Published on June 02, 2014

Confederation Building. Photo by Rhonda Hayward/The Telegram

Published on June 02, 2014

When construction workers at Confederation Building took off the brick facade to replace windows, they found shoddy construction especially around the top of the building that added $4 million onto a project that has already ballooned over budget. Submitted photo

Published on June 02, 2014

When construction workers at Confederation Building took off the brick facade to replace windows, they found shoddy construction especially around the top of the building that added $4 million onto a project that has already ballooned over budget. Submitted photo

Published on June 02, 2014

When construction workers at Confederation Building took off the brick facade to replace windows, they found shoddy construction especially around the top of the building that added $4 million onto a project that has already ballooned over budget. Submitted photo

Cory Grandy has a video of water pouring out of the walls of Confederation Building and it wasnt even shot on a rainy day.

No, no, no, this has nothing to do with rain, says Grandy, assistant deputy minister in the Department of Transportation and Works. This is water trapped in the walls.

The rest is here:
Some very messy construction

Montoursville Borough Council approved Community Development Block Grant funding for a curb cut and replacement project during its regular monthly meeting Monday night.

Kristen McLaughlin, of SEDA-Council of Governments, the agency administering funding for the project, told council it represents the best use of CBDG dollars among projects being considered.

Other projects McLaughlin suggested be dropped from consideration included a sidewalks and curb replacement plan, handicapped accessibility to the Indian Park pond and upgrades to the bicycle path near Wal-Mart.

McLauglin noted the borough could receive up to about $85,000 in 2014 CDBG dollars for the curb cut and replacement project.

The project would allow for handicapped accessibility at several intersections in the borough.

Council took action on a number of personnel matters.

Doug Litwhiler was hired as a part-time police officer.

Mayor John Dorin noted that the police department has recently lost two police officers to the county.

He said Litwhiler has experience in law enforcement.

Council approved the appointment of Frank Delycure as civil service commission alternate and Carl Naugle as zoning hearing board alternate.

View post:
Borough council to spend grant on cutting, replacing curb

WOODSFIELD - Possible costs and operating capacities related to a proposed Monroe County Jail were eyed Monday by the county commissioners, who also entered into a contract for a major sidewalk replacement project around the courthouse.

Sheriff Charles R. Black Jr. was present for the discussion about the jail, and county officials talked with representatives of Wachtel & McAnally Architects Planners Inc., Newark, and Ross, Sinclaire and Associates of Columbus, the latter about proposals concerning correctional facilities financing scenarios.

The number of beds for the proposed jail also were discussed, and the numbers under discussion were 52, 88 and 112.

No action was taken about the proposed facility.

The possibility of constructing a new jail has been discussed at several recent meetings. Use of the present jail has been limited for several years. Costs of lodging prisoners in other jails and transportation costs to take them to the other jails have led to the current discussions.

In other matters, a contract was signed with Bud's Inc. of Nashport for the sidewalk replacement project at the courthouse. The project was designed by Swiss Valley Associates Inc. as engineer.

Bids from Bud's Inc. for the project totaled $138,900.

Work on the sidewalk replacement is to begin immediately, and the portion to be completed first is on the west side of the courthouse.

Commissioners also took action on two other projects involving changes on buildings.

Jeanette Harter, who heads the Monroe County Department of Job and Family Services, was at the meeting when commissioners accepted a bid from Allen's Construction LLC, Woodsfield, for replacing a door and adjusting another at the DJFS. The estimates totaled $2,839. The other bidder on the project was the Dennis Miller Construction Co., Sardis.

Go here to read the rest:
Monroe County officials discuss jail issues

By Katherine MozzonePublished: June 2, 2014, 7:47 pmUpdated: June 2, 2014, 7:48 pm

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE)-A heat wave surges through the metro area with the possibility of record temperatures in the net few days.

Its supposed to reach 99 or 100 degrees, in the valley Tuesday.

Summer has set in in Albuquerque and it has heating and cooling businesses slammed.

The phones have been ringing off the hook at Daniels Heating and cooling.

Our calendars are pretty booked up. Weve got about 20 calls that were going to each day this week. and then we have two installs going on each day, also, said Daniels General Manager Michelle Rhodes.

Rhodes said ever since the heat kicked in, they have seen a surge in calls, everything from tune-ups to repairs and switches from swamp coolers. Even with six technicians and two install teams, Rhodes said they are already booking appointments into next week and making repair calls a priority.

We do try to triage kind of our appointments and take care of the people that dont have any cooling, explained Rhodes.

While some are trying to stay cool inside, others are braving the heat.

Im from Louisiana and I cant stand this, Wynne Hendry said.

Read the original:
Hot temps has heating & cooling companies slammed

FRESNO, Calif. (KMPH) -

The city of Fresno says that the "Home Energy Retrofit Opportunity" or "HERO" Program has been successful since it started in February. The program cuts down on energy bills and water usage.

'HERO' offers low interest financing for energy efficient upgrades. The products the program offers includes; heating and cooling systems and energy saving windows, doors, roofs and insulation. Solar panels and energy saving light fixtures can also be installed.

Contractors used to install the products that will make your home more energy efficient have to be registered with 'HERO'.

The program is not free, you take out a low interest loan from the 'HERO' program and you make one payment a year. The payment is added to your property taxes. Interest from the loan is tax deductible.

For more information the "HERO" Program go to http://www.heroprogram.com or call 1-800-HERO-411.

Read more:
Would You Like An Energy Efficient Home? Try The 'HERO' Program

Hahka Kitchen Design Ideas Santa Barbara ~ Santa Barbara Kitchen Remodeling ~ Bathrooms Kitchens
For a Complimentary Estimate Call (805) 964-8555 or visit http://www.bestkitchenremodelca.com. Hahka Kitchens has helped thousands to create beautiful kitchens in the Santa Barbara area. Do...

By: MORBiZ

Read the original:
Hahka Kitchen Design Ideas Santa Barbara ~ Santa Barbara Kitchen Remodeling ~ Bathrooms & Kitchens - Video

YONKERS, N.Y., June 3, 2014 /Emag.co.uk/ Todays kitchens are built for entertaining, digital networks and cooking, but creating one that meets all of these needs can be a challenge. Consumer Reports has compiled a comprehensive kitchen remodeling guide that features essential steps to creating a truly social kitchen on any budget that is featured in the July 2014 issue of Consumer Reports and online at http://www.ConsumerReports.org.

The report also includes complete Ratings of countertops, flooring, major appliances and appliance stores.

How to Create a Social Kitchen

A recent survey conducted by Consumer Reports asked more than 1,000 Americans what activities they do in the kitchen at least once in a typical week and found that uses for the kitchen go beyond meal prep. Nearly half entertain regularly in the kitchen, 58 percent go online there (think FaceTime and recipe downloads), and 61 percent use the space to do homework/paperwork. Below are some of the steps from Consumer Reports guide for designing a social kitchen that will stand the test of time:

For more information on designing a social kitchen, advice on hiring professionals and Ratings on everything from dishwashers to flooring and more, check out the July 2014 issue of Consumer Reports and http://www.ConsumerReports.org.

The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for advertising or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports is an expert, independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to work for a fair, just, and safe marketplace for all consumers and to empower consumers to protect themselves. We accept no advertising and pay for all the products we test. We are not beholden to any commercial interest. Our income is derived from the sale of Consumer Reports, ConsumerReports.org and our other publications and information products, services, fees, and noncommercial contributions and grants. Our Ratings and reports are intended solely for the use of our readers. Neither the Ratings nor the reports may be used in advertising or for any other commercial purpose without our permission. Consumer Reports will take all steps open to it to prevent commercial use of its materials, its name, or the name of Consumer Reports.

SOURCE Consumer Reports

http://www.ConsumerReports.org

See the original post here:
Consumer Reports Guide To Building A Social Kitchen Designed To Last On Any Budget

Some Mount Pleasant residents oppose an office building and parking garage plan at the corner of Mill Street and Coleman Boulevard (upper left) near Shem Creek. Wade Spees/Staff

The developer of a planned 54-foot parking garage and office building near Shem Creek said Monday that he will submit building plans in the next couple of weeks, despite indications from the mayor otherwise.

Last week, Mayor Linda Page released a detailed letter to Jim Owens, a resident leading opposition to the building, stating that the developer indicated the project had become "economically unfeasible." That was due to changes including new setback requirements that Town Council approved this spring.

The letter left the building's opponents, who fear it will overpower Shem Creek, hopeful over the weekend that the battle was won.

However, developer Tex Small said Monday that he still plans to pursue construction.

"It's unfortunate things have gotten so out of kilter," Small said. "It leads to a lot of confusion."

Small said he has revised his plans to fit new requirements including setbacks despite the cost to do so. "Nevertheless, we are moving forward," Small said.

Residents have packed recent town meetings to object to the building which they contend would be too large for the quaint Shem Creek, a popular destination spot known for its water views and shrimp boats.

At the corner of Mill Street and Coleman Boulevard, the building marks a joint venture between the town and Small, developer of The Shops at Oakland.

Small is planning a four-story structure whose top two floors would include commercial office space with views overlooking Shem Creek and Coleman Boulevard. A parking garage on the lower two levels was going to include about 270 parking spaces. Small said his revised plans will include 245 parking spaces.

Visit link:
Developer plans to move forward with Shem Creek parking garage

Real estate development firm Irgens will host a groundbreaking ceremony on June 18 to celebrate the start of construction for 833 East, a 17-story class A office building that the firm will build at 833 E. Michigan St. in downtown Milwaukee.

Tenants in the 358,000-square-foot building will include the Godfrey & Kahn S.C. law firm; Colliers International|Wisconsin and Inland Companies; and Irgens' own offices. Godfrey & Kahn will occupy about 100,000 on the top four floors of the building.

It will take about 20 months to construct the building, so it will likely be complete in early 2016.

The building will be built on a one-acre site currently occupied by a parking structure built in 1951. An affiliate of Irgens bought the property earlier this year from U.S. Bank for $5.4 million. The site is located just southeast of the 42-story U.S. Bank Center at 777 E. Wisconsin Ave.

The design firm for the 833 East project is Milwaukee-based Kahler Slater and the general contractor for the project is Milwaukee-based CG Schmidt.

A consortium of four banks are providing $71 million in financing for the $105 million project. The PrivateBank and Associated Bank will each provide $24 million in financing and Bank Mutual and Anchor Bank will each provide $11.5 million.

Read the original post:
Irgens plans June 18 groundbreaking for downtown office tower

When Parker Home decided to expand its reach into Monroe Township, its management team decided that constructing new buildings was not enough. Parker decided to also build a new paradigm of long-term care a hybrid model called a Long-Term Living Community that combines an assisted living environment with skilled nursing care best practices.

As a leader in the transformation of traditional institutional long-term care practices to person-centered living, Parker provides residents at their New Brunswick and Piscataway homes with a place where they are direct participants in the decisions that affect their care and daily life.As an Eden Alternative-registered home, Parker believes that aging is not a decline; it is a continuous stage of growth and development in life. Parker Home residents have dignity and respect and are assisted in enjoying purposeful living.

How does Parker at Monroe differ from the rest? Parker constructed six small homes instead of one large building. The results is family-style living a great improvement over a standard skilled care setting. In addition, each home consists of 16 residents with similar needs who live together in a family- like setting.The small homes common space include a kitchen and dining area, a living room, a beauty salon, and a sunroom that opens to a secure courtyard patio and garden. Each resident has a spacious private bedroom suite with a fully accessible bathroom and large shower.

Six small homes are connected to a centrally located community center with many amenities, including the fitness and rehabilitation center, a great room (that also transforms into the chapel), a relaxing spa, formal dining room and a caf.The community center is also the site for many of the fun and exciting activities designed for residents: group activities as well as individual sensory programs such as aromatherapy and music.The small homes and community center are surrounded by beautiful grounds, courtyards and patios, with lots of space for residents to enjoy outdoor living and socializing.

Parker at Monroe is scheduled to open in the fall. For more information about this unique long-term care model and to schedule a tours, call 732-565-2426. Further information can be found on Parker Homes website: http://www.FrancisEParker.com.

More:
Parker at Monroe creates unique model for long-term care