustling downtown core for a city of 120,000. The downtown core is where the majority of jobs in Manatee are located, though there are other concentrations of offices. In this photo we see the "core" of the core, the 4 largest buildings in the city. The empty strip of land of the top of the picture is rumoured to soon be for sale... for $10 million.

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2.2 | Just south is another area downtown - Historic Manatee. As you can see, the area is made up of several mid-rise and low-rise buildings which range from very new to protected architecture-age. The city enacted legislation several years ago that protected this area from large-scale redevelopments. In addition to offices, this area houses several residences and as such the height-limit is lower in this portion of the city. While the legislation itself is solid, redevelopment does still occur. A history housing block was torn down, and 2 new, large-scale condominium buildings are being built in its place. Estimates show that between 4000 and 6000 people with live in the new towers.

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2.3 | This is another view of "Historic Manatee." Here you can see more construction which is considered outside the downtown barrier. Since it is outside the downtown "subdivision" according to city planning guides, it is not subject to the same stringent development laws. The closest construction lot is schedules to be a complex of office buildings while the one just visible is more condominiums. The city is currently experiencing a building boom in this area, as there is easy access to everything. You can also see the Manatee Performing Arts Complex, a city-owned stage venue. Various National and local productions are put on here. Rumour has it the city is considering selling the land the parking lot sits on...

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2.4 | In this closer look of Historic Manatee, we can see some of the finer details on the older office buildings in this section of Manatee. These buildings house several web-based media companies and other various electronics companies, including games developers Lugnut Gaming. (It occupies the blue, glass building on the bottom right corner of the intersection.)

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2.5 | Of course, no downtown would be complete without construction. Here we can see a closer look and Denten Condominiums, developed by Viscal Properties, Ltd. There was strong opposistion to this proposal, since Viscal has been known for creating bland, repetitive developments. The city worked with the developed on the style of building, and eventually approved the project. Reisdents still point to the Viscal development in neighbouring city Sherkston as a reason it should not have been approved. Even with the changes made to the original proposal, some residents still complain it looks un-original and unfitting to the downtown area.

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2.6 | One of the reasons the downtown has been growing steadily is easy access - this station (Cultural Park Terminus) provides access to a portion of the northern area of Manatee, and fast access to various parts of Sherkston.

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2.7 | These are the three main office buildings in Manatee - Samsung Orchidsen HQ, MNC Tower and Rebran Tower. These towers occupy the site of the former city hall and grounds, which burnt down due to an electrical fire in the 1970's. City hall has since relocated for a second time to its current location, next to the Cultural Square Terminus Station (seen on the bottom right of the above photo.)

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2.8 | Moving away from the job and skyscraper side of downtown, we have the recently completed Cultural Square. Consisting of 2 buildings, this building is the Manatee-Centurion Concert Hall. Various orchestras play here, and is also known for hosting more intimate concerts. A group of residents to this day resent that the naming rights were sold and the facility be commercially branded. City hall's response? "If you come up with the million dollars a year they pay the city and the cancellation fee, we'll drop the name." The resident's group folded quickly after this comment.

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2.9 | The other portion of this venue is the art gallery. The city has put a strong emphasis on local art in this facility, with artists of all ages getting their artwork in this facility. Touring art exhibits also join the museum. Admission is generally free, but the travelling exhibits usually have a fee for entry, typically $5 to $10.

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2.10| And no story attatched to this image.  This is a night view of Downtown Manatee.

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That is it for today's update on Downtown Manatee. I hope you enjoyed this update and liked some of the history of the area and resident unhappiness. :P

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nbvc
Thanks - hope you liked this update as well. :)

whatevermind
Thanks, I took me a long time to develop Holt District, and to forumulate its "style." I've been mixing development styles since probably January, and work started on Holt District in March. Also, thanks for pointing the links being broken out! I fixed them - one link had a small typo and the other just plain was wrong. :P

RickD
Thanks! The streetmap is now online, though it isn't much yet. It is all mashed together as one image and only has the default game-map look. This will change as my skills improve - I am looking at various google maps-styled tutorials. :)

Your vote has been cast!

noahclem
Glad you like the suburban style - it is one of my favourite things to build. Also fixed the link. :)


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Next Update: We will be venturing outside of Manatee to one of the coastal municipalities...


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1 update, over 1000 views. Thanks everyone!

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Welcome to another update of Holt District!

Today's update may not be as flashy as the previous 2, but there is a reason for that. Today we are venturing to one of the coastal municipalities in Holt District, Old Port. The town has a long, and at times troublesome, history. The City was one of the first areas settled in what is now Holt District. It is often joked that there is a pyromaniac and their famioly residing in Old Port, as it has burned to the ground not once, not twice, but three times since it was settled in the early 1700s. The latest burning, in 1907, levelled the town completely.

So Old Port was constructed for the fourth time. And this time, it was bustling. It had a booming downtown area and, despite its name, did not have a port. But things went fishy when Old Port was folded into Holt District upon the regions formation in 1970. What was a small, beautiful town became dysfunctional. Development was haphazard, with a mega-sized office buiding being constructed in the middle of a residential area. History downtown buildings were destroyed for the parking lot of a new supermarket. Offices continued to be built, and residents suffered greatly.

One day, election day in the mid-1990s, residents had had enough, and booted the mayor and all 3 councillors out of office. The newly elected mayor promished to clean up politics in Old Port, and has been attempting (key word: attempting) to since then. But things weren't all rosey.

As the rest of Holt District expanded, Old Port contracted. Its population declined from 11 000 to the approximate 7000 it is today. Many vacant neighbourhoods were demolished, and streets torn-up and grassed-over to hide the cities troubled past.

But the new mayors plan to stop all development led to a backlash from developers who has started to eye the area, and infuriated residents. Elected on the promise of better planned development, development was eliminated all-together. Why not vote the mayor out? He has sucessfully has Old Port designated a no development zone in the region. So no mayor would be able to approve developments until the regional plan was re-opened. A consequence of this development freeze was the reconstruction of the town's only school, Port Public & Secondary School.  The mayor had sucesfully killed new development, but also killed the school reconstruction by accident.

Which brings us to today, where Old Port has remained the same for nearly 2 decades. While restrictions have been loosened to allow individual building reconstruction, development is still off limits.



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Old Port - Depressed & Stuck in the Past



3.1 | Downtown Old Port has faced its challenges over the years. As mentioned in the introduction, the town has burned to the ground 3 separate times. Even after that, those buildings constructed in the early 1900s faced several attacks from developers in the 70s-80s. One historic building was demolished and replaced with an "ugly", modernized version of what previously stood there (left of the photo.).

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3.2 | Several more historic buildings were demolished for the parking lot of this supermarket. This was the first in a long string of mis-steps which caused the previous mayor his job. Outrage was so high over the approval of this grocery store and demolition of historic buildings that the mayor requested body guards to follow him and protect his house. An empty box was left at his office, but was not meant as a threat. It was meant to symbolize the perception that the mayor didn't have a brain for allowing this development. No charges were laid.

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3.3 | The final development approved under the mayor's tenure was this office development. Outcry far surpassed the supermarket development, so much the region was said to be days away from ousting the mayor from office. He resigned only hours before the region would have made the announcement. Although this development provides employment for the area, it was criticized for being in the middle of a residential area, the expropriation of land for its development, and the design. Residents critiqued the design saying it looked exactly like the offices found in Manatee or Sherkston.


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3.4 | As mentioned in the introduction, the current mayor's (Alber Fonzworth) freezing of all development project lead to the cancellation of a badly-needed school redevelopment. Housing students in kindergarten to Grade 12, this school served the entire municipality. Due to the development laws, only the repairs necessary to keep the school from collapsing have been made. The safety of the building is a constant question of residents.

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3.5 | The biggest disappointment facing residents of Old Port is the mayors unwillingness to allow re-landscaping to occur at Port Park. Long a source of pride of the town, the park has declined in recent years as a series of storms and high-winds have downed trees, and droughts have killed off the majority on non-tree vegetation. Despite cries from residents, council has repeatedly declined to remodel the park. To add insult to injury, the council approved a cell phone tower to be placed in the upper corner of the park.

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3.6 | Despite all these problems, residential neighbourhoods like this one are still highly sought after. Waterfront property is waterfront property in many buyers eyes.

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3.7 | Vegetation remains very strong in this area, along the canals. This area is considered the most beautiful area in Old Port by the majority of residents, evident by the shimmy soccer games on weekends and various picnics.


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3.8 | While Old Port can still be considered "depressed" in terms of development, things are beginning to improve. The "absolutely no development" provisions were lifted by the region much to the outcry of Old Port council, and the delight of residents. The first house to be (re)coinstructed in nearly 2 decades is making progress.

There is feeling that in the next municipal election, sweeping changed will be had in Old Port...

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Not all coastal cities in Holt District are suffering, however. On the contrary, some are experiencing record building booms, and have been growing steadily for years. This is the latest in a string of condominium developments in a municipality south of Old Port, where we will find ourselves in update 4...

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That is it for today's update on Old Port. With development reaching a white-hot pace in Holt District, and demand (and prices) skyrocketing, Old Port like many other municipalities will never be the same...


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RickD
Thanks - I hope today's story was to your liking. I thought it might be cool to have a 'problem child' city in the region. :)
Oddly enought, packersfan's tutorial is the one I am using - though I haven't started I like how well explained everything is.


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Next Update: We will be venturing outside of Manatee to one of the coastal municipalities...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg707.imageshack.us%2Fimg707%2F876%2Fholtdistrictendtwitter.jpg&hash=4f1b72aef55b6242a2abbf5beb26b16aab51d9f4) (http://twitter.com/holtdistrict)(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg42.imageshack.us%2Fimg42%2F2158%2Fholtdistrictendmaps.jpg&hash=06c4d310d6eceabacab92e091bd26ef0dfaa36fb) (http://maps.holtdistrict.host22.com)(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg100.imageshack.us%2Fimg100%2F7986%2Fholtdistrictendsite.jpg&hash=4c268316c45c1a197175dea456b232b71f7f2f87) (http://holtdistrict.weebly.com)



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1 update, over 1000 views. Thanks everyone!

I present the first issue of "HOLT NEWS" for your enjoyment.

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Hope this tides you over until the next update. :)


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg707.imageshack.us%2Fimg707%2F876%2Fholtdistrictendtwitter.jpg&hash=4f1b72aef55b6242a2abbf5beb26b16aab51d9f4) (http://twitter.com/holtdistrict)(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg42.imageshack.us%2Fimg42%2F2158%2Fholtdistrictendmaps.jpg&hash=06c4d310d6eceabacab92e091bd26ef0dfaa36fb) (http://maps.holtsdistrict.host22.com)(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg100.imageshack.us%2Fimg100%2F7986%2Fholtdistrictendsite.jpg&hash=4c268316c45c1a197175dea456b232b71f7f2f87) (http://holtdistrict.weebly.com)

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Welcome to another update of Holt District!

In today's update we have moved south from Old Port to the town of Shorecoast. Unlike Old Port, Shorecoast is thriving and lively. Home to 70000 people, the housing market and condominium market is booming, so much so that development is not keeping up with the pace of demand. It is estimated that there are an excess of 5000 people looking to get into the property market in Shorecoast - in addition to those who have registered for new units.

And with all this development, a small CBD (the smallest of the 3 in Holt District - but by no means tiny), and a lot of awesome scenery, there is a lot to see. So much so that I have split our introduction to Shorecoast into 2 updates. In this update, we focus on the southern suburbs and southern "condominium area"  - as well as the immidiate area surrounding a new condo development for good measure. So with that, let's go have a look into Shorecoast...



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Shorecoast - Booming Development Along the Coast
Part 1 of 2





4.1 | We begin today's update, here in the southern portion of Shorecoast. Houses in this area aren't cheap. Houses which require a lot of repairs and modernization go for mid-$400 000's to low $500 000's. Houses that have already been modernized and added onto  range anywhere the mid $600 000's all the way up to $2 million - depending on the house and location. Why are house prices so high? Perhaps it is the excellent school and convenience of the library. Perhaps it is the easy commute to Downtown Sherkston, Downtown Manatee and Downtown Shorecoast, or maybe it is the fact the majority of this neighbouhood is on the water.

Or it could be the fact there is an Ikea. Yes, it is definitely because there is an Ikea. :P

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4.2 | As mentioned, a large portion of this area is surrounded by water. This little point has some very exclusive - and expensive - homes. The cheapest house to recently sell in this area sold for around $875 000.

Even the wind turbine dampens the value of the homes in this area - they are cropping up through the entire region and feature the latest in noise dampening technology.


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4.3 | Due to the nature of the land in Shorecoast - the entire city is a combination of keys and islands - bridges like this are common. And thanks to the hot property market, construction scenes like this are very common as well. Houses on the water in this development have been set at a starting price of $1 000 000.


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4.4 | When the housing property began to take off, developers quickly purchased land bordering the ocean. They developed condominiums in a pace never seen before (until recently) in the region. This development is one of my personal favourites - it is in a non-grid layout and has trees surrounding it. It is popular amongst buyers because of the smaller buildings.

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4.5 | Just above this development lies 2 identical condominium towers and a small complex of smaller buildings - the smaller complex being the first condos in the city.

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4.6 | Before we move to another area - here is the area we are currently looking at night. I thought it looked really cool thanks to the placement of the buildings.

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4.7 | Okay, now we can move on.  Here we pick up where the last update left off - the newest condominium development to pop-up. Consisting of 2 buildings, the buildings sold out within a week of becoming available. The developer is already looking to construct another development...

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4.8 | The new development is being constructed in an area already filled with a variety of condominiums, most of which have been completed within the past 4 years. While many buildings look alike, residents or town councilors have yet to complain, noting that while the town can try to get building diversity - it would be a long and expensive endeavor 

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4.9 | This is the same area, viewed from further out. Traffic may be a concern in the future as traffic levels continue to rise. You can also see another wind turbine amongst the high-rises.

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4.10 | Of course, not all of the 'islands' or keys have been developed. Some, like these, are preserved as parkland and are frequently used as recreational area by residents and tourists, despite the wind turbines.

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That's all for today - I hope you enjoyed the update! This is one of our first updates to this town, with part 2 of our introduction coming up as the next update. This is one of my favourite cities, so I hope you enjoyed it as well. :)

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RickD
Glad you liked Old Port - we will definitely be back to see the state of affairs in the town at a later date - for the best or the worst.

nbvc
Thanks a bunch! :)

noahclem
Thanks - I'm glad you liked the Old Port update especially. I figured that it may be interesting to have at least one "black swan" if you will in a thriving region. Not everything is perfect, afterall. :P


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Next Update: We will continue our exploration of Shorecoast.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg707.imageshack.us%2Fimg707%2F876%2Fholtdistrictendtwitter.jpg&hash=4f1b72aef55b6242a2abbf5beb26b16aab51d9f4) (http://twitter.com/holtdistrict)(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg42.imageshack.us%2Fimg42%2F2158%2Fholtdistrictendmaps.jpg&hash=06c4d310d6eceabacab92e091bd26ef0dfaa36fb) (http://maps.holtdistrict.host22.com)(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg100.imageshack.us%2Fimg100%2F7986%2Fholtdistrictendsite.jpg&hash=4c268316c45c1a197175dea456b232b71f7f2f87) (http://holtdistrict.weebly.com)



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Welcome to a Bonus Update!

You can consider today's update "Update 4.5" - if you will. It is not a complete update, however it will be one everyone is interested in for sure. Today I am going to show you various Regional views of Holt District! Woo - hope you're excited! And I sincerely hope these don't disappoint you and meet or exceed your expectations.  Let's get on with the show!


Regional View 1 - General Region View
This shot shows you the un-altered view of Holt District in its entirety. It is build on the map of Ft. Lauderdale, FL by blade2k5. (http://community.simtropolis.com/files/file/25219-ft-lauderdale-fl-by-blade2k5/)


Click for full resolution!
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The next regional view we're going to have a look at is the above regional view - with municipality names added. This way, you always know where we are when I say
"Today, we're in City/Town/Township XYZ"


Click for full resolution!
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(http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/k603/simLinkSC4/Holt%20District%20Regional%20View%20Update/HoltDistrict_MunicipalNames.jpg)


Oh no, we aren't done yet! In this second last regional view for today we see an "satallite" view of Holt District - we are looking directly down at Holt District.



Click for full resolution!
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And for out last regional view, a night-time regional view of the populated area of Holt District. This one I am particularly fond of.


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And now... a teaser of our next update. :)


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(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHolt%2520District%2520Regional%2520View%2520Update%2FHDInno3.jpg&hash=3277a028286753aa68dcc0e7d8d226cc3ebd229d)


That's all for today, folks! I sincerely hope the regional views didn't disappoint - and that you are looking forward to our next update.
As always, don't forget to follow me on twitter, visit the HD streetmap and website.



(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg707.imageshack.us%2Fimg707%2F876%2Fholtdistrictendtwitter.jpg&hash=4f1b72aef55b6242a2abbf5beb26b16aab51d9f4) (http://twitter.com/holtdistrict)(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg42.imageshack.us%2Fimg42%2F2158%2Fholtdistrictendmaps.jpg&hash=06c4d310d6eceabacab92e091bd26ef0dfaa36fb) (http://maps.holtdistrict.host22.com)(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg100.imageshack.us%2Fimg100%2F7986%2Fholtdistrictendsite.jpg&hash=4c268316c45c1a197175dea456b232b71f7f2f87) (http://holtdistrict.weebly.com)
Replies will be done at the next update.


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Welcome to another update of Holt District!

In today's update we are once again in the Town of Southlands. Today we focus on the northern suburban area and some of the northern condominium buildings. We also delve into the CBD/Downtown, which of the 3 on Holt District it is the smallest. The northern suburban area of the city is a very ritzy area, house prices average $900 000. Yes, that's the average. Some, many, go for much more. The reason in it is a series of peninsulas, granting waterfront property to many, or water access close by if you aren't waterfront.The condominium buildings offer some cheaper (but smaller) living space as well,
and really boost the Shorecoast skyline.

You will also notice the photo size has increased! Photos are now 1020px wide, instead of being ~750. And today's update may be the one for me to beat - it is awesome IMO.  It features my largest ever mosaic, spanning more than 3500 pixels in length. See that at the bottom. With the wider photos come a few retouches to the general appearance, as well. Nothing major.
Let's go on to today's update!

Also, before the update starts. Be sure to check out HDHIP (http://holtdistrict.weebly.com/holt-highway-expansion-plan.html) - it will play a HUGE part in the future of this MD.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHolt%2520District%2520Update%25205%2Fupdate5Banner.jpg&hash=751da33b08c6b0ee0edbc623ab73c99bfb5c1c5b)

Shorecoast - Booming Development Along the Coast
Part 2 of 2



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*Be sure to click on each photo for the fullsize.

5.1 |  Empty land. Yep, empty. Well... for now anyways. Rumour has it a developer is interested in acquiring the land and building a massive condominium complex. Whether that gets approved remains to be seen, as just months ago the Town was rumoured to be aiming to protect this land, and keep it open grassland. Talks have been slow, and with the rumoured interest, may not happen at all.

One of the most desirable developments is in the bottom right of this photo... but more on it further down.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHolt%2520District%2520Update%25205%2FHD_Shorecoast501.jpg&hash=dd0e3e9bdffc4149e201bc90c8a04ac0d30957da)




5.2 \  Here in Northern Shorecoast, houses are expansive. Like really expensive. The ones on these specific inlets list for no less than $1.5 million. Have no fear... I hear the bank is nearby.
Whether you get approved for a mortgage on one of these properties... that's a different story completely.  And whether that's what you pay, same deal. To further complicate manners, houses here don't come up for sale often. The residents here stay for long periods of time. There is usually only one listing every 2 years. This often leads to bidding-wars...

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHolt%2520District%2520Update%25205%2FHD_Shorecoast502.jpg&hash=d10feacc85f57b980a1bbdbaf8ef28bfd5831ddd)




5.3 \ Slightly further south than the above neighbourhood we arrive here, known as Islegfawn, another popular area for famlies and retirees. There are many fixer-uppers in this area, bringing the average house price down to around $675,000. Once fixed up, they can go for around $1 million, depending on the scope of work done to them.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHolt%2520District%2520Update%25205%2FHD_Shorecoast503.jpg&hash=6e4527fc2c618872de469878a6f6166369e3c1e3)




5.4 \ If you thought the above area were expensive, you haven't seen anything yet. These houses go for an average of $3 000 000 - yes $3 Million The houses on the centre island are the most expensive, average around $4 million. Prices are really that ridiculous, and change by that large amount between areas of the Town.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHolt%2520District%2520Update%25205%2FHD_Shorecoast504.jpg&hash=c6e5559218482deca49868559685315e43e4970f)




5.5 \ Those looking for a Shorecoast address who can't afford the lofty prices often look to condominiums. Unfortunately, they're hit with the same type of pricing. A 2 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom, 1500 sq.ft. condo will set you back about $550 000. If you're on an upper floor and have a great view, you'd be pushing $800 000. However, these 4 buildings are typically 20% because of their exclusive nature, and the fact they are surrounded by water on 3 sides. These are some of the most desirable condos in the entire region, not just Shorecoast.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHolt%2520District%2520Update%25205%2FHD_Shorecoast505.jpg&hash=9a38f259fe33c288adf7e6ac64ce2088db439534)




5.6 \   Now, if you need a break from sky high real-estate costs, let's go to something non-residential, the Town's CBD. Despire its size, it is the smallest of the 3 CBD's in Holt District. It employs many of the cities residents. Construction and reconstruction are very common here, as is evident by the number of new buildings.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHolt%2520District%2520Update%25205%2FHD_Shorecoast506.jpg&hash=887c6e5bf52fcfadde7e724cbd84a3418b83f1bc)




5.7 \ Here's another view of the downtown core, with the view it overlooks. Nice, huh?  While seawalls have been investigated, and the structural integrity of the land is constantly monitored, there has been no need for the expensive walls... yet.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHolt%2520District%2520Update%25205%2FHD_Shorecoast507.jpg&hash=fcb7f7d2eb519043e2f1e264e6f3f6d506b6b5f1)




5.8 \ This green building is a historic landmark in Shorecost, as it is the oldest skyscraper in the Town. It cannot be torn down and redeveloped, and renovations must adhere to strict standards.
This building is a major tourist draw, with many going to its observation deck to have a look at the surrounding view, and it is a regular stop on the building tours.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHolt%2520District%2520Update%25205%2FHD_Shorecoast508.jpg&hash=1d794ee315e51e7270345582a32fc7ae66e3bedf)




5.9 \ And for fun, a night view of the Downtown Core at night, with some of the surrounding condominium buildings.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHolt%2520District%2520Update%25205%2FHD_Shorecoast509.jpg&hash=c9bac832de2260c535041cbc4b6303747889ec17)




5.10 \ And for fun, a night view of the Downtown Core at night, with some of the surrounding condominium buildings.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHolt%2520District%2520Update%25205%2FHD_Shorecoast5101.jpg&hash=e16ab4ce3d2c1b18e6236c5fc91d27f47dac50ff)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHolt%2520District%2520Update%25205%2FHD_Shorecoast5102.jpg&hash=b37a78fca0a80de048b8293b50ece1c62ca69fc8)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHolt%2520District%2520Update%25205%2FHD_Shorecoast5103.jpg&hash=1d1bf6ac3ba1a32a699940f79aec0febf313d508)
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(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHolt%2520District%2520Update%25205%2FHD_Shorecoast5108.jpg&hash=984b2dd2b220592971cf4a55a064248df4d3d8fc)


That's all for today - If you reached the bottom of this part of the post, congratulations! Next update we will continue our exploration of the region.
Yes, there is still LOTS more to see.  ;)


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg585.imageshack.us%2Fimg585%2F9468%2Fholtdistrictendmessage.jpg&hash=7849b6cd63c4c13e721c61b39d3164593b17e695)

Next Update: We will continue to explore the existing Holt District settlements.
Be sure to checkout the completely redesigned Holt District maps website: Now featuring more than just the regional streetmap!

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg707.imageshack.us%2Fimg707%2F876%2Fholtdistrictendtwitter.jpg&hash=4f1b72aef55b6242a2abbf5beb26b16aab51d9f4) (http://twitter.com/holtdistrict)(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg42.imageshack.us%2Fimg42%2F2158%2Fholtdistrictendmaps.jpg&hash=06c4d310d6eceabacab92e091bd26ef0dfaa36fb) (http://maps.holtdistrict.host22.com)(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg100.imageshack.us%2Fimg100%2F7986%2Fholtdistrictendsite.jpg&hash=4c268316c45c1a197175dea456b232b71f7f2f87) (http://holtdistrict.weebly.com)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg528.imageshack.us%2Fimg528%2F7963%2Fsimopsis.jpg&hash=7ff7bb6776ecb85c8338897d53b59b6e5e11205a) (http://simopsis.smfnew.com)




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(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg580.imageshack.us%2Fimg580%2F9047%2Fholtdistrictmain.jpg&hash=1fac59841d407663440fa609479e9b28ec76de00)

Welcome to another update of Holt District!

In today's update we're in the small town of Dofino, population 15000. The town by first glance is not all that exciting.
Get off the highway and there isn't much. But if there is something many people have learnt in their travels, don't judge a place by its cover. With a vibrant downtown area and strong BIA - the small-town charm this town emits attracts people from accross the region to its merchants.

Although it doesn't have the stunning views Shorecoast does - it doesn't have the sky-high realestate prices, either.
We will take a look at the town - which could soon be the scene of a building boom. Let's go have a look!


As a reminder, be sure to check out HDHIP (http://holtdistrict.weebly.com/holt-highway-expansion-plan.html) - it will play a HUGE part in the future of this CJ.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2Fupdate6banner.jpg&hash=39da111bc74acb161fea55adb5ec0f0b6a3b5110)

Looks Can Be Deceiving - Welcome to Dofino!




6.1| When one pulls off Highway 40 in Dofino, they aren't greeted by much. A service centre and a giant wind turbine welcome them to town.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHDDofino_61.jpg&hash=b13aa7a805a7e697c32157798b27ad517135c7c8)




6.2| But drive a bit further, and you reach the centre of its charming downtown core. With small shops, offices and a small Piggly Wiggly grocery store, the charming core is a draw for those looking for a quiet get-away.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHDDofino_62.jpg&hash=3e417985790add1121427d16530d910139ea682e)




6.3| The shops draw people from across the region during the holiday seasons thanks to aggressive marketing by the Dofino BIA.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHDDofino_63.jpg&hash=4b92d0996241cda58feb04d49686856325458094)




6.4| Adding to the bustle of this small downtown area is the town's library - a popular spot for residents to go on a rainy, grey day thanks to the large reading area and fireplace inside. It is also a meeting space for residents, where resident associations have their weekly meetings.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHDDofino_64.jpg&hash=b8f9c78ff983c536362e46333ae098dc0a7d6363)




6.5| This is the former HQ of the former Wreshaw County - and also served as the County Courthouse. Wrenshaw merged with The Regional Municipality of Saltfield to form Holt District.

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6.6| Not everything is rosey, however. Previously lax planning laws led to the construction of these 2 stores, a Verizon Wireless outlet and Goody's outlet. The Town is working with the land owners for a possible reconstruction of the 2 properties, but nothing has come to fruition.

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6.7| The town is home to several lush suburban houses, with large properties. It is a popular area for families, as prices for houses are lower than many other cities. Due to the distance north, the average housing prices are $350 000 in this town.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHDDofino_67.jpg&hash=0c885485ac6c1dc56b8bbd87c50887c125daf8ec)




6.8| Recently the Region expanded one of the elevated rail lines north to Dofino, providing even easier access to Downtown Sherkston.


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHDDofino_68.jpg&hash=75992e4660f02ee31ad393f58b37ef306bfe804e)




6.9| The newly extended line has lead to several new housing developments in the area...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHDDofino_69.jpg&hash=f71386f47b51265e349badb821f767cef8857060)




6.10| ...and all these new houses have led to an increase in services available...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHDDofino_610.jpg&hash=1c6c20c22c581bcd11e9ca93a624d7fdd6258632)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHDDofino_6102.jpg&hash=1efcf85b21feef35911cbec0e8113f4c960cd7b0)




6.11| ...and the increase has made Dofino more attractive to house-buyers, spurring development. See a pattern emerging? :P


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHDDofino_611.jpg&hash=2bf0bce1a0a0e2ae43b2a981c2b93eaa088c7453)



hat's all for today - I hoped you enjoyed Dofino! It may not look like much from the highway, but go further away from the highway and you will discover what we did today. :)


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg42.imageshack.us%2Fimg42%2F811%2Fholtdistrictreplies.jpg&hash=349aff5b8c6c87bcc60d01409c415715969b8bed)

rooker1
Thanks for the compliments!  ;D Since I decided to publish Holt District in so many places this time around, I figured it would be cool to use FlagCounter to get an idea of where my readers are. And the mosaic is probably one of my favourite images from the region so far.

noahclem
Thank You! I wasn't so sure about the look of the satellite view, but the reviews have been good. :)
Thanks for your advice about the waves, as well. I've never noticed how ...odd... they looked until you mentioned it. I will certainly try to remember to turn them off for next time. The only problem about MMPs to make it look less rocky is what is there is as far as they'd go - the difference in height is too great for them to show up. But I'll try again.
Thanks for your continued support, it's appreciated! :)

976
Thanks - the night shots have been getting better reviews than I ever expected. ;D

Jeroentje
Thanks - it was at first but I kept playing with it and it turned out well.

Mr.Lin
Thank You!



(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg585.imageshack.us%2Fimg585%2F9468%2Fholtdistrictendmessage.jpg&hash=7849b6cd63c4c13e721c61b39d3164593b17e695)

Next Update: We will continue to explore the existing Holt District settlements.
Be sure to checkout the completely redesigned Holt District maps website: Now featuring more than just the regional streetmap!

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg707.imageshack.us%2Fimg707%2F876%2Fholtdistrictendtwitter.jpg&hash=4f1b72aef55b6242a2abbf5beb26b16aab51d9f4) (http://twitter.com/holtdistrict)(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg42.imageshack.us%2Fimg42%2F2158%2Fholtdistrictendmaps.jpg&hash=06c4d310d6eceabacab92e091bd26ef0dfaa36fb) (http://maps.holtdistrict.host22.com)(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg100.imageshack.us%2Fimg100%2F7986%2Fholtdistrictendsite.jpg&hash=4c268316c45c1a197175dea456b232b71f7f2f87) (http://holtdistrict.weebly.com)




(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs07.flagcounter.com%2Fcount%2FSwB%2Fbg_FFFFFF%2Ftxt_000000%2Fborder_CCCCCC%2Fcolumns_5%2Fmaxflags_20%2Fviewers_Holt%2BDistrict%2Flabels_0%2Fpageviews_1%2Fflags_0%2F&hash=6c6534531cd6abc570f2844992042870aeb5b35c)

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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.



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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.


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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.


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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.


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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

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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...

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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...

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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!


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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.]


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RickD
Glad you caught up. Shorecoast definitely has some very nice areas... exceeded my own expectations from the getgo. :D HDHIP will also lead to some interesting developments... should definitely change the region drastically.

Terring7
Thank You!! I have been looking for something like that for a while... those should be useful. :)



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


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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!


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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.


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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.



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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.


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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.

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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.

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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...

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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."




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RickD
The Toyota Centre in one of my favourite arenas... and the UN Building is spectacular... so it is no wonder it is one of your favourites! It's a funny story, I had downloaded it and forgot I had, so it didn't make its way into any of my cities until this one, and even then not until the 6th version of the tile (this version)! Glad you liked it. :)

FrankU
Thank you for your kind words! This being my second MD (first time publishing here) I wanted to add something besides pictures to it, so I thought the website and twitter feed would be a cool thing to do. And I'm glad you like the story. There are some updates where I would rather just post pictures as it would be easy, but I think they add a depth that I will delay an update until I have the storyline I want for it. So I am glad you are fond of them. :)

I also like the idea of describing the formation of the canals... it has given me an interesting idea for an update. That will come along at some point down the road, once I have done some research and plugged away at it. So thank you! ;D



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


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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. (http://holtdistrict.weebly.com/hd-september-2012-census.html)

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September 2012 Census Update Page (http://holtdistrict.weebly.com/hd-september-2012-census.html)
*DATE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

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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!

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We start with the region:

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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.

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.

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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.

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

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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...

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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In the excitement of setting up and posting the HDCensus update, I realized I forgot an important part: the updated region view! Today we see what Holt District now looks like, with some hefty changes that have occured since the last region view was taken.

We also get a peek at what will be shown in Update 10...

Here it is - the updated region view! You can see clear expansions in rural Holt District, along with development in Old Port, Dofino and new condos in Manatee and Sherkston.

Also visible is Highway 82 and Highway 282 under construction. This region view was taken the day before the census was posted, and have since made substantial progress.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHD_OCT10_TEASER1_zpsc2540ea4.jpg&hash=69b0ccae8ee3b289d3760f24e4b643b2a860fc2b) (http://"http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/k603/simLinkSC4/HD_OCT10_TEASER3_REGIONVIEWFULL_PNGversion_zps9cf29139.png")

Have a look at what we will be exploring in Update 10... "ytinummoc dennalp"

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(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg525.imageshack.us%2Fimg525%2F9959%2Fhdtwitter.jpg&hash=743283e9bf3044aed8c79b97856043506b44d92a) (http://"http://twitter.com/holtdistrict")(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg109.imageshack.us%2Fimg109%2F1816%2Fhdmaps.jpg&hash=0e867417846c7f04d09691105cb819a908869e3c) (http://"http://maps.holtdistrict.host22.com/")(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg21.imageshack.us%2Fimg21%2F9621%2Fhdwebsite.jpg&hash=03a534f8707cddc40fc6456cfe8df29cf833f4e8) (http://"http://holtdistrict.weebly.com/")(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg833.imageshack.us%2Fimg833%2F1160%2Fhdsimopsisforums.jpg&hash=cc01c48c15d5da88c0f6ffac98a916cb559247cc) (http://"http://simopsis.smfnew.com/")


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Enjoy! :)

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(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg525.imageshack.us%2Fimg525%2F9959%2Fhdtwitter.jpg&hash=743283e9bf3044aed8c79b97856043506b44d92a) (http://"http://twitter.com/holtdistrict")(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg109.imageshack.us%2Fimg109%2F1816%2Fhdmaps.jpg&hash=0e867417846c7f04d09691105cb819a908869e3c) (http://"http://maps.holtdistrict.host22.com/")(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg21.imageshack.us%2Fimg21%2F9621%2Fhdwebsite.jpg&hash=03a534f8707cddc40fc6456cfe8df29cf833f4e8) (http://"http://holtdistrict.weebly.com/")(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg833.imageshack.us%2Fimg833%2F1160%2Fhdsimopsisforums.jpg&hash=cc01c48c15d5da88c0f6ffac98a916cb559247cc) (http://"http://simopsis.smfnew.com/")


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10.5 |











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Swordmaster
Thanks for stopping by. :) Old Port's W2W area could see some improvement/changes soon thanks to new developments. Also glad you like the freeway's and website. :)

RickD
Not so nice area's are definitely important - but when expansion is as rampant as it is in HD, bad areas tend to disappear. :P

noahclem
Thanks! We'll soon see how phase 1 now looks with it being completed. Heavy usage in some areas already. Also glad you like the census update.

vortex
Thanks - I try to add a bit of humour but not too much. Glad it was able to give someone a chuckle. :)

FrankU
Thanks! ;D I haven't had much time to work on it recently, which is why updates are coming out slower. But enough has been done since the census to show off a few interesting things, and to look at some of the projects mentioned in the census. ;)

It looks like there may be a leak in the HD Regional Offices...


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What could this be? What could it mean? And most importantly... what does it mean for the future of Holt District?


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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.

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.

As mentioned, you are voting on 4 proposals. Proposal 1I, Proposal 2D, Proposal 3ID, Proposal 4M.

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 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.

[  ] YES

[  ] NO

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).

[  ] YES

[  ] NO

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.

[  ] YES

[  ] NO

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)

[  ] 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." :)

---

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

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

Voting closes on Monday, November 12th at 6:00 PM EST.

-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. :)

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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.

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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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...

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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...

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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...

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

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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.

Here are the results:

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

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sunv123
Thanks, glad you like the mix. Hopefully the (on purpose) repetition also suited your fancy. :)

RickD
Thanks! I had done something like that in a non-MD region, and it only made its way into an MD of mine now. :P Given the increasing traffic level on the road, a widening may soon be in order...

noahclem
Thanks, there will be another newsletter coming up in the next few weeks. :)

art128
Thanks, glad you liked them. ;D

sunv123
Municipal mergers are never fun, and often don't produced the desired results. However, the motion passed anyways. We shall see how this turns out. :)

jmyers2043
Well, some people really love to vote, so I made voting unlimited. :P Nobody across any HD version took up that option, though. Oh well, haha.

RickD
That one is definitely not snarled, however this was to counteract expected future growth. HD Regional Gov't (surprisingly) tries to plan ahead. :P It is also to make access to the upper portion of those developments easier, since currently access is fairly limited.

Swordmaster
Hehe, timing is everything.  :D Obstructionist is okay, but they all passed anyways. :P Thanks for voting!

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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. :)

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In Holt District, residents look up at the ever-changing skyline in awe almost daily. It seems like every day a new crane has popped up, soon to be followed by a building. Nowhere is this more evident than the area surrounding Downtown Sherkston. As demand for residential space and commercial space has boomed, so has the skyline in Sherkston. Downtown Sherkston is getting bigger, both in terms of buildings in size and the physical area it covers. Demand for space in the area is red hot, and developers continue to try to keep pace with demand.

The population of Sherkston is booming, something we will look at in the December census. Things are dramatically different. There is so much to see that our tour of the drastically different Sherkston will be split into 2 updates... though part of that is also SC4 continuing to cause me problems. :P

So onward to part 1 of 2. :)

Also, hope you like the new banners!

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12.1 | The morning sun is rising and so another day begins in the region. Within minutes the sound of jackhammers, cement trucks and other construction will fill the air. We are looking at one of the few pieces near Downtown Sherkston along Highway 40 to remain undeveloped. But don't get used to it - a condominium development was recently approved for the site.

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12.2 | As the day continues we find ourselved just north of that empty piece of land. This what the future holds for that land. This former greenfield site has been developed as high-priced condominiums. Looking over the highway, you'd think prices would take a hit. On the contrary, these condos are expensive due to the proximity to downtown, the Toyota Centre and the elevated rail system.

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12.3 | As mentioned, development has gotten red-hot in Sherkston. Areas surrounding the downtown core are some of the most desirably, as evident by the amount of new buildings under construction... and the sheer number of cranes littering the skyline.

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12.4 | The elevated rail system, which for a long time went unused, has seen increased importance as development increases. As the roads become increasingly clogged, residents are finally turning to public transit. The region is actually evaluating expanding the system. There is, of course, construction in this photo as well. These future condominiums will contributed to the already double-digit percentage growth the city has seen since the last census.

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12.5 | Not all projects are high-class, however. These condominiums which are in the mid-price range for Sherkston may not be the fanciest condos ever, or in the nicest-looking complexe ever, however they were filled within 2 weeks of going on the market. Signs show that the market will not soon slow down, which has some worried. However, as analysts point out, household debt to income ratio is at an all time low in the region, as is household debt in general.

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12.6 | Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of development is thinking about what an area looked like before construction. This photo showcasing a new mega-complex of condos, a hotel complex and office buildings was not too long ago just a grass field with a "FOR SALE" sign. Look at it now... this scene is playing out across the city and the region.

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Thanks for your comments! Residential areas are one of my favourite things to work on in SC4... so many possibilities. And the RHW will definitely make an appearance again soon. ;D

The easier option to seceding is to move... you'll get a great price for your property! :P But sprawl is definitely having an impact ...and it's only the beginning...

Hehe... live and learn. Results are final. :) Yea, my arwa is experiencing a boom too... soo many houses/townhouses/condos. Construction everywhere. :P

Glad you liked it. I've personally seen one house town down and be replaced with something like 6-10 houses. It's crazy, but that's what happens when land in an in-demand area happens. It's crazy.
Some of those residents did indeed buy into the suburban dream... houses come from somewhere. Someone was probably upset when Dofino grew even slightly, nevermind now.:P

Hope you enjoyed the update and are looking forward to part 2. ;D

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#BOLDNEWHD --- IT'S COMING

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Well, RL has finally decided to calm down a enough for me to be once again able to play SimCity and get to publishing full Holt District updates. I thank everyone for your patience during the update drought, and I'm glad you all enjoyed the teasers. But enough of reviewing, let's get on with the show! Today's update is a continuation of update 12 - examining some major changes in the Sherkston CBD area. Development has really taken off, so much so I still haven't showcased everything. But, we'll get back to it eventually, there's lots to see in the rest of the region. :)

So let's go see the ever-changing skyline of Sherkston...

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13.1 | Picking up where we left off - this complex has transformed the area. The terrain around the area was raised for its construction, creating a distinct new office/hotel area near the interchange of highways 82 and 182.

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13.2 | A further out view of the area, one can see how much development in the area has transformed the skyline. The city council is plotting what to do with the empty grass surrounding the area.

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13.3 | Moving from the outskirts to the heart of the CBD, the changes continue. Equity Tower is a new addition to the skyline, housing Bank Orchidsen's new HQ. It is the building with a diamond glass pattern on the edge of the building.

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13.4 | The "heart" of the CBD is growing outwards towards Highway 182. The Sherkston Complexe, as it is currently known, is a 2-tower office complex housing nearly 20,000 workers. The naming rights are currently going through a bidding process with the developer, and the winner should be announced soon.

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13.5 | Accross town, the same developer constructed 2 other towers of a simmilar design. This complex, the OrCable Centre, was completed at the same time. This complex also houses around 20 000 workers. These 2 developments alone have created further strain on the housing market, which can't keep up with the pace of demand...

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13.6 | Elsewhere, Hogan Companies, Ltd. - a large franchise operator - was recently completed. The pink marble/brick building towers in the CBD, filling in a previously paved over lot. The lot was at once time a parking lot, but sold to a developer 10 years ago.

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13.7 | ...and to finish off a large swath the heart of Sherkston's CBD. This is the first time a view this large of Sherkston has been provided. Don't expect this view to stay the same for long... developers are salivating at the thought of developing upwards in many areas around the CBD, and possibly developing the Toyota Centre's parking lot...

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The economy shows no signs of slowing down, so no recession... for now anyways. ;) Hope you enjoyed even more skyscrapers today!

It certainly would.  :D No yard, best to go to the community centre to play. :P

Thanks, glad you liked it!

Thank You! My website is currently under construction, I am hoping to have the new version out before Christmas. Hope you enjoyed today's update. :)

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Today's update takes a look at what's happening throughout Holt District in the rush leading up to Christmas Day. We visit several cities and examine the lives of what is currently happening amongst many Holt District families. Let's go take a look at the holiday festivities...

Also, before we begin, I'm happy to announce Holt District is now an award winning MD! Over at Simmania (http://simmania.darkbb.com), Holt District won the Simmania People's Choice Award for "Best Developer Diary". I would like to take the time to thank all users who nominated Holt District for this prestigious award over at SM. :)

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14.1 | 'Twas 2 nights before Christmas... and all through the region, not a creature was stirring .. okay... that's a lie. Let's start from the beginning, shall we? 'Twas 2 nights before Christmas, and all through Holt District, the malls they were packed, the lines they were long. Residents everywhere were busy purchasing, things from toys and clothing to maybe even a diamond ring.

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14.2 | The malls they were busy, but not just them. For you see, the sims needed food too. The Walmarts and the Sobeys' busy they were, as sims hurried for the cocoa that was forgotten. Eggs they were popular, for the Christmas baking, and forgotten often did it seem they were.

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14.3 | All the children lying in bed were they. Excitement was building as Santa neared. Some hoped for snow, a White Christmas indeed. Rare is it though, for snow in Holt District.

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14.4 | Especially joyous were some. Many residents, you see, were celebrating their first Holidays' in Holt District. This neighbourhood, filled it is, with residents anew.

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14.5 | With the holidays arriving, winter break did begin. School students on vacation for 2 weeks they were. Some were filled with glee, not because of the holidays, but the break from the grind of education.

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14.6 | Adults in bliss, were they. For since Christmas falls on a Tuesday, Monday the offices are closed. And many offices offered Wednesday off as well, for productivity was skyrocketing. An extra-long break, for the adults it is. Offices like this will be silent for days.

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14.7 | Into the city, we head. Sherkston is bustling with an influx of people. At the Toyota Centre, Christmas concert does it blast. The Holt Orchestra and other bands play, serenading the crows with a mix of modern and traditional.

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14.8  ...and while many drop from a long day of shopping, partying are many more at the Annual Christmas party. Laughter and finger foods fill the room, as do a few drunken fools... perhaps the eggnog was a little less nog than the previous year.

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14.9 | The parties continued into the wee hours of the morning. Many left early, dreading more shopping at the last-minute. Many others partied all night long, forgetting to go home...

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Stay tuned for the parking lot redevelopment... ;D

​Thanks, glad you think so. :)

​Thank You! When constructing this region pre-launch it took 6 tries to get this tile right. :P

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Teaser Time!
This was supposed to be a full update, but SC4 decided instead is was "Crash as often as possible, making playing nearly impossible!" time. So, here's a picture of an area that I've been working on that will be featured in the next full update... hope you don't mind the wait. :)

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WELCOME TO THE FIRST HD OSITM UPDATE!

I am honoured to be here in the Of Special Interest This Month forum! I never expected to make it here, so it is super exciting for me. To celebrate I have several high-profile updates planned for the entire month, as well of some regular updates thrown in for good measure. Among them will be the December 2012 Census (which I know is ironic since it will be in January, however this follows the quarterly census pattern ;)) as well as the launching and announcement of BoldNewHD. I am going to try and post as much as possible, but I'm not sure if I will be able to do daily photos like some others. Oh RL. :P In addition many updates will feature OSITM-exclusive content that will be seen on none of the other Holt District publications.

So, let's get on with this show! Today's update takes place in Midport. During the last census period (January-September) Midport was being the only municipality in Holt District to have a population decline. Albeit it was only 0.1%. Since then, though, Midport has been booming. Today we take a look at Midport before and during the current boom. By now, I'm sure you're bored of my blabbing, so let's finally get to the pictures.  ;D


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHDupdate15%2FHD_UPDATE15BANNER_zps5846c97b.jpg&hash=c97ace37cf03240de67e420e54d55aa404848535)

Midport Rising



15.1 | Midport has long lagged in development, more recently is became the least booming municipality in the region after the boom started in Old Port. It is quite mysterious to outsiders why this area hasn't been developed yet. But to locals...

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHDupdate15%2FHD_MIDPORT151_zps5bbd4efe.jpg&hash=c0c6fb97ae55c8ef4ca9046fb24e71c670d274d0)




15.2 | ...locals know why the waterfront remained undeveloped. This stretch of the waterfront also remains undeveloped. Despite the massive traffic carrying capabilities, this area is deserted. The town council of Midport has long blocked the majority of any proposed developments. This came after the election of a different mayor and several new conucillors, who were staunchly against development despite campaigning on responsible development. To them, obviously, responsible was none at all...

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15.3 | The previous council to the current anti-development was very much in favour of development. Development ran rampant, increasing population from 5000 to over 30000. The elevated rail lines were extended by the region at the request of Midport council to allow for a future midrise development. This never panned out, and so today this station sits in the middle of nowhere...

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15.4 | One of the reasons citizens voted for a council of responsible-developmet candidates was this development. Constructed without public consultation, it was the last straw for many.

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15.5 | But recently, changes have started. A new council was elected - no candidate was reelected. Residents saw the writing on the wall - with BoldNewHD scheduled to come into effect, more planning power is given to the region. While municipalities still have the say in which developments go through or not the planning regulations have dramatically changed. Rather than fight this plan, which many former candidates proposed, the elected candidates campaigned on controlling the look of developments and creating a cohesive waterfront - the area likely to be targeted. That option won out, and development has since boomed. This development was recently completed...

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHDupdate15%2FHD_MIDPORT155_zps85e77d3c.jpg&hash=646ccd0c1f1ced9bfe14b9d15961033d52b4783f)




15.6 | While the development is reminiscent of the large condo project just to the south, the buildings are more attractive and the development kept a significant portion of trees along the oceanfront.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHDupdate15%2FHD_MIDPORT156_zps2870651a.jpg&hash=a22357ce63ea272c892b93e3dad8f68940c05fb9)




15.7 | The development also worked around the small natural ponds of the area, as opposed to back filling them for more housing.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHDupdate15%2FHD_MIDPORT157_zps895a9dd9.jpg&hash=589794e6a4c29d67a6825fb33024265dda5bd41e)




15.8 | The above development is not the only recent addition to Midport. Curved, a 3-tower development, has taken the centre stage of the developing Midport Skyline. It is expected to be the centre of the new oceanfront condo/commercial zone of Midport.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHDupdate15%2FHD_MIDPORT158_zps35623468.jpg&hash=045f78ffc3e7047704d088b9c874bc279933b157)




15.9 | Near Curved this construction site again protects trees along the watefront. This area, deemed Port Shops, will house several high-class retailers and local shops alike. It is expected to, for the first time, draw tourists to Midport.

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15.10 | Perhaps the most dramatic change to Midport will occur with the development of Baytide Condominiums. To be comprised of 4 massive towers, the development will blockout the ocean view to many, but provide a pristine view to many more. A 1 bedroom unit will set you back upwards of $700 000 - and that's not facing the ocean.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHDupdate15%2FHD_MIDPORT1510_zps85c94a69.jpg&hash=06a643b9c0ccf73c6a9ceedebb2b186e2f2a94e1)




15.11 | Lastly, to finish with a bang, this stunning (IMO :)) night view of the Curved Condominium development and some of the surrounding area.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHDupdate15%2FHD_MIDPORT1511_zps5f7c9640.jpg&hash=5ee91f8c71487945a94fde1c5d9d9c02ad60109d)

---

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But wait, there's more!

As part of Holt District's stay in OSITM this January I will be posting SC4Devotion exclusive content. In addition to the epic updates I have planned for all publications, this one will get some extra love for the love it has gotten.  ;D

Today's OSITM Exclusive content takes the form of 2 mock-advertisements that you would see for developments right in Midport. I thought they would be something cool and unique to share, and I hope you enjoy them!

This one is for the under-construction "BAYTIDE" development. Watch out! These units are priced to sell, even with such a high price... the mid $700000's and those aren't even the prices for an ocean view...

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHDupdate15%2FHD_MIDPORT1512_zpsa9ba65f2.jpg&hash=95716be74eb6dbb4a19b371266f35f853bcefc3f)




This next one is for the development featured at the beginning of this update. A little more affordable, though still not a steal. :P

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHDupdate15%2FHD_MIDPORT1513_zps5af08da9.jpg&hash=b9b1f88dfe70aedd7a067f363db2edd7cbdcb3d1)



That's it for today! I hope you've enjoyed today's update and the OSITM exclusive content! Until next time! :D



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Swordmaster
Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed them. I hope you had a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year as well. :)

sunv123
I did, thank you. I hope you did as well. Your suggestion has been noted and the City of Manatee is considering placing a giant Santa on city hall next year. ;D

Dantes
Thanks - I am glad you think so. Your cities are amazing as well. ;D

noahclem
Hope you had a Merry Christmas as well. I assume there isn't much snow in Florida right now, it'd be all over the news. :P Despite being on a Florida map, Holt District's climate is more like the southern portions of Canada during a warm winter, or the West Coast/Vancouver area. :)

Jmouse
Thanks you! It is certainly being an honour being in the OSITM section - I hope everyone has as much fun this month as I do. ;D

M4346
Thank you very much! It took me a long time to develop my style so I'm glad you enjoy it and like the level of detail. :)


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Stay tuned for more OSITM exclusives as well as the Holt District December 2012 (appearing in Jan '13 :P) Census and BoldNewHD announcement, all coming soon!

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg62%2F9959%2Fhdtwitter.jpg&hash=3b295f7825efcefede361d2f023d5451f68562ce) (http://twitter.com/holtdistrict) (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg27%2F1816%2Fhdmaps.jpg&hash=c46851ddcc62d6b19be45a9a803750a7960764c0) (http://maps.holtdistrict.host22.com) (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg811%2F9621%2Fhdwebsite.jpg&hash=2b292b4cd5319a2a96cec45be3a601031458cedf)
(http://holtdistrict.weebly.com)

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(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg99%2F5103%2Fositmexclusiveholtdistr.jpg&hash=a97afb9418d465c234b60c266e3f8a86bbabe8e4)

Hey look, an OSITM exclusive broadcast!


Today I bring you more OSITM exclusive content! Today consists of a single image showcasing an undeveloped industrial area in Manatee. While an image like this may not be all the exciting, the story that comes with it makes it a little more intriguing. So. What's the big idea with industry? Well, for those of you who can remember back to the last region census, industry made up next to nil of the workforce in Holt District. Commerce was domniated by the commercial sector - from telecomm to finance to professional services - not many people were employed by technology firms or manufacturing companies. And thanks to less than stellar farming land, there is 0 agriculture in the region.

Industry just hasn't developed in the region because the government hasn't allowed it to. But that all has changed (obviously :P)... thanks to new planning. The record now defines industry as manufacturing and technological production and development. Think advanced manufacturing facilities and offices for tech firms like Microsoft, Google, etc. Essentially, it disallows heavy polluting industry (or the equivalent to ID in SC4). But why the change? What's it a part of? And where the heck is the image I promised?!


Oh. Here it is.  $%Grinno$%
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All I can say is... well not much of anything. You'll just have to wait and see. Though, I suppose I could say...
#BOLDNEWHD



Hope you enjoyed today's OSITM exclusive update! I'm going to try and take a different approach for them, showing behind the scenes work. And make them somewhat humurous. Somewhat. :P



(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg62%2F9959%2Fhdtwitter.jpg&hash=3b295f7825efcefede361d2f023d5451f68562ce) (http://twitter.com/holtdistrict) (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg27%2F1816%2Fhdmaps.jpg&hash=c46851ddcc62d6b19be45a9a803750a7960764c0) (http://maps.holtdistrict.host22.com) (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg811%2F9621%2Fhdwebsite.jpg&hash=2b292b4cd5319a2a96cec45be3a601031458cedf)
(http://holtdistrict.weebly.com)
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(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fboldnewhd.weebly.com%2Fuploads%2F1%2F1%2F6%2F7%2F11674203%2F1351120579.png&hash=52a1b1c3ad53d25848f5f36e31da7ed55bf1b344)

A bold new plan to develop a bold new Holt District.

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BoldNewHD will create a massive change in Holt District. Every possible thing that can be changed will ultimately be. Planning and development. Transit. Jobs and recreation. Healthcare and education. Entertainment and shopping. Everything is going to change. The sleepy region Holt District started as when this MD began will be swallowed up. It is becoming a world-class region. By the time all the aims of this project are completed, the region will have been transformed into a modern metropolis. The region is already booming, with developments popping up seemingly daily. Some are well thought out, others are not. Some planning guidelines are fuzzy, leading to mis-matching areas.

With this plan, a major aim to develop the region cohesively and introduce new landmarks which will draw people, professionals, scholars and tourists alike to the region. With this plan, development will be accelerated and embrace to keep up with the massive demand. The plan will for the first time open industrial development to the region. But most important, it will try to create cohesive "zones" that make logical sense. In essence, to control sprawl. While the region will undoubtedly sprawl, this plan will control it as much as possible into logical layouts.

As you can see, the plan covers 8 major areas of focus: transit, entertainment, development, shopping, education, healthcare, recreation and jobs. Below an outline of each focus area is given below. For the full descriptions visit the plans site: http://boldnewhd.weebly.com

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FOCUS AREAS:

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TRANSIT:
The strength of any region is based upon its' transportation system. As Holt District grows, we need to ensure our network of roads, highways and public transportation meets the needs of our growing region. The previously announced HDHIP project is a start, increasing access to the western and southern portions of the region. But we need to keep going. A region-wide public transit system needs to be developed. The efficiency of the highways need to be continuously evaluated. Local roads need to be widened and maintained so transportation within the region moves as fast as possible.

For more information on transit visit: http://boldnewhd.weebly.com/transit.html

---

ENTERTAINMENT:
The creation of new entertainment venues will help draw tourists to Holt District and expand our already growing tourist industry. The expansion of the tourist industry will lead to the creation of thousands of permanent positions, plus thousands more in construction. This includes the construction of a large-format arena, multi-purpose arena. A world-class golf course is on the docket to bring avid golfers and pro-tournaments to the region. The region is also in negotiations to sell a plot of land to a theme park operator for the creation of the first amusement park in any of the 5 regions nearest Holt District.

For more information about entertainment, visit: http://boldnewhd.weebly.com/entertainment.html

---

DEVELOPMENT:
Creating a cohesive regional layout is imperative. Having everything residents need nearby, placing residential in attractive areas and developing industry near major transportation corridors is imperative. Without these basic principals the region would enter into chaos. Demand in the region is so high that even the current pace is not keeping up with demand. So this plan increases the rate of development while also controlling it. There will be more residential development. To keep up with commercial office demand, a new CBD will be founded. The density of many new developments will also increase. In order to keep the character of the region, some developments will be built in the current density style.

For more information on development visit: http://boldnewhd.weebly.com/development.html

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SHOPPING:
This plan aims to attract new retailers to Holt District through the opening of land for retail development. The plan comprises of several different types of development, including urban shopping destinations, expanded mall space and develop more convenience-based retailing for the region's permanent residents. The main aims of this segment include the construction of the 1000000+ sq.ft. Plaza Mall, The Sherkston Shopping District and expanding the overall retail footprint of the area.

For more information on shopping visit: http://boldnewhd.weebly.com/shopping.html

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EDUCATION:
The paramount of advancing a region is its education. As such the region aims to improve public education through facility expansions and renovation, training programs for teachers and new programs for students. The region is also evaluating lobbying for a satellite campus for a post-secondary education institute, or the establishment of a new university all together.

For more information on education visit: http://boldnewhd.weebly.com/education.html

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HEALTHCARE:
The Holt District Regional Government intends to make sure the health care system in the region continue to provide residents with the services required. The region together with the province is working toward the construction of new healthcare facilities, expansion of existing facilities and bringing new treatment centers to the region through the province's public health care system. The Region will maintain its already high-level of health care service.

For more information on healthcare visit: http://boldnewhd.weebly.com/healthcare.html

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RECREATION:
The region will keep the good times rolling for the region's residents! Without recreation services the region would not be able to attract residents that are driving all other sectors of the economy. The region intends to expand parkland, construct new sports complexes and construct new indoor arenas.

For more information on recreation visit: http://boldnewhd.weebly.com/recreation.html

---

JOBS:
The region will continue to attract employment to the region through low taxes, available space and tax breaks to certain industries. The region will also for the first time allow the construction of industrial zones to attract greater number of companies and new residents.

For more information on jobs visit: http://boldnewhd.weebly.com/jobs.html

---

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Whew, that was a lot of text! As you can see the region will become dramatically different than it currently is. Just about everything will be changed, and no section of land will be the same by the time this project has wrapped up. I look forward over the coming months to share with you projects will fall under this plan, and show you the BOLDNEWHD!


Again, this post was only a summary. For full information visit:
boldnewhd.weebly.com (http://boldnewhd.weebly.com)

There is a lot of awesome information on the site, so I really strongly encourage you to check it out!





(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2Fboldnewhdbanner_zpsd92cab8a.png&hash=514321a545d5e1c8f39d12f1190a7b04df2f1c08)
Look for #BOLDNEWHD on twitter




(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg62%2F9959%2Fhdtwitter.jpg&hash=3b295f7825efcefede361d2f023d5451f68562ce) (http://twitter.com/holtdistrict) (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg27%2F1816%2Fhdmaps.jpg&hash=c46851ddcc62d6b19be45a9a803750a7960764c0) (http://maps.holtdistrict.host22.com) (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg811%2F9621%2Fhdwebsite.jpg&hash=2b292b4cd5319a2a96cec45be3a601031458cedf)
(http://holtdistrict.weebly.com)
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Replies next update!

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It's Teaser Time!

As I begin to prepare the December 2012 Census for publication I have for you more teasers! I wanted a full update, but with all the work that goes into the census a teaser is what I wound up with instead. But trust me, it's worth it. :) So today we are in an unknown location of the region, looking at something that has risen due to the new planning guidelines set out by BoldNewHD. Let's have a looksee at what could possibly going on...


Teaser 1: Believe it or not, we're in the middle of an industrial park. This man made pond was one of the requirements set out by BoldNewHD, that within industrial developments should be beautification. While some don't understand it, others appreciate the fact that some land in the industry-designated zones is occupied by nature.

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Teaser 2: With the massive influx of jobs thanks to a rapidly expanding industrial sector comes an increase in residents. Here we see a brand new neighbourhood with brand new houses, brand new Jr. and Sr. high schools and brand new communications towers... the theme really here is "new, new, new." That theme is playing out across the region, which you will soon see in the census.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHD_jan072013teaser2_zps29250cfd.jpg&hash=0d43615758f917181fe758dd1dbbdf8a9c0c30e8)



Stay tuned for the December 2012 Census results... the region has had another quarter of stellar growth.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fholtdistrict.weebly.com%2Fuploads%2F1%2F1%2F6%2F7%2F11674203%2F9827318_orig.jpg&hash=ac136cf65b34cd9908b1e5e9d08b39fc48923d77)


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg62%2F9959%2Fhdtwitter.jpg&hash=3b295f7825efcefede361d2f023d5451f68562ce) (http://twitter.com/holtdistrict) (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg27%2F1816%2Fhdmaps.jpg&hash=c46851ddcc62d6b19be45a9a803750a7960764c0) (http://maps.holtdistrict.host22.com) (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg811%2F9621%2Fhdwebsite.jpg&hash=2b292b4cd5319a2a96cec45be3a601031458cedf)
(http://holtdistrict.weebly.com)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs07.flagcounter.com%2Fcount%2FSwB%2Fbg_FFFFFF%2Ftxt_000000%2Fborder_CCCCCC%2Fcolumns_5%2Fmaxflags_20%2Fviewers_Holt%2BDistrict%2Flabels_0%2Fpageviews_1%2Fflags_0%2F.jpg&hash=e5efe5460a8fcc7021dbf8735f113033a403ce78)

Check out the newly remodelled HD Official Website at holtdistrict.weebly.com (http://holtdistrict.weebly.com)!

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg99%2F5103%2Fositmexclusiveholtdistr.jpg&hash=a97afb9418d465c234b60c266e3f8a86bbabe8e4)

Could this be a sign of things to come?
#BOLDNEWHD will lead to many massive, new projects through the region. This is just the first of many.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHD_jan102013teaser1_zps6ab748ba.jpg&hash=2509fd552b25119e2f41cbea9ca0974ca825bb45)


Stay tuned for more...
#BOLDNEWHD

Stay tuned for the December 2012 Census results... the region has had another quarter of stellar growth.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fholtdistrict.weebly.com%2Fuploads%2F1%2F1%2F6%2F7%2F11674203%2F9827318_orig.jpg&hash=ac136cf65b34cd9908b1e5e9d08b39fc48923d77)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg62%2F9959%2Fhdtwitter.jpg&hash=3b295f7825efcefede361d2f023d5451f68562ce) (http://twitter.com/holtdistrict) (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg27%2F1816%2Fhdmaps.jpg&hash=c46851ddcc62d6b19be45a9a803750a7960764c0) (http://maps.holtdistrict.host22.com) (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg811%2F9621%2Fhdwebsite.jpg&hash=2b292b4cd5319a2a96cec45be3a601031458cedf)
(http://holtdistrict.weebly.com)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs07.flagcounter.com%2Fcount%2FSwB%2Fbg_FFFFFF%2Ftxt_000000%2Fborder_CCCCCC%2Fcolumns_5%2Fmaxflags_20%2Fviewers_Holt%2BDistrict%2Flabels_0%2Fpageviews_1%2Fflags_0%2F.jpg&hash=e5efe5460a8fcc7021dbf8735f113033a403ce78)

Check out the newly remodelled HD Official Website at holtdistrict.weebly.com (http://holtdistrict.weebly.com)!

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg580%2F4410%2Fositmjan2013holtdistric.jpg&hash=0b46214414410878d0dab1599119f4200256c94a)

Well, this is a little embarrassing  I originally intended to be publishing the census right now, but I suppose I was a little scatterbrained yesterday. To make a long story short, I'm away from my computer that has SC4 on it this weekend, so I grabbed all the pictures and stats needed for the census update prep and publication and put them on a USB. Of course, I forgot to bring that USB stick with me. So... the census update has had to be delayed to January 15. Hopefully I actually get it up. So, enjoy this pretty image advertising the delayed census.

Any guesses to which city this is? First correct guess (across all 5 versions) may just get a cool prize. Maybe. :P

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHD-Dec2012Census-Announce_zps096a1943.jpg&hash=3f11a597359ccdb5da4d53e0780922a6ee5edb7d)


To make up for the delay, I'm finally doing applies. :P
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg15%2F5034%2Fhdreplies.jpg&hash=a5ca0e0cd096472eda2d508c6fa5c7f99f5875e7)

nbvc
Thanks, it's quite an honour. Glad you like the construction areas! ;D

M4346
I like capturing some smaller details, including messy politics. It was quite a mess in the area. Booming is fun, you should see the region as a whole. ;D
The Crestview sales centre staff are waiting for your arrival!

rooker1
Thanks, I hope you are enjoying OSITM here in HD! Not quite as many updates as I originally hoped for, but RL comes first. Still doing pretty well, I think. The census should be fun. ;D

M4346
I personally have hated industrial developments in SC4 as well, which is why next to no industry developed in the region. Thanks to TWreck's mod, it makes industry a little more bearable.
In the update to come after the census I am planning on looking at some industry, but I have a bug to fix first. Hope you will like them! :)

samerton
Thanks sam, I hope you've been enjoying OSITM as much as I have! ;D

art128
Thanks! It's been fun so far. :) Glad you like the seaside residences, I was extremely happy with the area.

sunv123
Thanks! As for the industry: more sprawl! A recession is becoming less and less likely in the area, and a crash in development for that matter.

Swordmaster
Thanks! I've noticed more people posting here. SC4D version of HD has always lagged compared to its other versions (it is actually has the 2nd lowest amount of comments of the 5 versions) - but more people and number of comments have increased in general.

The sound barriers were more so to make the view of residences and motorists on the highway better. :P Glad you think I'm out of the box... I've tried to bring something different to the table.

ecoba
Thanks, I aim for realism so thanks! ;D I'm hoping it comes off as realistic. Not as realistic as I hoped (that area has since been developed) - but it still looks pretty good to me I hope you like it as well. And I did the same thing with industry in the corner. :P

M4346
Thanks! I am trying to make this as different from my previous (not published here) MD, and I am known for planning (I won a trixie for it last year... ;D) - so I thought why not have a comprehensive plan. I hope you like where it takes the region and the MD. :)

noahclem
Thanks - it's super exciting to be here! I hope your expectations are being met thus far!!

vortex
Thanks! No worries about lurking, you've commented now so all is forgotten. :P The BoldNewHD plan is actually already approved and beginning to take effect. I'm glad you like my planning so far, and I hope you continue to enjoy it!

sunv123
I hope you will have time to read it in the future. :) A recession is a long way off looking at the current economy, and plus because I said so. :P Though I won't rule it out completely for some time in the future...

Dantes
Thanks! I hope you like the developed-ness of the area when we look at it in the future. :)

RickD
No worries, everyone gets caught up in RL, other things, etc. :) Glad you like the new developments!

M4346
Hoep you like the census when it comes out - it should prove to be interesting! :)

RepublicMaster
Thanks!

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg62%2F9959%2Fhdtwitter.jpg&hash=3b295f7825efcefede361d2f023d5451f68562ce) (http://twitter.com/holtdistrict) (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg27%2F1816%2Fhdmaps.jpg&hash=c46851ddcc62d6b19be45a9a803750a7960764c0) (http://maps.holtdistrict.host22.com) (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg811%2F9621%2Fhdwebsite.jpg&hash=2b292b4cd5319a2a96cec45be3a601031458cedf)
(http://holtdistrict.weebly.com)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs07.flagcounter.com%2Fcount%2FSwB%2Fbg_FFFFFF%2Ftxt_000000%2Fborder_CCCCCC%2Fcolumns_5%2Fmaxflags_20%2Fviewers_Holt%2BDistrict%2Flabels_0%2Fpageviews_1%2Fflags_0%2F.jpg&hash=e5efe5460a8fcc7021dbf8735f113033a403ce78)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHD_dec2012censusbanner_zpsd579a411.png&hash=e78c82db10c79c29927300679cd667104e26b96a)

WELCOME TO THE DECEMBER 2012 CENSUS IN HD!

The moment is finally here! After several delays (unintentional and intentional) the December 2012 Census in HD is here! Although yes, it is January, this is the December census as this alligns with the census schedule. A census will be done quarterly (every 3 months) - meaning they occur at the end of March, June, September and December. 2012's December census was delayed in part because of OSITM and in part because of RL and forgetting a USB stick on my part. But enough blabbering about what the census is, and more info about this quarter's census.

Q4 in Holt District was a quarter of significant growth. If you thought the last census showed significant growth, be prepared to be astonished this time! Thanks to relaxed planning regulations, super high demand and other various factors (including BOLDNEWHD) growth has taken off in Holt District. A condo boom continues through many of the major cities in the region, and sprawl is making inroads in the western portion of the region. Holt District is becoming a leading region in Orchidsen (the province it resides in) and could soon be considered a world-class place to live and work. While residential growth has been astounding, so had the increase in the number of jobs. The commercial sector continues to dominate commerce in the region, however industrial sector is picking up steam thanks to new designated industrial development areas throughout the region. Of course with massive growth comes some people who are unhappy, the "traditionalists" so to speak - those who want development to stop. But they are few and far between. As the region continues to boom there are still no signs of a bubble - supply is still well-below demand, jobs are keeping up and although prices are continuing to rise, they are not rising at a worrying pace.

So let's go on and take a look at population figures and something many may be waiting for - an updated region view. Note that unlike the last census update, this update does not have a "major development" section - there are so many that instead regular updates will continue to show off new developments. :)


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHD_dec2012_populationdatabanner_zpse6eea75f.png&hash=3426d95a95be6ee07dada61f35222721b9331789)



We begin with the overall region population. Holt District's growth has been astonishing this quarter thanks to a region-wide construction boom. How astonishing was growth? Just scroll down... the number may surprise you. Remember, last census period the population was below 485 000...

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHD_dec2012_regionpopulation_zps6ffcb39c.jpg&hash=6810c8d94206c341a387d1e31d9c1241298737c6)

As you can see, these new projects have really driven growth. And also take note: this data is real-time quarters. As in from September 29, 2012 to data retrieval day. Not SimCity time.



The first of the municipalities brings us to The City of Sherkston:

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHD_dec2012_sherkston_zps8f6f0f96.jpg&hash=ea397158354073bfbc26f27f4ccff15884fa507c)

The ongoing condo boom in the city continued, fuelled by the influx of jobs to the city.



Next we arrive in the City of Manatee which has experienced its own boom along with Sherkston...

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHD_dec2012_manatee_zpsdb00336c.jpg&hash=a144ba8468785b834f2a6b4293104fd00ffe0f42)

Jobs growth, along with residents choosing to live in quieter Manatee over Sherkston fuelled a 30% population gain.



We arrive in the first of Holt District's towns, heading north to The Town of Dofino. Dofino was the biggest %gainer this census period.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHD_dec2012_dofino_zps36725a13.jpg&hash=742ea68c5071f4478e37ce20540b7e5deda01b1d)

It's proximity to Sherkston and low land costs fuelled an over 300% swell in population.



Next we find us in Shorecoast. Shorecoast was the slowest grower this quarter.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHD_dec2012_shorecoast_zpsfb9ebb63.jpg&hash=a6f8196a7d37304b524bc33f0cc8219861dce7d5)

Waterfront development was focused in Midport, which meant slower growth in Shorecoast this census period.



We move west to the Town of Kuhan, formerly The Township of Northwest Holt.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHD_dec2012_kuhan_zpsb7a46939.jpg&hash=73ba86e4f120d12fd71e71d6afbafb085196d1fa)

Suburban sprawl continue this census period, lifting Kuhan to one of the largest municipalities in the region.



This picture should look fammilar. Nobody correctly guessed this as Norecount, Manatee's southern neighbour.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHD_dec2012_norecount_zpsb6764590.jpg&hash=ff2834b607975e93f729860d0774826592684997)

Industrial expansion in the town, along with increased jobs available in Manatee, fuelled growth in this once sleepy town.



After being the only municipality with a population decrease last census period, Midport is now booming.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHD_dec2012_midport_zpsa87b9de9.jpg&hash=b79a06edb46d9cb00f01267250380fb38c350885)

Waterfront development has lifted Midport's population, almost doubling it in the most recent quarter.



The Township of Saltfield continues to boom, and will soon be reincorporated as a town...

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHD_dec2012_saltfield_zps102dfc9b.jpg&hash=0d85c30ac1ca42d3f1fff291dfb40412d6881d6b)

Suburban sprawl and suburban condominiums have lifted Saltfield's population. Industrial development is also on the rise.



We arrive now to Old Port, our last community to look at.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHD_dec2012_oldport_zps4bcab251.jpg&hash=58415ab5a482cdad1602b3446a94aa2f41f2c332)

Old Port's population was lifted by the ongoing expansion of the large planned community in the town.



For reference, here is the population data as you would have seen it during the September 2012 Census:


Holt District (Entire Region): 489 483 539
Sherkston: 151 690
Manatee: 119 330
Shorecoast: 74 783
Midport: 33 103
Norecount: 18 044
Dofino: 26 824
Old Port: 17 331
Northwest Holt (Now Kuhan): 20 565
Saltfield: 21 869
Just a bit different, eh?


And that does it for population figures! As you can see, this has been another stellar quarter of growth in Holt District!



(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHD_dec2012_regionviewbanner_zps6bca5f49.png&hash=6cfaec5d033d2674e50ee82776766cd4d113cbf0)
REGION VIEW TIME!

This first region view is the current look of the region, as of the collection of data. The region has significantly filled in and as you will notice, we've yet to see alot of what has developed. Development in the west has taken off, as has it in the north (Dofino). Also note the increased density of Sherkston's CBD.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHD_dec2012_currentregionview_zps2c2beeed.jpg&hash=ac65d7b319230ae2886650e038421405e53a233a)



For reference, here is Holt District's region view at the time of the last census (in late September) - a very big difference.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHD_dec2012_regionviewold_zpsbf01f4ba.jpg&hash=fe3ae6459de42e9178113c4df23de36f28ce9133)



AND THAT DOES IT FOR THE DECEMBER 2012 CENSUS IN HD!
Thanks to everyone for your patience in its delay. I hope you enjoyed it, and enjoyed a little more detail into what the population is doing in Holt District! Be on the lookout for the next census, which is scheduled to happen at the end of March! Will it be another quarter of stellar growth? Stay tuned...


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg15%2F5034%2Fhdreplies.jpg&hash=a5ca0e0cd096472eda2d508c6fa5c7f99f5875e7)

bat
Thanks - glad you thought the updates were wonderful! ;D

noahclem
No worries - nobody correctly guessed. It was sort of ambiguous. Congratulations also for getting reply #100! ;D



(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg62%2F9959%2Fhdtwitter.jpg&hash=3b295f7825efcefede361d2f023d5451f68562ce) (http://twitter.com/holtdistrict) (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg27%2F1816%2Fhdmaps.jpg&hash=c46851ddcc62d6b19be45a9a803750a7960764c0) (http://maps.holtdistrict.host22.com) (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg811%2F9621%2Fhdwebsite.jpg&hash=2b292b4cd5319a2a96cec45be3a601031458cedf)
(http://holtdistrict.weebly.com)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs07.flagcounter.com%2Fcount%2FSwB%2Fbg_FFFFFF%2Ftxt_000000%2Fborder_CCCCCC%2Fcolumns_5%2Fmaxflags_20%2Fviewers_Holt%2BDistrict%2Flabels_0%2Fpageviews_1%2Fflags_0%2F.jpg&hash=e5efe5460a8fcc7021dbf8735f113033a403ce78)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg99%2F5103%2Fositmexclusiveholtdistr.jpg&hash=a97afb9418d465c234b60c266e3f8a86bbabe8e4)

An OSITM Exclusive: WIP Showcase


In my MD it's not often you see anything in production. From graphic work to cities to plans/ads, etc. you usually only see the finished product. So I can't think of a better time than during OSITM to show you something from behind the scenes. Usually anything that makes its way into HD is in planning and development for months. BoldNewHD? Planning and work on it began in November. It wasn't fully revealed until January. Banner remakes? Those take at least 2-3 weeks and go through several versions. Not everything makes its way into, or remains a part of, HD (development proposals like the one from week #1 of this MD haven't occured regularly as I wasn't happy with how I managed it). The census, for exmaple, was published only after version 4 in terms of layout, presentation and graphics (this is for the September census. The December census and ensuing ones will use the same layout for now). A concerted effort has been made to make everything have a semi-consistent look. This is why the same font is often used in multiple ways.

So, where does that lead to today? Well, after being inspired by a colour block with a random quote on it that appeared from one of my friends on Facebook I thought something like that would be cool in HD. So, I began thinking "what's missing in Holt District?" Answer: A tourism agency. So I have begun work on tourism ads and a tourism agency. Like other projects, you won't see this "officially" launch for some time - it may never get past here. And if it does launch, it could look completely different than it does now. That's just my little disclaimer. :) How they will be used is currently unknown - one thought is they implemented within updates, and updates themselves go through a massive change. But that's for me to develop and you to see or not to see. So without further adieu, here is part of what I've been working on:

---

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The "tourism HD" logo. This is version 1 of the logo. It is for now known as tourism HD, but could be renamed before (possible) the official launch.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FTOURISMHD_LOGO_zpsef0dce34.jpg&hash=daf592dd6ccc348865aeedecba5fb67ed9bba975)

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This "this is HD" logo would be used in businesses, on transportation, by education institutes to promote Holt District. Various colours would be used to represent different fields such as entertainment, sporting events, transit, educational institutes, retail, accommodations, eating establishments, etc.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2Fthisishd_zpse10e65fc.jpg&hash=733688a2797ba91a325d1a8453eb80cf24374060)

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These 2 logos would take the form as billboard advertisements, ads in media such as newspapers, magazines, etc. The first is promoting tourism in Holt District by highlighting shopping. This would appear in travel magazines and newspapers during the high travelling season. The one on the right is promoting moving to Holt District by highlighting abundant jobs and entertainment options. It is meant to give the impression that in Holt District you work hard but can equally or more so play hard. This would appear in housing magazines and in the real estate sections of newspapers.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FTOURISMHD_shopping_zps21698986.jpg&hash=404cafd932f46cc4dfce70648b923b6e225b9ecf)   (https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FTOURISMHD_employmentandfun_zpsc9cfbaa7.jpg&hash=b17c1367dd5737f4235f7df02ec7e2c9041abfcc)


And that's all for now. :) As I mentioned, these are only a work in progress. If you do eventually see these in Holt District they are likely to have gone through several changes by the time they launch. There is also the possibility this project will be scrapped all together. Despite all of these disclaimers, I hope you enjoyed today's OSITM-exclusive update and the inside look to what goes on behind-the-scenes in Holt District.


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(http://holtdistrict.weebly.com)
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"WHEN IT RAINS, IT POURS..."
TEASER



It's looking a little bit wet outside in Holt District today.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHD_teaserJan201_zps8ae1e541.jpg&hash=1fc24c1944600992f134d0b371893476414812cb)



Maybe I'll take my boat to work today...
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHD_teaserJan202_zps5d901755.jpg&hash=2be53111658f2d66266ca0a8d531aeb64c6dfdac)


That's it for today. Replies next update.

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Many have wondered how Holt District can always be happy. Today is the answer: it isn't.




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Replies next update.



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Darkness is not something that will disappear quickly, it seems...

Note: this is a very plot-laden update. The pictures only play a small role, so I encourage you to read the storyline...



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My heart was pounding in my ear. My palms were sweaty. I could feel the nervous twitch in my eyebrow - it happens everytime I am scared. I can't believe I'm doing this. What have I gotten myself into? But something just didn't feel right about that aid meeting yesterday. The deputy commisioner of the region looked off - he was smirking. It was very... sinister. Maybe he just has acid reflux, but something just didn't seem right.

I see it. The light. I'm almost at the vent opening to his office. I can hear voices coming from outside the office. I better be quiet.
I  hear the door opening.

"We can talk here."
It was the deputy regional councillor, Alexi Samson.

"Well, we've found a loophole in our insurance policy. As you know, the majority of tornado victims are insured with us. We instituted policy changes that came into effect the day before the tornado hit which states we no longer cover tornado damage. Most customers are none the wiser. We alerted them 4 weeks in advance of the changes, as per our legal requirement. However, none of our affected clients purchased the upgrade package that includes tornado damage. It has a low penetration in the region overall, about 5% of clients hold it."
I'm not sure who that is. I can't quite see. I wiggle closer to the grate to look out. It is the CEO of Simsurance Holt, Ltd., the largest insurer in the region. His name is Robert Revenue.

"So are you saying the victims aren't covered?" chymed Samson.
Revenue replied with a simple "Yes."

Samson seemed unclear. "Okay. So when the victims find out, we offer to buy their properties, correct? Since they don't have the funds, in theory, to rebuild, they will have to sell? And then we turn over the properties to you Julia?"

He was speaking to Julia Harshrode, the founder of Callinca Homes. They're a recent entry to the housing market in Holt District. She always seemed really nice.
"Yes, exactly. Once we have control of the land, we will increase the density of homes in the affected areas. To make us look good, we'll offer the victims a home at a reduced rate, say about 50% of cost. We'll still end up ahead in the end."

I had never heard of such vile things. This continued for what seemed like hours as I listened on in horror. I couldn't believe their plan. In essence, they're taking advantage of a loop hole in insurance policies. The region would look good for offering distressed home owners an out, the home builder would look good by offering cheaper residences while taking over their former homes, and the insurance company gets a fat cheque from both parties. And all 3 of them will pocket large sums of money from this deal. It was the most vile thing I'd ever heard.

Eventually, the meeting ended. They exchange pleasantries. However, before leaving, the councillor Samson spoke "It was nice meeting all of you. And I look forward to working with you."
He chuckled.
"Before I leave for the night, I must check my air vent. It heard the distinct sound of a rat making itself at home."

My blood ran cold. I can't be caught... what... what would they do to me? I certainly can't help them. I began to back up slowly. Thankfully Samson was a very short man, and would need to grab his step ladder to reach the vent near the ceiling I was hiding in.

I managed to avoid being seen the entire way out of the Regional Headquarters Building.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2Fdarknessisrising18%2FHD_181_darknessisrising_zps48ceb526.jpg&hash=0f7c03f0bea78a34b161a554a9cebb320a9d0fa0)





I now found myself in downtown Sherkston. My head was spinning... had I really just heard what I did? How could any humanbeing take advantage of another in such an evil, vile manner? I was beginning to feel sick. The ground was spinning, the bright lights twirling.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2Fdarknessisrising18%2FHD_182_darknessisrising_zps1f0dff1d.jpg&hash=e505499f70e294bded32eeff408a6ca50e093042)





I began to feel even sicker. How could any person, ANYONE, take advantage of the people who had everything taken away from them? WHO'S RUNNING THIS PALCE?!

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2Fdarknessisrising18%2FHD_183_darknessisrising_zpsd1533383.jpg&hash=d80a0e34aff4f504a64795e329bc9f75a439458b)


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I have to do something.... but what?! What can I possibly do? Wait a second...
I realized the Regional Police Force's HQ was just down the street from here.
Should I rat?
What kind of power do those people have, what kind of connections?
No.
I have to go. I have to do this.
I began walking to the police building, recording in hand.
This must not go any further. It has to end here...

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHD_186_darknessisrising_zpse0d16c11.jpg&hash=562f27f2e3231bcda621053d2811123013087e1b)


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If you haven't already seen it, click the photo below to see my OSITM interview with threestooges. It was an honour to do, and you may get some insight into how HD is formed. :)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FositmINTERVIEW_zps1040c66d.png&hash=ab66662fd5fa734f5341aa5d13203a30a613410c) (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=15246.msg447852#msg447852)

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Something is happening in Holt District, and our mystery character is finding out the consequences of getting in the way...



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Welcome to the OSITM Finale here in Holt District!

It's been an awesome month, and I was honoured to have resided the start of 2013 here in OSITM. I hope you enjoyed the regular updates, OSITM exclusive and my interview with threestooges as much as I did. It's been a fantastic month, and I thank you the people of SC4D for visiting. I hope you'll continue to follow along as Holt District moves to its new permanent home in the Best Sellers section starting tomorrow. :) But for now I am happy to present to you one final OSITM exclusive update, the finale update. We'll be taking a random look at some night shots of Manatee on this final night of OSITM.

Enjoy!


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Once again, everyone, I was really happy to spend the month here in OSITM. To whoever enters OSITM for February, have a good time! It's a blast and an honour and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. To readers, once again, thanks for your ongoing support of Holt District. See you in February! :)


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4 new massive projects have been approved in 4 locations. As to what they are, and where they are, you will have to wait and see. But for now, you do get to see the sites themselved. Any guesses as to what each one is, and where each site is? Props if you can figure all 4 out - not all of them have been previously mentioned.


Project 1:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2Fhdfeb7teaser_1_zpsc136083f.jpg&hash=eb392a2bfe0ea4e357c230c25a248ac58cd11fe2)



Project 2:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2Fhdfeb7teaser_2_zps5acb5b9b.jpg&hash=10f145a4159658d56aa90c6a19931ea25b4c2dbe)



Project 3:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2Fhdfeb7teaser_3_zps5c54ed8a.jpg&hash=61699b07bc610117ad6aa4e61d61b525cbac105f)



Project 4:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2Fhdfeb7teaser_4_zps51c5c43b.jpg&hash=7137bba012628fc21e65d9cc53508eff9a96797f)

What and where could these projects be? Stay tuned to find out...
and if you have any guesses, feel free to take a stab at where/what all 4 are. If you can do it, props!


On a side note, sorry for the lack of activity here recently. RL has kept me busy, as has helping to launch a new look for Simmania, one of the sites Holt District is published on. Coding, designing and everything that goes into making a new website look has kept me busy, as has studying, eating and you know, sleeping. :P

Replies (hopefully) this weekend!

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boldnewhd.weebly.com (http://boldnewhd.weebly.com)


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Darkness continues to swirl through HD - and beyond...

Our mystery character is a whistle blower. He alerted the HDRPS about the corruption and plan hatched by the insurer, vice regional chair and developer. And then, only a few days later, he suffered a blackout during an announcement where the vice-chair was present. Could these events be related? Find out right now...

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19.1 | I began to slowly wake up... I heard door shutting. The doors of the mysterious van I was in swung open and the cold air flooded in. We certainly weren't in Holt District anymore, it was snowing. It almost never snows in Holt District. The masked people grabbed me and I saw where they were taking me - a delapitated looking house that seemed to be surrounded by a swamp. It was cold out and was snowing heavily.

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19.2 | The area was definitely a swamp land - and it looked fairly isolated. That worried me... would anybody find me? What was going to happen to me... who were these people? My mind was racing and my heart was pounding. Was this the end? Or... were they going to rough me up into not saying a word? Was going to the police the wrong thing to do? So many questions raced in my mind...

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19.3 | They took me inside, sat me down and tied me to the chair. The room was dark, cold and woefully ugly. Despite the situation I was in, the first thing that came to mind was how dated the wood panelling is. They began to walk away from me into the kitchen area. I was getting worried again as I ran out of things to distract myself with. They tied me really tight, I don't think I'm getting out of this chair...

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19.4 | I began wondering what kind of person could go to the kitchen and start cooking while a hostage sat in their living room. Then it hit me - they were gone. The car doors outside slammed. And that bacon smell was turning to burnt meat and wood that's on fire - there's a glow and embers coming from the kitchen. Uhoh. This isn't going to end well, is it? The smoke detector went off...

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19.5 | That same moment, the HDRPS in assosciation with the Orchidsen Police Service (OPS) stormed and raided the Holt District regional offices. By order of the Province of Orchidsen government, the building was to be turned upside down as part of a corruption investigation. The scheme is falling, as is the Holt District government...

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vortex
Oops, thanks for pointing that out. That last figure was supposed to be 483539, my bad. :P Glad you liked the growth - and 500 sims was once upon a boom for me as well. More industry will be popping up in the future!

Swordmaster
Thanks. ;D The sprawl is certainly getting larger and larger, and it isn't going anywhere anytime soon. And thanks - hopefully HD does well in its new home!

noahclem
Thanks - it was a really goof quarter for HD! This one may be slower, lots more RL going on.

sunv123
Glad you like them. :) I like your suggestion for the different taglines - I'll see how they turn out. As for your quote suggestion, I really like that once, that is very possible. :D
Townhomes... I think those are from the LEX. I want to say SimGoober, but I am not entirely sure. I'll try to get that link for you, but I'm horrible with finding stuff - especially if it isn't in my downloads history. :P

Mr. Lin
Glad you think so! ;D

M4346
I need a bit of a twist once in a while, glad you like it as well!

art128
Thanks! I like to change it up once in a while. Since there is weather, corruption, etc. in real life, I figured I should incorporate that into HD.

vortex
Yea, someone was bound to take advantage of the booming economy. Hopefully when this blows up (as it probably will) it doesn't damage HD's reputation - this could have significant consequences.

RickD
Some people have no feelings, I suppose. Or they're just cold. That defines these people well I'd think...

Benedict
Thanks - it was a lot of fun to do and to give insight about where I get my insipiration.

noahclem
Thanks!

Swordmaster
Glad you enjoyed the run, I did as well. It was a lot of fun going through OSITM, coming up with new ideas for OSITM-exclusives. Oddly enough, a greenspace development is on the docket. Fore! :P

metarvo
Thanks, metarvo! I thought they'd be a fitting end to OSITM - sort of the light going of on a stage production was the inspiration. I hope ot be back someday, it'd certainly be an honour. ;D

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PARTS OF HD ARE IN FREEFALL... BUT WHICH ONES?
ECONOMY? HOUSING PRICES? POLITICAL STABILITY?
STAY TUNED...

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KUHAN STIRRINGS TEASER


This site in Kuhan seems innocent enough. Nothing major happening here... right? Just infrastructure in the middle of nowhere...
Though some say something "fun" is coming this way...

And hey! That doesn't look like the regular Holt District logo... what's up with that?

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Stay tuned to find out what exactly is going on here in Kuhan.
...And for more of the new look - launching soon!

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NAME THAT AMUSEMENT PARK!

Now is your chance to name an amusement park! Wicked Parks is seeking names for its new park in Holt District! Located in Kuhan, the park is nearing completion. To submit your name, merely post here! You have 24 hours to do so. After which time, a winner will be announced and whoever suggests the winning name, as selected by Wicked Parks, will get an exclusive sneak peek of the park!

Wicked is currently known for naming its parks "Wicked [City Name]", but wants to try something different. As such, "Wicked Holt District" and "Wicked Kuhan" aren't viable submissions.

Get it? Sound good? Get naming! Feel free to submit more than one.
If duplicate names are suggested the first person to have suggested a specified name gets the sneak peek.
This applies to all versions of HD (ST, SC4D, Simopsis, Simmania) - not just the version you post in. :)

Wicked looks forward to your suggestions!

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BEAUTIFUL NIGHT IN THE CITY

It's a beautiful night in the city. The bright city lights shine and the towers soar to the sky. But...


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...does that say this picture is from Kuhan?! Since when does Kuhan have skyscrapers?!
Things are changing in Holt District.



NAME THAT AMUSEMENT PARK: RESULTS!

I am please to announced the winner of the "Name That Amusement Park" contest. WRANER wins with the suggestion "Everest Peak"
Wraner will get a sneak peek of the entire park before it is shown in an Holt District update!

Wicked Parks has already made up the logo for the park:

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The park will be opening soon. Stay tuned for the update the covers it.

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Everest Peaks Amusement Park

A lot has been happening in Holt District beyond the swirling darkness, and today we're taking a look at one of those projects. Poking our heads up above the clouds we are visiting Everest Peaks Amusement Park. Located in Kuhan, this park was completed under the BOLDNEWHD plan. Constructed and operated by Wicked Parks, this large amusement park will draw people from Holt District for a day (or two!) of twisting fun. The park, as you will notice, is not the only thing out in that area. Some land owned by Wicked Parks was developed into residential housing, very spawly-residentaial housing. So let's get a move on and take a look.
This update also marks the debut of the new Holt District update look and official retirement of the rectangle logo. You treated us well, Rectangular Logo! But it's time for a fresh new look. :)

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20.1 | We start off with a bird's eye view of the park and surrounding area. The park is filled with vendor booths, rides and roller coasters. And if you're looking for a parking spot, it should be easy in the parks expansive, newly paved parking lot! :P

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20.2 | Zooming into the parking lot you will notice a rail line. This rail line now has its first commuter rail stop in Holt District here at Everest Peaks. Despite being the home to the Provincial Capital, to this point Holt District hasn't been service by Government of Orchidsen Transit, or GO. It is now, though!
You will also notice the private broadcaster OTV's local broadcast studios here. It houses studios of OTV Holt District and several OTV-produced television shows' sound stages.

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20.3 | Moving to where the real action is, Everest Peak's main entrance. The line ups are long to get in, today. Perhaps one of the cashiers that's supposed to be at the main entrance is in the maintenance building snoozing...

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20.4 | We move on to the water park portion of Everest Peaks. It's not open today since it's a bit chilly, but will be full of hustle and bustle come the summer.

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20.5 | This coaster, CYCLONE, is a transplant from one of Wicked Parks older properties. That property is in the process of being reconstructed from the ground up and it was decided this coaster would be moved here to Everest Peaks.

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20.6 | Here we have the SPEEDWAY gokarting course. Rubber tires (somewhat :P) cushion those who crash mid-way through the race.

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20.7 | This area houses some general attractions, including bumper cars, and a smaller roller coaster suitable for those who aren't ready to tackle the hypercoasters quite yet.

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20.8| ThunderRun is another popular attraction - something about going through that hoop twice is thrilling. That and going backwards. That's pretty cool. :P

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20.9 | And of course there is SkyScreamer. You may be able to see your house from the top, though you probably won't be up there long enough to notice. Or your eyes will be closed.

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20.10 | And to end of the update, a little teaser. I mentioned that not only a park developed our in rural Kuhan. That wasn't a lie. Suburban sprawl has struck the area in a big way. We'll look at it a little more in depth next update.

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Dantes
Thanks for stopping by! Basically, bad stuff has/is happening. But glad you enjoyed the update despite the language barrier! :)

RickD
Sometimes things aren't as bad as they're portrayed...


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(http://twitter.com/holtdistrict)
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IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN!

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And of course, it just wouldn't be an advertisement for the next census without an obscure region view!

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(http://twitter.com/holtdistrict)
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MARCH 2013 CENSUS

It's that time again! Another quarter has passed which means it is time for another census here in Holt District. A lot has happened this most recent quarter: the region has been booming under BoldNewHD, faced its first significant natural disaster in years and faced some, shall we say, "interesting" political mess formed. As usual, this census will feature update population figures for all municipalities for the region, including commercial and industrial statistics, and an updated region view. Growth boomed again this quarter, and the region hit a pretty massive milestone this time. Let's scroll down to see what it might be...

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If you've never seen a census before, the data below is presented in a pretty format, since I like doing things that way. As mentioned, a major milestone was reached this past quarter - and furthermore there was a shakeup in the order of municipality size in terms of population. Manatee has fallen from second place after sitting there for its entire existence, and the regions existence. 2 towns are dueling for growth rate supremacy while the remainder of the list saw significant shake ups as well. This text blurb is also here so you get to see the pretty banner for the census, in addition to the pretty normal banners. Seriously. :P

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We begin the census with statistics for the overall region. Holt District passed a major milestone this census - it surpassed the 1 000 000 in population mark for the first time. Overall the region grew by approximately 30% due in large part to suburban sprawl in the western parts of the region.

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We move to the first municipality: Sherkston, which holds on to the title of largest city in Holt District. More condominium construction and several new single-family housing developments kept Sherkston on the growth train for yet another quarter.

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Moving into second place after unseating Manatee is Kuhan. Kuhan more than doubled in size again this quarter. The town has grown thanks to huge amounts of single-family homes constructed and several condominiums near Everest Peaks. Kuhan did not, however, win the growth rate supremacy contest this quarter...

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Falling to third place is Manatee. Manatee grew by a tiny 0.9% this quarter. This is a fair grwoth rate, especially after the destruction caused by the tornado which left approximately 5000 homeless.

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Booming up to 4th place is the former Township of Saltfield - now the Town of Flynn! Flynn was the fastest growing municipality in Holt District this past quarter. The construction scene in the background is the new large-format arena being constructed as part of BoldNewHD.

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Dofino put up solid numbers again this quarter, due in large part because of lower land price and new, affordable condos available close to its charming downtown core.

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Shorecoast is reaching for 100 000 in population with these 2 large residential towers. The increase in population in the town is due nearly in all part from these towers. They provide excellent photo-taking opportunities...

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Midport continues to grow after a modest decline in the first census that was published here. Growing by 25% the town continues to be a hotbed for single family homes and condominiums over looking the water.

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To Norecount, we go! Norecount is facing sprawl, pushing its population up nearly 8%. In the background photo you can see the sprawl meeting an established neighbourhood.

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We finish the statistical portion of this quarter's census update in Old Port which grew very modestly this quarter. With the developer of the planned community pre-occupied with sprawl in Kuhan and Flynn only a section of phase 3 was completed this quarter.

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Of course, that's not the only part of this census update. It's time for an updated region view! Below are 2 region views - one displaying the region in all its awesomeness (;)) and another with labels highlighting projects under construction as part of BoldNewHD. You will notice the region continues to sprawl out at a rapid pace. Especially in the west, where Everest Peaks and the surrounding development now grace the landscape. In the more developed portions of the region surrounding Manatee and Sherkston the region continues to fill out nicely.

Region View #1

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Region View #2

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That's it for this quarter's census! I hope you enjoyed the census and looking at the conitnuing growth of Holt District. Come back in late-June for another census update! What will happen this quarter? Nobody knows yet, but guessing continued growth wouldn't be a bad start. ;)


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vortex
It would have been a great day to go to an amusement park here (in RL land :P) today, oddly enough. Glad you like the new logos, I thought it was time for a change and sprucing up. :)

sunv123
Haven't seen the GEICO pig, but I can image. :D That area of Kuhan actually was based on the Brampton/Richmond Hill/Milton areas, or the GTA in general. Nice eye! :)

metarvo
The "local" amusement park isn't all that convenient for me, at least an hour or two, depending on traffic. If traffic is bad it's even longer. :P We don't have a local fair with rides unfortunately anymore. The local spot for the fair is being turned into housing.  ::) And the shopping centre is very possible. Afterall, it's one of the aims of BoldNewHD...

RickD
I'm on the hunt for the right hotel to be constructed there! And parking is a must for any amusement park.
The lines are brutal, especially on hot days. It's always hot when I go to the park close-ish to me. Go figure. :P


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(http://twitter.com/holtdistrict)
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HOLT UNIVERSITY TEASER

Holt District has been quiet recently, and will continue to be as I wrap up another semester.
So what could be more appropriate than a sneak peek of the future Holt University? :)



This is a memorial marker on the future campus, dedicated to the Holt Family who largely built this region in the beginning.

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This is one of the many lecture hall complexes. Soon these will be filled with students glaring at their professors as they ramble on about... something.
Nobody quite knows what. :P

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This is another complex, consisting of smaller classrooms for tutorials, seminars as well as several faculty offices. There are also, again, some lecture halls.
Currently the faculties of the Sciences, Engineering and Business School are being considered for this space as the major tenant.

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...how many more quiet nights this campus will see remains unseen. But with students arriving this coming fall...
...and that's all we have for now. Thanks for sticking with Holt District during this quiet period. I hope to have activity pick up once again in a few weeks!




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(http://twitter.com/holtdistrict)

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Thanks for putting up with the sporadic activity here recently!
RL has been hitting me hard the past few months. School has been crazy busy and other things have been falling on me like a bag of bricks. Things have let up enough though that Holt District full updates will finally be returning - and I'm not talking just teasers. Full updates are finally on their way back! Finals these past 2 weeks and the midterms saga at school have limited my time in SimCity to 0 hours, so I have a few things to do before getting an update out. But they're coming, and this is your notice that they are. So thanks to all of you for being patient with me, but RL has been a tad crazy. I'm super excited to get back to updating and to showing of Holt District to all of you again!

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(http://twitter.com/holtdistrict)
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Holt Stadium Project

I'm baaaaaaaaaack! :P
After a long absence these past 3 months (I think there were only 2 full updates) things are finally returning to normal-ish for me (for now anyways :P) so I finally have a new update to share! Today's update focuses on the new Holt Stadium project being constructed in Flynn, the former Township of Saltfield. Part of BoldNewHD, this project includes a brand new stadium, transit line to Kuhan and Sherkston and some new office space. In the future there will also be residential development. A lot is happening in the area, and several new projects are heard to be in the planning process. So let's go have a look and see what's happening in Holt District after an update drought. :)

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22.1 | The new stadium area is polluted with cranes. With so many things under construction residents now enjoy "count the cranes" more than monopoly. You never know when a new one will crop up. This photo displays where the arena will eventually site. The arena itself will seat 50000 in various configurations. There is rumoured to be a football (ed. note: Canadian Football) franchise to opening up shop in the region, with this likely being its new home. There is also a rumour the arena will be convertible to hockey, though no official word on a franchise locating to the region yet. Rumours do point to one being housed in the Toyota Centre or Spengler Arena in Sherkston...

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22.2 | Just to the north is a dual-tower office complex under construction. Someone had the hair-brained idea of doing the landscaping prior to building completion. Needless to say the walkways will need replacing by the finishing of construction.

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22.3 | Over this way we find the home of more future office building. These will be medium-rise buildings. The developer of this complex is currently designing the next phases which will fill much of the grasslands around this section of the development.

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22.4 | Here we see the construction of the future Embassy Suites hotel and parking garages for the arena and office buildings. To the left construction on the arena station will begin soon, once construction on the arena progresses a little further.

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22.5 | With all this change on the horizon some people will undoubtedly be unhappy. Several residents of Flynn near the development are unhappy with the dust and noise of construction and the traffic the complex will bring once it begins to open. But change isn't easy to swallow for more people, and there is more on the horizon for these people.

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22.6 | To the south of the arena a proposal has been approved, by Flynn town council and under BoldNewHD, for a new mega-regional shopping centre. Some residents, of course, were up in arms about this decision. However there is a chronic lack of retail in the region as it has not kept up with demand and residential development in recent time.

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22.7 | And this arena project and mall are just the tip of the iceburg as it is. A zoomed out view of the arena construction gives you an idea of how little is currently underway. Sooner or later, all that land will be developed as mid to high density status. Change is coming, and some residents are unhappy. But, you take a risk when moving to Holt District. And that risk is your quiet neighbourhood will soon be neighbouting skyscrapers.

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22.8| The change will continue, too. Holt District council, in association with Sherkston, Kuhan, Flynn and Manatee municipal councils have approved an intensification development zone. This zone encompasses the outer edges of the current municipalities, with key developments already in planning or underway making up the boundaries of this zone. This zone will be only allowed to develop as mid to high density construction going forward, with an emphasis of "cove" developments, with each "cove" being surrounded by new, man-made lakes and lush vegetation. Developers are drooling at the thought... this land is very much in demand and this planning amendment has opened up new, affordable and attractive development styles.

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M4346
Thanks, I love census time, too. A great chance to show off the region as a whole. ;D I hope you enjoyed this long-delayed update!

nbvc
Thanks - I haven't had much luck with amusement parks in the past. This one went better than expected. :)

vortex
Yea, it absolutely is. But it's definitely nice to be back to updating!

noahclem
Hope you enjoyed its return - it took long enough on my part. :P School stuff did go well, with marks slowly rolling in. So far so good, but time will tell how everything else went!

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Manatee Rebuilding

After a damaging tornado, parts of Manatee are finally recovering. After being embroiled in a scandal, many rebuilding projects were delayed but have since gotten back on track. Some however, remained delayed. Some residents have finally started rebuilding their lives, thanks to the Government of Orchidsen getting involved in the insurance scandal. Today we take a look back to the destruction and where some of the rebuilding projects stand today, and how the community was affected.

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23.1 | A strip-mall  of big-boxes once stood here. After the tornado only Dick's Sporting Goods remained. The store, which required only minor repairs, opened 2 weeks after the tornado, only to liquidate. The owner of the land eventually bought out their lease. Stores on either side were destroyed.

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23.2 | This residential area was greatly affected by the twister with a large swath of houses being destoyed. The tornado delayed the road extension to Norecount project, one estimated to reduce congestion on other arterial roads and within the residential neighbourhood.

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23.3 | An industrial park was destroyed as well, this one housing several high-tech industries and manufacturers. The lush forest in the area were uprooted. Condos were destroyed, with the neighbouring buildings that weren't flattened later condemned.

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23.4 | Today, though, rebuilding has started. Houses are under construction. The first phase of the Norecount avenue extension has also been completed, though sounds walls, landscaping and another project are to come.

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23.5 | A closeup of the reconstruction. Houses are at varying stages, with many sharing a common design. Several developers have offered their services for discounted rates, with designs similar to houses which once stood.

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23.6 | What this image shows is something that continues to startle residents. While some houses sate perfectly fine, ones just metres away were destroyed and are now being rebuilt.

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23.7 | And to finish off: X... marks the spot? But what does it mark, exactly? Do my earlier tweets (@HoltDistrict) have anything to do with it?

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RickD
We'll likely see that in a few updates completed. But more construction is coming. ;)

art128
Hope you can wait a little longer!


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The evolution of Holt District is taking another step forward today, with the announcement the region will begin rolling out a new LRT system. The new system is part of the BoldNewHD transit segment of initiatives. This segment is meant to improve traffic flow throughout the region. Today's presentation outlines a few key features of the new system and some of the steps it will be taking in improving regional transit as a whole. The new system will, when completed, span the entire region. Using a mix of urban, suburban and rural lines in addition to road-top and non-road-top lines, the system will begin as a new piece of the transit puzzle in Holt District. It will also be phasing out the EL-Rail system, gradually replacing that particular system. The region expects this to be a viable alternative to the automobile when used in tandem with planned bus service expansions.


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Neighbourhood stations will icrease the access to transit in residential areas and increase the easibility to traverse the entire region.

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Road-top routing will allow transit lines to get closer to your final destination and increase the areas served without consuming valuable real-estate in urban areas.

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The new LRT system will replace the existing EL-rail system. In most cases the LRT system will take the existing footprint, but in some cases the system will take the closest available road-top routing in urban areas and where practical.

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That's it for today's announcement about the Holt District LRT system. We will definitely be seeing more LRT construction as time goes on.


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"WINDS OF CHANGE"

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MANATEE IS UP NEXT FOR A BIG CHANGE...

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LRT TAKES SHAPE

Beginning in the City of Manatee, the new Holt District LRT system is beginning to take shape. Its inaugural line is well under construction, with track laid and now station construction beginning to take shape. Although not earth-shatteringly long, this is the beginning of what will eventually become a region-wide, massive transit system. It will get closer to residents than any other type of transit before it in the region, perhaps besides busses of course. We also see the beginning of the transformation of the EL-Rail system in Holt District to the LRT system. A small segment in Manatee will be the start, connecting the new LRT line to the existing EL-Rail system. So let's get moving (pun not intended :P) and see what's taking shape where!

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24.1 | We start our update on the edge of Manatee, bordering Norecount. While one day the LRT will extend to Norcount (along with the completion of the new 4-lane road) for phase 1 of this first line it ends here.

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24.2 | Moving north towards Downtown Manatee we reach this familiar scene. In our last full update, where "X" marks the spot, a station is now under construction. This will open transit to one of the most poorly-accessible areas in the region. This area has often lagged due to poor road infrastructure. Now a new LRT line and large avenue service the area.

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24.3 | As we creep ever closer to Downtown, we reach the first major intersection this line encounters. Here we see the line snake to what was the once landscaped median of this avenue, right before a large shopping centre. Due to space constraints the LRT moves to roadtop here. No stations are yet present, but will be soon along this stretch.

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24.4 | Traffic is getting used to the lanes being slightly more offset to the edge of the roadway. Although no LRT trains yet run through here, so it should be interesting for the first while as people get used to the LRT running between directions of traffic. A station will likely make its way here. For road-top stations the stations are being trucked in pieces and will be assembled on site. Think flat-pack Ikea furniture. Though the directions will be a bit more clear. :P

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24.5 | The scene many of you are probably waiting for, the area around Shorerock Shopping Centre. This scene is the future station and station+mall parking. All offices and houses formerly on this site have been demolished and the 2 massive parking garages have just started construction. The roadway through the station can be seen as well. The small crane by the track is working on the station platforms itself. We once again see the track curve off the road.

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24.6 | The first segment of mall parking lot has been torn up, creating a bit of a confusing maze in the parking lot. Large blue panels keep motorists from going where they shouldn't be. This particular area will eventually be a pedestrian bridge over the road so people can easily get from parking garage to the mall. The area currently torn up will be turned to a walkway with possible landscaping.

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24.7 | Looking at the tracks a little more in detail, you will notice they go underground. Because of the busy nature of this road, transit planners decided it would be best to have the LRT go underground while travelling East (left) towards the shore and the eastern EL-Rail Line, which will partially be converted to LRT in this phase. Motorists applaud this decision, and transit riders are happy this connection was cancelled alltogether, which was a potential option.

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24.8 | While the LRT still runs underground at this point, it doesn't mean this large office building and surrounding residential community won't be able to access the system easily. Although close to the Shorerock LRT Station, it was decided to have a large station in this area because of the many people who work in the office building, which suffers from a chronic lack of available parking. Since many of the people who work in the building will live along the LRT system at some point in the mid-term future, a station was easily approved. A local architecture student won the design contest help for the street-level design of the station.

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24.9 | Further east we once again see where the tracks will come back above ground. The tracks haven't been laid here yet, but you can see where they soon will be. The EL-Rail line in this vicinity will be converted to LRT during this phase of expansion, though not the line's entire length through Manatee. Just enough for the junction and larger, relocated station.

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24.10 | For the final picture today you see the site of the future LRT station in the area. It will be replacing the station next to Save-On-Foods. A building was purchased and demolished for a new entrance off the main road. It will be a signalized entrance. The 3 houses abutting the future ground-level line have been offered by the region to have their houses and land purchased. The purchase is conditional on all 3 accepting. The region wishes to install sound walls, and also feels these homeowners won't like a ground level-trail passing directly next to them. So far 1 has accepted, with the other 2 still mulling the offer over...

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Benedict
Hope you enjoyed today's update, then! The LRT system story will make itself into many updates, even ones not focusing on it directly. Also glad you like the branding! I enjoy doing that sort of thing, so it makes its way here a lot. :)

Piterdaw1
Hope you like these! It's the first time I'm planning to extensively use transit publicly, and the first time in a long time I've used a major transit system at all in SC. Also the first time I'm using GLR!

Samerton
Hope you enjoyed! ;D

vortex
Thanks! You see it starting off today, and it'll be much further along next update for sure! :)

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CONSTRUCTION & TRANSIT IN MANATEE

If you've been following updates recently you'll know that Holt District is in the process of building a new, state-of-the-art LRT system. Including new lines and the existing EL-RAIL system, the vision is to not only serve as transport along major corridors, but have secondary/feeder lines into the majour neighbourhoods all over the region. Today's update takes the tour of the first completed line: In Manatee. We're also going to see some construction along the line's main station, mainly the redevelopment of a portion of the Shorerock Shopping Centre's western parking lots. So let's get a move on and into the update!

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25.1 | We begin in South Manatee, where the line nears the border with Norecount. This station, located in the heart of the area that was devastated by the Manatee Tornado, is now open. This early in the morning it doesn't see much activity, with a mostly empty parking lot. The station is gaining traction in the weeks after officially opening to riders.

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25.2 | The area hit hard by the tornado is recovering very nicely, with many new homes completed and others well under construction. As part of the LRT line and avenue extension projects, sound walls and treescapes were installed/planted here. It adds a nice touch, perhaps better than backing onto a grass strip.

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25.3 | As we move north to downtown we come accross the first in-road station, right by Lowe's and Pine Place Centre, both popular destinations. This also serves residents nearby, and to those working at the HD Police station in the bottom right of this image.

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25.4 | On the outer limits of downtown we come accross another station, this one directly in front a large and busy office complexe. This also currently servers as one of two downtown stations, although they're not in the heart of downtown.

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25.5 | We now reach the line's main station, across from Shorerock Shopping Centre. The station, which features 2 large parking garages (which also allow mall parking) has a large glass-covered platform. This station also marks where the line begins travelling underground for a short distance. You can also see parking lot redevelopment at the mall from here.

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25.6 | The station is nicely landscaped to help break up the large mass of parking garage that's now gracing the landscape. This station is often quite busy, usually the busiest on the line because of its location in the centre of the line, close to the mall, offices, schools and residences. The regional school board is contemplating a switch to LRT transit for some students once the lines pass closer to schools. This would help reduce bussing expenses and redirect funds to educational programs.

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25.7 | The first of 2 west-side parking lots have been ripped and have begun being redeveloped at Shorerock. The parking lots will house new office and residential towers and additional retail space. Construction has just begun, so there is still a fair amount to do.

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25.8 | With another view of the construction you can notice the now-open pedestrian walkway to the mall. The original plan called for a bridge, but the designer did not account for the train platform in their design, and as such a light was installed instead. The walkway materials will be used on another project. This sometimes causes traffic problems, but the lights have been re-synchronized in the area to ease this congestion.

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25.9 | As we head east, towards the water, we reach where the LRT line comes back above ground and intersect with the former EL-RAIL line. Most of the line remains EL-RAIL, however a small portion was converted to LRT to allow integration of the new line with the el-rail system. The old station was demolised and moved north (down in this image) to a large locale.

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25.10 | The new station features ample parking for the surrounding areas, and occupies formerly empty land. A building was demolished to allow entry from the main avenue in the area, however unlike the original plan the main entrance was located off the residential road, upgraded to include a signalled intersecion.

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25.11 | As night falls, we head back west a litle to view the large under-ground station featuring a beautiful glass atrium. The design has been a hit with residents and has really changed the once dull intersection.

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25.12 | As we finish this update, a view of downtown Manatee. This area may, one day, have an LRT line of its own running through it...

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Swordmaster
Thanks! It's taken a while to get both down pat, getting the way I want things in SC4 and improving at update layouts and graphics for the banners. And thanks for pointing that out... I noticed it only after I published the update, of course. :P

sc-4
Wow - thanks for taking the time to read the entire thing! Glad you like it, and I hope you enjoyed this update as well! :D


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SPRAWL MOVES OUTWARD


Taking a break from the game-changing LRT system, we're moving to one of the more rural areas of the region, part of the Town of Flynn. This small village had not seen a lot of change up until recently, that is until HDHIP resulted in a massive resulted in a highway running nearby. At first sprawl was concentrated along the highway ROW, but it is now moving in directly next to town. Today we capture a quick glimpse of what the area was like, and what some of the changes coming its way are...

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26.1 | Many years ago, the rural area wasn't home to much. A few wind turbines, surprisingly large buildings in its downtown core, houses and a school. The area saw little change during the 90s and early 2000s, save for the wind turbines. The last major change were the construction of new buildings in the downtown area in the 80s.

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26.2 | This small residential area is the main area for homes in the rural area, or at least was. A quiet area during the time of this photo, it was known for its frequent street parties and neighbourly atmosphere, with everyone largely knowing everyone.

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26.3 | Some people were even lucky enough to be able to live near this body of water, a quiet area further back from the main road in town, and close enough to the perfect spot to go skating when the water occasionally froze over.

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26.4 | It wasn't until this, Highway 82, that things began to change. Now with easy access things began to change, including the construction of this travel centre. An exit leads to the town, although it is not the main road through town. The highway began to bring a lot of traffic to the area which was once sleepy due to its distance from the developed portions of Holt District.

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26.5 | Soon after the highway was constructed this industrial area popped up, thanks to cheap real estate since land in this area was, and still is, abundant. Plas are already underway to construct an expansion to this park.

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26.6 | Just to the south (left in this and the above photo) this residential development popped up. It houses people from both the people who work in the industrial park nearby and again from people seeking cheaper real estate. Houses in this area are, for now, about 10-20% cheaper than comparable locations in the region - this discount not including houses like this in Sherkston and Manatee proper.

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26.7 | However, residential development is now not just occurring on the outskirts and near the highway. The Town of Flynn recently approved a massive development that will eventually engulf the small village. Construction has already begun, as this photo shows.

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sc-4
Glad you liked this update, too. :) Also glad you like the realism, it's something I strive for, glad the stories and photos work together to your liking. :)

Swordmaster
Thanks - I was just looking around that city at night for the first time in a while, and I just thought that look was too awesome not to show. ;D And that may soon find its way into my updates... I've always hated that blasted thing. :P


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WHEN THE CRANES FADE AWAY...

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...ARENAS COME OUT TO PLAY.
Next time in Holt District.

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SHERKSTON BOOM


Some of you may have noticed the census is coming in Holt District. I was actually supposed to be writing that update right now - everything is ready to go! But, as it turns out, I managed to never publish update 27 (d'oh!) which explains the lack of much happening here in the last 2 weeks. So before the census comes out, we have this update! I'd delay it to after the census, but I lost the original images and these are already stamped with 27.x - and census counts as an update number. So, as a result, this update will have to serve your appetite. Besides, this signals something about the upcoming census. And you know how I love to tease you all. As of now the census should come out on Friday, so in about 2 days, barring unforseen circumstances.

As for this update itself, we find ourselves in an almost unrecognisable portion of Sherkston. This area, which was grasslands once before, is now a dizzying sea of skyscrapers and open grass parks, and home to a whole heck of a lot of trees and people. Welcome, folks, to the intensification zone. Mentioned a few updates back, you not get to see what that really means... [Fun fact: this update acts as a tour through the area at varying times of day, an excuse for me to play with photo effects! ;D)


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27.1 | We find ourselves waking up in this sea of residential condo towers. Developments like this are found throughout the developed portions of the intensification zone. Lots of people have moved into the area very quickly, including ourselves. But enough chit-chat, we're late to work and need to get moving!

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27.2 | We eventually got to work - 5 minutes late - but the boss was late too so we didn't have to listen to their rant about "company time" again. It never seems to change, kind of like they're a robot. Heh... maybe they are! They seem to have this thing for grey clothes... Lucky for us it's our lunch break, so we head out for some fresh air and the warmth of the mid-afternoon sun.

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27.3 | Just about as we're going to get off work, we get the assignment of delivering yet another file to our affiliate company across the area. Certainly not the thing we wanted to do right now, but at least we get to look into the fancy store Samsung Mobile has at the base of their regional office... the sky looks warm as the sun begins to set. Buildings like this have cropped up like this all across the area the region is calling the "intensification zone" - but luckily all the buildings don't block out the sky... usually. There's usually enough space between buildings to allow glimpses of the sky.

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27.4 | Unfortunately part of the drive back home is not so fortunate. This collossal building you see with all the balconies is Sherkston La Mode... overpriced, tiny shoebox condos without a view. Not sure who thought they were luxury, if they were on the water I'd understand. But here, it just doesn't make sense. The other buildings are a little more reasonably priced, but still expensive.

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27.5 | After a quick shower and small bite to eat we're off to meet up with a group of friends as we go out for the night. The sun is really setting now, and this part of town looks great with an orange glow. The buildings here are a little more upscale, but still maintain the awesome greenspace between all the buildings. They somehow managed to keep the grass under that canopy of trees more manicured than my neighbour's growing up... I wonder how they do that...

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27.6 | Its pitch black when we begin to head back to our end of town. Immediately surrounding Highway 40 a massive development consisting of identical towers went up. Reports of people entering the wrong building at night were high for the first while, but they've declined to I suppose people are getting used to the mass-sameness of the development. It's almost freaky...

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27.7 | And as we fall asleep on this night, lights that are still on are scattered throughout the city. The light pollution is rising as more skyscrapers and people find their way here. This area would have been a dark field not all that long ago...

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sc-4
Thanks, hope you enjoyed these ones too! ;D

rooker1
Same here, that or one of the enclosed stadiums. The surrounding areas were supposed to be update 27, but I've blown the surroundings up because they weren't up to snuff. They'll be shown off once redeveloped!

sc-4
Thanks - still lots of work to do before that but once ready you can count on it!


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IT'S CENSUS TIME


The second quarter of 2013 has wound up, which means it's time for another census here in Holt District. Find out whether the region continued its climb up in population, or if the region declined this quarter. As usual, this census provides population data for the region and each of its 9 municipalities. This includes the % change in population, and counts for Residential, commercial and industrial. It is, of course, presented in pretty image format. ;D

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This second quarter was a big one in Holt District. The region continued its path to creating a Bold New Holt District. The HD LRT system was announced and began construction and operation. The school board was busy keeping up with demand and couldn't build schools fast enough. The provincial Ministry of Health found itself announcing a new healthcare facility what seemed like every other week... things continue to boom in Holt District!

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We start off with stats for the region. The region boomed as a whole again this quarter, exceeding 25% growth for yet another quarter. Driven by strong growth in Sherkston and Flynn, the region population find itself being propelled up. Several new transit initiatives, infrastructure projects and more are helping in opening more land to development.

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In a surprising turn of events, the fastest growing region in terms of % growth was Sherkston - a big feat considering it is the largest municipality meaning it has more growth to do to reach that title. Fuelled by development in the Intensification zone, Sherkston's population swelled by more than 60%.

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Flynn was the second fastest growing municipality this past quarter, catapulting it to the status of second largest municipality in the region. It has come a long way from when it was the smallest, having a population of under 3000. The town is now home to the largest arena in not only Holt District, but the Province of Orchidsen. Development around it is likely to take off in the 3rd quarter.

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Dropping to 3rd place is Kuhan. Kuhan's growth was tremendously slower than previous quarters. This was, in large part, caused by the town reaching its limits on water service and waste water sevices. The region is undertaking a huge expansion of the network in Kuhan, with development already beginning to pick up again. Nonetheless, Kuhan still experienced good growth and like Flynn has come a long way since its days of a town of 4000.

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Up next we have Manatee, which continues to be the slowest growing municipality in the region. Fuelled in part by council's focus on helping those who lost everything in the Manatee tornado, no new developments outside those surrounding the new LRT line were approved. Developers are, however, chomping at the bit to develop the municipality. Could Q3 2013 finally show massive growth in Manatee?

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FtDNZq36.jpg&hash=7899705732fc94e51ebbcf8e8437683c7a73f019)




We now find ourselved in Dofino, north of Sherkston. The sprawl bug has firmly latched onto Dofino. New houses with no yard to speak of are popping up everywhere, fuelling the massive expansion of the town. Dofino council is considering planning a new "uptown" shopping district to help control development a little more and encourage high and medium density development, much to an uproar of the downtown merchants and long-time residents.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FbyKJTXH.jpg&hash=66052c749dfa55b75ba6d7e19480ae05a2697225)




Heading out to the shoreline we come to Shorecoast. Shorecoast had 2 new condo towers pop up this past quarter, which were responsible for the majority of the population gains this past quarter. With limited land Shorecoast is never the huge happening location in the region, but it does have space for one last massive condo development which will push its population over 100 000.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fh1zgSWt.jpg&hash=9e2828209ac63d06206b6757225fa87fdc062a21)





Heading to Norecount, we are. Some large sprawl developments and medium-density buildings along the LRT line extending from Manatee helped Norecount's population climb at a fair clip this quarter - rising more than 25%. Norecount has plenty of open land, and developers of both residential, office and industry are salivating at the thought of it becoming open for development...

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As we reach our final municipalities on the list, we head to the last 2 coastal communities. We first find ourselves in Midport, which saw a modest gain of about 5% this quarter. Some new compact single-family units helped the population climb.

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And last, as has been the recent trend, is Old Port. The developer developing the planned community wants to change the plans to be more compact, but Old Port council is not happy with that idea. So development of the planned community was once again on hold, with a new neighbourhood on its northern border contributing most of the growth this quarter.

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And to finish off, the moment you've likely been waiting for... the region view! A lot has changed this quarter.
Nice dirt roads in the intensification zone... you know what that means: lots of new roads = more development...
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MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS COMING IN Q3 2013

Highway 40 Refurbishment
The Region of Holt District and Province of Orchidsen are co-operating on the completed rebuild of Highway 40. Current plans call for widening along its entire width through HD to 8 lanes from 4. Every interchange will also be reconstructed. The Region is also working with the region on routes that have exits, evaluating if they need to be widened, and placing input to interchange design. It is unknown if it will complted this quarter, but will likely be started in Q3 at the very least.

Kuhan and Flynn Infrastructure Improvement - Water/Power/Waster Water
The water utilities in the above municipalities are reaching maximum capacity, to the point where it has reduced pace of development in Kuhan. The region is undertaking huge improvements in these areas which will allow the continuation of development to the Kuhan CBD in particular.

Intensification Zone
Work on approving projects in this designated high-density area will continue, and may increase in pace.


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sc-4
Glad you liked it - hopefully the census was everything you expected. ;D


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HOPE YOU ENJOYED THE CENSUS!  ;D

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...AND SO IS HD'S FIRST BIRTHDAY! HD TURNS 1 TOMORROW!

To celebrate a great first year of Holt District and the "second season" launching, a reflective update and look to the future will be posted to celebrate, along with some stats from the region itself and the CJ.
This update will sadly come a day or 2 after its official birthday. BUT, good things come to those who wait... and you'll love the anniversary update.

And you never know. Maybe there will be a surprise tomorrow too. :)

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It's hard to believe it has already been a year since Holt District launched. HD launched on July 27 2012. At the time, it was a humble region of under 400 000 sims. And it looked to be the peaceful place, with not many changes underway. Of course, this changed in an instant. The region experienced a massive boom in its first year under the bright lights of being a city showcase. It saw the construction of several new highways under HDHIP (Holt District Highway Improvement Project) - the construction of its first LRT line which will eventually traverse the entire region, the introduction of BoldNewHD which introduced a plan to develop Holt District into a world-class metropolis, and a whole lot more. And the vision to have Holt District turn into a world-class metro area is coming true. Today it is home to more than 1.4 million sims - that's a jump of 263% since the launch date back last July. Nevermind that, it's an increase of over 1 million sims. And it's still growing.

The first year of Holt District has been awesome. Holt District was selected Developer Diary of the year at Simmania. It was OSITM at SC4Devotion in January. It won Meg's Smorgasboard Award during the 2012 Trixies. Holt District was nominated for the most categories of any CJ or BAT during the campaign. It amassed over 1200 replies and 50 000 views. And all of this because of you. Without you Holt District wouldn't be what it is today. :) This update will take us back on the year that has been, and take a look into what happened to each municipality. Consider it your transition into "season 2" - launching soon. So... let's continue! :)

THE HD ANNIVERSARY UPDATE

Holt District changed a lot in its first year, growing almost 300% to just above 1.4 million sims from under 400 000. The 9 municipalities each saw stellar growth, with no municipality growing below 30%. Each faced numerous developments, monumental changes and challenges. We will now take a look at what happened in each of the 9 municipalities this past year.




Sherkston saw a lot of growth this past year. As the business hub and transport hub of the region (3 key highways meet in the city) the city was bound to feel the effect of a booming region. Coupled with the intensification zone legislation that opened greenfield to highrise development, Sherkston had all the makings of a major boom. The city managed to grow a whopping 227% this year. That is despite all the suburban sprawl going on around it. The city also saw its culture scene pick up with the restoration of Fort Sherkston being completed.

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Manatee, meanwhile, also grew. Although it grew at the slowest pace of any municipality, at 36%, it underwent massive changes. The greenfields on the west end of town were opened to an ongoing condo construction project which will soon bump up the city's population. The city faced hardship when a tornado struck a huge path of destruction through the southern portion of the city, which is still recovering to this day. It was embroiled in scandal from the clean-up efforts of those citizens when the major insurance company, a developer and a corrupt politician tried to scam these citizens. Thankfully this sceme was uncovered before any damage was done. And the city is the first to get a line of the new HD LRT system. It has spurred redevelopment all along the route.

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Dofino, the northern suburb to Sherkston, grappled with changes on a scale never-before scene in the town. Once a small, sleepy village Dofino has transformed into a sprawling live/work community. The city grew from a population of under 16 000 to now almost 150 000 - a change of 848%. Many lament the loss of the small community vibe, but others note it has strengthened business in the centre of all the charm, its downtown core. The EL-Rail line that runs to Dofino will soon be converted to LRT, and connect to a new line which will lead out to the ever-building Kuhan CBD.

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Next we visit Norecount. Norecount started the year as a respectable town just south of Manatee. Serving mainly as a spill-over community to those looking to live in Manatee, it has re-invented itself. While most people who live in Norecount wish to live in Manatee, a growing number of people are moving to Norecount because of the area's new, large industrial park and easy access throughout the region, thanks to the Highway 40/Highway 23 interchange. The town is now served by the LRT line that runs through Manatee, and it is expected this line will soon be expanded. Rumour has it a massive planned community is in the works for the town... In the first year of HD Norecount grew from 17 673 sims to 92 870 - an increase of 425%.

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Old Port started the year off on the wrong foot. It was in dire need of a change in political leadership - and it eventually got one. The town decayed due to a council that essentially prohibited any change. Expansion, redevelopment, you name it, they didn't allow it. This was all to avoid the errors of the council that came before. However, they took it too far. The town's restrictions were so strict, the DSBHD almost was forced to shut down its elementary school in the town because it couldn't perform urgent structural problems. Eventually this council was forced out, and a new one installed. Old Port has begun to recover, with a planned community being constructed. Plans are underway to redevelop its waterfront park. The elementary school has been fixed. Old Port saw growth of 294% this year, its population rising from 8121 to 32023.

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Next we visit Midport. Midport was not rocked by any sort of major event or scandal, it just faced the desire of many to live on the coast. A massive condo building dominated the year that was. And after a tiny decline in population in the first census, its has been booming ever since. Plans for a new commercial district were unveiled, and along with several condo buildings under construction, a new mini business district is coming Midport's way. The coastal town saw its population rise from about 33000 to 86215 - an increase of 160%.

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Of course we can't also forget Shorecoast. Shorecoast also felt the effect of the coastal condo boom. Several mega-structured were construction housing thousands of people between them. The city has not felt any particular effect of BoldNewHD - but the LRT system could soon find itself in Shorecoast connecting to Norecount, Manatee, Sherkston and beyond... Shorecoast grew from 71494 to 98748 - a population increase of 38%.

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Next we move to Kuhan. Where to start... so much happened this past year in Kuhan. It's more like what DIDN'T happen. Kuhan saw itself no longer a tiny township. It was reincorporate into a town - going from the Township of Northwest Holt to The Town of Kuhan. It saw 2 new highways move into its boundaries. The last new EL-RAIL line was constructed, and will soon be converted to LRT. The BoldNewHD project opened the area up to massive residential developments. An amusement park opened its doors. Countless businesses opened their doors. The Kuhan CBD has started construciton. While it sits in the middle of nowhere now, it will soon find itself surrounded. A community that was once better known for flat grassy lands is now a major players in the housing and business boom going on in Holt District. And you know what's really scary? Its growth statistics. What's scarier? It wasn't the fastest growing municipality in Holt District this past year. Kuhan - the SECOND fastest growing municipality in Holt District, soared to new heights from a population of 3796 to a population 190 597. That's a jump of 4921%! And current estimates as of this post peg growth to possibly be even higher, now reaching 7000% YOY.

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Now we visit our last municipality, also the fastest growing this past year: Flynn. Like Kuhan, Flynn started the year as a rural township. Then known as the Township of Saltfield, Flynn was reincorporated as a town as a result of the November 2012 referendum, like Kuhan. BoldNewHD unleashed growth to the area. Suburban developments began to rampantly spread through the municipality. New houses, new business appeared everywhere. When industry was permitted to be developed in the region, industrial parks began spreading and sprawling. The town is the centre for sprawl. Then, a site in Flynn was selected to house the new Holt District stadium. A massive development plan around the arena ensued, further fuelling the growth of the town. If you were to visit Flynn for the first time today in over a year, you would not recognize it. It was the fastest growing muncipality in the region this past year. Its numbers are impressive and scary all at once. Ready? Okay... Flynn's populations soared from 2462 to a booming 211 028 - a growth rate of 8421%!!! It leapfrogged its way from smalled to second largest municipality in terms of population.

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And what better way than to show you the first and current region views displayed in Holt District's lifespan? I can't think of one. So here you go.

Region View, July 2012 [showcased in August]
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Region View, June 2013 [current as of Q22013 census]
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And have I mentioned it looks a whole heck of a lot different, even from this?


So I want to thank everyone who has supported Holt District in its first year. As you can see, a lot has happened in both the region and the showcase itself. I hope you will all continue to follow Holt District as it enters its second year. I have a lot planned, and assuming RL co-operates a lot to show! You will get a chance to learn more about the road ahead of Holt District in the first official update of "season 2". I once again want to thank all of you for continuing to support Holt District! It wouldn't have amassed over 50K views, 1200 comments without you. So thanks for making HD's first year so awesome! ;D ;D



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Replies will be done on first season 2 update! :)
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Road Work Ahead.

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When one person sets in motion darkness, very rarely does someone else not end up tangled in the web that is left. In the case of Holt District, we're not done with the darkness leftover from the plan between a the region's vice-chair, an insurance company executive and developer. Oh no, we're not done at all. You see, if there is one corrupt politician at regional headquarters, how likely is it there was only 1?

The vice-chair of the region had a lot of power over many politicians below him. And what's to say that he couldn't pick up some blackmail material along the way from a friend or two in the region's police force? Or perhaps he promised some of the windfall expected to be received to those around him to get them to bend to his wishes. Perhaps there is more lurking deep within the government than we see.

And with proposals floating around to overhaul the process of electing municipal and regional governments to party-based elections, much like the provincial and federal elections... what's to say he doesn't have some of his allies working on thwarting that? Could he convince some provincial politicians, those who hold the key to how municipal and regional elections reform, to bend to his wishes? Afterall, it is much easier to get into power without any political-hopefuls being tied to a party. And it is much easier to excert your influence on politicians elected independently than it is across party lines.

But the vice-chair, who has been found out and is currently on trial, couldn't have possibly had that much influence over his fellow and superior politicians. And surely, any influence has now diminished now that he is on trial and expose as a fraud and corrupt politician... right?

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You didn't expect it to disappear that easily, did you?

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DARKNESS IS LURKING

Today's update comes in the form of a news article, outlining the ongoing drama involving the former vice-chair of Holt District reginonal council, and the numerous repercussions his scheme has caused throughout the region. The news article is from the region's largest daily-circulation and online papaer,Holt News. Let's go on and read..

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PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN REGIONAL GOVERNMENT COLLAPSES

The public confidence in the Holt District regional government has collapsed following an announcement the regional chair, Robert Sims, has stepped aside following the revelations in the region's former vice-chair testimony in court. While Robert Sims was not said to be involved in any of the illegal activities concerning the Manatee tornado recovery disaster, those close to him said he stepped aside as he "knew nothing of this situation" and that "as regional chair, Robert said it is ultimately his responsibility to know what those below him are doing." Although it is not likely Robert Sims will face any legal action or criminal charges resulting from the situation, the departure of one of the few politicians the public perceive as "clean" has put a dent in the government's credibility.

A recent poll by Holt News, and statistics firm Dolesaft Polling, found that following the announcement, confidence in the region fell sharply to its lowest level ever recorded. Before news of the scandal ever broke, the government had a 87% confidence rate, which fell to 76% following the news of the situation that unfolded in Manatee. It continued to slide to 64% at the start of the vice-chair's trial. Following news of Robert Sims' departure, the confidence rating stood at a mere 24%. This has prompted the provincial government to place the region under its direct control until the next regional election can be held.

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HOLT DISTRICT REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS BUILDING





Minister of Municipal Affairs, Angela Kirk, stated that "given the grave situation in Holt District regarding confidence in the regional government, the provincial government has taken into serious consideration taking over all administrative and council operations of the region, until the next regional and municipal elections are scheduled for later this year."

However, some regional councillors disagree with the province's view of the situation. A group of several councillors from the region indicated they intend to put forward a motion before regional council which will see a new interim-chair installed until the elections can be held. The group said "this will allow no provincial interference in the day-to-day operations of the government, including the granting of building permits and approval of massive development projects which keep the region moving forward." The group went on to say that "provincial interference would result in the delay of several major projects throughout the region." Kirk denied the claims, saying "the province would merely take over in the process of approving these projects and granting the permits" and that the province "does not plan on changing, in any major way, the course Holt District is currently on." She went on to add that "while all regional operations will, for now, be handled by the province that residents will not see a decline in services."

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ORCHIDSEN PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT HEADQUARTERS







The in-power provincial Liberal Party, which holds the current 3 provincial seats within Holt District's boundary, said it will bring forth the motion to take over operations of the Holt District regional government "in the next few days" and a representative for the government said "the language of the motion is in the final steps." Leaders of the opposition parties all agreed that this may be one of the rare cases where all parties agree. The leader of the provincial Conservative party went on to say "Holt District has proven itself the economic engine of our province in recent years, and we cannot let the actions of some corrupt politicians halt the progress and commercial activity in the region."

Holt News will continue to bring updates as new findings around the situation arrive.

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OFFICE BUILDING COMPLEX: HOME TO PROVINCIAL LIBERAL PARTY OFFICES AND PROVINCIAL CONSERVATIVE PARTY OFFICES

As you can see, we're far from done with the tangled mess left by the former regional vice-chair... far from it...

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vortex
Indeed, the growth results were spectacular, and plenty of empty land... for now! :P The transition is a bit off, however it was better when the region originally became an MD, however the cores have intensified, leading to present day. However, that could change.
And nitpicking is good, how else would I do things better? :)

art128
That would be a good idea... now where to put it. Maybe annex even more land! :P And glad you like the region view!

nbvc
Thanks, glad you like them! :)

sc-4
Glad you like the region! ;D Plenty more growth, I can't wait to show everyone. :)

Kergelen
Shorecoast is definitely scenic; glad you like the region views. :)

Swordmaster
Indeed, it does. $%Grinno$% I'm not sure how "official" my seasons are, but you will notice a slight shift this year at certain points. :)

sc-4
Hope you will enjoy the sprawlburbs updates when they're released! ;D

vortex
It was officially Holt District's birthday when you posted. ;D

kelis
Thanks for stopping by! It's hard to believe it has been a year already... :)

sunv123
Thanks, sunv! Like I mentioned in my reply to kelis, it is hard to believe that it has been a year already, and how much was accomplished. And yea, 8000% growth is pretty crazy. :P

MTT9
Thanks, hope you enjoyed this update. :)

sc-4
Thanks, it has been a lot of work but has been worth it!

vortex
Thanks a bunch! ;D

Pioneer
Unfortunately RL has been keeping me busy, so teasers have been the best I can do. But I finally was able to squeak in an update of sorts, hope you enjoyed it! :)

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HD.Web (http://holtdistrict.weebly.com) | HD.Twitter (http://twitter.com/HoltDistrict) | BoldNEWHD (http://boldnewhd.weebly.com)

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Simopsis Community (http://simopsis.com)| Simopsis Blog (http://simopsis.wordpress.com)

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HD ELECTIONS: NOVEMBER 8TH UPDATE

In today's HD elections update, we'll be taking a look at how elections now work at the regional and municipal levels, the 4 main parties and their platforms, and current polling numbers. HDElections is responsible for managing the elections at the regional and municipal levels and develops polling guidelines, polling stations, issues sanctions, sets rules/regulations pursuant to provincial legislation, etc. So let's get on, starting with how elections now work in the region after a massive change was approved by the provincial legislature.
NOTE: This is a text-based update with pictures being graphs.


HOW ELECTIONS NOW WORK AT THE REGIONAL LEVEL
Holt District is located within the province of Orchidsen. The provincial legislature, where the majority of seats are held by the Orchidsen Liberal Party, recently passed into law that regional and munucipal political parties would now be permitted official status. This has led to wide, sweeping changed at the regional level, and lesser changes at the municipal level. At the regional level, the regional council is now elected on a party-based system, where the leader of the party which wins the largest number of regional seats becomes the regional government head, newly renamed the Regional Chancellor. This differs from the previous system, where the regional leader would be elected on a separate ballow from regional councillors. While councillors were free to note their political affiliation, there were no political parties, and the regional head was elected at-large. The reason for the change was lobbying by several major regions to introduce this system. It would more clearly outline the direction the region would take on major issues. While the new system is sitll not perfect, and the potential for deadlock still exists, it is hoped that it will lead to efficiencies in major regional votes and that decisions will represent a wider range of citizens views on issues that have an effect on the entire region. This is the first election with the party-based system. Independents are still welcome to run as regional councillors, however they are not in theory able to be directly elected Regional Chancellor If independents form the largest "party" (ie more independents than the largest number of seats held by one of the 4 main parties) there is to be a run off of sitting candidates, from the independents, to lead the region. This is also to be discussed further in the provincial legislature, depending on the results of this first province-wide regional/municipal elections turn out and function under their first term.

The leader of each party must run for district representative of one of the regions districts. Should they lose their district, but their party hold the plurality of seats, they will have to run in any future by-elections, and appoint a leader from those candidates elected.

It should be noted that a government cannot "fall", ie if a mart holds a minority. Depending on the deadlock created, the province may intervene. There is an expectation set forth by the province every reasonable effort to co-operate among the parties will be present in the event of a deadlock. Since many of the parties have some common elements in their platforms, it is unlikely every proposal would be shot down in the event of a minority.


HOW ELECTIONS NOW WORK AT THE MUNICIPAL LEVEL
The municipal elections will function differently than the regional elections. At the municipal, it is more-so a case of the introduction of municipal-level political parties and affiliations. Councillors will continue to be elected by ward in the municipality as they are now, with the number of councillors per ward set by the municipality with provincial approval as before. The mayor of each municipality will continue to be elected at-large. Councillors and mayors will now have party affiliations, with each party selecting candidates to run under their banner in each ward, and selecting a leader to run for the mayor's post. Under this system, it is possible one party holds the plurality of seats, but the mayor is from another political affiliation. Should the new format of regional elections not work, this system would be adopted for regional elections in the election following this campaign. The provincial government will reflect on the results, and how the regions operate under the upcoming terms. There is not as great a change at the municipal level.


THE 4 PARTIES
The following 4 parties run at the regional level. They also have "arms" in each of the municipalities in the region. Currently, no other parties exist at the municipal level, only the municipal arms of these 4 parties. This section does not include independents running.

UNION - THE HOLD DISTRICT UNION PARTY
This party is centre, centre-left. The party believe that development must be reigned in in the region. The Union Party supports ending the BOLDNEWHD plan introduced by the current regional government and developing a new plan which would see development occur at a slower pace. This would allow for a more cohesive development of the region, and to an extent give more power back to the municipalities. The Union Party believe the the major points of BOLDNEWHD are valid, and would support the continuation of the major projects introduced, but would slow the overall pace of development. The party is also looking into setting aside some undeveloped land for a large regional park and conservation area in the central portion of the region, between Kuhan and Flynn.

The Union Party also supports expanding social programs at the regional level, including the free-lunch program for under-priveledged children and expanding the regional affordable housing program currently in place.

PROGRESSIVES - THE PROGRESSIVE PARTY OF HD
This party is right-of-centre. The Progressives believe in continuing development as-is in the region, and expanding the scope of the BOLDNEWHD plan. The Progressive party supports expanding the intensification zone that is split between Flynn, Kuhan, Sherkston and Manatee to a wider area, to include the Kuhan CBD and surrounding area. The Progressive party if elected would take more development control from the municipalities with regards to projects related to BOLDNEWHD. It believes that Holt District's population should be pushed to the 20 million range, up from current estimates of a built-out population of 5-10 million. This would be achieved through intensification zone expansion, and the introduction of future intensification zones, including several along the Holt District coast.

The Progressive party supports the existing social programs at the regional level, no significant alterations would occur.

SODEMS - THE HOLT DISTRICT SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY
This party is left-leaning. The SODEMS believe in equality for all. The party supports expanding the Holt District affordable housing program to every municipality. It is looking to construct several thousand new units, and increase monetary support to those living in these projects. The SODEM party believes in expanding the scope of the region's job finding assistance program. It wants to expand it to secondary schools, and to increase the number of locations in the region. The party believes finding those out of work to be the number one priority. Given the number of avaiable jobs in the region, the party also wishes to launch a skill-retraining program to help those looking for work develop the skills to match the numerous positions available.

The SODEMS also believe in repealing all legislation related to BOLDNEWHD, except for developing a better education board (it wants the region's school to be top from in the province, up from third, in 2 years), pushing the provincial government for healthcare services expansion, and developing a better regional transit system. It also believe in returning the majority of planning back to the municipalities.

GREEN - THE GREEN PARTY OF HOLT DISTRICT
The green party is left-leaning to left-of-centre, with a focus on environmentalism. The Green Party proposes introducing a large greenbelt area to protect the undeveloped waterfront currently left in Holt District, and another to stop sprawl in the central portions of the region. The green party envisions of built-out Holt District, including greenbelt protected area, of 3.5 million. It believe development should be curtailed in the near future so as to be more sustainable in the future. It wishes to work with municipalities to strike a balance between development and green-space. The green-party also is looking to repeal development-related components of BOLDNEWHD. The party would introduce new planning policies to replace those currently in existence. The party also supports the expanding the regional affordable housing program.

The Green party opposes any additional highways, and proposes highway 40 only be widened to 6 lanes in the future, not 8-10. It supports the expansion of HDLRT throughout the region.


CURRENT POLLING
The current polling in the region shows the following results per party:
Union: 33%
Progressives: 30%
SODEMS: 20%
Green: 13%
Other: 4%

CURRENT POLLING CHART
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POLLING TRENDS
This chart shows the trends of the 4 parties.
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As you can currently see, it is a very close race between the Union and Progressive parties right now. Stay tuned as we watch breaking-news from the election campaign and continue to monitor the polls! We're in for a wild ride.

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Welcome back! Today we're touring Sherkston Midtown. Construction is starting to heat up here.




Midtown has a mix of historic and modern buildings.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.com%2Fa%2Fimg23%2F6048%2F95t3.jpg&hash=8ce23469e9f3b78abaee761c6d3bcafbf4f02c51)




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There's a mix of residential and commercial, especially here on the fringes of downtown.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.com%2Fa%2Fimg28%2F3526%2Fnib9.jpg&hash=b8fe25c0c877478d11d3b3c432ca095db061466b)




That parking lot won't last much longer.

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Suddenly night time. Shops, offices and apartments light up the night sky.

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All the night lights make for nice scenery, even in Midtown.

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It's quiet now, but this scene will be busy again tomorrow morning.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.com%2Fa%2Fimg689%2F641%2F1wfs.jpg&hash=d0c0492f782f330a4d8e3bd055e4f7d6b3c4afd8)


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None to Previous Update.


Thanks For Visiting!

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Welcome Back! Today we're touring the sprawling paradise of Kuhan. Be sure to remember exact directions...




Not too long ago, this intersection wasn't even here. Now shops and construction frame it.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg35%2F6421%2F4acy.jpg&hash=dc26c00796c71eeefde52b7dece478f19cd51f42)




A large mall is coming soon...

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg69%2F4922%2F0ybw.jpg&hash=c76cb7eaa5d2dfcf4cf9a5788717eff506b50e82)




Not too far away lies more shopping.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg29%2F5127%2Fpync.jpg&hash=6e8586113f02744587ed3ab09a2d16ced801bc25)




There are a few houses in the area. Depending on your definition of "few."

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg703%2F6654%2Fvpqj.jpg&hash=51c8ca0b967118dd62075d66731587fd7a22bcbe)




Now which house is mine, again?

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This will serve as a landmark for many at night. "I live in the house by the large office building!"

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In the end, that won't be much help. Now, was it a right at the first street, or a left at the second? Oh dear. I think I'm lost.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimageshack.us%2Fa%2Fimg833%2F4139%2Fz26c.jpg&hash=537083f2a2aee4b13f04b68ffc627dea5555c2a2)


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nbvc
Glad you liked them, I thought they turned out nicely. ;D

Gugu3
Thanks! Glad you think so. :)

Swordmaster
Thanks! This is one of my hidden gem areas in Holt. I really like how these pictures framed it, too. ;D


Thanks for Visiting!

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Welcome Back! Today we're checking out the changing skyline in Sherkston.
Hey, wait... no! Don't park there, it's about to be a skyscraper!




These parking lots were once a staple around the Toyota Centre, the main arena in Sherkston.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2Fholt3_sherkston%2FHD33_sherkston1_zps4e4afa5a.jpg&hash=b21ec88b4907939e0d0e50a95be2532ae71a3f75)





Nowadays, cranes tower over the former parking lots.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2Fholt3_sherkston%2FHD33_sherkston2_zps83749cb6.jpg&hash=b98d2d88a4f204716b0dbe8c3d6544e2e95dde91)




This was to be a parking garage, but plans now call for another building.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2Fholt3_sherkston%2FHD33_sherkston3_zpsa18820a1.jpg&hash=532a409b3af8f1bf59231b7e2b6ce10ef823511a)




Lots of cranes. The Provincial Capital is in the background.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2Fholt3_sherkston%2FHD33_sherkston4_zps51920ae2.jpg&hash=832c5c512c0a2db0afde3614cfccb14f9263ffdc)




All those cranes have residents wondering how long until this...

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2Fholt3_sherkston%2FHD33_sherkston5_zpsfef328dd.jpg&hash=63f68acff7fb06f18a872dafa5ee36fd2f4d02ee)




...becomes this...

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OSITM Exclusive! What they skyline may soon look like...

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2Fholt3_sherkston%2FHD33_sherkston7_OSITMexcl_zps3f947418.jpg&hash=bf4fb7ebd8ef847d1832f3bc7d2af83e81403ea3)





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Indiana Joe
Thanks! It`s places like this I visit freuently, particularly the shopping malls, so I thought it was time for Holt to get the super-sprawl treatment! :)

APSMS
Yea, my area isn't quite as bad as this, thought it is getting there. My particularly area has more space than these photos, and these mega-shopping centres are not right around the corner, either. Which isn't a bad thing, really.

And thank you! I love doing graphics work, so I work it in to Holt. And I don't like to overly photoshop the city images themselves, but I do tweak the colours a tad - the in-game photo colours are a tad drab. :P

Swordmaster
They're hard not to love!  $%Grinno$%

Shroud
Soemtimes it doesn't work very well, this case it did. Glad you like it! :)

vortex
A bit, but not much! Only zoning one side half of a block at once, long strips, dezone one square to form a series of 1x1 lots, and voila! Removing some of my CC houses helped. :P

whatevermind
Wow! Thanks for being dedicated - and I'm glad you've enjoyed it so much! Everything came together way better than I ever expected it to. ;D And you're absolutely right, that exactly is why I launched the new format. Better balance of MDing, RL and actually playing SC4. :P

rooker1
Thanks! I like the night lights of the area as well.

Swordmaster
Thanks so much Swordmaster! I'm super happy to be here in the OSITM section again. ;D
Happy New Years, by the way!

metarvo
Indeed -one of the scenarios where repetition works well is the suburbs! I love building shopping centres, and they fit perfectly into the scenery here in the sprawlburbs.
Look forward to seeing you around this month! :)

SpeedbumpJoey
Thanks - hope you enjoyed this one!

vortex
Thanks! Hope to continue seeing you around this month!

Gugu3
Assuming the GPS tells you to turn at the right house! If it tells you to turn too early... :P





Thanks For Visiting!
And thanks to everyone here at SC4D! Holt is OSITM for the second time this month. Watch for OSITM exclusives at the end of most updates this month!

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Welcome Back! Today we're back to Kuhan.
And look how long this photo is! First mosaic in a long time!


Before we begin, also be sure to check out my new blog, simlink's Kitchen Sink (http://simlink.wordpress.com) and follow my new twitter, @simlinkpro (http://twitter.com/simlinkpro)!


Suburban sprawl is rampantly spreading, as is now medium desiity sprawl. Plenty of new condos to choose from.
This mosaic really gives you idea of what the whole wider are is like.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHD34%2FHD34_kuhan11_zps77cdc493.jpg&hash=a1a0a92117e63153dc708251135b5ce7846583f7)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2FHD34_kuhan122_zps747e8a2b.jpg&hash=890374d8d4a3d4adac3aaf843357733d409e38f3)
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Night time. Looks pretty with all these modern condo buildings here.

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Gugu3
Glad you liked it! ;D

vortex
MOAR!!!!1111!!1!  $%Grinno$%
And there are going to be even more soon!  ;D

SpeedbumpJoey
Thanks! :) In this particular venue, the Holt Crusaders play, part of the SCBA (SimCity Basketball Assosciation). There have been rumours for years about an expansion SNHL (SimNational Hockey League) team coming to the area, with many predicting this being their home stadium. No official word on that yet, though.
And glad you are enjoying seeing the transition to building from parkinglot. I can only imagine losing historic buildings for parking lots... I've seen them gone for new developments, but not to only be turned to parking lots.

scott1964
Fanceh skyscrapers, always nice to look at. Glad you enjoyed them. :)







Thanks For Visiting!


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Welcome Back! Today we're taking a look at Manatee office buildings.
Nice to see everyone again! :)



A lot has changed in Manatee. This large office park has popped up, part of the intensification zone in the central portion of the region.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2Fholtnew6%2FHD35_manatee1_zps364e1be3.jpg&hash=0ad5a1f7e7a350cbc3eb0bd8e6f8138572d0e263)





Lots of parking and large spaces between buildings help transition to nearby low-density.
Those baseball diamonds are surprisingly popular both at lunch and after work hours.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2Fholtnew6%2FHD35_manatee2_zpsc518ddd0.jpg&hash=a81a4a32a2904900a6a29d2daba5ca25482e354f)




The tallest building in the development. It's pretty tall, and on an angle. An angle! How cool, eh?
Best thing since sliced bread.

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Lots of building. Lots of parking. And some trees.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fk603%2FsimLinkSC4%2Fholtnew6%2FHD35_manatee4_zps2d1238cc.jpg&hash=e71717b0ad067623c70ea8f06d8ed19db91af65d)




More buildings! These one house TD Canada Trust (Holt), Inc. And a bunch more just next to them.
Hey look, a power substation, too!

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And now it's night time. Time for most to be home for sure. Those still working help light up the night sky.

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Gugu3
Glad you think so! :)

vortex
Thanks. ;D I'm a sucker for night pics...

Gugu3
Thanks!

976
Thank You! :)



Thanks For Visiting!


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Welcome Back! Industrial Revolution of sorts ahead.
But first, an important announcement...



THANK YOU!

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4 websites, 6 publications, 100 000 views.
This is a HUGE milestone, so thank you for continuing to support and follow Holt!
It's much appreciated. :)


Now on to regularly scheduled programming...



At one time, there was zero industrial development in Holt. Even when industrial development began to arrive, Dofino was long a hold-out.
It was one of the last non-waterfront communities in Holt to permit industrial developments like this one.

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Now, though, it sprawls through the area much like houses and condos.

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There isn't much heavy industry, largely clean industries save for the occasional factory.
Most are clean manufacturing and tech-industry related. Pharmaceuticals, as well.

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Shipping & distribution is also very common, as the number of warehouses shows.

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In some places, the layout of the industrial park is very neat and organized, much like mid-density residential sprawl in the area.

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Now it's night time. Far fewer lights still on compared to the offices we toured last update.
Still a charming look, though.

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FrankU
Thanks for the reply!
This area actually did take a lot of time and error (thanks CTDs!  $%Grinno$%) - and also partially because I didn't like how it was turning out.
I was hesitant up until the very end with this area. Glad others like it. :)

APSMS
That's the sort of feel I was going for, large office park spaced out. It makes for a nice transition from "intensification zone" to existing, low-rise developments.

vortex
Hehe, thanks! It was nice to do a sort of Holt-signature update as a return from a long break. :)

SimCity V6
I have a few of those around, however many have been gobbled up by sprawl and so forth. We'll be taking a look at Manatee's downtown in the next few updates, that may peak your interest. :)

romualdillo
Thank You! Toronto's skyline is much more dense than this for sure, and constantly changing with a barrage of condos.  :D
If that's your sort of thing, you'll like where Sherkston is heading soon... ;)



Thanks For Visiting!


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IT'S THAT TIME!
So, after about a month or 2, I'm finally back again. For a bit.. maybe longer? Who knows. :P Either way, today after being a month late I'm happy to present Holt's anniversary update! It has been over 2 years since I began publishing Holt back at the end of July, 2012. A lot has changed since then, in both the region and in terms of the journal itself. It is now published on 4 sites across 6 versions surpassing 1000 comments and 100 000 views. And it's not going anywhere yet. :)

I figured that since I always seem to have less time on my hands, one of the reasons for changes to Holt this past year, I would reshape census updates to occur annually instrad of quarterly. And I figured, what better time to do them, than at the anniversary updates? It's a great way to recap what has been each year of this journal's life. So from here on, census updates will be the anniversary updates. So, enough talking, let's get on with it!


HOLT: THIS YEAR'S RECAP
+ WHAT'S AHEAD
Today's update covers the period from the end of July 2013 to end of July 2014. Note that since the last census figured were gathered in June 2013 that this year's span is a little bit longer than would be normally. From here on census updates should be published in/around July 27 of each year.

My my, what a year it has been! It's hard to believe it has been over a year since the last census here in Holt. Things have certainly changed, as you will get a picture for below. It has been a year filled with building both up and out throughout the region, with Sherkston and Manatee growing taller, and Dofino and the like growing outward at a great clip. Growth has not slowed down here in Holt through now, and the order of most populous municipalities continues to rapidly change. There's been lots developed, Highway 40 is being widened to 6 lanes, the LRT system continues to expand, and the entire road network is as well as the region sprawls out.

Some interesting projects I have started to take on this year (2014-2015) include replacing the planted trees in Holt with season trees that are more realistic in appearance. This is a big job, particularly along the shoreline. Should be a fun challenge. :) As you will see later in the region view, I also abandoned the Kuhan CBD project. I didn't like where it was going, so it is being replace with what else, but sprawlburbs! And some other interesting development. I know this goes against my general rule of I show it off, it`s here to stay, but you know the saying... rules are meant to be broken. ;) Other than that, expect some more awesome new developments in the year ahead!

HOLT 2014 CENSUS
The moment you have been waiting for! This is the actual census portion of the update. Let's get into it.


As previously mentioned, this has been a busy year in Holt. Holt's population continues to soar, increase by about 1 000 000 since last year!

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In a rapidly changing landscape, Sherkston holds on to the top spot in the population podium. But second and third place are certainly catching up.
Growth has been fuelled by ongoing intensification zone developments.

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Kuhan's population soared this past year, as development continues to sprawl through it at a rapid pace. Residential and industrial development are sprawling faster than developers can cope. The town has had its humble 3000 population from the days of 2012 skyrocket to closing in on 500 000, a number it could easily exceed in the coming year.

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Flynn was leapfrogged over this year by Kuhan, dropping Flynn to third in the population podium. However, its growth too has been stellar, more than doubling from the previous year. Flynn, like Kuhan, is experiencing rapid sprawl as you will see from the regional view. And it is only getting faster these days. It too is expected to pop-over 500 000 in population in the next year.

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Dofino's close proximity to Kuhan, Flynn and Sherkston are propelling it forward. Industrial development has taken hold, a second highway exit was added on highway 40 in the north section of town and more development in the residential sector has propelled Dofino this year. Dofino essentially doubled in size, closing in on 300 000, leading to overtake Manatee in population.

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Manatee was once the second most populous city in the region, but has dropped to 5th recently. However, development here too has been accellerating. It could be the first of the core municipalities to be built out, something that could occur this upcoming year. Time will tell.

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Joining the six-digit club this year is Shorecoast, who experienced extremely modest growth compared to the rest of the region. Shorecoast is looking at ways to maximize development of land it has left on the coast, while not alienating tourists and existing residents. Expect modest growth again this upcoming year.

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Norecount continues to plug away! Its main highway 40 interchange was completely rebuilt, while the highway 40/23 interchange is currently undergoing a complete rebuild. Southward, highway 40 will become a divided 6 lane highway, instead of the super-2 it is currently. That, plus a large planned industrial park and expanded LRT service could greatly increase growth in the town this year.

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Midport experience the mildest growth of any municipality this past year, increasing in size only 1.2%. The growth was attributed solely to some new condominiums developed in the town.
Planners are finalizing a waterfront master-plan for the community, one that could see a mixture of new development, waterfront parks and trails and more. This is something that could start coming to light this upcoming year, though it could get mired in red tape. Time will tell!

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Old Port is finally starting to see accelerated growth, increasing in size a whopping 57.9% this past year. It too could see increased waterfront development this upcoming year, as this picture shows the breadth of waterfront land left... but time will tell: Was this year a fluke for Old Port?

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As you can see, it has been a busy year in Holt! It's extremely fast-paced development continued, and probably won't let up this upcoming year.



HOLT REGION VIEWS
This is always a fun part. Below are the region view for the past 3 years here in Holt. Oldest to newest, you can see the progress each year. This past year's changes have been huge, as you could imagine from the above numbers.

July/August 2012
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June/July 2013

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JULY/AUGUST 2014 (CURRENT REGION VIEW)

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"SATELLITE VIEW" TEST. July/August 2014 (Current)
This one's for fun. :)

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And that wraps up this year's Holt Anniversary update and Annual Census, 2014 Edition! I hope you'll continue to follow Holt to its third birthday, and stay tuned for another exciting recap of the year that was (or, for now, that will be. ;)) It'll be a fun one, that's for sure! So thanks again, everyone, for sticking with Holt through lulls in activity and the like through the 2 years it has been so far. I'm excited for the next year, and I hope you are too!

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Replies to previous update(s) and this will be done together. Thanks again for the support!

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HOLT READERSHIP SURVEY
Sorry, folks, not an update today. I have a few in the works, but some annoying kinks in SC4 combined with the slowness of some city tiles has slowed those down a bit. Anyways, I've been thinking about some potential changes to the way Holt is served up for a while now, since around the time it was announced that Holt would be eliminating formal storylines from updates and the current update format was adopted. In the "change" announcement I made mention to some potential future changes, but to not worry as they were a while out. That is true, it has been a while. So I thought I would reach out to you, those who follow Holt, to try and get a feel for some possible ideas and changes in the way Holt is presented.  Holt is now published on 4 sites, encompassing 6 publications. This is a whole heck of a lot of work on my end. So I have been looking for ways to lighten the load when updating, so to speak, when I publish updates. I have been looking at ways to try and either keep all 6 publications going in some form, cut certain publications or launch new ways of doing updates. Based on the feedback I receive from all sites in general, it'll somewhat guide me in the decision making of where to go. Note that a potential outcome is the status quo, and that nothing really changes in terms of the number of publications and so on.

Below, I list out several hypothetical/potential ways Holt could change. Your comments on what you like best about each, or which one you like the most and so on is greatly appreciated. If you like a combination of several of the scenarios below, please feel free to let my know. All feedback is appreciated. These changes, even when I get a sense for where I'll be going, won't be instant. They may happen this fall, or they could happen next summer. It all depends. So, let's get on. :)