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Who's ready for MVP talk?

With only 234 days until the next "NFL Honors" awards show, there isn't much time (and yes, the math is correct). In fact, there really isn't much time before the NBA announces its Most Valuable Player. Those smart fellas who run the pro basketball association called an audible with their MVP award, announcing an awards night, a la the NFL. If imitation is indeed a form of flattery, it can be also be cool. NFL Honors night has generally been a success, adding a bit of drama to the announcement of the most indispensable player in pro football ... which is usually a thrower.

Thus, with the NBA's top player (James Harden? Russell Westbrook?) set to be announced June 26, why not take an early, deep dive into something that is not likely to upset you? Below, we parsed out the top candidate for MVP from every team in the NFL. You'll find 16 quarterbacks, 16 non-quarterbacks, and several other fun options (hey, you try picking an MVP hopeful from the Jets).

Let's start with a couple of obvious names that might very well be announced come Feb. 3. Oh, and if you harbor any disagreement, @HarrisonNFL is the dropbox.

Based on last season and expectations for 2017, these are the early favorites:

Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots: For all the respect tossed Brady's direction, it's hard to believe he's only won two MVPs. Though that's still impressive, Peyton Manning's five MVPs appear to have re-jiggered our expectations. Despite winning Super Bowl LI and the game's MVP award for a fourth time, Brady's 2016 campaign somehow seemingly flew under the radar, though it probably only falls behind 2010 and 2007 as his best to date.

Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers: For the remainder of his prime, Rodgers will be the quintessential MVP candidate. He produces several wow plays per season while putting up statistics (like leading the league with 40 passing touchdowns in 2016) that make arguing for him easy. And the Packers will be good, again.

Derek Carr, QB, Oakland Raiders: No longer an underdog, Carr is prominently mentioned as an MVP candidate. Too much talk? Maybe. But while his numbers didn't match those of Brady or Rodgers, the perception is that Carr makes the Raiders go. The addition of Marshawn Lynch may slightly hurt the passing numbers but help Carr's MVP case, simply because it should help keep Oakland relevant.

No non-QB has been named MVP since Adrian Peterson won the award five years ago. If it were to somehow happen again, these would be the most likely suspects:

Antonio Brown, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers: Brown could have been MVP a couple of years ago. The problem is, wide receivers always fall well below quarterbacks in this deal, and historically, they've lagged behind the RBs -- as in, no wideout has ever won it. Brown couldn't get a sniff despite posting over 1,800 yards with Landry Jones and an end-of-career Michael Vick throwing him passes in 2015. The MVP drought at this position will end at some point. Brown was down 26 catches and nearly 500 hundred yards from his previous two years' averages without the suspended Martavis Bryant around in 2016. Now, Bryant is back.

Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Dallas Cowboys: If there is one running back who is most likely to wrest this award from a quarterback, it has to be Elliott. The Cowboys should at least contend in the NFC East again, while Elliott is only in Year 2 of his career. His offensive line isn't quite the same without Ronald Leary and Doug Free, the big three (All-Pros Tyron Smith, Zack Martin and Travis Frederick) are still there. If you're wondering about Le'Veon Bell, remember that playing a whole season factors into this award greatly -- and Bell's played in just 47 games over four seasons.

Julio Jones, WR, Atlanta Falcons: Why not list reigning MVP Matt Ryan here? While admittedly splitting hairs, I am thinking offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan's departure for the top job in San Francisco will affect Ryan more than it will Jones. The best wide receiver in the NFC -- if not the NFL -- is going to get his throws and looks. Also, bear in mind how difficult it is for players to repeat as MVP winners. It's been a minute since Peyton Manning pulled it off in 2008 and 2009. Before that, Brett Favre went back-to-back-to-back in 1995, '96 and '97, and Joe Montana repeated in 1989 and 1990.

Several players, like Drew Brees and Andrew Luck, posted outstanding numbers in a lost cause last season. What if the players around them raised their level of play? Each of the following players has either been in the MVP running before or was prolific for teams who didn't get far in January:

Russell Wilson, QB, Seattle Seahawks: Wilson dropped off the national MVP radar, partially due to an injury-plagued 2016. But can you make the case for any player being more valuable to his team? Seattle wins because of Wilson and its defense. A return to 13-3 could spell MVP for this man.

Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints: Brees always carries the stat line. Unfortunately, his defense has ranked 31st, 32nd and 28th in points allowed over the last three seasons. An average year from that side of the ball would put this team in the postseason -- and Brees back into the MVP discussion.

David Johnson, RB, Arizona Cardinals: If the Cardinals had won 10 games rather than seven in 2016, Johnson would have given Matt Ryan a run for his money. The NFL leader in yards from scrimmage (2,118) was so consistent that the he failed to total 100 yards just once: in Week 16, when he left early with a knee injury.

Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers: We found out after the season that Newton had a bum shoulder, which required surgery. Even so, the franchise QB failed to successfully follow up his 2015 MVP campaign because of a variety of factors. But now rookie RB Christian McCaffery is in-house. Receiver Kelvin Benjamin is two years removed from the ACL tear that ruined his 2015. And the Panthers' defense should be improved.

Andrew Luck, QB, Indianapolis Colts: Like Wilson, it is darn near impossible to separate quarterback from team with Luck -- perhaps more so in this case, given the weakness of Indy's defense. New general manager Chris Ballard bulked that area up during the draft and free agency. If the Colts play out of their minds, Luck's case gets stronger -- presuming, of course, Luck's surgically repaired shoulder doesn't get in the way.

Odell Beckham Jr., WR, New York Giants: Contract talk aside, Beckham has the potential to turn it on at any time. Can he stay focused? Here's thinking new additions Brandon Marshall and Evan Engram will be such distractions to opposing defenses that Beckham has a big year -- maybe even big enough to win MVP.

Matthew Stafford, QB, Detroit Lions: Although an underdog, Stafford deserved to be mentioned as an MVP candidate for most of last season. Then he dislocated his middle finger and, with Matt Ryan keeping up his torrid pace, that was it. Additions on the offensive line and a return to health for running back Ameer Abdullah could result in an MVP run for Stafford.

Von Miller, OLB, Denver Broncos: Miller came so close to winning Defensive Player of the Year in 2016 despite all the problems the Broncos had on offense, and despite the lack of team success (which had to have helped winner Khalil Mack). If Denver's offense shows up this time, Miller could be the first defensive player to win league MVP since Lawrence Taylor in 1986.

Kirk Cousins, QB, Washington Redskins: Cousins is the second-best -- but most important -- player on the Redskins. Trent Williams won't be winning MVP any time soon, but he could be protecting an MVP if the young receivers (Terrelle Pryor, Jamison Crowder, Josh Doctson) step up and Washington goes 10-6 or better.

Aaron Donald, DT, Los Angeles Rams: This is a huge leap. But Donald -- who, in three short years, has come to be considered the game's premier interior lineman, earning first-team All-Pro honors multiple times -- meets the criteria for this section. If the Rams play well enough to win the NFC West and Donald plays like he has, Donald could take home the hardware. That is quite a large if, though.

The guys below are easily the Most Valuable Players on their own teams, yet have neither the insane numbers nor enough talent around them -- at least, as of this writing -- to make much of a mark in this race at this point:

Philip Rivers, QB, Los Angeles Chargers: The consummate MVP of his team. I originally went with last season's rookie phenom, Joey Bosa, but I couldn't get away from the importance of Rivers to this franchise in a transition year. While his numbers were down and interceptions were up in 2016, remember that Rivers was having to force throws when half of his offense was out with injury and the Bolts were trying to stay in games. With the draft emphasis on offensive line and wideout, methinks No. 17 will be back.

Jameis Winston, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Perhaps no team is more quarterback-centric than the Bucs. Where would Tampa be without Winston? Amazingly enough, Winston has thrown 281 more passes than fellow 2015 draftee Marcus Mariota.

Marcus Mariota, QB, Tennessee Titans: Speaking of Mariota, the Titans' hopes rest on him staying healthy, something he has not been able to accomplish for a whole season through two years in the NFL. Yes, Tennessee's running game ranked third in the league in 2016. No, Tennessee can't win the AFC South with Matt Cassel under center.

Andy Dalton, QB, Cincinnati Bengals: Dalton was far from the issue in Cincinnati last season. The Bengals clearly missed former offensive coordinator Hue Jackson (the offense dropped from seventh to 24th in points scored), while the Bengals' running game went AWOL. Dalton can't win on stats alone.

Joe Flacco, QB, Baltimore Ravens: If Flacco is going to win this, he'll need a lot of help. With Dennis Pitta (86 catches last season) gone and one of the weakest running games in pro football (91.4 yards per game, 28th in the NFL), will Mike Wallace, Breshad Perriman or recent signee Jeremy Maclin provide it? On the other hand, if Baltimore wins the AFC North and Flacco throws for 4,600 yards, how could he not be NFL MVP?

LeSean McCoy, RB, Buffalo Bills: Surprise! The NFL's top running game did not reside in Dallas with Ezekiel Elliott or those run-happy Titans. Rather, the Bills paced the entire league, averaging 5.3 yards per carry. Not sure about the M.O. of new head coach Sean McDermott, but I can't imagine it will involve a broad departure from the ground game. That starts with No. 25, who is still in his prime.

Carson Wentz, QB, Philadelphia Eagles: Don't laugh. While Wentz's numbers did drop badly down the back half of his rookie season, his receivers did more than their part to contribute by dropping everything in sight. The additions of Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith should be a boon to Wentz's (gulp) MVP run.

So Matt Ryan is obviously a household name, but as the quarterback of a team that, entering 2016, hadn't been to the playoffs since 2012, he came out of nowhere to be named the league's Most Valuable Player. Here is a handful of players who could similarly surprise with at least a few votes:

Eric Berry, S, Kansas City Chiefs: His story is amazing, and the girl I hang out with thinks "he's cute." Maybe more importantly, Berry has come all the way back to be a more impactful player than he was before. No safety has ever won the award, but Berry played like an MVP last year. Witness the game in Atlanta.

Jadeveon Clowney, DE, Houston Texans: Going out on limb, but hear me out. Clowney was running around in opposing backfields like a kid at a public swimming pool late last year. J.J. Watt is back, which means Clowney could face a ton of single blocking. And Watt might be a year away from being his dominant MVP-like self.

Jay Ajayi, RB, Miami Dolphins: Ajayi would have to enjoy a helluva campaign to be named MVP -- but why not? The Dolphins made the playoffs last season despite every member of the offense still learning in the team's first year in coach Adam Gase's system. We've seen Ajayi be a workhorse of epic proportions against the Steelers (204 yards on 25 carries in Week 6) and Bills (420 yards on 60 carries combined in Weeks 7 and 16). Could he do it over a full season?

Jordan Howard, RB, Chicago Bears: While everyone was watching Aaron Rodgers toss 40 touchdowns, Matthew Stafford pull games out of his butt and Sam Bradford complete a record number of 2-yard slant routes, Howard played out of his mind. He averaged more yards per carry than Zeke Elliott (5.2 to 5.1) on his way to 1,313 rushing yards. You don't like this choice? I'll take your Bears suggestions here.

Leonard Fournette, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars: The only rookie on this list, Fournette has the best opportunity to win league MVP among the incoming freshmen. Christian McCaffery will split carries with Jonathan Stewart in Carolina. Who knows if any rookie QB will start? Expect the Jags to greatly reduce Blake Bortles' pass attempts.

Sam Bradford, QB, Minnesota Vikings: Yeesh. Don't yell at me. This was between Bradford and an ascending player in safety Harrison Smith. Bradford should enjoy more protection with the arrivals of Riley Reiff and Mike Remmers on the offensive line. Maybe he'll push the ball downfield more. If not, Bradford won't win nine games, much less league MVP.

Welp, there are three teams left. Three outfits that very well could be picking in the top five in next year's draft. Again. Instead of just going quarterback (Brian Hoyer, Cody Kessler and Josh McCown?), how about a handful of off-the-beaten path -- make that waaaaaaaaay off-the-beaten path -- MVP candidates?

Carlos Hyde, RB, San Francisco 49ers: Will Hyde thrive in Kyle Shanahan's offense? He should. The 49ers' RB1 rushed for 988 yards in only 13 games last season, an impressive feat when you consider how often his team trailed (badly). GM John Lynch and Shanahan have said they would like to get more out of Hyde, which could mean a huge season, albeit for a 5-11 team. More likely scenario: Pro Bowl.

Myles Garrett, DE, Cleveland Browns: Who to go with here? Isaiah Crowell? Jamie Collins? With the quarterback position up in the air and the roster filled with young players, the most talented prospect in the 2017 NFL Draft has as much chance as any Brown to be named league MVP. Of course, he would probably have to pull a Jevon Kearse, piling up 14.5 sacks with Cleveland going to the Super Bowl. More likely scenario: Defensive Rookie of the Year.

UPDATE: Garrett limped off the field with an apparent foot injury on Wednesday.

Leonard Williams, DE, New York Jets: Work with me. Please? The Jets are in rebuilding mode. Williams is as likely to steal the NFL MVP as the Jets are to, uh, take the AFC East. That said, at times, Williams plays like a first-team All-Pro. He improved in Year 2. If any Jet could pull this off, maybe it's him. Or not. More likely scenario: DPOY.

Follow Elliot Harrison on Twitter @HarrisonNFL.

Excerpt from:
Each team's MVP hopeful: From Tom Brady to Leonard Williams - NFL.com

Celebrating President Drew Faust

Since taking office in July 2007, Harvard President Drew Faust has spearheaded a sweeping expansion of financial aid, opening Harvards doors to many more qualified applicants, and has championed increased diversity and inclusivity on campus. She oversaw the re-establishment of ROTC programs, the creation and naming of the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and the launch of the record-setting Harvard Campaign. She promoted innovation in the ways the University pursues teaching, learning, and research across fields and disciplines, and she shepherded the One Harvard approach to collaboration and excellence among Schools and programs. Under her tenure, the University expanded its global impact while renovating and reinvigorating its physical spaces at home, with improvements ranging from the Harvard Art Museums to the Smith Campus Center to the residential Houses, along with imagining and beginning major campus additions in Allston.

Faust announced that she will step down as president on June 30, 2018. Here are some memorable moments from the last 10 years.

Excerpt from:
A decade of leadership - Harvard Gazette

The Elk Lake School Board on Wednesday opened the door to a pair of maintenance projects in the weeks ahead.

It awarded to A.R. Popple Construction of Wilkes-Barre a $42,000 bid for the removal and demolition of a boiler.

Board members also granted permission to send out for bids a window replacement project which will replace all of the windows in the high school with new windows that meet or exceed energy codes.

Energy manager Kim Guiton who oversees an energy efficiency plan for the school district will be taking bids as soon as the plans can be drawn up and sent out with a pre-bid and walk-thru meeting on June 14.

Work is to be completed by Aug. 18.

In other business, the board entered into a Memorandum of Understanding for 2017-18 with the Northeastern Intermediate Unit which prescribes courses of action which the body undertakes on behalf of its 19 member school districts.

The board also approved a new school policy on student wellness.

It gave a first reading for new policies dealing with immunizations and communicable diseases, and another with attendance.

The board also looked into proposals for health care benefits for employees and recommended the one with Highmark with rates essentially the same as last year.

The board approved hiring Laura Mitchell to a 12-month business office secretary position; also a special education teacher for summer position to Jon Sova; and two special education summer associate positions with Terri Bennett working with elementary students and Tammy Conrad working with secondary students.

The board also approved adding returning college student Megyn Stevens to the summer student worker list.

At the beginning of the meeting, business secretary Jeanie Rogers read letters of resignation by Iris Hoffman and Denise Churchill, two associates in the special education program which the board accepted with regret.

There was little discussion about the 2017-18 budget with a notation that it would be voted on at the next regular board meeting June 22.

In its role as school board for the Susquehanna County Career and Technology Center, members heard from director Alice Davis who shared TV news clips from WNEP Channel 16 and WBRE Channel 28 about Mountain View High School senior Darion Brodeur who received a car that had been rehabbed by automotive students so when Brodeur graduates from high school shell have a vehicle to get her to and from Lackawanna College where she plans to further her education.

Davis also talked about a 1250-hour barbering course, SCCTC is considering offering; along with community service projects of building dog houses for a local shelter and free libraries at fire houses in Susquehanna County with funds provided by Southwestern Energy; as well as a nutrition program with Elk Lake elementary grades.

The board also was apprised of talks which might lead to an out-of-state articulation agreement with the State University of New York at Cobleskill, with visitors on the SCCTC campus May 23.

Davis noted on Wednesday that 145 SCCTC students were eligible to graduate the next night.

She also said that a health careers day camp would be held July 10-13; and on July 13, Claverack REC would be having its annual picnic at Elk Lake with 1300 chicken dinners expected to be served utilizing resources of the SCCTC culinary arts program.

Board members also approved Jeannie Rogers to continue to serve as board secretary for the next 12 months at $3,800 for the year, no increase.

They also okayed renewal of clinical nurse supervisor contracts with Christopher Drake on a month-to-month basis and to Chelsea Lunger as a part-timer three days a week.

The board also accepted a $2500 grant from the Tulsa Foundation for its welding program, and granted approval to the administration to apply for a Perkins grant which could add $139,039 to the budget.

The board noted that SCCTC was also looking for a substantial Plan Con J reimbursement from the state.

Original post:
Elk Lake board gives green light to summer work - The Wyoming County Examiner

The Connecticut House of Representatives approved a bill this week that forces window manufacturers to include replacement and labor costs in product warranties. The bill now goes to Gov. Dannel Malloy, a Democrat, for approval. The legislation was strongly opposed by the Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA).

S.B. 821, which passed by a vote of 80 to 70, requires window, roofing and siding manufacturers that offer warranties to pay any claim made for materials and labor, and to repay the full price of materials and labor the consumer was charged. In addition, manufacturers must act on claims within 30 days. After that, the claim is automatically considered approved, and manufacturers must pay the claim within the following 30 days.

WDMA is strongly opposed to this legislation and is extremely concerned about the circumstances surrounding its passage, said Michael OBrien, WDMA president and CEO. The bill is problematically vague and unfair to manufacturers. Its passage confirms Connecticuts reputation of being hostile to business and manufacturing in particular. Furthermore, the bill and its ramifications were not given adequate scrutiny during the committee process and the fiscal impact is grossly understated.

According to WDMA, the vague language of the bill opens the door for warranty coverage ofimproper installation or use of aproduct.

WDMA argues that the new lawis unnecessary because consumers are already covered by product warranties that protect them from legitimate product defects or failures. Many of those warranties will cover replacement costs. In addition, manufacturers provide specific instructions for the installation of products, along with maintenance and other important documents.

The association says that making all warranties cover all labor costs for product defects is unreasonable because products can fail for many reasons, such as improper installation, misuse or modification after installation, or improper maintenance.

WDMA thanks all members who contacted the General Assembly in opposition to the bill and we call on Governor Malloy to immediately veto this misguided legislation, said OBrien.

See original here:
Connecticut Passes Onerous Window Warranty Bill - DWM Magazine

Jeff Malachowski Daily News Staff @JMalachowskiMW

MARLBOROUGH A recently devised multi-year capital plan will help city officials effectively strategizefor the future, Finance Committee members said Monday.

The city last year received a $30,000 grant through the state'sCommunity Compact program to partner with the Edward Collins Center for Public Management at UMass to create a five-year capital improvementplan. Department heads met with center officials to discuss the in-depth capital needs of the city and createda plan thataddresses57 capital projects.

This $142.3 million all-funds, five-year capital improvement plan will make major inroads into addressing significant infrastructure needs that exist in Marlborough today, Mayor Arthur Vigeant wrote in a letter to the City Council.

Some of the big-ticket projects featured in the plan include $34 million to build a new elementary school, $23 million to renovate and expand the citys more than century-old library, $20 million for roadway maintenance and reconstruction and more than $8 million for a west side fire station.

The city is applying for state grant funding for the school and library building projects. The grants would likely cover about 50 percent of the cost of the projects. Communitiesreceivestate funding for roadway repairs each year. Other federal and state grants, free cashand funds from the operating budget will also pay for the upgrades.

"One-hundred fifty million is not going on the backs of the taxpayers," the mayor said.

Finance Committee member Kathleen Robey expressed some concerns that some smaller projects may be dependent on the city receiving grants.

Other projects in the plan include repairs to the City Hall bell tower, interior masonry work, roof and skylights; repairs and window replacement at the Public Works headquarters; upgrading Ghiloni Park; modernizing the Pleasant Street apartments; various police and DPW vehicle replacements; replacing the Hildreth and Whitcomb School roofs; and purchasing a 14-passenger van for the Council on Aging.

"I think the department heads did a real nice job outlining their needs for the next five years," said Finance Committee Chairman Michael Ossing.

To view the full capital plan visit http://www.marlborough-ma.gov.

Jeff Malachowski can be reached at 508-490-7466 or jmalachowski@wickedlocal.com. Follow him on Twitter @JmalachowskiMW.

Here is the original post:
Marlborough: Committee members say capital plan will help planning - MetroWest Daily News

NORTHEAST, Wis. (WBAY) - Central air conditioning is a luxury not a necessity. But, after serving their country two local veterans are being treated to new units.

At the home of Adam DeJardin in Bonduel, a fan and a window unit provide some relief from the heat.

According to DeJardin, "It gets pretty warm up there in summertime, last week has been pretty rough."

Jordan Polzin from Green Bay had central air, sort of. He says, "Last year it would work probably, maybe about 60% of the time and this year it was barely working."

But thanks to two different Green Bay heating and cooling companies, that were running separate contests to give a deserving veteran a new AC unit on Flag Day, neither man needs to worry about how they'll keep themselves and their families cool anymore.

"A guy from Brown County Veterans Services called me, told me I was one of the finalists and then Bay Area Services came out and told me I won basically," says DeJardin.

Polzin adds, "I was nominated by Andy Bussiere from the Wisconsin Desert Vets and I was selected."

A crew from Bay Area Services showed up early this morning to begin the installation of Dejardin's new Trane unit.

"It's just great to give back to deserving veterans. We like to help anybody that we can, anytime that we can," says Shannon Beyersdorf from Bay Area Services.

Bay Heating Service along with American Standard had Polzin's old unit out and the new one in before noon.

According to David Drews from Bay Heating, "He does a lot for the veterans in the community and we really wanted to give back to him because he gives back so much."

And while neither man served their country to receive recognition, they're touched by the cool opportunity.

Polzin says, "I'm the second VP of the Wisconsin Desert Vets and we help other people out and me being helped out is, I just didn't expect it."

"It's going to mean a lot, save a lot of money. It's about $3,000 that they're putting in to this for us, so appreciate that a lot," adds DeJardin.

The rest is here:
Two Veterans, Two Companies, Two New AC Units - WBAY

A little light could mean big bucks for the Sewanhaka Central High School District.

With the installation of solar panels at its five high schools in the final stages, the district is projecting that theywill cut its energy costs by $250,000 each year, according to a news release.

The district has finished installingthe panels at New Hyde Park Memorial High School, Elmont Memorial High School and H. Frank Carey High School in Franklin Square.Floral Park Memorial High School and Sewanhaka High School will have them before the start of the next school year in September, the district said.

The panels are part of a larger project to cut the districts energy costs under an energy savings performance contract, an arrangement in which future savings pay for the necessary hardware and construction. Altogether the work could save the district nearly $950,000 annually, the district says.

The goal of all of these measures was to be environmentally conscious and to save money, Ralph Ferrie, the districtsuperintendent, said in the news release.

Other cost-cuttingprojects includeinstalling new energy-efficient lighting, revamping heating and air-conditioning systems and using other strategies to cut electricity use, according to district documents.

Some of the savings are showing up already. In April 2012, before the workstarted, New Hyde Park Memorial High School racked up an energy bill of $11,319.50, the district said. It was down about $9,100 in April of this yearto $2,203.22.

District officials have said the solar panels will generate 35 percent of that schools energy. Once all the panels are installed, the district says, it will be one of the largest solar energy producers in the state.

Utilizing green power is reducing our electrical costs, James Reddan, a Sewanhaka school board trustee from the New Hyde Park-Garden City Park school district, said in an email. When all 5 high schools are fully functional we should see a dramatic reduction in energy costs.

The district approved the energy performance contract with NORESCO, aMassachusetts-based energy services firm, in May 2015.

Under the agreement, the firm installs the energy-saving equipment in exchange for a portion of the money thats saved as a result. The companyguarantees the district will save a projected amount of money and makes up the difference if thesavings fall short.

A 2014 auditby state Comptroller Thomas DiNapolis office of nine energy performance contracts in eight school districtsquestioned the pacts efficacy.

Seven of the nine projects achieved projected savings, but only six of those saved as much as their contracting firm projected, the audit says. And most of the savings camefrom grants or state money that helped fund them.

See the rest here:
Solar panels to save Sewanhaka $250K each year - The Island Now

This press release was orginally distributed by SBWire

Langhorne, PA -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/14/2017 -- FINE Cabinetry Kitchen and Bath Co., a cabinet installation and remodeling company based out of Langhorne, Pennsylvania, provides many services for kitchen and bathroom remodeling in Bucks County. Their Langhorne showroom displays their services and kitchen specialties from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday,,10 a.m.- 4p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Tuesday. Other times are available by appointment.

FINE Cabinetry Kitchen and Bath Co. is dedicated to making kitchen cabinets both look beautiful and stay sturdy and durable for a long period of time. An experienced designer will arrive for a consultation at homes upon appointment and create a cabinet design that suits the home and the needs of the kitchen and the owner. The customer is then able to choose to either book an installation or order the design and install the cabinets themselves or hire their own contractor.

FINE Cabinetry Kitchen and Bath Co. also conducts full kitchen remodels in Bucks County and surrounding areas. Kitchen remodelers walk customers through all design and price options that will make kitchens look their best and be durable and practical. FINE Cabinetry Kitchen and Bath Co. is a top choice for remodeling kitchens in Bucks County because of the commitment, experience and talent of their designers and installation team.

FINE Cabinetry Kitchen and Bath Co. also remodels kitchens in Bucks County with return on investment in mind. If customers are remodeling the kitchen to sell the home, the contractors at FINE Cabinetry Kitchen and Bath Co. keep that in mind to create a design plan than will benefit the kitchen and the home for years to come.

For more information on kitchen cabinets, kitchen remodeling, and bathroom remodeling in Bucks County and surrounding areas, contact FINE Cabinetry Kitchen and Bath Co. at 215-392-4584 or info@finecabinetryllc.com

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For more information on this press release visit: http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/fine-cabinetry-kitchen-and-bath-co-remodels-kitchens-in-bucks-county-820667.htm

More here:
FINE Cabinetry Kitchen and Bath Co. Remodels Kitchens in Bucks ... - Digital Journal

Pearl District - KATU image.jpg

PORTLAND, Ore. A Portland resident took a stand against the construction of a building that he believes is disrespectful to the heart of the Pearl District.

Construction has already been approved to allow a 6-story, 100-foot office building with a penthouse at the corner NW 13th Avenue and Glisan Street.

John Hollister lives in the Northwest 13th Avenue Historic District in Portlands Pearl District. The section was designated on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987, and includes 20 buildings dating between 1900 to 1945 that have been restored and preserved.

The new building was approved for construction in a spot currently used as a parking lot.

Hollister spent $5,000 to appeal the final approval of the building to Portlands City Council. That appeal was denied Wednesday afternoon.

Hollister believes the new building doesn't meet the historic district guidelines for height and visual compatibility.

Its just too tall and its going to create some real economic pressure and development pressure on some of the smaller buildings," said Hollister. "I just don't want to see it change. With all of the building going on around it, I'd like to have one area that stays the same."

Hollister is worried if its built, similar buildings will spring up in the future, eventually hiding the historic brick buildings in canyons of steel and glass. Hes also concerned that there may be less concern in the future for preservation due to costs of upgrading and retrofitting those existing structures.

The argument for the height of this new structure is based on information recorded in the Citys database. Hollister researched the building heights in the area and discovered city records had incorrect height information for at least two existing buildings.

Hollister has done other research and gotten the support of an architect who will testify at City Council along with him.

"He says anyone who is dedicated and committed to tall buildings has to be equally committed to protect the villages within those tall buildings. And thats what Im trying to do here, said Hollister.

While he doesnt expect a unanimous vote, he is hopefully his argument will win most of the councilors over.

Im totally fine when I go to City Council to have a three, two vote in my favor, he said.

More here:
Resident fights new 6-story office building in historic Pearl District - KATU

Sacramento Bee

Replacing those aging state office buildings will have to go on California's credit card Sacramento Bee Gov. Jerry Brown has been vocal about his preference for pay-as-you-go instead of borrowing when it comes to funding public works projects. We got to belly up to the bar and start spending money, Brown told reporters in February. A budget bill ...

See more here:
Replacing those aging state office buildings will have to go on California's credit card - Sacramento Bee