What youre seeing right here, is going to be a vast of bad memories, said Mayor Ross Humber, pointing to a string of houses as he pulled up to a fenced-off portion of the old Route 430 highway.

In the early morning hours of September 26, demolition began on condemned properties in Daniels Harbour. The community of nearly 260 was plagued by a series of landslides in the last few years and the Newfoundland and Labrador government was forced to condemn a number of properties, so as not to risk the lives of homeowners and further damage to infrastructure.Jeff Elliott photo

Theres a lot of this town that should never have been dead.

Fluorescent pink Xs marked the fate of more than a dozen properties that traced the Daniels Harbour coastline and with several swipes from the arm of an excavator, followed by a smattering of vinyl siding, demolition began during the early morning hours of September 26.

One after the other, as if part of a checklist, family homes became piles of rubble.

The community of nearly 260 was plagued by a series of landslides in the last few years. In October 2006 a state of emergency was declared when the earth gave way, displacing four houses and one business as masses of soil descended into the Atlantic swell below.

In April 2007, 120,000 cubic metres of earth toppled into the sea by a landslide three-times more powerful than the first to hit just months prior, causing a bungalow to careen over the chewed-away cliff, splashing into the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Many nearby homeowners were forced to flee their houses, which were left on the embankment edge, though to be too dangerous to occupy.

The 30-metre escarpment also devoured a portion of Route 430, which once cut through the town, leaving most of the communities on the Northern Peninsula temporarily cut off from the rest of the province. Engineers eventually made a new route that completely bypassed the town.

One last landslide occurred in June 2008, but it didnt endanger any homes.

A team of geotechnical engineers conducted a survey in 2009 based on the brittle soil and instability of the coastline, to determine the long-term safety and well being for the community. According to scientists, the clay-based cliff had dealt with a fair amount of erosion from excess water in the slope, causing the area to become saturated. This made it easier for the soil material to shift.

The rest is here:
Walls come tumbling down

FARO, YT, Sept. 27, 2013 /CNW/ - The Town of Faro will be able to move forward with upgrades to two community structures thanks to the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF), an investment under Canada's Economic Action Plan that helps rehabilitate and improve existing community infrastructure across Canada. CIIF is administered in the North by the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor).

Today, Yukon Member of Parliament Ryan Leef, on behalf of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Environment, Minister of CanNor and Minister for the Arctic Council, announced $70,350 in federal funding for repairs and renovations to the Recreation Centre and Arena, which will help create jobs and improve community facilities in Faro, Yukon.

"Our Government is proud to contribute to projects that create sustainable, healthy and prosperous northern communities," said Yukon MP Ryan Leef. "These infrastructure improvements will enhance the safety and operational efficiency of the facilities and allow community members to enjoy cultural and recreational activities in Faro for years to come."

Upgrades at the Recreation Centre, one of the busiest buildings in Faro, will primarily focus on repairs to the roof and exterior siding. Necessary renovations will also ensure that the facility can continue to be used as the community's primary evacuation location in case of emergency. Improvements to the Arena include replacement of loose boards on the hockey rink and repairs to the refrigeration unit. Both projects will provide important health and safety benefits as well as extend the life and improve the usability of the facilities.

"Our Recreation Centre and Father Rigaud Arena are over 40 years old and shall benefit greatly from these projects that will encourage an active lifestyle, improve community safety, and provide local employment," said Faro Mayor Heather Campbell."Both facilities are a large part of the social fabric of our community, and without support from CanNor we would not be able to move forward on these much needed upgrades."

Investment in this project is made possible through the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF), a national program that will provide $150 million over two years across the country to rehabilitate or improve existing community infrastructure across Canada. All projects are required to begin and end construction prior to March 31, 2014.

The CIIF will help to achieve three Government of Canada priorities: promoting long-term growth and prosperity in Canada's economy; creating jobs; and improving the quality of life of communities.

For copies of CanNor news releases, visit: http://www.cannor.gc.ca.

For more information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit: http://www.actionplan.gc.ca/en

SOURCE CanNor

Link:
Government of Canada invests in Community Infrastructure Improvements in Yukon

North Bellmore, NY (PRWEB) September 27, 2013

Panther Siding and Windows Inc is pleased to announce they have entered into an exclusive partnership with Bright View Manufacturers.

As a result, Panther is able to now offer 16-foot solid core vinyl siding to its customers. The solid core vinyl siding is an Energy Star approved product that is not only made of the highest quality, but saves homeowners money. Panther has invested time and energy to specially train its installers for this product. Customer response through the first six months of the year has been overwhelmingly positive.

Panther Siding and Windows Inc has wide-ranging experience in the contracting field, with hundreds of home improvement projects in their portfolio. Their number one goal is to provide the services and products needed for homeowners to realize their dreams of an ideal home that best integrates beauty and functionality.

No job is too big or too small for their company of contracting experts. They offer a complete line of services for home repair and improvement needs with specific specializations on bathroom remodeling roofing, siding and window installation.

Panther has rightfully gained a reputation for excellent communication with customers throughout the project processes, and providing high quality work in the fastest and most efficient manner. They will provide timely updates in every phase of the project from consultation, planning, organizing, and finishing. Rest assured that no project in operation will be closed without customer satisfaction achieved.

All customers affected by Superstorm Sandy will receive an immediate 10 percent discount. For more information visit: http://www.homerepairservicesnewyork.com.

About the customer:

Panther Siding and Windows Inc. is a local, family-owned business that has become a legacy, leaving its mark of quality in the homes of satisfied homeowners throughout the decades. What was once a humble service started out by the hard-working efforts of Edward Kutner who worked as a stone mason in Flatbush, Brooklyn has thrived and became one of the leading home repair and improvement companies servicing all of Long Island and the five boroughs of New York City. For a detailed product offering, visit their website at http://www.panthersiding.com.

View original post here:
Panther Siding and Windows Inc Announces Exclusive Partnership with Bright View Manufacturers

KEITH WHITCOMB JR.

Staff Writer

BENNINGTON -- A local contractor accused of not completing a $50,000 renovation job on a Victorian-style home is no longer facing a home improvement fraud charge.

The state dismissed the charge against Lee Dufresne, 42, of North Branch Street, on Aug. 19. Dufresne first appeared in court in April to deny the allegation.

According to Bennington Police, in 2012 a Bennington woman said she signed a contract with Dufresne in 2005 to do roof work and other improvements on her home. She said not all of it was completed, and in 2009 Dufresne began giving her reasons the work could not be done.

Dufresne said in an interview Monday that the accusation against him was not true. He said he knew the woman because he was living in the house in question, and when he told her the roof was leaking, they got into a conversation about renovation work, although he said she was the one to start the business offer.

According to Dufresne, the work was completed and the job was several years old by the time the woman brought the matter to police. He provided the Banner with screen captures of the home being listed for sale on a local realtors website. A description of the home reads, in part, "All new vinyl siding, replacement windows, new roof and updated electric, this home is ready to become your prized possession."

Neither image indicated when the listing was made or posted.

Dufresne said he did create a "to do" list for more work on the home, but this was a list of items that could be done, not what he agreed to do. He said there were other issues with the arrangement as well.

"The fact is, Im not a dirt bag," he said.

See original here:
Fraud charge dropped against contractor

Third time is not always the charm.

At its meeting Wednesday, the Architectural Commission once again denied approving Jose Andrew Gonzalezs modern beach cabana design with mirror siding for John and Melissa Ceriales house at 230 S. Ocean Blvd. But the commission approved the cabana structure and directed Gonzalez to re-study the siding and surrounding material.

The project had been deferred twice before for re-study. The original design was for a 350-square-foot beach cabana with 140 feet of enclosed space. The cabana had mirrored glass on three sides and white painted stucco on the other, with a cantilevered overhang and glass roof.

Gonzalez said the idea is to give a minimalist appearance where the cabana reflects the ocean and existing pool.

But, some commissioners said the design was too glitzy and an attractive nuisance, adding concerns over the location, landscaping, lighting and safety. They told Gonzalez to come back with a design that eliminates mirrored glass and increases landscaping.

A new design presented Wednesday shows a 196-square-foot cabana wrapped in silver buttonwood hedge instead of mirrors.

The thinking is to make the cabana as simple and as invisible as possible, Gonzalez said. We liked the white color of the buttonwood and its contrast with the other architecture.

Member Ann Vanneck compared the design to Cousin Itt from the Addams Family. I cant support it, she said.

The project will come back to the commission at a later date. Gonzalez said construction wont start until next summer.

Projects that received approval are:

Link:
ARCOM OKs cabana structure but denies design

(WDEF) Getting replacement siding can really up the curb appeal of your home. But it's also a must for home improvement. Angie Hicks of Angie's List explained, "While many people think about the exterior of their home as an asset as far as beauty of their home, it's really a big protector of the inside. If you think about it, your siding, the exterior of home is what is protecting you from the elements so you want to be sure it's in good condition and taken care of every year." Homeowners have several siding options available today. Wood, vinyl and fiber-cement are the most popular choices. Steven Smalley is a siding contractor. He said, "Cedar is a maintenance product. If you are installing cedar, you want to get everything oil-based all the way around, not just normal primer, oil-based primer because that absorbs into the cedar and will help you go longer periods of time of maintenance." Each siding material has its own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to installation, maintenance and cost. So you need to do your research to find the perfect product for your home. Hicks added, "Weather can be one of the biggest enemies to your siding so you need to keep in mind that you can get hail and wind damage. You may consider when residing your house to get some additional pieces of siding to keep so that you have some that matches your house if you need to do some repair work." Painting your home's exterior is also an option. Painting the entire house or just the trim can give your home a whole new look.

Originally posted here:
Angie's List Report: Home Siding Options

FORT WORTH, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) plans to invest an estimated $145 million on maintenance and rail capacity expansion projects in Illinois this year.

BNSF will replace two bridges in Princeton and Wyanet, and construct a new siding 7,600 feet long between Barstow and Hillsdale. Three departure tracks at the Galesburg Yard will be extended to a length of 10,000 feet each, and track and parking will be added to BNSFs Logistics Park Chicago and Corwith Intermodal facilities in the Chicago area.

BNSF will also continue its robust maintenance program in Illinois, which will include about 2,700 miles of track surfacing and undercutting work, and the replacement of 90 miles of rail and more than 150,000 railroad ties, as well as signal upgrades for federally mandated positive train control (PTC).

BNSFs capital investments in Illinois will help ensure our network is prepared for growing demand for freight rail, said Matthew K. Rose, chairman and chief executive officer. We are focused on investing to meet our customers expectations and on expanding capacity where growth is occurring. Given the importance of a low cost supply chain to the U.S. economy, our privately funded rail infrastructure is well positioned to help Illinois compete in global markets.

The planned capital investments in Illinois are part of BNSFs record 2013 capital commitment of $4.3 billion. The largest component of the capital plan is spending $2.3 billion on BNSF's core network and related assets. BNSF also plans to spend approximately $1 billion on locomotive, freight car and other equipment acquisitions, many of which will serve Illinois. The program also includes about $200 million for positive train control and $800 million for terminal, line and intermodal expansion and efficiency projects.

Unlike other modes of transportation, U.S. freight railroads use their own private dollars, not tax dollars, to build and maintain their freight rail networks. Since the year 2000, BNSF has invested more than $42 billion to improve and expand its freight rail network.

About BNSF

BNSF Railway is one of North Americas leading freight transportation companies operating on 32,500 route miles of track in 28 states and two Canadian provinces. BNSF is one of the top transporters of consumer goods, grain and agricultural products, low-sulfur coal, and industrial goods such as petroleum, chemicals, housing materials, food and beverages. BNSFs shipments help feed, clothe, supply, and power American homes and businesses every day. BNSF and its employees have developed one of the most technologically advanced, and efficient railroads in the industry. We work continuously to improve the value of the safety, service, energy, and environmental benefits we provide to our customers and the communities we serve. You can learn more about BNSF at http://www.BNSF.com.

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BNSF Plans Nearly $145 Million Capital Program in Illinois to Improve and Expand Rail Capacity

By KYLE ARNOLD World Business Writer on Sep 22, 2013, at 2:29 AMUpdated on 9/22/13 at 7:58 AM

Clark Oil Distributors in Sapulpa closed unexpectedly two weeks ago. The company had a contract to provide diesel and regular unleaded gasoline for buses and fleet vehicles for Sapulpa schools and also served the city and the county's fuel needs. Company officials were unavailable for comment. SUSAN HYLTON/Tulsa World

During a meeting this week between maintenance workers and company management, union leaders were told that American could have 400 more workers than needed by early next year, Transport Workers Union Local 514 President Dale Danker said Wednesday.

Union leadership confirmed the potential cuts in a phone call with the Tulsa World.

A spokeswoman for the airline, Andrea Huguely, later said in a statement: "American's operational needs for 2014 are still being assessed as we revitalize our fleet and complete several aircraft modification initiatives. While no final decisions have been made, we will let our people know of any changes at the appropriate time."

News of the potential cuts comes as American remakes its fleet with newer, more fuel-efficient planes that will require less maintenance in the coming years.

"Tulsa-area manufacturers are taking advantage of a continued weak dollar and really boosting their exports," said Joe Epperley, a spokesman for the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance.

The report ranks Tulsa as the 23rd fastest-growing metro area for exports from 2009 to 2012. Over the past decade, Tulsa ranks as the 13th fastest-growing metro area for exports.

The report tallies both the goods-producing and service sectors.

In Tulsa, economists credit the energy sector. Exports tied to petroleum and coal led the area with $1.078 billion in value during 2012, a $368.3 million increase over the previous year.

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Week in review A look back at the week's top stories

Our little garden.
It isn #39;t much but its done darn good with only watering since last May/June. (Boogie brew was applied 4-5 times before then twice after the storm). The min...

By: MakkIsLooking

More here:
Our little garden. - Video

The Metropolitan Transportation Authoritys (MTA) Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and local private-sector unions have reached a Project Labor Agreement designed to reduce the LIRRs labor costs on seven major construction projects by nearly 11%, saving the Railroad an estimated $6.5 million over the course of the next five years while protecting local trade union jobs.

The agreement, negotiated between the LIRR and the Buildings and Construction Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk Counties, is a first for the MTA and the LIRR. In addition to reducing costs, the pact includes a no strike clause on the covered projects, provides opportunities for minorities and women to enter trade union apprentice programs, and includes non-discrimination provisions in union hiring hall and job placement practices.

The first project to benefit from the agreement, which is subject to approval by the MTA board of directors, will be civil and structural work for Phase 1 of the LIRRs proposed construction of a second track on its Main Line between Farmingdale and Ronkonkoma scheduled to get underway early next year. The MTA has budgeted $137.7 million for this first phase in its 2010-2014 Capital Plan.

The Double Track project will improve service and reliability on one of the LIRRs busiest branches, spur economic activity, improve off peak frequency of service and reserve peak commuting opportunities, including connections to MacArthur Airport. The Double Track project environmental assessment and 30-day comment period on the project has been completed and a final decision on the project is expected in the fall.

The seven projects covered by the agreement are expected to create between 400 and 500 private sector construction jobs on Long Island.

The other projects covered by the agreement are: the New Mid-Suffolk Electric Yard ($76.6 million); Hicksville Station Improvements ($55.2 million) and Hicksville North Siding ($37.7 million); Ellison Avenue Bridge Replacement in Mineola ($39.2 million); Great Neck Pocket Track Extension ($25.8 million); Wantagh Station Platform Replacement ($20.7 million); and the Colonial Road Highway Bridge Replacement, also in Great Neck ($9.5 million). The total cost of union labor on those projects was originally estimated at $60.1 million.

Under the agreement, the Railroad guarantees that its contractors will employ only trade workers under the terms of collective agreements in the construction industry on Long Island, a key issue for labor which has seen many local jobs go to out-of-state firms employing non-union workers in recent years.

In undertaking negotiations with the Buildings and Construction Trades Council and its members, the LIRR's goal was to obtain the best work at the lowest possible price, prevent favoritism, fraud and corruption, and avoid delays and labor unrest, according to the agency.

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LIRR, union sign project labor agreement