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The Hon. Sergio Marchi served as a Canadian member of parliament and cabinet minister. He also was also the Canadian ambassador to the World Trade Organization and UN Agencies in Geneva.

The U.S. has been an able leader of the free world for a long time, but its now looking tired and uncertain. Their politics is a mess, and their global leadership is in serious jeopardy. And that was before the coronavirus pandemic.If Trump is re-elected, theres little hope for renewal, which has been a longstanding hallmark of American society. Indeed, with another four years under his rule, their political system would likely reach unthinkable new lows.Conversely, with a Democrat in the White House, can the situation be salvaged?

Its therefore not an exaggeration, to ask if the U.S. empire is in jeopardy.It is entirely possible, if we look to history. The past is littered with empires that have come and gone. Reigns that seemed invincible were no more and futures were forever changed.

While predictions are for fools, I believe it would be prudent for the Canadian government to weigh the continued decline of the U.S. as a real option, and what this would mean for our national and global interests.Blaming Trump alone would be too simple. The gradual and unmistakable political, economic and social erosion started well before his administration.

MORE:Oh wise and wonderful Trump, help us stop the coronavirus

In 2008, CNNs Fareed Zakaria, wrote an enlightening book about how developing countries were on the rise and challenging America. His book was entitled, The Post-American World, and the Rise of the Rest, and his premise was that America was not necessarily on the decline. Rather, it was more about the rapid ascension of other nations.In the intervening 12 years, however, it is painfully clear that America has been slipping quickly.One need only to consider some of the prevailing ailments.

Washington politics has become bitterly divided, more extreme and paralyzed on many fronts. The two parties are barely talking to each other. There was a time, when the two, despite their differences, would band together when the national interest was at stake. That is no longer the case, which weakens their ability to lead at home and abroad.

Money has badly corroded their political arena and restricted who can enter it. Without any serious limits, democracy is being bought and paid for. While Bernie Sanders passionately laments this, both parties have become beholden to the American dollar. In the 2012 election, for example, Obama and Romney each spent over a billion dollars, just trying to get elected. Thats an obscene amount, which fuels the alienation that average Americans feel. The belief that theirgovernment is no longer theirs.

MORE:The unbearable lightness of Donald Trump in a coronavirus crisis

The rule of law, which has traditionally been a pillar of their democracy, is now being severely undermined. Trump is acting with impunity, running roughshod over the law, as he moves to forgive friends and target his political enemies. Meanwhile, the Attorney General acts as if he is Trumps personal lawyer. In addition, there is no line separating the presidents public interests from his private ones. The concept of conflict of interest is dead.

On the economic front, we note that tariffs, sanctions, subsidies and other forms of protectionism, are being used to protect and prop up U.S. businesses. Not only is this unsustainable, but China is already breathing down their neck and poised to claim the number-one spot as global economic leader.Significant policy disputes and tensionsabortion, capital punishment, guns, immigration, same-sex marriages, race relationscontinue to swirl without any satisfactory closure. They make appearances in every election.

Trump is also weakening international institutions. The U.S. has gone from being the locomotive in building and sustaining organizations for the global public good, into a caboose that drags and hinders progress.In the process, the president is undoing important relationships with allies, and weakening regional and global alliances. Many years in the making, these friends and groups share economic, political and military interests. Now, like Canada, they are victims to an America-first preoccupation.

MORE:Would Donald Trump take responsibility; No way, not on Oval Office Opposite Day

Just look at his handling of the COVID-19 crisis. Most objective observers have concluded that America has badly underperformed. The president was slow off the mark, quick to call it a foreign and Chinese disease, he played the blame game with Europe, and is in constant quarrel with U.S. governors. Collaboration and empathy was supplanted by a go-it-alone mentality.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the U.S. infectious disease expert, now walks around with six security agents to protect him against threats he has received from Americans, who question his medical judgement and loyalty to the president. And Chinese Americans are now buying record amounts of guns for protection against a racial backlash, owing to the fact that the virus originated in China. These societal reactions are extreme and disturbing.

Finally, to make matters worse, Trump coddles political dictators that have no interest in a healthy Western society. In fact, they are working towards empire replacement.

In the face of these indisputable and concerning trends, where does this leave Canada moving forward?Many European countries are not waiting, they are already preparing their own contingency plans.Canada should do the same.Quietly but deliberately, our political leaders should evaluate this shift by asking tough questions, in an effort to develop strategically effective options should they be required.

They need to address at least four critical areas.

First is the need to carefully consider the potential economic consequences we would face, should America forfeit its leadership position and turn inward.

On trade, will we be able to sustain the worlds largest relationship, and a NAFTA deal that has just been updated? If not, then it will be critical to adjust our global trading strategy accordingly. We would also have to worry about the millions of jobs that are closely tied to a strong America, and the complementary multi-billion dollar stock of U.S. investments in our country.

In regards to our energy sector, which is already under severe strain, we must protect our energy exports by quickly diversifying and finding new markets. Selling oil and gas at greatly reduced prices exclusively to the U.S. was never a good idea. We will also need to expect and guard against a resurgence of Buy America campaigns, which are no more than thinly veiled, modern-day forms of protectionism.

Second, we must think hard about our unique bilateral security arrangements.

The U.S. defence arrangements with Canada are more extensive than with any other country. They are the big brother in this relationship, a huge concern for us. Trump has repeatedly complained that Canada does not pull its weight on defence. Should he act precipitously against us, he could make life difficult in the realm of Canadian security interests. He could also move on past threats to both NATO and NORAD, which would only further compound our difficulties.

Closer to home, it might also mean changes to the many customs and border enforcement agreements that we currently enjoy with the U.S., impeding the movement of some 400,000 citizens, from both countries, who cross the border each day.

Third, we would need to weigh the ramifications on our bilateral and global political agenda.

We have shared a strategic political friendship and agenda with the U.S. Yes, we are independently minded and see things very differently at times. But overall, we have been very tight with American policies. If a radically different American trajectory emerges, we will need to seek out new strategic relationships and alliances. As well, we will need to review our roles and support base when it comes to the many international organizations where Canada is a member, and where we have benefited from U.S. supportthe UN, WTO, G-7, G-20, OECD, OAS and APEC.

In terms of North America, we have successfully built a strong continental framework with both the U.S. and Mexico. We will therefore need to consider its future course with the potential intransigence of its biggest partner. And we will find out if our relationships with other world powers, such as China and Russia, are made vulnerable without the guarantee of American backing.

Finally, we would need to account for how a changed America could undermine global leadership and progress on the social agenda.

For so long, we have been on the same page as the U.S. Together with other key allies, we have fought for a just and kinder world. This includes actions on human, labour and gender rights; efforts in building democracy, free speech and a free media; sound migration and refugee programs; environmental agreements; and the building of institutions that helped the world navigate the many rocky shoals. It will be crucial to find ways to continue to build on this record, rather than turning towards a harsher global community.

Then, there are issues like climate change, that fit no single category. They belong to each of the foregoing four issues because they pose such an existential threat to our planet.

Americas continued decline would represent a giant tectonic shift in the current world order. It will create huge and dangerous voids, that will require our urgent attention, just as other geo-political earthquakes did, including the implosion of the Soviet Union, the fall of the Berlin Wall, the expansion of NATO, the extension of the European community, the rise of China, 9-11, the 2008 financial crisis, Brexit, and now a global pandemic. More than any other nation, our close friendship and geographical proximity makes Canada particularly vulnerable.

If the old American way is salvaged, fine. We would continue to benefit from our long-standing relationship, and so would they. If not, we must make our strategic calculations, without being caught by surprise and without being restricted by sentimentality.To do nothing, and simply assume no change, would be an irresponsible risk to our continued political and economic prosperity as a nation.

Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau famously compared living next to the U.S. like living next to an elephant.No matter how friendly and even-tempered is the beast, one is affected by every twitch and grunt, he said.Well, what if the beast becomes unfriendly and unevenly temperedthen what?

See the article here:
Is the U.S. empire in jeopardy? - Maclean's

COUNTY Durham residents are being offered a helping hand to stay active during the coronavirus lockdown.

Durham County Council has teamed up with TechnoGym, to provide free, daily home workouts and a range of challenges via their MyWellness app.

Each day, users will be able to access three levels of workouts easy, medium and pro. Alongside this there will be some fun weekly challenges and special workouts developed by the countys local instructors to keep residents motivated during this difficult time

The digital workouts and fun weekly challenges are free for anyone who has registered via the councils website and downloaded the app.

It is hoped that the MyWellness app will keep people healthy, motivated and able to make the most of the space they have at home, and outdoors, whilst following social distancing guidelines.

Cllr Carl Marshall, Cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: Even though people are currently unable to attend their local leisure centre, community fitness class or walking or running group, we are committed to continuing to provide a service to our customers and residents.

"Thats why we have teamed up with TechnoGym in the hope that the MyWellness app will keep our residents and members active, motivated and healthy until were able to welcome them back to our facilities and community programmes in the future.

Our dedicated staff have put together a number of challenges and workouts to try at home so we hope this digital replacement will be enough to keep people engaged and raise their spirits during these unprecedented times. We hope everyone stays safe and well and we look forward to seeing them again when we reopen.

Information on how to register for and download the MyWellness app can be found by searching on the councils website: http://www.durham.gov.uk.

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Keeping fit from the comfort of your own home - The Northern Echo

Bury Town hope to get work started on putting up a modern east stand and installing new floodlights as soon as coronavirus restrictions allow after being awarded a grant of more than 56,000.

The Isthmian League North Division club have been granted 56,386 by the Football Foundation towards renovations costing a total of 80,551 at the Denny Brothers Ram Meadow Stadium.

The grant will enable the club to replace the wooden Jimmy The Rattle stand opposite the changing rooms and clubhouse and replace their floodlights, which are more than 50 years old.

The remaining money will come from a mixture of club funds and donations, some of which has already been spent by the club in architects fees and planning application fees.

Whereas the Free Press reported in January the club were set to expand the seated capacity of the ground by 40 per cent with the new stand, it will now be a like-for-like replacement due to restrictions for funding at their current Step 4 level.

The wooden stand, which seated 150 spectators on wooden benches, is in disrepair and a new stand with 150 plastic seats will be built in its place, meaning the total seating capacity of the ground will remain at 250.

It had originally been hoped to build a new stand seating 250 but Bury Town board member Chris Ward, who has led the project, said there will be scope to extend it if they were to get promoted.

Reacting to the new of their grant, he said: We are delighted that the club has been awarded this grant from the Football Foundation.

In recent years we have improved our facilities greatly with a new clubhouse in 2017 and new changing rooms completed last summer, but we felt that we needed to address some outside areas.

The current floodlights at Ram Meadow were moved from the clubs former Kings Road ground in 1978, so while the club have made good use of them, they are now over 50 years old and in need of replacing.

The new stand will offer much more comfort to our supporters, and also offer a covered accessible area for wheelchair users and seating for careers which is something we lack at the moment.

The stand will be designed to be extended or even moved to a new location in the future, if needed.

On behalf of the club we would like to thank Jill Korwin and the team at West Suffolk Council for supporting the application, Jodie Allard and the Suffolk FA for supporting the bid and also Billy Fox at the Football Foundation who helped us process the successful bid.

The club have already contacted the company building the stand and also the floodlight installers, but both companies are currently closed with their workers furloughed so we are waiting until the current restrictions are lifted but hope to start work as soon they return.

Cllr Jo Rayner, cabinet member for leisure, culture and community hubs at West Suffolk Council, said: Im absolutely delighted that funding for a new stand and floodlighting at Bury Town Football Clubs home at Ram Meadow has been confirmed.

The council was very pleased to be able to work with the club to submit this application and we confirm our commitment to continue to work with the club to ensure it has a home that meets its needs now and in the future.

Suffolk FA football development manager Jodie Allard said: The Football Stadia Improvement Fund (FSIF) is funded by the Premier League and delivered by the Football Foundation.

Its purpose is to support clubs within the National League System to ensure they meet the FA ground grading criteria of their league, comply with health and safety requirements and to promote club sustainability.

Bury Towns successful application to the FSIF funding scheme to support their floodlight and stand improvements is a fantastic achievement and testament to the hard work of their members to bring much-needed investment into the club.

We look forward to seeing the impact that this financial aid has towards supporting the facilities at Ram Meadow, a well-respected and valued venue within the Suffolk football scene.

Read more here:
Bury Town secure funding to replace floodlights and rebuild stand - Bury Free Press

PLANNING APPLICATIONS

Below are planning applications received and decided by Sedgemoor District Council between April 2 and April 8, 2020.

EAST BRENT

24/20/00009: The Corner House, Brent Road, East Brent, Highbridge, Somerset, TA9 4JD: Erection of a single storey extension to rear (West) elevation.

DECISIONS

ASHCOTT

01/20/00006: 32 Bath Road, Ashcott, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA7 9QT: Conversion of attached garage to living accomodation including replacement of garage door with window (North elevation). GRANTED PERMISSION

BREAN

06/19/00015: Brean Leisure Park, Coast Road, Berrow, Burnham On Sea, Somerset, TA8 2QY: Extension of existing swimming pool building. GRANTED PERMISSION

BRENT KNOLL

07/20/00003: St Austin, Station Road, Brent Knoll, Highbridge, Somerset, TA9 4BH: Erection of a first floor side extension to East elevation, over existing single storey side extension and erection of a replacement porch. GRANTED PERMISSION

BRIDGWATER WITHOUT

09/19/00021: West View, Bath Road, Horsey, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA7 8PF: Certificate of Lawfulness for the existing use of garage and stores as dependent annex. REFUSE PLANNING PERMISSION

BROOMFIELD

10/20/00001: Rosegate Kennels, Broomfield, Bridgwater, TA5 2EH: Change of use of kennel buildings to 2no. dwelling and 1no. garage, demolition of remaining kennel buildings and alterations to the existing garage that serves the existing dwelling. GRANTED PERMISSION

BURNHAM & HIGHBRIDGE

11/20/00023: 67A Burnham Road, Highbridge, Somerset, TA9 3JG: Erection of a two storey link attached extension, to SW elevation, on site of existing garage/store (to be demolished). GRANTED PERMISSION

11/20/00015: 103 Worston Road, Highbridge, Somerset, TA9 3JX: Erection of a roof extension to the South elevation to facilitate a loft conversion. GRANTED PERMISSION

11/20/00020: 22A The Grove, Burnham On Sea, Somerset, TA8 2PA: Erection of a single storey extension to rear (SE) elevation to create annex accommodation. GRANTED PERMISSION

11/20/00011: 81A High Street, Burnham On Sea, Somerset, TA8 1PE: Amendments to the fenestration on the front (West) elevation. GRANTED PERMISSION

11/20/00028: Electronic Telecommunications Apparatus, Morland Road, Highbridge, Somerset, TA9: Notice of intent to install 1no. DSLAM equipment cabinet. PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT

11/20/00022: 10 Jubilee Street, Burnham On Sea, Somerset, TA8 1PT: Application to determine if prior approval is required for the erection of a single storey extension extending 3.55m from the rear (East) elevation: WITHDRAWN (AFTER REGISTRATION)

CANNINGTON

13/19/00063: Blackmore Farm, Blackmore Lane, Cannington, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA5 2NE: Outline application with all matters reserved for the reconstruction of a former mill building to be used as a Caf/Farm Shop. WITHDRAWN (AFTER REGISTRATION)

13/19/00053: Farm Shop And Cider House, Blackmore Farm, Blackmore Lane, Cannington, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA5 2NE: Change of use and conversion of existing Farm Shop/Cafe into a residential dwelling. WITHDRAWN (AFTER REGISTRATION)

13/20/00005: 54 Chads Hill, Cannington, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA5 2LX: Erection of a detached single storey timber framed garage. GRANTED PERMISSION

CHILTON POLDEN

19/20/00003: Polden Brook Farm, South Moors Lane, Chilton Polden, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA7 9DZ: Application to determine if prior approval is required for the proposed erection of an agricultural building. FORMAL APPLICATION NOT REQUIRED

EAST BRENT

24/18/00025: Eastfield, Old Bristol Road, East Brent, Highbridge, TA9 4HX: Part retrospective application for the erection of rear extension to current stables for use as garage/storage unit and erection of carport/workshop. WITHDRAWN (AFTER REGISTRATION)

24/20/00006: Mudgley Lodge Farm, Mudgley Road, Rooksbridge, Highbridge, BS26 2TL: Erection of Steel portal frame building for the housing of pigs (revised application to 24/16/00033). GRANTED PERMISSION

EAST HUNTSPILL

25/20/00007: Land to the North of, New Road, East Huntspill, Highbridge, Somerset, TA9: Erection of an extension to the NE elevation of an existing agricultural building. GRANTED PERMISSION

25/20/00002: 97 Church Road, East Huntspill, Highbridge, Somerset, TA9 4RL: Erection of single storey extensions to front (south) elevation and two storey extension to rear (north) elevation including formation of dormer window. Erection of detached double garage. GRANTED PERMISSION

25/20/00006: South View, Catherine Street, East Huntspill, Highbridge, Somerset, TA9 3PX: Retrospective change of use from holiday and Hinkley Point personnel letting accommodation to holiday and dependant relative annexe accommodation. GRANTED PERMISSION

GOATHURST

29/20/00003: Andersfield, Andersfield Road, Goathurst, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA5 2DL: Erection of a detached double garage. GRANTED PERMISSION

LYNG

32/20/00001: Rosedale, Main Road, West Lyng, Taunton, Somerset, TA3 5AP: Application to Discharge Planning Obligation (Section 52 Agreement) dated 24th October 1991 between Sedgemoor District Council, Judith Ann Medlock, Paul Stephen Medlock and National Westminster Home Loans Limited relating to Planning Application 32/91/00002 to remove restrictions placed on the annex. GRANTED PERMISSION

MARK

33/20/00006: Rose Cottage, Little Moor Road, Mark, Highbridge, TA9 4NJ: Erection of a single storey extension to side (West) elevation. GRANTED PERMISSION

NORTH PETHERTON

37/20/00013: Land To The North Of, Daws Farm, Taunton Road, North Petherton, Bridgwater, Somerset: Retention of 6 No. flagpoles and flags along Wilstock Way directing public to a business. GRANTED PERMISSION

37/20/00017: 28 Nokoto Drive, North Petherton, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 6WT: Retrospective application for the change of use of land to residential and the erection of a fence 1.95m high. GRANTED PERMISSION

37/20/00018: Land adjacent to, Chapel Road, Fordgate, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 0AR: Application to determine if prior approval is required for a proposed change of use of agricultural building to 1 No. dwelling and associated operational development. DECISION WITHDRAWN (AFTER REGISTRATION)

PURITON

42/20/00006: Land At, Walpole And Puriton Landfill Sites Off Puriton Road And, Batch Road, Puriton, Bridgwater, Somerset: Variation of Condition 3 of Planning Permission 42/14/00012 to extend the life of the permission to 40 years. GRANTED PERMISSION

42/20/00010: 44 Puriton Park, Puriton, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA7 8BH: Erection of a part single storey, part two storey extension to rear (East) elevation, on site of existing conservatory (to be demolished). GRANTED PERMISSION

SHIPHAM

44/20/00005: Rosewall, Comrade Avenue, Shipham, Winscombe, Somerset, BS25 1TP: Erection of a two storey extension to North elevation, on site of existing garage (to be demolished), erection of a single storey extension to West elevation and relocation of the west facing dormer and erection of a lean-to extension to the South elevation. GRANTED PERMISSION

WEDMORE

50/20/00011: Agricultural Building At, Orchard Farm, Cheddar Road, Cocklake, Wedmore, Somerset, BS28: Erection of a dwelling on site of existing agricultural building (to be demolished) and conversion of adjacent agricultural building to a residential annexe. GRANTED PERMISSION

50/20/00017: Holly Cottage, Snake Lane, Bagley, Wedmore, Somerset, BS28 4TE: Erection of a part single storey, part two-storey extension to side (NE) elevation, on site of existing (to be demolished). GRANTED PERMISSION

WESTONZOYLAND

53/19/00033: Land East Of, Liney Road, Westonzoyland, Bridgwater, Somerset: Application to vary the S106 agreement dated 12 October 2018 between Sedgemoor District Council and Robert Terence Shorthouse to vary the affordable housing provisions. GRANTED PERMISSION

WOOLAVINGTON

54/20/00001: 41 Old Mill Road, Woolavington, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA7 8EW: Erection of single storey extension to side (SW) elevation and erection of porch to front (SE) elevation.GRANTED PERMISSION

Read the rest here:
Planning applications in Sedgemoor: April 2 to 8, 2020 - Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News

The massive infusions of cash from central banks and governments around the world will help. But new approaches will ultimately be required, Rogoff argued, including possible global debt moratoriums for emerging-market economies such as India likely to be slammed by the virus. He also said central banks such as the Fed may be forced into unprecedented steps to revive growth such as lowering interest rates below zero, a move the central bank has long resisted in part because of mixed evidence of its effectiveness.

The big institutional players in this global economic drama are battle-tested veterans at spraying foam on the runway in the form of giant spending programs and an alphabet soup of lending facilities and central bank interventions. The U.S. Fed and Treasury just last week announced efforts designed to dole out more than $2 trillion in loans to businesses and municipalities, on top of trillions of dollars already promised through other lending and stimulus efforts.

But this is a beast unlike any of them have seen.

Other major downturns in recent decades grew out of market bubbles or economic policy mistakes, from runaway inflation in the 1970s and early 1980s, to the savings and loan crisis and Asian market meltdowns in the 1990s to the dot-com crash in 2000 and the 2008 financial crisis.

This time really is different.

And while central players including Powell, Mnuchin, Lagarde and Merkel are mostly using tools that worked in the past, few seem to be wrestling more broadly with how fundamentally the world is changing and what economies may look like once the coronavirus pandemic is finally brought under control, a date that remains largely unknowable and beyond the ability of economic policymakers to control or even influence.

The Great Depression transformed economic behavior for at least a decade. Many who lived through it never returned to their previous ways. The coronavirus crisis could do the same, suggesting the old playbook may help put out some short-term fires, but an entirely new approach may have to emerge from policymakers around the world.

The Fed and Congress have done an outstanding job so far, said Liaquat Ahamed, a former World Bank official and author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Lords of Finance: The Bankers Who Broke the World, a history of the Great Depression. He cited trillions of dollars worth of emergency lending from the Fed and a congressional rescue package worth 10 percent of the economy.

Whether thats enough, I suppose, depends on how long you have to do it for. But when this is all over I think we will have to ask the question of, what it is about the U.S. economy that makes it so unstable when it gets hit? Ahamed said. Europeans have mechanisms in place to deal with this that are a lot better than we have. All these lines outside unemployment centers show we dont have the institutional mechanisms to deal with these kinds of shocks.

Heres a look at what some of the biggest policymakers are doing now in the worlds two leading advanced economies the United States and Europe and what they may have to contemplate in the months and years ahead.

Mnuchin, though generally calm and subdued in public appearances, has been a frenetic actor behind the scenes, consistently on the phone and in meetings with the Fed chair, congressional leaders and White House officials as the economic point man for Donald Trump one of the few top officials to maintain the presidents confidence throughout his term. Mnuchin personally shuttled between congressional offices last month negotiating between a Democratic House speaker and Republican Senate majority leader for a $2.2 trillion program to save major industries, rescue small businesses, issue checks to most Americans and bolster unemployment benefits.

Hes racing against grim signs of damage across the economy, including 17 million new jobless claims in the U.S. in just three weeks with millions more on the way. Its a scale of devastation beyond what the U.S. saw across the entire course of an 18-month recession tied to the 2008-2009 financial crisis.

Over the past two weeks, Treasury and the Fed have held calls every day at 5 p.m., led by Mnuchin and Powell and including other senior staff. But Mnuchin and Powell talk multiple times a day on their cellphones, often well into the night sometimes five times, sometimes 30 times, according to the Treasury chief.

The calls reached fever pitch last Wednesday, as Treasury and the Fed prepared to jointly announce the massive $2.3 trillion intervention by the central bank, timed to hit the news wires just ahead of another disastrous report on unemployment claims on Thursday morning, which wound up showing 6.6 million Americans filed for benefits.

The plan included multiple facilities with complicated names to plow money into the cratering economy. Staff at Treasury and the Fed worked until well after midnight Wednesday night putting the necessary documents together to make the moves legal, which under Section 13(3) of the Federal Reserve Act required the signature of the Treasury secretary.

After a brief respite, work on the papers began again at 5 a.m. Thursday, with Powell and Mnuchin resuming their phone conversations as the clock ticked toward the 8:30 a.m. release of the devastating jobless figures.

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Blank checks, taboos and bazookas: Inside the global battle to prevent another depression - POLITICO

News

TULSA - Construction crews are starting work on an 85,000 square foot commercial space in Tulsa's Greenwood District.

The new project called "21 North Greenwood" will offer office and retail space at the corner of Greenwood and Archer on Black Wall Street.

Project developer Kajeer Yar told News On 6 the 5-story building will replace an empty lot thats in the process of being cleared for construction now.

Yar said it will have a roof for private events and even concerts for up to 499 people.

Crews will also build ground and raised parking on-site with 167 spots.

The project should wrap up in the spring of 2021.

Yar said the completion date is meaningful, along with the name 21 North Greenwood because the opening is set to happen 100 years after the Tulsa Race Massacre, which took place in the Greenwood District.

He said he hopes 21 North Greenwood is part of the revitalization of the Greenwood District.

More:
New Development On Black Wall Street to Offer Office and Retail Space - News On 6

TAMPA A large piece of debris on Wednesday flew off one of the two luxury residential towers under construction as part of the $3 billion Water Street Tampa project, officials said.

Tampa Fire Rescue said wind blew scaffolding materials from an elevated area" from one of the towers under construction at 815 Water Street at about 5:30 p.m. There were no injuries when it crashed to the ground.

The wind blew some stuff up, said Tampa Fire Rescue spokesperson Jason Penny. It was mistaken for a collapse.

The site of the incident is part of the Water Street Tampa project being overseen by Strategic Property Partners. That is the joint venture between Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik and Cascade Investment, the private wealth fund of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, to build more than 9 million square feet of commercial, residential, hospitality, educational, entertainment, cultural and retail space. Vinik is also a member of FBN Partners, a group of local investors who have loaned $15 million to Times Publishing Co., which owns the Tampa Bay Times.

Coastal Construction, the general contractor for the site, is investigating the cause of the incident with all subcontractors and workers involved, said a spokesperson for Strategic Property Partners, the developer of Water Street Tampa.

No injuries were reported and debris was immediately removed from the roadway by construction crews," the spokesperson said.

Doug Belden Jr., 28, was out jogging in downtown when he said he came upon the aftermath: a large slab of what looked like metal and rebar that stretched almost from the median to the sidewalk of Meridian Avenue. Workers peered over the top of the building as their bosses urged them to get down as fast as possible, he said.

You could tell the bosses of the job site were losing it, he said.

He had just run by the construction site five minutes earlier and felt fortunate to have missed the crash. The area, around the corner from Sparkmans Wharf and steps from the Tampa Riverwalk, would usually have been packed if not for the coronavirus lockdown, he noted.

I imagine there would have been some fatalities if this pandemic wasnt going on and people were out and about, he said.

The base of 815 Water Street will be the site of the new GreenWise Market grocery store that Publix plans to open. The project itself will have two towers, 26 and 21 stories, and will have a total of 420 units across from Amalie Arena. It was not known which tower the debris fell from.

See original here:
Large piece of debris flies off Water Street Tampa construction site - Tampa Bay Times

The streets in Tyler were quiet as the stay-at-home order continued in Smith County. However, an echo boomed near the Saunders Avenue bridges of hammers and construction.

While the city waits for all businesses to open, the new apartment complex, the District at Midtown, is on schedule to be completed. It is near the hospitals and the new medical school at the UT Health Science Center at Tyler.

We have three buildings, the first one will be completed mid-July, each one will be done a month after, mid-August, and September for the last one, said real estate developer Samuel Scarborough. Construction is an essential service. Weve been able to go right along without any issues.

What makes this project different from others is additional challenges to make sure contract employees do not get sick.

Everyones been great. We are taking the precautions, but its outside, everyone is spread apart doing their individual subcontracting work, said Scarborough. Its a usual construction project.

Scarborough said he is going through applications and pre-leasing now for the 36-unit apartments, which feature 24 one-bedroom units and 12 two-bedroom units.

Scarborough said in May he will have more news on the old King Chevrolet lot downtown. Scarborough said that project will bring 112 high-end apartments units with 4,000 square feet of retail space.

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Construction on schedule in Tyler: District at Midtown apartments - Tyler Morning Telegraph

Boston, MA Construction has begun on five customized showrooms and Veson Nauticals global headquarters at The Innovation and Design Building. The retail spaces throughout the Boston Design Center at 19 Drydock Ave. are being built for: Tile Showcase, Circa Lighting, Downsview Kitchen, HOLLY HUNT, and Scavolini Store Boston. Veson will occupy 20,000 s/f of first class office space on floor 6 of 21 Drydock in the mixed-use complex that is part of the Seaports Innovation District. Corderman & Company is providing construction management services on all six projects.

This $7.8 million phase of construction within the 1.4 million s/f IDB community is being built in collaboration with the global design firms CBT and IA. The inspiring interior spaces feature the highest quality finishes, a blend of materials, statement lighting, modern furniture, and display systems.

According to Tile Showcase president Fred Merullo: We were one of the first showrooms here when the facility opened. In that time the IDB has become a premier resource for architects, designers and homeowners. It is one of the most successful centers of its kind in the country. Were in the presence of a mix of world class, creative, and entrepreneurial companies which is an undeniable benefit to our business. Tile Showcase is expanding and relocating from the sixth to the fourth floor of 19 Drydock.

There is a high level of complexity that goes into every build out, said Corderman & Co. principal and project manager Linda Liporto. We are creating distinctive spaces each reflective of our clients brand identity. Showrooms have become a growing part of our diverse portfolio.

Corderman has built 25 creative showrooms as well as 16 offices and studios in the IDB for companies including: Boston Beer, Neoscape, NKT Photonics, MassChallenge Boston, the Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center, Pierre Frey, Kravet, AIS, KI, Robert Allen, and Waterworks. The Corderman team on the six new spaces is comprised of: Linda Liporto; assistant project managers Stephen Ferriter and Elizabeth Elcock; superintendents Gerry Andrews, Jacob Bashien, Richard Dow, Steve Giordano, Peter Carr, and Frank DiStefano; field operations David MacNeil; laborers Jorge Rivera, Marcus Bairead, Victor Cavero, Ken DeCampo, Juan Buenrostro, Gumercindo Buenrostro, Rodrigo Dos Santos, Lou Hopkins, Matthew Bousquet, Lee Lockett, Victor Cavero, Mark Bousquet, and Sean Keane.

The Innovation and Design Building has been transformed from its 1918 origin as an Army storehouse into a hub of Bostons innovation economy. Since Jamestowns acquisition in 2013, enhancements made to the building include the creation of a promenade populated with dining options, programming and event spaces, a tenant experience app, and other amenities which help innovative companies recruit top talent.

The IDB community spans many industries, from marine industrial firms and biotech labs to makers spaces and the Boston Design Center.

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Corderman & Co. begins six new showrooms and offices at the Innovation and Design Building - New England Real Estate Journal Online

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Photos by Kayleigh Omang

The Lights3150 Sheyenne St, West Fargo ND 58078thelightswf.com

Just a short time ago, the idea of a thriving, vibrant West Fargo scene seemed like just a dream. However, a lot can change in a brief period of time, as the current state of downtown West Fargo is booming. Partially to thank for this upsurge of interest in the city is EPIC Companies and their downtown West Fargo development along with The Lights at Sheyenne 32 project.

The Lights is a mixed-use commercial, residential and active living space that is soon to be filled with over 20 businesses and nearly 300 residential units. The location off of Sheyenne and 32nd Avenue in West Fargo also features a transformable plaza, ideal for entertaining and socializing.

The vision for The Lights evolved from wanting to bring a mixed-use district to the Red River Valley, inspired by the likes of those in Kansas Citys Power and Lights District or Rosemont outside of Chicago. People are demanding more out of their spaces and desire for a district that provides entertainment, living and work all in one.

This project is a public-private partnership between the City of West Fargo, West Fargo Events, and EPIC Companies. The City of West Fargo owns the parking ramp and the plaza space and they have hired nonprofit West Fargo Events to manage these spaces.

Construction for this exciting undertaking happened in two phases, the first one kicked off in the fall of 2018 and the second phase began in early 2019. The final project is four mixed-use buildings surrounding a central plaza. The bottom floors of these buildings are beginning to fill up with retail shops, offices, dining options and other various commercial tenants. The rest of the five-to-six story builds will be dedicated to apartments with the potential to have condos in the future.

The Lights provides all you need, in one beautiful spot. You can live there, you can work there and you can play there. This essential Live, Work, Play framework is what the district was designed around will contribute to its success.

Gone are the days where your residence is just a place to lay your head at night. The apartment you choose to live in is your shelter, and a place to unwind, entertain and even work from. If you dont love the place youre coming home to every day, the rest of your quality of life will follow suit. This is why EPIC Companies ensured their new apartment units be modern, but also the perfect blank slate for tenants own styles.

To live at one of The Lights 300 residential units is to sacrifice nothing. Built around an urban lifestyle, these residential units are nestled in the middle of one of the fastest-growing communities in West Fargo. For convenience and security, the buildings have fob access, underground parking, skyways to The Lights other buildings and the public parking ramp. Living at The Lights, you are only steps away from all you could want and need.

Opened March 1 was the first residential building, EPIC at The Lights, which has 49 units.

In addition to the convenience of the location, the units finishes are thoughtful and on-trend at EPIC at The Lights. Such features include tile backsplashes, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and a butcher block island in the kitchen; a private balcony; industrial accents, underground parking and hard-surface flooring. ECHO at The Lights will feature black stainless steel appliances, upgrade quartz, LVT, and cabinet colors.

One exciting aspect is that the units are pet-friendly. Because, for many, what is home without a furry friend to share it with? Just imagine all the cats and dogs admiring the bustling views of the plaza from each units floor-to-ceiling balcony doors. A treat for humans and pets alike!

In the fall another phase of The Lights will be complete. This will include ECHO at The Lights, which will have 36 two-story units. Some of the two-story units at ECHO at The Lights will have the bedrooms upstairs while the kitchen and living space are downstairs. This helps ensure that the noise being made above you is your own, making it feel more like condo living. All-inclusive costs for the units include heat, water, sewer, garbage and internet, making payments simple and easy.

West Fargo Facts:Population: 37,000+Metro Population: 245,000+Projected to gain 400 students a year1.75% Unemployment$73,400: average income of a West Fargonian

ECHO at The Lights is anchored by a Bell Bank branch with eight other divisible units open for leases on the second floor, perfect for office or retail spaces. EPIC at The Lights building is anchored by Bar Down, a new sports bar and grill. The remainder of the commercial units in the EPIC building vary in size and space, allowing flexibility for whatever businesses plant roots there.

The Lights commercial units have the benefit of a built-in customer base. While we expect the businesses anchoring the residential units will attract people from all over town, tenants are likely to be dedicated patrons.

To have your business take root in one of the Lights commercial units comes with a bevy of perks. One of which is that potential clients will have no trouble finding parking when they come by, thanks to the city-owned 400 space parking deck anchoring the north end.

The Lights entertainment space lives in the stretch between the plazas three structures, creating a tucked-in zone designed for year-round programming and events. Opportunities for live music, ice skating, outdoor patios and beyond abound. From tailgating before the big game to hosting concerts for up to 3,000 occupants, EPIC Companies designed the space to fill a myriad of interests and purposes.

With a goal to host over 100 events a year, the space will provide the perfect backdrop for community-building opportunities. With West Fargo Events managing the city-owned plaza outside the buildings, there will be many exciting events taking place in this transformable plaza.

Architect: ICON Architectural GroupConstruction Manager: Gehrtz Construction ServicesBuilding Management: EPIC ManagementPlaza Management: West Fargo EventsParking Ramp and Plaza: City of West Fargo-owned

Link:
A Beacon in the Heart of West Fargo: The Lights - Design & Living Magazine