Baden (AFDES Observer)

[88fordwayne 19]

NOTE: City Journal has moved!

 

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Hi all! This is my second attempt at a city journal since Tygeneria Isles. Due to computer issues I had to discontinue that nation, however I have restarted a new nation based off the same terrain with a few slight modifications.

Background:

West Baden is a series of islands located in the Atlantic Ocean close in location to Puerto Rico. We are ran off a hybird monarchy/ democratic government, with myself as King, a Chief Executive and several Prime Ministers under them. Development wise, we are growing at a rapid rate, with the country octupling its population within the past few years. Many new businesses are being founded in West Baden, and many American chain stores are also finding a home in West Baden, such as Target, Mc Donalds, and many more. Residents of West Baden come from different heritages, and were previous residents of the US/ Canada/ Mexico/ Puerto Rico. We are a very religious country, with most residents attending church weekly. 

Cities: (As of current)

Fairview, population 9,017. [Founding City]

Kokomo, population 7,927

Jacksonville, population 7,047

Valdosta, population 40,539

Transportation:

-Water has been the official means of transportation since the country's founding. Ferries are stationed in every city that connects to the Atlantic, and seaports are used for most imports/ exports.

-Land based transportation would be by road. A highway system is set up on the mainland, and avenues/ roads make up most of the surrounding. Buses are widely used for daily commute.

-Air based transportation is rather new for us. We just completed the Valdosta Municipal Airport, which mainly has routes going out to United States/ Puerto Rico.

Main Businesses/ Industry: 

-Baden Gas & Electric (Operates nations electrical and gas infrastructure)

-Santos Oil Company (Offshore Drilling Plant, Located off the shore of Jacksonville)

And for the technicals:

Cheats/ Mods:

Network Addon Mod 2008 (haven't updated yet ) 

Weaknesspays $$ Cheat (I raise the city's funds to $700,000 - $800,000 before I start a city, and add as needed).

Regional Pictures:

Regional View

Next Update: More on the development of West Baden! I plan on also doing a feature for each main city coming up also.

Enjoy!

[spore415 5]

wow i really like this wayne! my favorite so far is by far fairveiw, i like the space you included in their, you have any homes up for sale?

keep up the good work, Auria wants an embassy when you nations grows a little larger!

[Follarch 326]

You have some good towns and cities going there. More work and they'll turn out great.

spore is right too, Fairview looks good and has the potential to be an amazing looking coast town. With a little terraforming and careful city planning, plop some seawalls and plazas and bam! Awesome coast town!

[kirby636 0]

nice job, maybe later to make a big city, zone high dense.

[Schulmanator 5,787]

It looks promising... I look forward to seeing what else you have for us.

[jacqulina 162]

great start and intro my friend

[88fordwayne 19]

 

 

spore145: Thanks a bunch! You will find Fairview very interesting, see this update for more details on homes for sale . And for an embassy, we'd love that! Just tell me when you're ready (when we get larger, of course!)

Archean: Thanks again! I'm doing some more work on Fairview, trying out some seawalls.. not much luck yet.. lol.

kirby636: Oh, okay. I thought you zoned low density to get skyscrapers *rolls eyes*.. welcome to my cj! 

Schulmanator: Thanks! I have a lot in store to share with the simtropolis community!

jacqulina: Thanks! 

 

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Update 1 : Introduction to Fairview

Fairview is where West Baden begins. As the United States started to go south in an economic depression and foreign relations, a group of wealthy investors got together on a ship and departed out of Miami, FL. Their mission: to get away, and start a nation of their own. Dreams finally turned into reality when they found a small group of islands off the coast of the Miami Keys and close to Puerto Rico. After long debates with the United Nations, it was finally determined that these undocumented islands had no official owner. Ownership was immediately transferred to Jake Starks, the leader of the group.

Immediately, more funding was secured and construction companies were contracted out of Puerto Rico to help build the nation's first development, Fairview. It was named by one of the prime ministers as they originally stepped off the boat, noticing the view they immediately saw. One remarkable feature of the islands is that they were flat, rather than rugged like most island chains are. The first ferry port was built, and demand rose from there.

Going to present, Fairview has become one of the more developed residences of West Baden. Fairview features the nations only resort as of currently, and all new immigrants will start at Fairview to get registered. Farming still exist to the North, however as residential demand rises, farmers have already been told they will have to pack their bags.

This is Fairview's more current regional picture. The population is now 13,391. Since the first regional shot, you will notice that the main road has been redeveloped into an avenue, named "Outer Rim". 

Coming into Fairview, you will see the region's first ferry docks. The ferry is still frequently used to date, and becomes very congested during work hours. The marina next door was a later addition. You will also notice the Wind Turbines - Fairview is the only city still powered by wind.

In this shot, you will see part of Fairview's secluded historical district. Residences here have not been redeveloped into mansions or apartments like the main island.

North of the historical district is the nations only resort, The Regency at Fairview. It has a prime location, across from the cruise ship port. Although no resort is complete without a beach, a beach has been outlawed by the city's ordinances due to ship traffic. 

Here, you can see the Fairview's seaport. Most of West Baden's imports/ exports will go through Fairview for inspections, and garbage is also exported from Fairview. 

Going onto mainland, you will see the city's tallest residence, Seaview Condominiums (note: view is a popular suffix in Fairview). You will also notice the Arnold V. Howard High School, one of two schools in Fairview. Bus drivers are also the worst drivers in the region.

The more "wealthy" sims reside in the mansions south of the immigrant district. (Note for viewers: You can buy any house in West Baden, just take my screenshot and circle what house you'd like to buy at any time)

And here, is what is known as "The Ghetto". Most new immigrants to the country will reside in the ghetto until they build their way up to get their own home on the mainland. Crime has been rising, however strict laws have prevented most crimes (being caught with an illegal substance is a minimum 20 years in federal prison).

Finally, I will leave Fairview with the new developments on the Northeast section of Fairview. It is much more rural than the rest of the island, most residences up in Northeast Fairview spend their lives working on farms to the northwest. Two thinks to notice: Fairview District Schools' Bus Compound, and the drive-in up north.

 

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Thanks everyone again and I hope you enjoy my first update! Don't be shy to comment-- I don't bite! 

 

 

 

 

 

[Schulmanator 5,787]

Thanks for not biting! lol!

Anywho, a nice follow up update. And I am always a fan of pleasant residential areas.

[chrissc94 1]

Are you by chance a hoosier? I live in Indiana, and I recognize West Baden (Springs) and Kokomo, as well as your screenname being 88ordwayne. Anyway, good job on your CJ. It looks like a great start.

[Twenty20 28]

Excellent work, the fields are realistic, the cities very nice, I like this CJ, I hope see more pictures soon.

[Follarch 326]

Wow, the good old maxis drive-in movie lots. Haven't seen one of those in a LONG time.

If you want to build seawalls, just make sure the coast is all straight lines against the water, and flatten it all at the same elevation level.

Good work with the town, look's like it's coming around.

[88fordwayne 19]

 

 

Schulmanator: I may not bite but i'm not afraid to bark . thanks again for the comments, i appreciate them!

chrissc94: Hoosier? Naw. I live across the river in Kentucky  ; ) . West Baden Springs is an amazing place, I love French Lick, IN. Amazing hotels and the railroad museum. As for Kokomo, you'll find out later. I'm not sure how you recognize my username 88fordwayne unless you're into school buses..! Thanks for your comment!

Twenty20: Thank you! I have much more in plan for my CJ, hope that i'll keep you interested!

Archean: I know! I found that drive in on the STEX one day, and I downloaded it for old times' sake, haha. Hard to find a spot for them as I continuosly redevelop rural areas.. can't stand expanding out when i haven't built up first! I'm still working with the sea walls, I got the greenish industrial ones by jeronij.. still trying to get it to work out without having to redevelop half of the city. It'd helped if I installed them before I built up the city. Thanks again for your comments : )

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Updates? Not yet . Been kinda busy working with my job with it being a holiday weekend.. haha. Hopefully I'll have something to share with you before Saturday!

[Follarch 326]

Or you could just extend the coast outward away from your city to a more sufficient length to give you room for construction without demolishing developed lots.

And i just had a thought. Is there an EAST Baden we don't know about?

[jacqulina 162]

nice progress my friend,keep up the good work

[88fordwayne 19]

Mini-Replies:

jacqulina: Thanks again! 

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Update 2 : Introduction to Kokomo

Off the Florida Keys,

There's a place called Kokomo,

Thats where you want to go to get away from it all...
 

Kokomo was the first development on the main island, and is currently the second largest city in the nation, with the most recent census recording 20,871 sims residing in the city. Kokomo is the home of the regions first and currently only hospital facility, and Kokomo has some of the oldest sims in the nation. 

Kokomo is widely known for its water recreational opportunities. Kokomo City Beach is a very popular destination to get away for the day, and going to the marina to rent a pontoon boat is a great way to spend the weekend with the family. Kokomo's lighthouse is another interesting attraction (however residents that live close to it seem to disagree).

This is the current regional view of Kokomo. Most commercial businesses have developed along the outer rim of the city, leaving much of the suburban residences inside.

Going into Kokomo from Fairview, we will take the ferry system. As I've always said, Ferries are very important to the nations habitants that live near the sea, almost 1/6 of Kokomo's population uses the ferry system daily.

Going west on Seawalk Road, you will come to the Old Kokomo Business district. Most of the businesses in this area have existed since Kokomo was originally founded in the late 1990s. You will notice the city's only fire station, and a local immediate care center across from it.

Continuing our travel west, we get a look into the residential district. Most of the residences are single family homes. First Baptist Church of Kokomo lies in the heart of the district.

Continuing the move west, we get a glimpse of Millionaire's Row. (Or now, Former Millionaire's Row). Most of West Baden's Prime Ministers & Chief Executives lived in Kokomo, however pollution from the industrial park across the interstate has forced them to move residence elsewhere. Kokomo Elementary can be seen, along with a school bus compound across the street.

From here, we will travel south to the Kokomo City Beach commercial district. Most of the residents in the area are of high wealth (thus the private school at the bottom, serving grades 7-12). 

Going south now along Outer Rim, we get to see more of the district, and partically the beach. Hotels and consignment stores line the avenue, and you will also see White Castles (a very popular fast food restaurant in West Baden)

Going North on Outer Rim, we will get to see the newly developed business district in Kokomo. Businesses have ran into a problem, going out isn't as easy anymore - so they are going to start building up. Among this picture, notice the northwestern corner with the hospital and the Kokomo City Hall, along with Cooper High School. Another thing to notice is the VW dealership (Volkswagons are a popular car in West Baden)

Jumping a little south, you will get to see the marina & light house recreational facilities. 

Jumping all the way to the most western part of the city, you get to meet the industrial park. Kokomo is the most industrial of all the cities in West Baden, and the worst pollution wise. New restrictions have been developed to stop new polluting industries, however only time will allow the existing ones to be redeveloped. Notice BG&E's large natural gas plants.

Fires are also a constant problem in Kokomo's Industrial District. Within the past 6 months, we've had several four alarm fires outbreak. The budget however, does not allow expansion in the Kokomo Fire Department at this time.

Leaving Kokomo, I will show off the Kokomo Community College (KCC). As farms are going out of business and moving, they are being redeveloped into residential areas.

Update 2.5 : West Baden Information

The June 2009 Population Census concluded as follows:

Fairview: 13,391

Kokomo: 20,871

Jacksonville: 7,047

Valdosta: 40,539

Starlight: 2,822

West Baden Total Population: 84,670

The national security level of West Baden has remained at a RED level since several threats in the Simtropolis chat room toward the country. As "sisterskeeper" reports, there have been threats of repetitive airborne hydrogen bombings in West Baden, and she threatened nuclear war with several other nations. Most people dismissed these threats, however West Baden will remain on alert. New procedures and weapon testing will be in testing this week.

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[Follarch 326]

Weapons testing? So people have been threatening west baden in the simtropolis chat room? Now who could that have been?

Nice update, and even more development to come too!

[Vahr 341]

I guess kirby took us a visit . But yeah nice update and lets see some more building and expansion!

Vince

[Gecko_2006 1]

I like how neat and tidy your city layout is, while still avoiding the dreary grid. It makes it much more pleasant to look at. As for aesthetics, you should build a few parks to spruce up your residential areas and give your sims somewhere to hang out. Also, have you considered getting a water mod?

[88fordwayne 19]

 

 

Archean: Oh yeah. And now I have Kirby's threats to worry about ontop of that . hehe. Thanks again for my cj!

Blue Lightning: He might try to attack but he isn't getting far Thanks for the comments! You'll see a lot more development in my upcoming updates (have to get through these city introductions first!)

Gecko_2006: Thanks! I try to avoid grids as much as possible! Still working on adding in more parks, and what do you mean by a water mod? Thanks!

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Update 3 : A Glance at Jacksonville

Jacksonville is the 3rd settlement in West Baden, lying north of Kokomo. Jacksonville Parish has the largest city limits in the region, however still remains the second to last in population count. Jacksonville is more spread out than most of my other cities. More specifically, there are 3 main districts to Jacksonville: Old Jacksonville, North Jackson, and Lakeside. 

Jacksonville has been designated as the nation's resort capital. With a large inland lake, many sims take advantage of fishing and residing at the beach facilites built on its shores. Jacksonville is also known for its offshore drilling plant, owned and operated by Santos Oil Company (ran by millionare Guanchez Santos).

Here is a regional shot of Old Jacksonville, where we will start our journey. By going north on Interstate 11 Northbound, you will take the Old Jacksonville Exit and end up right in the heart of Old Jacksonville.

The old Jacksonville Business District lies on a small avenue stretch (locally referred to as Main Ave). In the bottom corner you will notice the Jacksonville Immediate Care Center Southeast, and the Jacksonville Museum (which was recently completed).

Going North, you will see the Jacksonville City Beach. Above is a city marina facility, and the mansion in the center is the home of Jacksonville's Mayor.

From Old Jacksonville, we will journey to Lakeside. Lakeside is a small recreational town developed off of Lake Chancellor. It is only accessable by going North on Highway 12 from Valdosta or merging Southbound from Interstate 11.

Here's a closeup of Lakeside. The police station at the top had to be recently built due to an increase of crime in the area. Most businesses are mom/ pop stores.

Finally, we will venture into North Jackson. Once a farming community, it has been redeveloped into a large industrial park and a growing residential district.

The North Jackson Industrial Park is known as a shame for West Baden. Most of the industries are very pollunting, consisting of burning plants and other factories emmiting tons of airborne pollutions. New laws are limiting the lifespan of the facilities, and most are already paying taxes out of their rear end.

Here's some of the North Jackson residential developments. Healthcare is very poor in this area due to airborne pollutants, and the closest immediate care center is nearly 25-30 minutes away.

And we will leave North Jackson overlooking the City's seaport and ferry.

Going on a ferry on a 30-40 minute voyage north, we arrive at whats known as Port Jackson. Most of the nations garbage is proccessed here, and a few businesses have grown on the island over time.

However the main point of the island is to be parking for those who work at the Santos Oil Drilling Plant. Oil is constantly being drilled around the clock, and shipped out to be refined.

Jacksonville has a very bad problem with crime. Although I mentioned Lakeside as a primary example, more recently in North Jackson an abandoned orchard was torched by a group of gothic teenagers. The fire was so bad, that departments in Kokomo and Valdosta had to respond to get it under control.

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Update on West Baden

In my last update, I mentioned a threat against West Baden of nuclear war. Well, last night on the AFDES site, a user named Kirby who was rejected from the AFDES declaired nuclear war on all of the nations affiliated with the AFDES and threated invasions and repetitive bombings. In response, West Baden is now under Emergency Level A. This is over all the national security level and is now at the federal level. All seaports and airports have been temporarily shut down, and all unregistered ships and airplanes found flying around West Baden will be taken down and quarentined.

Our first Nitrogen Bomb was also detonated on a dwarf island at an undisclosed location. It was proven a success, and many more will be tested this week in preperation of possibly entering a nuclear war. Citizens of age 18-23 have also been warned of a possible draft.

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[Gecko_2006 1]

A water mod is a modification to the game that changes the base texture on all of the water in your city. Currently, you have the SC4 default water, which is an unrealistic baby blue color. : www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm

Jacksonville and Lakeside look good. Be sure to improve those health standards for those poor people living near the smog factories!

Oh, and that nuclear war seems... sudden. Nonetheless, good luck.

[danielcote 9]

Nice cities for all Maxis!

I'd like the second to top floor of this appartment. I love appartments!

[Follarch 326]

lol It appears the threat is gone seeing as how the leader of virgin shores thrusted his BANHAMMER on that...what he'd call him...troll? lol

Nice town and I agree with gecko about the suddenness in your CJ, however I would say having developed such a powerful explosive would be sudden, unless you bought, or stole it off the Russians.

[Simbourgeois 139]

Nice pictures! I like the idea about a special port for garbage - that Port Jackson looks great! Very nice idea, indeed!

Simbourgeois

Mayor of Belleville

[Quatropette 2]

Nice work! Great Looking region!

I was wondering in your Update No. 3 picture no. 10 :How'd you form that small Island & How do you get your beaches so perfect!

[88fordwayne 19]

  

 

Gecko_2006: I see, yeah it is kinda an off shade of blue. I'm looking at installing one possibly in the future, but not right now for consistency between the work on my CJ I've already started. Thanks again for your comments!

danielcote: All Maxis? I'm afraid not . I have a lot of custom content and plugins that I use, but due to I use my computer for many other space consuming programs, I cannot have over so much stuff installed at a time. Yes, i could get an external hard drive but I'd rather save up for a new computer. And yes, you got the apartment

Archean: Haha, that guy was a nut. As for our nuclear weapons, we have been purchasing them from                               , and we have also got a few from                                    , too. Small scale ones though, we'd like to invest in some                                in the future.

Simbourgeois: Thank you . It wasn't a planned idea, but it works! Most of my cities just have garbage piers along their shores.

Quatropette: Thanks! I formed the small island very carefully using the god mode terrain tools. I raise the land barely above sea level, use plains to flatten it out and then I build the seawall. After the seawall is built I finish smoothing out the sides of the island to make the walls look nearly perfect. This probably isn't the politically correct way to do that, but thats how I did it . As for beaches, thanks! I mainly use the default Maxis beach, and theres a second that I custom downloaded off the STEX a while back (I don't remember the name of it, though - but I will look into it if you want). I usually place my beaches on the shore where the coast line is appropriate for them, and I try to add parks, more parking lots and other resort type buildings to make them look more commercialized. 

 

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Information on West Baden:

I've decided that I'm going to take a little break from the CJ and develop the island a little more before I come back and do another update. I'm working on 3 more big cities, and then we will have a handful of small farming communities on the mainland of West Baden. Right now our population stands at around 150,000, and we are starting to develop some larger scale cities and such. As for the nuclear war, we've put that aside for now as the person threatening West Baden isn't making threats anymore

Some more of my plans include: Adding an introduction to how West Baden was started, ONE more city introduction update, and then we will get going into the story line. Another airport will be looked into, and developing our shore line will definitely be something else we are looking at. 

And another thing......................... West Baden is officially a AFDES observer nation .

[danielcote 9]

ok thanks. Whens the next update?

[kirby636 0]

So all of you think i'm a nut, thats a bunch of BS, you're going to beleive that a meteorite is a hydrogen/ nuclear bomb?!!? So because you heard something on an internet chatroom / forum means it's true right? Forgive me for thinking otherwise. -_-

I alos dont enjoy being called a troll, that was my only outbreak, i dont go around spamming forums like that now do I?!?

if anyone has problems to me you discuss that with me, not the whole god damn world

[88fordwayne 19]

For future updates, I will be moving to this journal; and I am retiring this thread.

Thanks!