Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Mountain Village, a premium-class residential complex with comfortable, safe and high-tech infrastructure, is under construction in Dilijan, Armenia. The first phase of 22 apartments will be commissioned at the end of 2024.

Mountain Village is the first gated community in Armenia. It is located in a private area in close proximity to the international college UWC Dilijan. The housing stock of the community consists of apartments, townhouses, an apart-hotel, a club house and premium class cottages. The first stage of construction is the Terraces complex, which consists of 22 apartments and coworking space. The apartments are of different sizes and layouts, designed both for young people wanting to experience Dilijan activities and larger families seeking comfort within nature.

The architectural design developed by PROFORMA studio combines functionality with aesthetic appeal. The complex is perfectly incorporated into the natural landscape. Innovative architectural solutions made it possible to combine urban comfort and the advantages of living in nature. The cascading shape of the building provides a separate terrace for each apartment. The design of the complex is inspired by Armenian rocks, and the concept for maximum privacy, by cave cities.

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The complex will meet the needs of residents of different ages regarding daily activity, recreation, peace and security. It will feature a coworking center and playgrounds for childrens leisure. Residents of the community will be able to visit the sports facilities of the international college UWC Dilijan, which include a stadium, a tennis court, a swimming pool and a gym. Schools, kindergartens, shops, restaurants, medical and tourist facilities are all located nearby. A hiking trail to Dilijan National Park is available directly from the Mountain Village.

The architecture of the community complies with green standards. The principles of sustainable development, environmental safety and energy efficiency are observed in engineering, construction materials and operations.

The first phase of construction of the Mountain Village will be completed by the end of 2024. Sale of apartments has launched through CityNest Property management. The company presented the Mountain Village community and details for purchasing an apartment at TOON Expo 2023.

The Mountain Village project is implemented by Impulse Management Company, with financialpartner Ardshinbank.

Guest contributions to the Armenian Weekly are informative articles or press releases written and submitted by members of the community.

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The first gated town Mountain Village is being built in Armenia - Armenian Weekly

This article is part of MACos Deep Dive series, where expert analysts explore and explain the top county issues of the day. A new article is added each week read all of MACos Deep Dives.

As Maryland races to meet its goal of 100 percent renewable energy by 2035 and achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across the states economy by 2045, there is mounting pressure to ramp up clean energy production.

Maryland has quadrupled its solar energy capacity from 258 to 1,000 megawatts (MW), and there is significant pressure to increase solar energy generation even further. In addition, counties face tremendous pressure on land use issues, from solar development to affordable housing to new and evolving agriculture.

While there are several renewable energy sources including sunlight, wind, biomass, geothermal heat, and more Marylands Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) requires that renewable sources generate specified percentages of Marylands electricity supply each year, including a solar carve-out at 14.5 percent by 2028.

And as much as solar power has popped up in suburban neighborhoods rooftop by rooftop in recent years, the real growth in solar worldwide has been in larger farms where electricity is generated and sold to utilities. This formula may help promote renewable energy, but its not always the best land use.

This year, the Maryland General Assembly established the Task Force to Study Solar Incentives to study and recommend tax policies to ramp up solar development across the state. The Task Force, staffed by the Maryland Energy Administration, includes three MACo representatives representing rural, suburban, and urban counties.

As the Task Force works to finalize its recommendations before its December reporting timeline, much of the discussion centers around adopting a Virginia-like tax model to incentivize solar development on rooftops, brownfields, and other already developed or degraded land rather than agricultural land.

Still, meeting Marylands RPS goal for solar energy will require more than 12,000 acres of land (over 7,000 acres of farmland) and an additional 130,000 homes with rooftop solar panels.

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First, take a look at Marylands solar tax incentives.

Maryland Solar Tax Incentives The Current Landscape

While Marylands local governments have the authority to impose personal property taxes on solar photovoltaic property, Maryland offers many incentives for solar development.

Maryland Solar System Sales Tax Exemption

All taxpayers in Maryland are exempt from paying sales tax on solar equipment. Solar energy equipment may include equipment that uses solar energy to heat or cool a structure, generate electricity for use in a structure, or provide hot water for use in a structure.

Maryland Renewable Energy System Property Tax Exemption

While most home improvement projects like an inground pool would raise a homeowners annual property taxes, Maryland residents do not have to pay taxes on the value added to their property due to a solar or wind renewable energy system.

Local Property Tax Credits and Incentives

Several counties offer property tax credits and other incentives for homeowners who use solar energy for heating and cooling, water heating, and electricity generation.

Community Solar Property Tax Exemption

Specified community solar energy systems are exempt from personal property taxes.

Community solar is used in at least 20 states to allow households unable to install solar panels on their roofs to participate in solar energy. These projects are small- to mid-scale solar facilities typically located on private land, commercial rooftops, landfills, industrial sites, and other preferred areas near the utility customers theyre intended to serve.

Maryland law exempts eligible community solar systems from the county or municipal personal property tax for each taxable year in which the property continues to meet eligibility requirements. A county or municipality may not accept an application for the exemption after December 31, 2025.

Utility-Scale Solar

As the demand for solar energy increases, large utility-scale operations threatening farmland and forests are being proposed across the state. Under current law, Maryland preempts local land use decisions for solar projects over 2MW. While Marylands Public Service Commission must give due consideration to local planning and zoning, local governments have no say over the siting of utility-scale solar projects.

Local governments can impose personal property taxes on utility-scale solar photovoltaic property or negotiate payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) agreements with solar developers to compensate for some or all of the property tax revenue lost due to tax abatement.

The Virginia Model

In Virginia, localities are authorized to impose a machinery and tools tax (similar to Marylands business personal property tax) on solar photovoltaic property.

Local concerns that financial incentives offered to solar developers, like a reduction in local M&T tax payments, were building the states solar portfolio at the expense of local government revenues have led to legislation enacted in recent years that aims to make large-scale solar projects more attractive to local governments. The legislation creates multiple pathways for local governments to ensure fair taxation/revenue sharing for solar projects.

Revenue Share / Local Option by Ordinance for Solar Projects

Virginia offers local governments the option to adopt an energy revenue share ordinance to assess a revenue share of up to $1,400 per megawatt capacity (with a multi-year escalator to keep up with inflation). It includes energy storage systems (typically large-scale chemical battery installations) equipment per MW of storage capacity. This model is meant to provide solar developers and local governments with consistency and predictability in tax policy.

For example, in 2026, the $1,400 could be adjusted to $1,540 per MW and similarly in subsequent 5-year intervals.

The escalator addresses the diminishing value of the dollar due to inflation, thereby providing an added incentive to adopt the energy tax rather than M&T.

If a locality adopts a revenue share ordinance, regulated solar projects greater than 5 megawatts are entitled to a 100 percent machinery and tools tax exemption (as opposed to the 80 percent exemption that is currently available). In addition, no ordinance may apply retroactively to any project for which an application was filed on or before July 1, 2020, except by agreement.

Extension of M&T Exemption for Solar Projects

For local governments wishing to keep the current machinery and tools tax on solar equipment, Virginia extends the 80 percent exemption for solar projects from machinery and tools tax assessments from January 1, 2024, until June 30, 2030.

The statute also changes the date the exemption is triggered to the date the application is filed with the locality. In addition, it creates a step-down schedule that decreases the 80 percent exemption to 60 percent for solar projects for which an interconnection request was filed after January 1, 2019.

Siting Agreements for Solar Projects or Energy Storage Projects

This provision allows local governments to negotiate siting agreements with solar developers that can include incentives related to broadband or other projects in the local budget or capital improvement plans. For example, it allows them to negotiate siting agreements that can benefit the community through revenue sharing.

A Maryland Twist on the Virginia Model?

While solar tax incentives are beneficial, it remains unclear whether more subsidies would outweigh regulatory hurdles in ensuring Maryland meets its goals for solar energy generation, as delays in the interconnection process are hindering the timely approval and implementation of renewable energy projects.

Still, one idea emerging from the Task Force to Study Solar Incentives is exempting all rooftop solar from local business personal property taxes. In exchange, the State would guarantee local revenue from utility-scale projects through a predictable and stable revenue-sharing model. This policy proposal aims to incentivize more rooftop solar (thereby protecting more farmland and forests from solar development) while protecting local revenue sources for large-scale ground-mounted solar projects.

If the Task Force approves the proposal, it will likely be included in legislation during the 2024 legislative session. Accordingly, MACo will review such legislation and its impact on Marylands counties. If appropriate, MACos Legislative Committee, which includes local elected officials from every jurisdiction, will take a position on the proposal and its potential impact on local revenues.

The Bottom Line

County governments will continue working with policymakers and stakeholders to balance the need to reach clean energy targets while protecting local revenues and ensuring local input on large solar projects so communities can help guide their historical, agricultural, and residential character.

Useful Links

Previous Conduit Street Coverage: Sowing Seeds for SolarAre Taxes An Essential Element?

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Is Virginia's Solar Taxation Model Right for Maryland? Conduit Street - Conduit Street

Stearns, Kentucky is rich in Appalachian history and culture, founded in 1902 by the Stearns Coal and Lumber Company. Centrally located within the state, adjacent to both the Daniel Boone National Forest and the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Sterns was a company town for decades serving as a major player in the mining and logging industries. More than 2,000 people lived and worked throughout 18 coal camps.

Like many company towns throughout America, Stearns ensured its residents had the infrastructure and civil services they needed, while also providing theaters, pool halls, tennis courts and baseball fields for comfort. They even provided a celebrated golf course, which is still open today.

The company also operated a railroad that serviced several of these camps. Legend has it that it was this railroad that inspired the classic Tennessee Ernie Ford song 16 Tons. However, as mines began to close and industries began to shift, these railroad towns began to lose steam. The community needed to re-invent itself, and it looked towards tourism.

We wanted to preserve the history of our town so that todays generation can understand what their ancestors had, said Ray Moncrief, President of Outdoor Venture Corporation. The railroad is a central part of that story, but it hadnt been upgraded in over forty years.

Moncrief serves with the McCreary County Heritage Foundation, along with other long-time residents Bennie Garland and JC Egnew. In 2018, the trio spearheaded a grant application withthe Economic Development Administration, who provided the foundation with a $2 million Economic Adjustment Assistance award for the railroads restoration.

Today, the Big South Fork Scenic Railway serves as an economic driver in the region, providing travelers with a guided tour of the scenic Kentucky landscape. It also takes them back in time, as they visit the recreation of a 1930s era coal camp named Barthell. It features many of the same facilities that Stearns historically provided, including 13 cabins, a general store, a doctors office, and a building for church and school. There is even an undertakers office.

The train operates annually from April 1st to December 31st. During the holiday season, it serves as the regions official Polar Express, as inspired by the award-winning childrens book and Warner Brothers feature film. Visitors are transported from the Stearns Depot to the North Pole, where Santa Claus joins them for the return trip, providing presents, hot chocolate and more. In 2022, more than 12,000 riders celebrated the holidays on these rails

With the railroad serving as an anchor for tourism, the foundation turned its attention towards long-term sustainability.

We have all the things you need for tourism, but we need to create critical mass for our visitors, said Egnew, whom many of Stearns public buildings are named after. Our plan is to redevelop several buildings in the downtown area, that will expand our tourism outreach.

To help make that possible, the foundation applied for an additional EDA award in 2022 through the American Rescue Plans Travel, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation program. They received a $3.9 million award to support revitalization of the McCreary County Museum and for the establishment of a Southern Welcome Center, which will include a coffee and gift shop. The award also provided for infrastructure improvements like paving and plumbing upgrades.

Stearns is closely situated to Interstate 75, a major southern route into the Kentucky wildlands. There are a host of tourist destinations as close as 20 minutes away, including Cumberland Falls State Resort Park and the Natural Arch Scenic Area, which see more than 4 million visitors every year. The foundation hopes EDA support will help make the region attractive to tourists and support the small businesses and supply chains that will invigorate the regional economy.

McCreary County offers more than 1,000 miles of hiking trails, said Garland. The issue is getting people to stay in Stearns longer. We are currently looking to develop a new RV park and increase our AirBNB community.

The foundation anticipates the project will be completed in 2025.

To read about other projects supported by the Economic Development Administration, please visit eda.gov.

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EDA Puts Former Kentucky Coal and Timber Community on the ... - Economic Development Administration

Brought to you in partnership with Wembley Park.

Wembley Park has emerged as one of London's brightest new creative districts, but it is also steeped in history. From its deep past to the sparkling present, here are 12 things you might not know about the area.

Wembley's world-famous name can be traced back to the early middle ages. Wemba was the name of the local landholder, about whom nothing is known. The second part is from the Old English word ley, meaning a clearing or meadow. Football fans, who traditionally add an extra syllable in the chant of 'Wemba-ley, Wemba-ley, Wemba-ley', are actually being faithful to history.

While Wembley is ancient, Wembley Park was created in the late 18th century. Landscape architect Humphry Repton restyled the grounds of Wellers, the largest house in what was still a rural area. It was from this time that the lands became known as Wembley Park, a name probably coined by Repton himself. The results were very attractive. Repton described the site as "...a most beautiful spot near Harrow".

In 1880, the Metropolitan Railway (now the Met line) was extended out to Harrow, cutting through Wembley Park in the process. The railway company bought much of the land at Wembley Park, and drew up plans to develop it, as part of what they dubbed 'Metroland' a collection of several new developments in north west London. These plans included the largest tower ever attempted in London...

Above is the base of the Watkin Tower, constructed at Wembley Park in 1899. The megastructure was the idea of the Metropolitan Railway's Sir Edward Watkin. The plan was to build an observation tower to rival the similar structure in Paris. Had it been completed, the tower would have dwarfed its rival. At 358 metres (1,175 feet), it would also have stood taller than the modern-day Shard. Unfortunately, the tower only reached first base before funds dried up. It was demolished a few years later, and the original Wembley Stadium was built in its place.

Wembley Park would eventually become famous for its football stadium. But the area was an attractive destination long before. From 1893, the restyled gardens were opened to the public. The following year, 100,000 people visited in just three months and this in an age when leisure time was rare for the majority. Attractions included sports grounds, tea pagodas, bandstands, a lake, a nine-hole golf course and a variety theatre. In the winter, the lake was used as a skating ring. The Metropolitan Railway could whisk visitors from Baker Street to Wembley Park in just 12 minutes as it still does today.

The park was transformed in 1922-23 to prepare for the colossal British Empire Exhibition. This remarkable spectacle showcased the wonders of empire. Numerous pavilions were built in exotic styles, like the Malaya Pavilion with its dome and minarets, and the pagoda-topped pavilion of Burma. The exhibition was filled with head-turners, including electric shuttle buses, a (then rare) Indian restaurant, and a statue of the future Edward VIII made out of butter.

To help visitors reach the British Empire Exhibition, Wembley Park station was enlarged. But an entirely new station was also set up, known as Exhibition Station (Wembley), for trains running out of Marylebone. It opened on 23 April 1923 to bring supporters to the first FA Cup Final held at Wembley. It closed in 1969. The remains of this ghost station have long since been covered by industrial buildings, but the curve of the rail route can still be seen in satellite views, to the east of Wembley stadium.

Fans of the old Wembley Stadium can still pay homage to the demolished landmark. In a remarkable act of recycling, much of the rubble was transported to nearby Northolt and sculpted into four artificial hills. Northala Fields has won awards for its landscaping. You can see the modern Wembley Stadium and Wembley Park from the summit.

Such is the pulling power of the area that it's even visited by superheroes. In the film Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), Iron Man and the Hulk duke it out in Johannesburg. The scenes were actually filmed inside Brent Civic Centre in Wembley Park. Fortunately, the damage was only digital!

In more recent years, Wembley Park has served as a film location for the likes of EastEnders, Ted Lasso, and the 2022 horror film, Choose Or Die. Wembley Stadium even has a brief cameo in Netflix's record smashing satire, Don't Look Up.

Wembley Stadium has famously played host to its fair share of world-class football matches, but did you know that OVO Arena Wembley (as it is currently known) has its own incredible sporting legacy? Originally called The Empire Pool, it opened for the 1934 British Empire Games, now the Commonwealth Games. The 61m pool featured Europes first wave machine and a diving pool parts of the former remain, hidden under the Arenas floor to this day!

As well as swimming, the venue hosted ice skating, horse shows, boxing, tennis, indoor speedway and wrestling events. Daily, the venue accommodated up to 5,000 visitors offering swimming, diving, cafs, restaurants, sunbathing on adjacent lawns and a dance floor.

The 1948 Olympics also took place here. Both The Empire Pool and Wembley Stadium were offered free of charge by the venues' chair Sir Arthur Elvin, of Wembley Stadium and Arena, amid post-war austerity.

Many legendary artists like The Beatles, Rolling Stones, The Who, Cliff Richard, and Status Quo played their first Wembley shows at the Empire Pool. ABBA had six sold-out concerts there in 1979. Cliff Richard holds the record for most shows by a solo artist at the venue 61! while Status Quo's the band thats set the stage ablaze the most times, with 45 performances.

Wembley Stadium, of course, boasts its own share of iconic moments in the history of music. Live Aid has got to be a particular highlight welcoming 72,000 spectators, raising 150 million for famine relief, and becoming one of the largest ever live global satellite broadcasts of all time, with an estimated global audience of 1.9 billion across 150 nations. More recently, The Weeknd drew 87,000 fans breaking the record for ticket sales with a traditional stage setup, as the Stadium celebrated its 100th birthday in 2023.

Building on this incredible history of entertainment, Wembley Park continues to put on a show. From light festivals to orchestral concerts in car parks, to seasonal events such as Diwali celebrations, there's always something going on much of it totally free!

And that's before we even get started on those held at the neighbourhood's various world-class cultural venues. You've heard of the stadium and the arena, but did you know that Wembley Park is now also home to a West End-calibre theatre. The Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, which first opened in 2019, has hosted acclaimed shows like War Horse, The Curious Incident of The Dog In The Night Time, and Disney's Newsies. In 2024, the theatre will be transformed into the 'Starlight Auditorium' for Andrew Lloyd Webber's Starlight Express.

Wembley Park is gaining recognition for its art scene. The Wembley Park Art Trail offers a mix of permanent collections and seasonal exhibitions, turning public spaces into art galleries. Notable artists like Mr Doodle, Claire Luxton, and JR have left their mark on everything from buildings to steps, to pavements.

Since 2018, Wembley Park has been home to the largest BOXPARK in London. It features a huge selection of street food traders choose between gourmet vegan burgers, Brazilian BBQ, artisan doughnuts, London's best pok bowls (there was a vote and everything), plus many more.

BOXPARK Wembley also has a whole floor dedicated to gaming where you can play crazy golf inside a pop music video, play shuffleboard and roam through a range of virtual reality experiences.

Next time you're at the OVO Arena, check out its Square of Fame, emblazoned with bronze plaques imprinted with notable performers' names and handprints. The first star to have a plaque was Madonna in 2006. Others include Kylie, George Michael, Dolly Parton and Dame Shirley Bassey, added in 2019 to celebrate the Arena's 60th anniversary as a music venue.

You can find out more about Wembley Park here.

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15 Things You Never Knew About Wembley Park - Londonist

Vancouver, Nov. 16, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global spinal implants and surgery devices market is projected to be worth USD 18.41 Billion by 2032, according to a current analysis by Emergen Research. The spinal implants and surgical devices market is observing high demand attributed to the growing geriatric population. The growing geriatric population is a major factor stimulating market demand. It has been estimated that by 2050 approximately 16.0% of the global population will be aged more than 65 years, which is expected to increase five-fold since 1950. Aging, among other factors, is responsible for facet joints deterioration causing many spinal disorders. Thus, the rising incidence of spine problems in the growing geriatric population is estimated to boost the growth of the spinal implants and surgical devices market in the forecast period.

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Scope of Research

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Major Companies and Competitive Landscape

The leading players in the spinal implants and surgery devices market are equipped with enhanced production facilities and are involved in various R&D activities. A few leading players in the spinal implants and surgery devices market include:

Strategic Development

In March 2019, RTI Surgical Holdings, Inc., a firm involved in surgical implant, made an announcement about the completion of the acquisition of Paradigm Spine, LLC, involved in non-fusion and motion preservation spinal implant technology.

In August 2019, NuVasive, Inc., a leading spine technology innovation firm, made an announcement about the commercial introduction of titanium spinal implant, Modulus TLIF-A, for use in transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion procedure.

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Some Key Highlights from the Report

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Emergen Research has segmented the global spinal implants and surgery devices market on the basis of product type, technology, surgery type, end-user, and region:

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Spinal Implants and Surgery Devices Market Size Worth USD 18.41 ... - GlobeNewswire

Designed by Tadao Ando, MPavilion 10 Opens in Melbourne, Australia

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The tenth edition of the MPavilion opens in Queen Victoria Gardens in Melbourne, Australia. The structure was designed by Pritzker Prize-winner Tadao Ando, marking the architects first built project in Australia. The pavilion follows his signature use of geometric shapes in harmony with the natural landscape and the precise use of exposed concrete. On November 16, 2023, the official opening inaugurates the space with a public celebration and a wide array of art commissions selected by the Naomi Milgrom Foundation. The MPavilion will remain free and open to the public from 16 November to 28 March 2024, inviting visitors to engage with its diverse cultural program and find opportunities for contemplation and tranquility in its spaces.

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Located in Melbournes botanic garden, the MPavilion is an occasion for experimentation and innovation. For this tenth edition, Tadao Ando created a large canopy comprising a 14.4-meter aluminum-clad disc supported by a central column. The central structure is surrounded by concrete walls of varying lengths, defining a partially enclosed space reminiscent of a traditional Japanese garden. Inside, half of the space is occupied by a reflecting pool, mirroring the pavilion canopy and the sky above. An opening in the south and north walls frames views of Melbourne and the surrounding parklands.

The tranquil environment of the pavilion is doubled by a series of artistic commissions aimed at encouraging visitors to engage with the citys cultural scene. For the opening weekend, visitors will be able to borrow unique quilts created from the MPavilion Quilt Challenge, with each design inspired by elements of Andos architecture. Inside the pavilion, artist Joo Loureiros installation Escala de Cinzas (Greyscale) is an invitation to taste the sensation of grey ice cream, while a curated selection of artists, architects, and creatives are scheduled to contribute with various interventions and installations, from Davidov Architects MPavilion 10 Chair to DNJ Papers samue, a Japanese-style work jacket to be worn by MPavilion attendants throughout the season.

I am honored to have completed my first project in Australia and to have created a piece of living architecture that will have such an important role in the cultural life of Melbourne this summer. I hope that as people visit, they allow this space to enter their hearts, and allow their senses to tune into the light and breeze interacting with them and this space. I hope for them an experience of harmony with nature, with themselves, and with others. - Tadao Ando, architect of MPavilion 10

Representing one of Australias foremost architecture commissions, the MPavilion is an annual initiative of the Naomi Milgrom Foundation, inviting architects and designers from around the world to participate in the design festival. In its previous installment, the project was designed by Bangkok-based architecture and design practice all(zone). Other participating architects include Glenn Murcutt in 2019, Carme Pins in 2018, and OMA's Rem Koolhaas & David Gianotten in 2017.

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Designed by Tadao Ando, MPavilion 10 Opens in Melbourne ... - ArchDaily

Maine is drafting plans for its share of nearly $9 billion in home energy and efficiency rebate funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, with a straw proposal due out by the end of the year for input from contractors and other professionals who will be on the front lines of promoting new and expanded incentives to the public.

The landmark 2022 climate legislation known as the IRA included two programs focused on household rebates for weatherization, electrification and more, aiming to reduce energy use, costs and emissions for low-income families in particular.

Maine and other states are crafting applications to the U.S. Department of Energy that detail how they hope to use the funding on new and expanded incentives. States will have to balance offering larger rebates with ensuring more availability, while navigating overlaps with existing programs and considering new goals.

The IRA programs at issue include $4.3 billion across all states for energy-saving retrofits and another $4.5 billion across states and tribes for efficient electric appliances and equipment.

Its an unprecedented amount of money to be going to this particular thing of helping people make their homes more modern, cleaner, healthier and cheaper to operate, said Kristin Eberhard, the senior director of state and local policy with the electrification advocacy group Rewiring America.

Maine, for its part, can get about $36 million from each program and, under each, must direct a minimum of about $11.5 million to low-income households and another $2.8 million or more to low-income people who live in multifamily housing.

Its really transformative, Eberhard said. Its going to have a much bigger impact than anything weve seen up to date on those harder-to-reach households.

Maine energy officials say these groups are already a priority for growing the impact of existing rebates, and will be top of mind in their IRA plans.

Were trying to figure out where the gaps are and how we could deploy these funds to fill some of those gaps, said Efficiency Maine Executive Director Michael Stoddard, whose quasi-governmental agency oversees state energy incentives.

Through rebates, loans, aggressive marketing and coordination throughout the supply chain, Maine has emerged as a national leader in deploying electric heat pumps, which provide high-efficiency space heating, cooling and water heating.

Buildings are an entrenched source of planet-warming carbon emissions in Maine, where a greater share of households rely on home heating oil than any other state. That dependence declined from 70% to 56% in 2022, the state reported on Nov. 9.

Maine has already met the initial 2025 heat pump target in its climate action plan, but lags behind on its goal for getting the technology into lower-income homes.

The state already offers hundreds of dollars off heat pumps for people of any income. Lower-income families can get $2,000 off their first unit. For those who qualify for government assistance, both equipment and installation may be free.

This 100% coverage is essential for the lowest-income families, Eberhard said those who cant put up anything. But Maines existing program only has so much funding, she said. It can only reach so many households.

So some of that is where these rebates are going to come in and give an infusion where they will be able to reach a lot more low-income households, Eberhard said. They know how to do it now. Its just the money to do it.

Efficiency Maine, working with MaineHousing and the Governors Energy Office the federal designee for receiving this IRA money is contemplating new income tiers to help make higher rebate amounts more accessible, according to Stoddard.

People with the lowest income might qualify for the highest rebates $8,000 or 100% of project costs for heat pumps, under IRA rules. And the state might split the moderate-income category, which will receive lower rebates, into two tiers, offering more flexibility for people at different income levels than under current programs.

People in multifamily buildings are able to qualify alone or collectively, based on their income or the share of tenants in the building in each bracket. The IRA also includes rules that would allow renters to request rebates for their apartments.

Stoddard expects IRA funding will be especially useful for moderate-income households to move toward whole-home heat pump systems, which are a key part of Maines long-term electrification goals.

But just as important, he said, is what Maine doesnt plan to do with its IRA funds.

What these IRA rebate programs enable us to do is expand and extend the number of customers that we can serve but its not likely that its going to dramatically change the amount of incentive on any individual project, Stoddard said. That may be true in other states where theyve had no programs until this money came along, but thats not the case in Maine.

Several kinds of heat pump hot water heaters, for example, are basically free under current incentives, so Stoddard doesnt expect to emphasize those for IRA funding.

Likewise, he doesnt expect Maines single-family home insulation rebates will change. He said the IRAs rules for modeling energy savings for these rebates could be onerous or too costly for individual customers.

Instead, Stoddard expects Maine to focus this pool of money again on multifamily buildings, where the IRAs requirements may be easier to accommodate in bulk.

These rebates come from the efficiency portion of IRA, and will vary depending on how much energy the user will save hence the need for modeling. But weatherization isnt the only allowable path to achieving those savings, Stoddard said, meaning that multifamily buildings could also use this money for heat pumps.

State applications for this IRA funding have to include consumer education and outreach plans and other strategies, including a market transformation plan on how the use of this money will help lead to ongoing home energy investments.

Eberhard said Maine has already set a standard for this kind of transformation with its approach to heat pumps working upstream with suppliers, distributors, contractors and retailers to make savings and resources as accessible as possible.

If we had that in every state in the country, where you walked into Lowes [and heat pumps were front and center], and your contractor knew how to do it, and your distributor could take care of the rebate thats a real game-changer, she said.

Theres no hard deadline for states to apply for the IRA rebate funds, and the money is available through the fall of 2031. But Dan Burgess, who heads the Maine Governors Energy Office, said efforts like those that Maine has already established should make its IRA rollout easier.

I think were in a good place to put these funds to good use and to hopefully be one of the early states moving forward with a rebate program, he said.

Continue reading here:
Maine hopes IRA money will get heat pumps to more people ... - Energy News Network

Visit the islands off season to take in all the natural beauty and avoid the crowds

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Just behind the fishing village of Camara de Lobos on Madeira, you can see Cabo Girao, the highest cape in Europe Photo courtesy of Juergen Sack / iStock Via Getty Images Plus

Travel to Portugal has increased exponentially in recent years, as many continue to discover the cultural and culinary riches of the year-round destination and its stunning capital city, Lisbon.

Especially when considering winter vacation ideas, there are two Portugal gems worth exploring off the mainland: Madeira island and her sibling, Porto Santo.

On a map these islands look closer to Morocco, but the archipelago is an autonomous region of Portugal. Madeira, noted for volcanic peaks, pebble beaches, and flower-bedecked gardens, is the gateway to the region. A smaller island, Porto Santo, is arid, dotted with prickly pear and other cacti, and coated with a long swath of yellow sands.

You can catch daily direct flights from many European cities to Madeira; all fly into Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport (aka Funchal Airport) in Santa Cruz, the main hub of the island. From the U.S., you can get direct flights to Lisbon on TAP Air Portugal, the countrys budget airline thats better than many other budget airlines, and then travel from Lisbon to Madeira.

Once on Madeira, you can either fly on BinterCanarias or take a ferry to reach Porto Santo. Flights take about 25 minutes, and the ferry about 2.5 hours.

With mild temperatures (60 to 70 F), Madeira and Porto Santo make for a lovely winter getaway from the chilling temperatures found in many other parts of Europe. Traveling to Madeira and Porto Santo in the winter means avoiding the throngs of tourists that flock here during the summer months. Plus, hotel rates tend to be lower, except for dates between Christmas and New Year's Day.

There's so much to explore on Madeira and Porto Santo, we've highlighted six places that show off the finest outdoor treasures these Portugal islands have to offer.

Unlike other levadas, the Levada do Alecrim doesn't present anything too precipitous or vertigo-inducing Photo courtesy of Carlos Gouvia

Madeira is called the "Garden Island" for a reason. To really see the natural beauty of this lush and verdant landscape, get out and explore one of the many forests and trails. A stone-laden ribbon of a hiking trail, the Levada do Alecrim wanders through a forested landscape thick with the heather that once blanketed most of the island. This ancient forest is so ecologically important, its recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Water droplets trickle from leaves, stems, and rocks. A narrow water channel seemingly clinging to the cliffside parallels the path, following the lands steep contours. At a little more than 2 miles each way (hike in and back along the same trail), walking this path is a serene experience, with sightings of yellow buttercups, wild purple orchids, and the tiny Madeira firecrest, Europes smallest bird. The sounds of water tumbling from the waterfall at trails end pulls you in, and a bracing pool awaits.

It's easy to spend the day wandering to all the swimming, eating, and drinking venues found along the seaside promenade in Funchal Photo courtesy of Francisco Correia

Meandering along Madeiras rugged south coast, join the walkers and joggers ambling along the 2-mile seaside promenade between the Lido area and Praia Formosa, a popular beach, in Funchal. Take in the sights along the way, including verdant gardens and green spaces, pebble beaches, public swimming pools, and cafes.

While winter waters might be a bit cool, if youre out for a swim, stop at one of the public bathing complexes, Ponta Gorda and Lido, for saltwater pools. Or check out tide pools among volcanic rocks around Piscinas Naturais da Doca do Cavacas. From here, the views of Europes highest sea cliff, Cabo Girao, cant be beat.

Hungry? Stop for a bite at popular waterfront eateries like Sushi by Gavinas.

Stairs and paths climb the many levels of Madeira Botanical Garden, where, at the top, a cable car provides a scenic ride to the village of Monte Photo courtesy of Ricardo Faria Paulino

Set on a steep hillside almost 1,000 feet above sea level, the Madeira Botanical Garden is home to over 2,000 different plant species from all over the globe.

A network of dark stone paths and steps climb and weave through the vast acreage. The garden is typically thronged with visitors, who often cluster on the lower levels, leaving the upper tiers with a more peaceful vibe. There, isolated benches are scattered about, providing views of the blooms and the sea.

Vote Now: Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights (10Best Readers' Choice Awards 2023)

The landscape is divided into themed sections that include aromatics, camellias, and the flora of Madeira. One of the gardens signature sights is the Choreographed Gardens, a mosaic of ornamental bloodleaf plants displaying purple, pink, yellow, and red hues. The Madeira Botanical Garden is open every day year-round, except for Christmas Day.

Visitors often are captivated by the many bird species, plants, and the carp swimming in the pools at Quinta das Palmeires Photo courtesy of Francisco Correia

Porto Santo island might be defined by its aridness, but the one-acre Quinta das Palmeiras is a leafy refuge, combining a petite garden with an equally wee zoo that's home to myriad winged creatures.

Peacocks will meet you along the dirt paths, greylag geese and wood ducks float on ponds, and birds flit about at every turn. Sulfur-crested cockatoos, Australian parakeets, and fantails are just a few of the many species found here.

The landscape is lush with Canary Island date and desert fan palms, Monterey pines, Surinam cherry, and Natal plum trees. Depending on the time of year, the many shades of green might be punctuated by brilliantly hued blossoms, whether its the pinks and yellows of red hot pokers or the scarlets of firecracker plants.

Some people enjoy strolling from their hotel along the long stretch of Porto Santo Beach Photo courtesy of Francisco Correia

Porto Santo is blessed with more than 5 miles of uninterrupted golden sands along its south coast, perfect for beach walking or simply a relaxing day of sunning and swimming no matter the time of year.

Both the fine sands and the clear, turquoise waters are recognized for their bone, joint, and muscle healing properties, thanks to a high mineral content. (Dont be alarmed when you spot someone covering their body or just their limbs with sand.)

A favorite Porto Santo beach among locals and visitors is Calheta Beach at the south coasts terminus, with its more secluded vibe and stellar sunrises and sunsets.

Overlooking the beach and the black lava rocks scattered on the sand and offshore, the casual Restaurante Ponta da Calheta has a pleasant terrace for lunch or dinner. Grilled limpets, octopus carpaccio, and bolo do caco, a traditional Madeiran flatbread, with garlic butter are among the tasty menu offerings.

Because Porto Santo is primarily a beach destination, many hotels close for the season, so check ahead. Two hotels youll find open in winter are Porto Santo Hotel and Spa and the all-inclusive Pestana Porto Santo.

Unlike other levadas, the Levada do Alecrim doesn't present anything too precipitous or vertigo-inducing Photo courtesy of Carlos Gouvia

Some of Porto Santo's finest panoramic views are along the steep, rugged Pico do Castelo trail that climbs to the islands highest peak. Once youve parked near an old cannon part of the defense from pirates centuries ago the short route navigates up a series of steps that zig-zag this way and that.

From the top, youll see planes landing on the airports single runway, the brilliant green 27-hole golf course, jagged offshore islets in the distance, and the grand expanse of Porto Santo before you. Beside your path, delicate wildflowers grow atop a low stone wall.

Not far from the top, theres a bust of Antonio Shiappa de Azevedo, who was key in reforesting the island. Once at the summit, a garden shaded by Monterey and maritime pines and other trees beckons you to stop and sit a while.

More:
Why Portugal should be on your winter travel bucket list - USA Today

I have a mini-vacation coming up, flying out of Newark Liberty International Airport for a more tropical climate.

And I was recently shopping around for airport parking options. As I have written about previously, I strongly prefer to park on airport property rather than in a local off-airport lot it is usually cheaper, faster, and more convenient.

As you may know, the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey which operates the airport offers several parking options at a variety of price points. Ranging from $25 a day at the P6 Economy lot, to $38 a day at the P4 Daily garage, to $44 a day at the Short-Term Terminal lots. (Note: Those are the current prebooking rates.)

Imagine my surprise when I discovered a brand new option on the airport web site. For a parking lot I have never heard of before.

Lot 151. It just oozes mystery and intrigue. Maybe it's because the name is so close to "Area 51". Maybe because 151, among other things, shares its name with a popular high-proof rum.

An updated EWR parking map shows Lot 151 is situated on the northern edge of airport property, at the corner of Brewster Rd. and Conrad Rd.

According to the Newark Airport parking booking site: "Available for a limited time! Safe and official. Free shuttle-bus service direct to terminals; travel time 10 minutes depending on the terminal. One bus stop closer to terminals than P6 Economy, also lowest price."

The fine print indicates that a human staff member will be on-site to verify a prepaid booking, and allow access to and exit from the lot. The price seems to be equal to the discounted prepaid rate for the nearby P6 Economy lot $25 a day.

But here is the most curious part that is all the information available about Lot 151. There is no other mention of "Lot 151" on the Port Authority web site. Nor anywhere on the internet a Google search returns very few relevant, useful entries. (Other than a recommendation from one Redditor who apparently parked there in 2022.)

So is this parking lot real? Will there be an actual attendant there? With frequent shuttle service to EWR's terminals?

Yes, Lot 151 is real.

I took a drive up to Newark this week, and discovered the infrastructure is in place to turn it into a public parking lot. There were no cars parked there yet, and no attendants on-duty.

It is clearly meant to be an overflow lot.

Prepaid online bookings are available from Saturday, November 18, 2023 to Wednesday, November 29, 2023 coinciding with the busy Thanksgiving travel weeks. (I suspect those dates will be extended through the Christmas holiday season too, if needed.)

However, I'm not sure Lot 151 is a good option for the average airport traveler, except as a last resort. The directional signage is particularly bad you need to know exactly where you're going, and/or follow signed to "North Area" and "Building 151" to find the lot.

There is also no telling how frequently shuttle buses will run between Lot 151 and the terminals. (They will probably share service with the P6 Economy lot, which is only a half-mile down the road.) Security could be an issue too, given how remote and desolate the northern apron of the airport is.

The bottom line: Lot 151 is a relatively new option at Newark Airport. But park at your own risk. Personally, I'll be leaving my car somewhere less mysterious on my upcoming trip.

Dan Zarrow is Chief Meteorologist for Townsquare Media New Jersey. Check out Dan's weather blog or follow him on Facebook for your latest weather forecast updates.

Take a look at the top travel destinations in the country for Thanksgiving in 2023.

[WARNING: Under no circumstances should you enter private or abandoned property. By doing so you risk bodily harm and/or prosecution for trespassing.]

Gallery Credit: Sandi Hemmerlein

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Unraveling the mystery of Newark Airport's new 'Lot 151' - New Jersey 101.5 FM

Sex Diaries

In Sex Diaries, weask anonymous city dwellers to record a week in their sex lives with comic, tragic, often sexy, and always revealing results.

Photo-Illustration: Marylu Herrera

This week, a woman enjoys her newly divorced life by having sex with a wealthy stranger: single, Manhattan, 32.

DAY ONE

7 a.m. Wake up and decide to make a Bloody Mary. A few months ago, just after my divorce was finalized, I resolved to be the kind of woman who makes amazing cocktails. Check.

8 a.m. Bloody in hand, I start the day. I live in a big house in Ditmas Park and its messy from a weekend of partying. I put on music and start to clean.

8:30 a.m. My sister and some friends were in town for my official divorce party. My ex-husband was my high-school sweetheart. We moved to the city together ten years ago. He got very successful at a law firm and I got very successful as a freelance interior decorator. A year ago we decided to part ways. I wanted kids and he did not. When we first got together he was wishy-washy, but as the years went on he became adamant about wanting a childless life forever. It was a dealbreaker. Plus, our sex was really boringhis penis was small, and Im obsessed with big dicks.

Anyway, the divorce was pretty amicable. We both wanted out and he makes a shit-ton of money so I got to keep the house.

11 a.m. Done cleaning. Im feeling a little anxious. Despite the completion of my divorce and the lack of drama surrounding it, Ive been dealing with some pretty rough anxiety. Ive never had anxiety before in my life. My friends think I didnt give myself enough time to heal after the divorce just went straight back into work and dating and never really processed how much my life has changed. Maybe theyre right. I dont want to go on medication so Im just drinking probably more than I should. I tell myself Ill go fully sober next year.

11:15 a.m. Settle in for a few hours of work: Call some clients, make up some budgets, etc.

5 p.m. Log on to the apps. I message with Franco, a guy from Feeld, who is gorgeous but has a wife in Paris. I could definitely have fun sleeping with him, but Im not sure if I can have sex with someone with whom there is absolutely zero future with.

10 p.m. I decide to move on from Franco despite his promise that he has a nine-inch cock. Like, Im not looking for a boyfriend, but I also have hope I could fall in love again.

DAY TWO

8 a.m. Meet with my trainer, Anthony, whom Ive always had a crush on. I just dont want to be the divorced woman who fucks her personal trainer, ya know?

9 a.m. Im meeting a client about her new brownstone. When I get to the house she introduces me to her husband, Mike, and I recognize him from Feeld. We matched and briefly chatted. Im not positive its him, but based on his awkward greeting like, he looked at me like he recognized me I think it must be.

I can feel him eyeing me during our meeting; Ive been dressing a lot sexier since getting divorced, and its amazing how much more attention Im getting from men. Is this all it takes? A red bodysuit and some high boots from Everlane?

11 a.m. The minute I get in my Uber I look to see if its the same Mike from Feeld. Well, it is, because theres a message waiting for me: Well that was awkward! I ask if his wife knows hes on dating apps. He says, Not exactly. Okay, ew. I want to win this brownstone account, but Ill be working with a couple where the husband is a cheater. Ugh! I block him on the app.

6 p.m. Meet up with my friend who is in her first lesbian relationship. Shes trying to explain to me how good the sex is in the queer community. I tell her that Im worried Id be a bad lesbian because Im so into guys with big dicks. She tries to sell me on strap-ons, but I dont bite.

9 p.m. Head home, take a bath, and off to bed.

DAY THREE

9 a.m. Visiting my gynecologist today to talk about a few things. One: possibly having a baby on my own. Two: going on birth control since I plan to fuck a bunch of men this winter (my ex always pulled out, but thats way too risky now.) Three: how to proceed with more regular STI testing.

11 a.m. Leave the appointment hating my gyno. She made me feel slutty and vapid she seemed like she was in a really bad mood and rushed through my appointment, and she didnt seem to be listening to me. I walked out with basically none of my questions answered. Great.

3 p.m. A big design brand occasionally uses me on projects, and today they want me to help design a holiday event at a store, so were doing the walk-through now. Its a West Elm kind of place and were all drinking Champagne talking about the concept. Again, I dressed really sexy. Just in case!

4 p.m. Theres a guy looking at a couch. Hes in a beautiful suit. We start talking and I offer him some Champagne. He says he has to get back to work on Wall Street but then he asks for my number! No wedding ring, so I give him the digits.

8 p.m. Wall Street guy texts. His name is William. We make a plan for tomorrow.

9 p.m. Im so tired from the day drinking that I go to bed early after a nice session with my vibrator.

DAY FOUR

9 a.m. I have a client in Jersey City, so Im in my car heading to her loft. Im feeling so horny lately. The vibration of my car seat is literally making me wet.

10 a.m. I do something Ive never done before and masturbate while stuck in traffic. I orgasm in the Holland Tunnel. Because Im alone in my car, I howl when it happens. It feels wonderful.

7 p.m. We meet at a nice Italian restaurant in the West Village. I am wearing a new tube top and high-waisted jeans. I feel a bit like a Kardashian but I also know I look hot. William walks in. Hes in another nice suit and looks well rich.

9 p.m. The date is nice. Hes nice. Hes also divorced but has two kids with his wife. He lives between the city and Westport. His story is pretty dull: He was a workaholic she needed more their marriage fell apart. Blah blah blah.

10 p.m. Were making out a bar in the Village and I put my hands in between his legs. The bulge feels nonexistent. I know its not the most scientific test, but Im kind of turned off. We decide to call it a night.

DAY FIVE

7 a.m. Wake up feeling anxious again, I still dont exactly know why. Obviously my divorce did something to me, even though on the surface I feel okay about it. I need some therapy. And self-examination. But I havent focused my energy on any self-help stuff.

9 a.m. Head to the city for a full self-care day. Im getting my hair highlighted, visiting my derm, and going shopping.

12 p.m. Lunch with my friend Amanda, who has three kids and a big job in fashion. I really envy her. Her life is perfect. Shes obsessed with her husband and shes a really good and involved mom. Sometimes I wonder how my life has devolved to the point of being totally alone with no idea what the future holds. Oh, hello maybe thats the root of my anxiety?

2 p.m. At least Im financially stable. Shopping therapy never hurts. I go to Bloomies, the RealReal, Sandro. I do some damage and come home with more sexy outfits for the holidays.

5 p.m. I have no plans for tonight. Its very quiet at home.

9 p.m. Been swiping online for hours. I think Ive lined up a few interesting guys to flirt with for the next few days. I just need to have crushes. Crushes and fantasies will keep me alive.

DAY SIX

8 a.m. Seeing my trainer. Should I just seduce him? During our session I imagine sucking his cock. Literally, I close my eyes while doing squats and imagine it. Obviously I dont say anything to him. Just a little fantasy.

10 a.m. Get a call from the brownstone client whose husband is secretly on Feeld. They want to hire me. Its the biggest job Ive ever landed so Im happy, but I also have a sick feeling in my stomach about the lying husband! I tell her Im honored and cant wait to get to work.

5 p.m. Spend the day drafting ideas and budgets for the brownstone. Feeling motivated. It seems like Ill only be dealing with the wife, so thats good, but then the husband texts me. Hes glad I won the project. This is super-creepy. He must have gotten my cell from her. Ugh! I dont reply.

7 p.m. William asks for drinks tomorrow before he heads back to Westport. I tell him it works for me.

10 p.m. Line up a whole weekend of coffees, drinks, and dinners. These clothes arent going to wear themselves!

DAY SEVEN

9 a.m. My parents are in town for a family event so were spending the day together. Theyve been so supportive of my divorce, but I know theyre dying for me to have kids. I feel the pressure, and theyre not so subtle about it.

1 p.m. After a few hours of family time, I need a breather. I tell them Ill see them tomorrow and go home for the rest of the day. They have plenty of people to visit with so Im not totally abandoning them. Dont worry, Im a good daughter!

5 p.m. Get my hair blown out and my makeup done for these drinks with William. He chose a private club for the drinks. Its classy and I want to really bring it.

7 p.m. We each order dirty martinis. William looks good. Hes handsome and smells really good, which I love. We talk about his kids, and I ask if hed ever have more. Without a beat, he says: Yeah, I really want more kids, one hundred percent. I like this answer. I like this answer so much that I ask him if hed escort me to the bathroom.

7:15 p.m. We are fucking in one of the big, fancy bathroom stalls. Theres loud music playing so no one will hear us, but it has to happen fast in case someone is waiting outside. Williams cock is average but it works. We go about five minutes and we both come.

9 p.m. Before the bill arrives, I decide that I wont be seeing William again. The sex wasnt good enough to keep my interest. But I had fun Im pretty happy with it. I send him off to Westport with a big smile on his face, and I go to another bar and see who else is around. Being single isnt so bad!

The Sex Diaries column, which began in 2007, is the basis of a newdocuseries on HBO.

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Originally posted here:
Sex Story: The Divorce Who Wants to Seduce Her Trainer - The Cut