TUMACACORI, Ariz.- They live by the golden rule, "do unto others as you would have others do unto you". It's a message one religious organization in Santa Cruz County is trying to spread to its neighbors, as a battle brews over their desire to expand in their small rural community.

A sense of peace surrounds a 165 acre property in Tumacacori, which belongs to a church group called the Global Community Communications Alliance. About 150 members live, learn and worship there together. "We are looking to do something in the way of community building that is not maybe status quo," GCCA Member Centria Lilly says.

For the past year they have wanted to build a 17,000 square foot church because the outdoor pavilion and indoor community room where they currently hold services, is no longer big enough. "We need the facility for our Sunday worship services, but also for adult and childrens' classrooms, for a library, and administrative offices," Lilly says.

But the GCCA is facing opposition from many of its neighbors, who say building the church will disrupt the peacefulness of their small community. "It just doesn't fit in with the area at all," Neighbor Dan Kirkham says.

Kirkham has lived in the area for more than a decade. He fears building the church will attract more people to the area, creating noise, destroying roads and disrupting water quality. "I'd like to see it not built, period, to stop, stop right now," Kirkham says.

He's not the only one. Last fall Santa Cruz County denied the GCCA's request for a building permit. Board members tell News 4 Tucson it was because the majority of neighbors oppose it and because the alliance never informed the Union Pacific railroad company that runs through the property of its plans. The county requires any property owner within 300 feet of construction must be notified.

"There are federal laws that support churches in providing them means to build and construct churches," Lilly says.

Which is why the GCCA filed an appeal this month. It hopes to settle the matter out of court. "We're hoping to build a bridge with all of the neighbors who have concerns," Lilly says.

But until then, the peacefulness of this small community might just be an illusion.

Continued here:
Controversy in Santa Cruz Co. over church construction

ROCK HILL With demolition just weeks away, two plans have been offered to keep the historic Rock Hill Presbyterian Church.

Both plans would need several hundred thousand dollars to carry out, and neither is close raising that kind of money.

But if neither plan succeeds, the church may find new life at a winery in Warren County, city administrator George Liyeos said.

In an interview after an aldermanic meeting Tuesday night, Liyeos said that the construction company that will build a gas station on the site of the church, at McKnight and Manchester roads, would disassemble the church and reconstruct it at the winery.

Robert Brinkmann, chief executive officer of the builder, Brinkmann Constructors, could not be reached for comment, nor could the owners of the winery, Cedar Lake Cellars in Wright City.

A group called Save The Rock Hill Church has been raising money for its plan to save the church by moving it and the adjacent city-owned Fairfax House to Rock Hill Park, just south of Manchester.

The group says the venue would be attractive for brides wanting to have a church wedding and reception at the same site.

The group estimated it would need $700,000 to carry out the plan. Chris Musial, a spokesman for the group, said Tuesday his group had so far raised $4,710 with about $2,000 more in pledges.

Rock Hill Alderman Edward Johnson told fellow aldermen Tuesday night that he had a Plan B if the first effort failed. He suggested moving the church to 215-217 Almentor Avenue, an empty lot the Temple Hall Club owns. The site is south of Manchester and east of Rock Hill road.

Johnson suggested the move late last year, but aldermen supported the first group, which had presented a business plan.

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Old Rock Hill church could be rebuilt at a winery, official says

Posted: Wednesday, March 21, 2012 5:08 pm | Updated: 5:50 pm, Wed Mar 21, 2012.

MONACA -- A former elementary school building may be granted new life.

A Center Township developer has applied to Monaca Council for a conditional use permit to convert the former Fourth Ward school into an apartment building.

Phil Laird, representing Laird Construction and Kelar Properties, has been granted a public hearing at 6 p.m. March 27 in the borough building.

Kelar properties bought the building for $68,101 in November from the Central Valley School District. Laird's application says he intends to construct 11 apartments in the building, which is located at the corner of Allen Avenue and Walnut Street.

In 2010, borough council approved conditional use criteria that includes garden apartments as a conditional use for school buildings.

The Fourth Ward building was built in 1952 and closed in 1992, according to Times files.

After closing, the building was used as a classroom center for a Beaver County Head Start program, and as the Monaca Senior Center, which eventually moved to the Beaver Valley Mall.

Continue reading here:
Developer wants to convert Monaca school

A city design commission granted final approval Wednesday for a proposed five-story apartment building, although a university planning official said it conflicts with future campus expansion plans.

The proposed 14-unit apartment complex would be located at 202 and 206 N. Brooks St. near UW-Madisons Educational Sciences building and would target student renters.

UW-Madison Facilities Planning and Management Director Gary Brown said the area should be used for academic and research facilities as outlined in the Campus Master Plan, which is a construction planning guide for the university.

In addition, Brown said the design violated guidelines which call for the building to be set at least 10 feet from the street.

Brown also said the university continues to oppose the project because it does not follow the neighborhood plan.

Despite the universitys disapproval, commission members decided the Campus Master Plan includes planning guidelines rather than strict rules for future construction projects.

The commission decided to grant final approval of the project at Wednesdays meeting and said the design would be consistent with other buildings in the neighborhood.

Being this close in vicinity to the campus, I feel like this would be a great project for students, said Ald. Scott Resnick, District 8. I see it fitting into context with the development of the neighborhood its in.

At the same meeting, developers introduced plans for a 65-unit apartment building with a design complimentary to Union South at 1323 W. Dayton St.

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City officials approve Brooks Street apartment proposal

GRADY, AL (WSFA) -

The Massey family from Grady, Alabamawas in the running for a $20,000 dollar home renovation from The Home Depot...as part of a contest for military families.

While they didn't win the grand prize, they still won in the end.

"It's awesome," says Rodney Massey.

Rodney and Tammy Massey received $5,000 dollars as runners-up.

It makes sense they would only receive $5,000 dollars worth of renovations...right?

Weeks later installation on a new front deck, back deck, heating and air unit, shower, toilet, closet, counters, and carpet will soon be complete--all at the hands of company volunteers like James Cannon.

"[We] looked at the list of stuff they had and I brought some of my business partners, installers and contractors and we got everyone excited," says Cannon, an installation executive from The Home Depot.

"It was always kinda hard for me to accept help," says Rodney.

The Massey's have always wanted to renovate their house--ever sinceRodney was hurt serving in the militaryfive years ago. His injuries made it hard to get around the home.

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Family loses contest but wins in the end

Inaki Alday came to visit Iowa State's campus Wednesday night. Alday shared some of his work he has done throughout the years with Aldayjover Architecture and Landscape. He also spoke of some of the roles architects should play and expectations and goals they should have.

Alday said he thinks architects should use the environment when creating projects. He also emphasized the power of communication. When people have an idea he said it is best to communicate it to make sure it meets the desires of the city and that it ecologically fits into its surroundings.

Alday spoke of when he saw his work actually finished.

When you see people using your architecture you feel happy and that you're doing something people care about, he said.

Alday said that some goals an architect should have are to do more energy saving and move towards the integration of multiple scales and logic. Also, he said that architects should create a system of new technology and renovate the older technology.

Alday went over the role an architect should play in society. He said they should manage complexity, widening their range of activities. Also they should take political activity by spreading education.

Architects should do more then create beautiful things they should be relevant, Alday said. He said people should be relevant in society by knowing how to solve problems and help cultural development.

Architects have to be activists through design, it's their social commitment and responsibility, Alday said.

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Alday encourages architects to communicate with the environment

The Owings Mills market can't handle major retail development at the former Solo Cup property and other sites along the Reisterstown Road corridor, according to studies commissioned by the developer planning to revamp the mall.

The market analysis and traffic studies released Wednesday by Kimco Realty come as Baltimore County begins a broad zoning review. As competition builds between developers, Owings Mills revitalization is expected to be among the most controversial topics.

Kimco is planning a $65 million redevelopment of Owings Mills Mall, now more than half-empty. It is one of three major projects in the area. Nearby, a large mixed-use development called Metro Centre is under construction; and at the site of the former Solo Cup factory, the firm Greenberg Gibbons wants to build Foundry Row, a retail development anchored by a Wegmans grocery store.

"This market only will bear so much retail," said Geoffrey Glazer, Kimco's vice president of acquisition and development.

Too much development could lead to "market deterioration," according to Kimco's retail study, conducted by the Bethesda firm Streetsense. It could saturate the market and scatter demand among too many stores and restaurants.

Greenberg Gibbons plans to release its own economic impact study next week.

The firm "is very bullish on Owings Mills and is excited by the opportunity to deliver a first-class retail project with Wegmans that will benefit the community," Tom Fitzpatrick, the firm's president and chief operating officer, said in a statement.

"It seems [Kimco's] report was designed to paint a highly negative picture of the Owings Mills retail market. We do not share that view," Fitzpatrick said. "In fact, we believe that Foundry Row will complement other developments planned for the area and that a rising tide will lift all boats."

Glazer and Howard Brown of David S. Brown Enterprises developer of Metro Centre have contended that retail uses at the Solo Cup property would create traffic congestion and too much vacant space in the area.

About 600,000 square feet along Reisterstown Road could be approved for retail use this year, including the Solo Cup site. According to the study, granting those requests would lead to 19 percent more retail space than demand can support.

Read more from the original source:
Owings Mills Mall builder raises concerns about area market

County Hall, Hertford

By Paul Christian, Reporter Thursday, March 22, 2012 6:25 AM

A ROW has erupted over the replacement of care homes in Welwyn Garden City.

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Plans to build a new home Bericot Way were given the green light by the County Councils cabinet on Monday.

It will replace the existing Hyde Valley House and St Michaels House, both in Welwyn Garden City.

The County Council site will house a 75-bed older persons residential care home; a 15 place day care centre for older people; four supported living units for assessment and re-ablement, for occupancy up to two years; 10 respite units for clients with a physical disability; and one re-enablement flat for older people.

See the article here:
Row erupts over county council green light to replace OAP care homes in Welwyn Garden City

Februarys International Roofing Expo (IRE) in Orlando raised the sustainability standard for the best and the brightest in the industry, an emphasis that fits right in with the energy-efficient and eco-friendly goals of Gulf Coast Supply & Manufacturing, LLC, (http://www.GulfCoastSupply.com), a leading producer of quality metal roofing in the Southeast since 1996.

Tifton, GA (PRWEB) March 22, 2012

"Sustainable products are a fast-growing segment of the roofing industry," said Lindsay Roberts, Director of the IRE, adding that the pavilion was designed to feature a collection of products and services to help roofing professionals meet the growing demand for sustainability in their operations.

Gulf Coast Supplys newest product line, OceanGuard, fits right in with that goal.

OceanGuard is attractive, durable and energy-efficient, says Ray Bowen, Gulf Coast Supplys Director of Sales and Corporate Development, who has been with the company for 12 years

Bowen notes that OceanGuard, which has a 25-year anti-corrosion warranty, requires no specific setback requirement regarding distance from breaking surf or salt-water shoreline. Plus, OceanGuards coating is Kynar 500, known for its color retention as well as its resistance to corrosion

In addition, as far as sustainability is concerned, Bowen described OceanGuard as environmentally conscious because its 100 percent recyclable, as well as being made from partially recycled material. Bowen added that the new GCS product is cost-effective, long-lasting and has a high wind rating.

Little wonder, then why Gulf Coast Supply has been the metal roofing manufacturer of choice since 1996 for architects, contractors and homeowners throughout Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and the Caribbean.

Last year, the company introduced a revised logo and opened two new facilities. The new logo and locations come at a time when some other companies have been forced to cut back because of a tough economy.

For 16 years, customers across the Southeast have trusted Gulf Coast Supply in Horseshoe Beach as a manufacturer of premium quality metal roofing, said GCS Vice President Jonathan Sherrill. My dad and uncle built Gulf Coast Supply from scratch based on principles of honesty, customer appreciation, premium products and fair prices. These values are in full display in our new locations in Stuart and Alachua.

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Gulf Coast Supply & Manufacturing Joins Roofing Industry in Making ‘Sustainability’ a Key Goal for the Future

A Gainesville man, Joshua Michael Bell, wanted by felony warrants issued by Sherman Police Department and others by Cooke County Sheriffs Office, has been arrested in Florida, and is being held there to be returned to Grayson County Jail.

Bell was one of two men identified as a suspect in a roofing scam that bilked at least two Sherman elderly women of several thousand dollars earlier this year. Sherman police Detectives Rob Ballew and John Phares had been working the case for weeks and obtained the arrest warrants. They learned that Cooke County S.O. investigators also had similar investigations going on, and the two agencies paired up in the investigations. Sgt. Bruce Dawsey said that joining the efforts since have been the U.S. Marshal Service and the Joint North Texas Fugitive Task Force.

Bell was arrested at a motel in Lantana, Palm Beach County, Florida, by Lantana police. He currently is in the Palm Beach (Florida) County Jail, awaiting arraignment as of Wednesday afternoon. Dawsey said he has no information yet on whether the suspect has been presented with or signed waiver of extradition, or whether he will fight being returned to Texas. In that case, a Texas Governors warrant will be sought for Bells return, and that could postpone his return for weeks.

Two Sherman victims identified Bell in photo line-ups, police said earlier, and another man is yet unidentified. The court documents used to obtain the arrest warrants described the scams as being almost identical in nature.

Two men would go to the door of an elderly person and represent themselves as being with a roofing company, named in the documents. One man told them, the documents stated, that the warranty on their roofs were about to expire and he was there to check the roof for needed repairs. Then, the documents continue, he would tell them there was a need for repairs, that they would do the repairs, and that the victim would only be responsible for labor costs.

In one incident, the resident paid one man $2,350 cash on a $4,800 bill. The next day, he returned, the documents continued, and threatened to repossess her home if she didnt pay him the balance. The victim took out loans and gave him another $1,000.

Then, a few days later, she received a call from a man proclaiming to be a Sherman police detective who stated, according to the documents, that they were conducting a sting to catch the roofing scam artist. She was to pay him more money, and after he received it, the police would arrest him and return her money. She gave Bell more money, but no police and no arrest. She learned she had been scammed when she called the police station with questions.

A couple of weeks later, two men appeared before another resident with the same story, and stole about $1,200 from her on the original visit and another $2,800 in part two of the scam, the bogus police sting. She, too, called police after realizing she had been deceived. She even had receipts that the person she identified as Bell had given her for the cash.

The three warrants obtained charge Bell with theft between $1,500-$20,000 and with theft of property between $500-$1,500. Dawsey said earlier that Cooke County also has a warrant charging him with theft of a firearm. He also said that the police department have information that there are warrants in place against Bell issued in Louisiana.

Texas Department of Corrections spokesman Jason Clark said that the Texas Board of Pardons & Paroles issued a parole violation warrant for Bells arrest on Feb. 15, after a previous Florida arrest on a charge of unlawful possession of a firearm.

See original here:
Roofing scam suspect arrested in Florida