Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

A few weeks ago I banged out a half dozen tweets (twitter rant) after seeing 2 near pedestrian vs car accidents within a quarter mile of each other. The victim in each case, a CMS Middle School student trying to cross speeding traffic on South Charlotte's Pineville - Matthews Road (Highway 51 to Native Charloteans).

Main stream media types fail to take notice of such things, unless of course there is the dead body of a 14 year old lying in the road.

Case in point, Park Road where there were no crosswalks or signals until a South Meck freshman was struck and killed while trying to cross the street several years ago.

Even though main stream media types including WCNC's Dianna Rugg blew it off my direct appeal as not newsworthy, South Charlotte Weekly's Ryan Pitkin saw the need to spotlight my concerns.

His in depth look at the situation follows in part here:

South Charlotte Middle School students and parents cross Pineville-Matthews Road around 4 p.m. as they do every school day.Ryan Pitkin/SCW photo

Students At A Crossroad

Ryan Pitkin October 31, 2014

Five middle-school-aged children and three adults peer down Pineville-Matthews Road as westbound traffic barrels by at 50 miles per hour. Its nearing 4 p.m. and traffic levels are starting to increase.

(Note: on the afternoon CP saw two students nearly hit while trying to cross highway 51 they were on their own, with no parents in sight.)

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Cedar Posts and Barbed Wire Fences - blogspot.com

Virtually all aircraft require maintenance in some form or other. The military along with airlines generally operate maintenance depots along with field support groups in strategic locations capable of handling the rigors of our profession. Specialized shops and fixed base operators provide mechanical repair along with an array of services to fit the needs of smaller general aviation aircraft. Traditionally, aircraft and some engine manufacturers establish service networks for operators of their products while larger maintenance repair organizations (MRO) exist to provide services for a significant percentage of the business aircraft fleet. Some larger corporate flight departments do staff for varying degrees of aircraft support. Capabilities range from accomplishing daily and routine checkups to and including major inspections and overhaul. National Business Aircraft Association (NBAA) In the United States the National Business Aircraft Association (NBAA) has been around for 67 years and is a tremendous ally of todays aviation technician. Many initiatives are underway to enhance the profession while providing liaison with airworthiness authorities around the globe. Leaders of the business aviation community have recognized the special activities required to not only make the worlds business aircraft safe for flight but fit for mission. Many corporations use their aircraft in a role as mobile offices to ensure travel time is productive and hopefully profitable. In addition these portable meeting rooms can be utilized once the aircraft arrives at smaller out of the way airports that just happen to be convenient to production or distribution centers and provide both comfortable and secure conference facilities. A dedicated NBAA Maintenance Committee made up of 137 of our industry peers that are actively engaged in the aircraft maintenance profession provides information and guidance to members while taking an active role in working to give value to member companies. Initiatives and challenges Some of the current initiatives include formation of a Connectivity Group addressing global airborne communications. Just how does the Airframe and Powerplant technician fit into all this? The question is presented frequently by executives experiencing Failures to Communicate. Most corporate IT departments are very savvy with supporting their internal networks and firewalls. Consider accomplishing this with a mobile asset traveling at sometimes 85 percent the speed of sound in excess of 40,000 feet above the planet? Oh by the way, many of these network geeks think that the term A&P applies to a food store chain. They dont realize that correcting a data discrepancy on an aircraft could require an approval for return to service. The NBAA is not only addressing the repair capability but is also looking to provide guidance to flight crews or cabin attendants capable of guiding passengers through the intricacies of establishing a secure and stable connection in unfamiliar surroundings. Another aspect is to provide some guidance regarding systems and overall capabilities so operators can be informed when planning a connectivity installation in their business aircraft. Currently the schools providing education to those entering the maintenance profession dont touch on connectivity. Prospective technicians do not receive exposure to data networks which in itself poses a challenge as most new aircraft include varying degrees of digital data transfer. It has been realized technicians do need the knowledge to install, inspect, and diagnose data buses as airframe or engine computer anomalies can prevent aircraft dispatch. Unfortunately AC43.13 does not provide adequate guidance regarding this technology. One of the greatest challenges faced by technicians today is dealing with analog regulations while working in a digital world. The NBAA Maintenance Committee Regulatory Group has undertaken this challenge and is currently pursuing concerns dealing with terminating actions for Airworthiness Directives, use of electronic documentation, and even approval of aircraft inspection programs. This can be accomplished by forming partnerships with the Federal Aviation Administration to provide industry guidance to ensure rule making is working as intended and will apply both to business aviation and in most cases, across the board to general aviation as well. NEXTTECH for NEXTGEN Currently the committee is keenly focused on the aircraft technician and has allied with a number of other professional organizations. The concern ours is a profession that has not stayed up with advancements in technology. An initiative called NEXTTECH for NEXTGEN is underway and includes a multidirectional approach to the dilemma. Reports produced by both Boeing and Airbus predict technician shortages across the globe and with newer technology finding its way into all corners of the aviation industry it is not only a question of enough technicians but enough qualified and competent people capable of ensuring airworthiness. Technicians involved in business aviation typically have a different need to know than the specialists most often engaged by airlines, maintenance repair organizations, or manufacturing sides of the profession. They are more the general practitioners of the field and demonstrate proficiency in numerous areas in addition to mechanical aptitudes such as administration, inspection, diagnostics, and teamwork. NEXTTECH does take into account the basic foundation knowledge of the aviation technician and has aligned with the Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC) to address the need to amend the curriculum developed 50 years ago to ensure the basic need to know is realized prior to bestowing return to service authority. Considering the demographic that about 80 percent of those actively engaged in the business are over 40 years old, there lies an opportunity to provide for continuing education and to highlight the importance that those involved understand newer concepts such as set forth in Part 25-1701 known as Electrical Wiring Interconnect Systems (EWIS). EWIS does introduce methods and concepts not originally considered when installing, maintaining, or even testing aircraft wiring systems. In fact the Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET) certification is another initiative where NBAA has connected with industry partners and engaged the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) to create and champion a standard that hopefully will be adopted by global airworthiness authorities to ensure worldwide comprehension as technology continues to evolve. Promoting the Profession NBAA actively encourages members to promote our profession at school-sponsored career days as well as aviation events. This energy has been harnessed and the Maintenance Committee has created a program known as Technical Awards and Career Scholarship (TRACS). This program is funded by those with a vested interest in our livelihood and offers educational programs such as specific Maintenance Initial courses on an array of business aircraft along with more generic avionics and human factors programs. In addition, cash contributions have been distributed to scholarship recipients to assist in travel costs while attending their awarded program. Unfortunately, there have been years where the number of scholarships outnumber the applicants. The program is open to all current and aspiring technicians including active duty military personnel with a career interest in business aviation. The National Business Aircraft Association does have international affiliation and provides a network where a global community can share ideas and create strategy to steer our collective future. In addition to conducting one of the largest annual aviation gatherings, it does promote local events including seminars acceptable toward Inspection Authorization renewal. For more information please visit NBAA.org. Yes, the NBAA does champion the issues and concerns of member companies but can be a significant ally to all those tasked with preserving our profession and the guardians of airworthy.

Jim Sparks has been in aviation for 30 years and is a licensed A&P. His career began in general aviation as a mechanic, electrician, and avionics technician. Currently when not writing for AMT, he is the manager of aviation maintenance for a private company with a fleet including light single engine aircraft, helicopters, and several types of business jets. You can reach him at sparks-jim@sbcglobal.net.

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Business Aviation Supporting the Maintenance Function

The City Secretarys Office is currently seeking biographical information forms for the following boards:

Board of Adjustment Seven (7) vacancies with terms to 4-4-16. The board hears appeals for interpretations of the zoning ordinance.

Building Code Board of Appeals Four (4) vacancies with terms to 5-4-16 representing the following categories: 2 Building Industry, 1- Engineer and 1- Member Not Connected with the Building Industry. The board hears appeals of decisions and interpretations of the building official on rulings and alternate materials and methods of construction and considers variances of various City Codes.

Cable Communications Commission One (1) vacancy with term to 7-27-16. The commission advises City Council on adherence to the provisions of any franchise agreement approved by the City Council, recommend regulations, and encourage, develop and promote the use of access channels.

Citizens Advisory Health Board Four (4) vacancies (one (1) vacancy appointed jointly by the City and Nueces County) with terms to 11-11-17. The board studies and assists in health and human service operations, services and programs, and makes recommendations to the City and County through the Director of Health and Human Services.

Community Youth Development (78415) Program Steering Committee Eight (8) vacancies with terms to 8-31-15 and 8-31-16 representing the following categories: 5 Residents of the 78415 Zip Code and 3 At Large. The committee advises the City Council on a periodic basis of the progress regarding the Community Youth Development Program.

Corpus Christi Community Improvement Corporation/Loan Review Committee Three (3) vacancies with terms to 5-7-17 representing the following categories: 2 Community at Large and 1 Financial Institution. The committee reviews and approves loan applications submitted through the various loan programs.

Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corporation One (1) vacancy with term to 12-31-17. The corporation performs as an advisory board to the City Council and investigates and recommends to the Council such projects as in its opinion would be advantageous to the future growth of the City and to assist the City in the establishment and location of industries.

Electrical Advisory Board Ten (10) vacancies with terms to 12-31-15 and 12-31-16 representing the following categories: 2 - Master Electricians (with at least 5 years active experience), 1 - Regular Engineer (registered professional with at least 5 years experience)), 1 - Commercial Builder (with 5 years experience), 1 - Electrical Supply Business (with at least 5 years experience), 1 - Field Representative from a Utility Power Distribution Company that Services the Corpus Christi Area (with at least 5 years experience), 1 - Resident of Corpus Christi not Connected with the Electrical Industry, 1 - Journeyman Electrician (with at least 5 years active experience), 1 - Home Builder (with 5 years experience), and 1 - Electrical Engineer (with at least 5 years experience). The board reviews grievances pertaining to contractors and the City Electrical Code. It also can recommend to the City Council changes regarding the City Electrical Code.

Joint Airport Zoning Board (Reactivating) This board is currently being reactivated to assist in administering regulations controlling the creation of hazards in the area surrounding Corpus Christi International Airport. There are two (2) vacancies to be appointed by the City Council. These appointees must be residents of Corpus Christi.

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City Board, Committee and Commission Vacancies

ENAD Wrecking Ball Demolition - Purdue University 10/28/14
Beginning of the demolition of the old power plant.

By: Andrew Cockie

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ENAD Wrecking Ball Demolition - Purdue University 10/28/14 - Video

Sacramento Downtown Plaza demolition project - Time lapse of weeks 10 and 11
Time lapse video of weeks 10 and 11 of demolition at the Sacramento Downtown Plaza. Oct 13 2014 through Oct 26 2014.

By: Downey Brand LLP

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Sacramento Downtown Plaza demolition project - Time lapse of weeks 10 and 11 - Video

Dmolition de maisons Ocean Ridge Orser home demolition
Voltige autour des 13 maisons condamnes sur les rues Ocean Ridge et Orser, Bathurst, alors que les travaux de dmolition sont en cours. Aerial footage of the 13 condemned homes on...

By: Franois Foulem

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Dmolition de maisons Ocean Ridge & Orser home demolition - Video

MONROE A local church has secured approval to demolish one of Monroes oldest homes, one of the few remaining antebellum houses in the city.

And while St. Pauls Episcopal Church has not decided whether it will proceed with demolition, the potential for such a move has left some neighbors aghast at the prospect of seeing another piece of Monroes history vanish.

The Laney-Lee House, at 202 E. Windsor St., dates to 1858. The two-story frame home was built for A.A. Laney, a prominent merchant and cotton planter who was Monroes mayor in 1865, the year the Civil War ended.

This is not just some old house. Its one of the only pre-Civil War houses still in Monroe, said Theresa Eaman, who lives near the property and created a Facebook page trying to rally people to save the house. Do we want to end up like Charlotte center city, where theres nothing left of historic value?

The church, which sits across the street from the 4,635-square-foot house, received the home as a donation in 1989 and used it as a rectory until 2008. It has been vacant since then.

St. Pauls is still considering all options, including demolition, finding someone who wants to move the house or rehabbing it, said Dick Brainard, the junior warden at the church who is in charge of the building and grounds. He said church leaders will present the parish with options for the site, likely by next spring, before deciding how to proceed.

If the house is no longer at the site, he said, the church might use the property for a garden where people could meditate.

Brainard understands the neighbors concerns, but added, Weve got to do what we can afford. The house has been in disrepair for years.

An order delayed

On Oct. 13, the citys Historic District Commission unanimously approved the churchs demolition request but delayed that order for 180 days to mid-April. Under city ordinances, the boards only options were to grant immediate approval or an approval with the delay, said Doug Britt, senior planner for the city.

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One of Monroes oldest homes approved for demolition

Published: October 31, 2014 | Last Modified: October 31, 2014 08:03PM

By Molly Callahan Record-Journal staff

MERIDEN Though demolition is largely complete at the Church & Morse site on South Colony Street, the former hardware stores foundations are set to remain in place for the foreseeable future, city officials said Friday.

Associate City Engineer Brian Ennis said a small amount of asbestos was uncovered during the demolition, the removal of which is delaying the completion of work at 33 and 51-53 S. Colony St.

No one knew it was there, Ennis said, but that will be abated early next week, and then it appears all they (the Massachusetts-based contractor NASDI Corp.) needs to do is clean up the site. The asbestos is fully contained in the area and creates no hazards for passersby, he added.

Public Works Director Robert Bass said the footprints of the buildings will remain where they are until the city hires a contractor to build a channel redirecting the formerly underground Harbor Brook.

Removing the buildings is part of the larger downtown flood control plan, which includes unearthing and redirecting the brook. The city also razed the buildings to offer better access to the railroad bridge behind them. When work is done, the site will be green space in the city, Bass said.

A new contractor would be hired to remove the foundations and build up the next phase of the work, which involves building a culvert adjacent to the railroad bridge to the north of the buildings, Ennis said. Currently, the bridge causes Harbor Brook to back up during major rainstorms and pushes water downtown, which has resulted in major flooding.

You can see how low the (steel) beam is on the Amtrak bridge; you can see how thats a choke point for the brook, City Manager Lawrence J. Kendzior said Friday.

We wanted to get the buildings out of the way, but the rest of the project is all dependent on the funding, Ennis said. This initial phase was $565,000, according to a permit issued for a project that matched the bid submitted by NASDI. Designs for the next phase should be drawn up and sent out to bid this winter, with construction beginning in the spring, Ennis said.

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Crews complete Church & Morse building demolition in Meriden

Published: October 28, 2014 | Last Modified: October 28, 2014 01:10AM

By Molly Callahan Record-Journal staff

Demolition of the former YMCA and Stone Insurance building at 88 State St. in Meriden began Monday to make room for a parking lot for a new train station on the New Haven- Hartford-Springfield rail line. Work in surrounding towns in preparation for new train stations is also underway.

Demolition of the State Street building follows the award of a $58.8 million station construction contract to New York-based Judlau Construction, announced by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy last week.

John Bernick, assistant rail administrator at the state Department of Transportation, said Monday that the state received six bids for the work and accepted the lowest bid, per state regulations. He added that the DOT follows explicit regulations to go with the lowest bidder in selecting contractors and does not have the leeway to select contractors based on location or other factors.

The contract includes building stations and platforms in Meriden, Wallingford and Berlin, in addition to site work and the demolition of the Meriden building. The demolition will clear space for a 79-space lot on State Street.

Construction on the stations will begin this fall. They are expected to be complete by late 2016, when the entire rail service will be launched, according to a statement from the governors office.

The rail project means improved track and signals along the 62-mile corridor, upgrades to bridges and culverts to accommodate double tracking, upgrades to at-grade crossings to enhance safety, improving existing stations and building new ones, and providing new train equipment.

Improvements at the stations will include high-level platforms on both sides of the tracks, overhead pedestrian bridges with new elevators and stair towers, platform snow-melt systems, electric vehicle charging stations, ticket vending machines and passenger information display systems, PA and high-resolution video surveillance systems, as well as improved access and parking from the street, according to the statement.

Bernick said construction is based on the contractors schedule, but would likely begin this fall before pausing over the winter, and then starting heavily in the spring. While construction is underway, local roads will be in various stages of closure.

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Another downtown demo project begins in Meriden

(PRWEB) November 02, 2014

MIFFLINBURG, PA: In a ceremony that took place at the Building Systems Council annual Fall Showcase conference and trade show in Washington, DC, Ritz-Craft Custom Homes received seven accolades as part of the 2015 Jerry Rouleau Awards for Excellence in Marketing and Home Design. Presented annually by the Building Systems Council (BSC) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the Jerry Rouleau Awards for Excellence are judged by an independent panel of industry experts and are seen as the pinnacle of achievement within the modular home building industry.

Ritz-Craft was honored with the following awards for excellence in home design:

In addition to excellence in home design, Ritz-Craft also garnered several awards for excellence in marketing:

It is great to honor the modular home manufacturers who have strived to be the best in our industry, said Donna Peak, Executive Director of the Building Systems Councils. It is apparent through the volume of awards Ritz-Craft has received this year that they are a company constantly working to improve and innovate. Ritz-Crafts success makes the building system industry better and more competitive.

When asked about these recent awards, Paul John, President/CEO and co-owner of Ritz-Craft replied: Awards like these are not won by one person it was definitely a group effort. I am extremely proud of the work our entire team puts forth on a daily basis towards creating new and exciting marketing tools and competitive home designs. We appreciate the National Association of Home Builders and the Building Systems Council for this recognition of our efforts, as well as the members of our builder network who have made these awards possible.

ABOUT RITZ-CRAFT: Ritz-Craft is a privately held, vertically integrated company headquartered in Mifflinburg, PA. With its roots in residential home building dating back to 1954, Ritz-Craft Custom Homes has risen to be an industry leader in the system-built housing industry. The company has additional production facilities in Michigan and North Carolina. For more information about Ritz-Craft homes visit http://www.ritz-craft.com or call 800-326-9836.

ABOUT THE BSC: The Building Systems Councils of the National Association of Home Builders is made up of manufacturer, builder, and associate members who advocate building with concrete, log, modular, or panelized systems. Systems-built homes are constructed to the same code standards and reflect the same, and often enhanced, quality levels as any site-built construction. The advantage of systems-building is its done in a fraction of the time, with a fraction of the waste, which can significantly reduce costs. Many systems-built homes also are inherently environmentally friendly adding a green label to the finished home.

ABOUT NAHB: ABOUT NAHB: The National Association of Home Builders is a Washington-based trade association representing more than 140,000 members involved in home building, remodeling, multifamily construction, property management, subcontracting, design, housing finance, building product manufacturing and other aspects of residential and light commercial construction. NAHB is affiliated with 800 state and local home builders associations around the country. NAHB's builder members will construct about 80 percent of the new housing units projected for this year.

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Ritz-Craft Custom Homes Receives National Recognition