As the country's real estate market continues to rebound from the 2008 bubble, more neighborhoods and residential communities are popping up. From the East Coast to the West, the number of newly constructed homes is steadily increasing -- and this trend isn't expected to change anytime soon. If you've been given the task of developing a new neighborhood or community, though, you should strive for a cohesive design.
Cluster mailbox units (CBUs) have been around for more than half-century, with the United States Postal Service (USPS) releasing the first official curbside CBU in 1967. Since then, they've become the preferred mail delivery system for apartments. A typical apartment complex has about 100 to 300 units. Rather than designating a curbside mailbox for each of these units -- or requiring couriers to hand-deliver each tenant's mail to his or her apartment -- just a few CBUs can be used. While CBUs will likely remain the leading mail delivery system for apartments, they are also becoming more popular in neighborhoods.
Regardless of where you live in the United States, there are probably road signs present. Whether it's a major Interstate Highway or a small street running through a residential community, all roads have signs to safely dictate the flow of traffic. They've been around for centuries, and while the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has enacted new regulations regarding their use and design, the basic purpose of road signs remains the same.
Street signs play an important role in the function and aesthetics of a residential community. They help to reinforce the community's brand, reduce traffic accidents, guide motorists to their intended destination and even increase property values. Whether you're a property manager, developer or member of a homeowners association, though, you'll need to choose the right street signs for your community.
Snow plows are commonly used throughout the United States to clear snow from public roads. During winter, heavy snowfall can create treacherous driving conditions for motorists. As snow accumulates on the road, drivers are more likely to hydroplane due to the lack of friction between their tires and the asphalt. Furthermore, some of the snow may melt during the day and freeze into ice at night, adding another hazard to winter driving. To reduce the risk of accidents, municipalities often use crews of snow plows to clear snow from roads. While effective at clearing roads, however, snow plows often leave curbside mailboxes buried in snow. So, what can you do to protect your community's curbside mailboxes from snow plows this winter?