Village of Baxter’s High-Tech Community Network Bringing Residents Together
April 23, 2001

The Village of Baxter neighborhood in Fort Mill has launched its powerful Community Network, which uses the power of technology to help bring neighbors together through community calendars, chat rooms and personalized web page design kits.

“Without a doubt, Baxter’s Intranet is one of the most powerful, technological-advanced tools currently deployed inside any neighborhood in the country,” said Joe Snowden, president of elliptIQ, the software firm that launched Baxter’s Community Network.

“The Baxter neighborhood is all about connecting residents, and its Community Network does a better job of achieving that goal than does any other neighborhood in the U.S.,” Snowden said.
Using connectivity software called Neighborware 2.0, Baxter’s password-protected network includes a rolodex-style resident directory, topical calendars and a number of communications tools for the Baxter homeowners association.

“We have found that a growing number of Americans are deciding there is no place like home,” Snowden said. “More and more people are searching for a neighborhood where they can get to know their neighbors, and a community network is an excellent vehicle for keeping neighbors in touch.”

“Today’s homeowners are demanding the type of technology package available at Baxter,” said Kerri Robusto, director of marketing for Clear Springs Development Company, Baxter’s developer. “Our Community Network is a vital part of the package, making it even easier for neighbors to stay in touch.”

Bradley Rossetti is one of Baxter’s more technology-savvy homeowners. He is a support manager for Microsoft who consults on technology infrastructure for Fortune 500 clients. In addition, he designed his entire home to take full advantage of Baxter’s technology offerings.

“The technology package available at Baxter is one of the main reasons we moved to the neighborhood,” Rossetti said. “We use technology to the max throughout the house, whether it’s tapping into incredible Internet speeds or keeping up with our extended family at Baxter through the Intranet.”

To the Rossetti family, the biggest advantage to having access to the Community Network is its ability to help neighbors forge relationships and build long lasting bonds.

“To us, the word ‘community’ is key,” Rossetti said. “Baxter continues to grow, which makes connectivity even more important. After all, bringing people together is what a Community Network is all about.”

Available through www.baxterfrontporches.com or www.villageofbaxter.com, the Community Network link includes a local calendar of events and activities and bulletin boards where information on neighborhood clubs, group activities and other services are posted. Residents also have access to a web page design kit that gives them the tools to create their own personalized web page.

The Village of Baxter is one of a series of mixed-use neighborhoods being developed by Clear Springs Development Company over the next 20 years. The 1,000-acre development includes single-family homes and townhomes, as well as more than 400 acres of open space. Baxter also will include an elementary school, medical complex and retail and commercial development.

For more information on Baxter, call (803) 802-TOWN or toll free (877) 570-HOME. The Baxter Information Center is located at the neighborhood’s main entrance off Highway 160 and Interstate 77 at Exit 85.