Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

December is drawing to a close, ending an unusual year in Fall River history. It was a time of reckoning for some, a new beginning for others. This was the second year of the COVID pandemic that still has the world in its grip, casting a specter over every aspect of life in the city. And yet there were some positive developments too.

We looked back at the past 12 months of Herald News stories and came up with a list of 10 of the most important issues and stories that affect us all. Lets look at them all briefly and wed like you to choose which are the top three stories of 2021. Vote using our form at the bottom of the story.

In 2020, Taryn Camara, a Kuss Middle School teacher was fired over complaints circulated about a post she published on her Facebook page that some construed as racist. The posting was made during a period of national unrest following the death of George Floyd, and Camaras attorney later said the remarks were meant to be sarcastic. This past year, Camara sued the Fall River School Department, theFall River Educators Association and the Massachusetts Teachers Association and an arbitrator gave Camara her job back, along with back pay. The story sparked conversation about the boundaries between peoples social media accounts and their careers and if that boundary even exists.

Social media boundaries: This Fall River teacher was fired for her Facebook post. Here's what an arbitrator ruled.

This past year was a rough one for former Superintendent Matt Malone. In January, the School Committee disciplined him after an investigation revealed he harassed district staff members, including calling a disabled employee the R-word and using inappropriate language toward female employees. He also faced heat for declining to appear before the school board to discuss capital improvements, exchanging testy emails with City Council President Cliff Ponte in a feud that turned public. In June, Malone resigned effective Nov. 1, ending a career that started in Fall River in 2016.

Schools chief steps down: Embattled Fall River Superintendent Malone announces resignation

Six days into the new year, a mob of supporters of then-President Donald Trump marched in protest to the Capitol building in Washington, D.C., and caused politically-motivated mayhem on a scale not seen in our lifetimes. Hundreds of people stormed the building, damaging property, ransacking offices, disrupting a joint session of Congress, and threatening lives. Mike St. Pierre, a Fall River grocery store owner, livestreamed himself from Washington participating in the march, and was videotaped hurling an object inside as a door was broken open. St. Pierre was questioned by the FBI. His grocery store has since closed, and he has opened another, similar business.

'Caught up in the moment': Fall River store owner Mike St. Pierre regrets his actions at Capitol riots

In the pandemics second year, not just one but three COVID-19 vaccines were developed with incredible speed, with some form of vaccination eventually rolled out to everyone ages 5 and older. At first with limited supply, vaccines were rationed by age group and medical condition, but by now, vaccines are widely available, some without an appointment, and public clinics are held nearly every day. Thanks to vaccinations and perhaps a seasonal lull, COVID was on the ropes in the summer but with vaccination rates too low and mutations spreading, the virus is raging again as winter starts.

Take your shot: Experts say the COVID vaccine is safe for kids as cases spike across Greater Fall River

Fresh off the release of "Jungleland" in 2020,the cable channel Epix debuted Fall River, a four-part documentary series on a handful of murders in the late 1970s and 1980s, and the Satanic panic that followed. The series won over audiences and critics. Later in the year saw the debut of the Netflix comedy blockbuster Dont Look Up starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence and Meryl Streep, with scenes shot on the Battleship Massachusetts in 2020. The film headed to theaters before finding its way to Netflix for Christmas.

'Don't Look Up' review: Fall River's Battleship Cove looks good, but McKay's film is a smug mix of angry comedy

After a stratospheric rise to power, Jasiel Correia II fell to earth in 2021, facing a four-week trial of fraud and extortion tied to schemes he orchestrated before and during his tenure as mayor. He maintained his innocence in the face of over 30 witnesses testifying to shocking displays of extravagant luxury spending, misuse of investor money, and shameless coercion of business owners into paying bribes, but was convicted and sentenced to six years in federal prison for his crimes. Hes awaiting a date to report to prison.

Tracing Jasiel Correia's fall: From entrepreneur and mayor, to convicted corruption kingpin

Correias trial, involving marijuana businesses, put a crimp in Fall Rivers burgeoning cannabis economy, with Mayor Paul Coogan promising to retool the local licensing process and make it more transparent. We looked at the state of marijuana businesses in Fall River. Meanwhile, Somerset made headlines by hosting world-famous hip-hop stars at a concert sponsored by Solar Therapeutics, a celebration known as the Cultivators Cup.

The deal with dealing pot: As the Jasiel Correia trial winds down, here's the state of marijuana sales in Fall River

The department made headlines in 2021 for the wrong reasons. The city is facing several lawsuits regarding allegations of excessive force by police officers, with one officer facing discipline for filing false reports to protect another officer. In the spring, an officer accidentally published a post critical of murder victim George Floyd on the departments Facebook page, triggering outrage and a suspension. And there was a serious investigation regarding officers mishandling evidence in outstanding cases, including stashing drugs in their desks.

More mishandled evidence?Fall River police investigate boxes found at officer's home

There was a changing of the guard on Elsbree Street, as the 1978 B.M.C. Durfee High School building was shut down for good after decades of leaks, heating issues, mold problems, construction failures and more but the city's new Durfee High opened. The building construction was on schedule for the start of the September school year, wowing students and visitors who attended open houses. The old building is in the process of being demolished.

Peek inside: What does a $263 million school look like? Check out Fall River's new B.M.C. Durfee High

Though his first term was mostly dominated by response to the COVID pandemic, voters gave Paul Coogan another term in office as mayor. The race was often ugly, getting off to a poor start when challenger and City Council President Cliff Ponte derided the job as ceremonial in a memo to his real estate company staff leaked to the press. Coogan officially starts his new term next year, with Ponte ending his tenure on the council to become a private citizen.

Another term: Incumbent Paul Coogan handily wins Fall River mayoral race

Use this form below to cast your vote for first, second, and third place.

Dan Medeiros can be reached at dmedeiros@heraldnews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Herald News today.

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What was Greater Fall River's biggest story of 2021? Use this form to cast your vote - Fall River Herald News

The council eventually agreed to let the drinks flow. The Quay Restaurant opened on March 2, 1960, with 110 seats in the main dining room, four banquet rooms and, thanks to the city council, a 60-seat cocktail lounge.

Lunch and dinner will be served, according to The Columbian, and a special late-evening supper menu will be offered dating teenagers.

The place was a hit. By 1962, there were plans to invest $100,000 to add a convention facility that could handle display of large exhibits, stage programs, dinner dancing and party-type activities. By 1965, Goodrich was proposing to add a luxury motel, and in 1971 the Inn at the Quay was expanded to 163 rooms. Two years later, it became part of the Thunderbird/Red Lion chain, a large regional hospitality company that was based in Vancouver until it was sold to Doubletree Corp., in 1996.

According to a 1974 restaurant review, the Quay was one of Vancouvers finest: river view tables, an excellent menu with an accent on seafood, interesting wine list even flaming desserts for the flamboyant. The $7.25 Lobster Cordon Bleu and the $6.25 Scampi stuffed with Crab Florentine came with a choice of soup or salad, a loaf of Quay bread, choice of potato or rice pilaf. For dessert, our reviewer chose Mocha Glo, a flaming dessert of ice cream topped with three liqueurs.

In 1977, Columbian reporter Thomas Ryll interviewed Danny Falco, an assistant manager since the day the place opened. Its the good life I love it, said the man known as Mr. Quay, who talked of serving Hollywood celebrities such as Eddie Albert (Green Acres) and Georgie Jessel.

Read more from the original source:
Final roar for Vancouver Red Lion Inn at the Quay - The Columbian

If youve been looking for ways to cool your home, but your home lacks the ducting that comes with a furnace, you can still benefit from a heat pump.

Often, homeowners incorrectly assume an efficient heat pump only works with furnace-heated homes, where warm or cool air is pushed through ducting running throughout the house.

The great news? Other options ARE available.

Mitsubishi produces effective and efficient ductless heat pumps essentially air conditioners that can also operate in reverse, so they can provide both heating and cooling, notes Allan Lake, president of Surreys Good Guys Heating Cooling & Plumbing.

These can be used in homes with boilers, since they do not require a ducting system. Instead, they have a separate indoor unit that blows out the cold air. Multiple indoor units may be installed to provide additional cooling throughout the house.

Mitsubishi is the best-selling brand of ductless systems in Canada, having built a strong reputation based on the reliability of their products.

Better yet, their indoor units produce as little as 19 decibels of sound less than a human whisper.

And with this weeks chilly temperatures, its good to note that Mitsubishi heat pumps with Hyper Heat technology can effectively heat your home even when temperatures are well below freezing, Lake adds.

But one of the greatest benefits heat pumps offer is in their energy savings savings that benefit your wallet, and the environment. Since heat pumps are much more efficient than gas furnaces, and run on electricity, up to $11,000 in government rebates are now available on new heat pump systems.

READ MORE: Rebates up to $11,000 now available on heat pumps for BC homes

Warm today, cool tomorrow

While the chill is in the air today, those remembering the discomfort of the summer heat dome may be curious about the option of ductless mini-split air conditioners. Unlike heat pumps, air conditioners only provide cooling, but they are less expensive to install (and dont qualify for rebates).

Additionally, they can be used in homes with furnaces when air conditioning is only required in a specific area.

Of course, like any heating and cooling system, your Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioners and Heat Pump is only as good as the maintenance it receives! As Mitsubishi Electric Quality Certified contractors, the Good Guys professionals are also experienced in the service and repair of these systems. Regular maintenance is required to keep your warranty valid servicing is $179 for a ductless system (if you havent used us before, a $40 new customer discount is available). Additional heads are $79 extra.

Learn more about Mitsubishi systems at 604goodguy.com/mitsubishi-air-conditioners or call 604-GOODGUY (604-466-3489) to schedule a free in-home quote today.

Link:
Ductless mini-split systems offer air conditioning for BC homes with boilers Surrey Now-Leader - Surrey Now Leader

Mayflower Construction Group is a leading bathroom and kitchen remodeling company. In a recent update, the agency outlined what makes its bathroom remodeling team unique.

Vienna, VA December 24, 2021 In a website post, Mayflower Construction Group has outlined what sets its team apart forbathroom remodeling in Vienna.

The experts will guide clients through budgeting, material selection, and choosing a perfect layout. Once clients have planned with a design consultant, an experienced project manager will pick from there. That way, customers can be sure of a painless construction process that delivers outstanding results every time.

The agency takes charge of every aspect of thebathroom remodeling Viennaproject. Thanks to the in-house highly skilled and experienced project managers and craftspeople. Since they dont use subcontractors, they take care of everything from the initial planning and scheduling to installing the new kitchen or bathroom. The employees are experienced professionals and engage in ongoing training to stay current with the latest construction codes, installation techniques, and new materials.

Each job is assigned one of our 2-3 personVienna bathroom remodelteams. All of them are managed by a foreman who oversees every project to ensure a smooth, trouble-free experience. There are also licensed electricians and plumbers to perform specialized electrical and plumbing tasks. Even better, they use environmentally friendly materials, responsible waste disposal, and all the latest technologies and equipment.

About Mayflower Construction Group | Kitchen and Bathroom

Mayflower Construction is a leading kitchen and bathroom construction company. As a top-rated Northern Virginia contractor, the agency creates exceptional renovations, from upgrades to entirely new kitchens and bathrooms. Not only that, but they also deliver exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail. The dedicated team is ready to work with clients to create the kitchen or bathroom of their dreams.

Media ContactCompany Name: Mayflower Construction Group | Kitchen and BathroomContact Person: Alexei Arjantsev OwnerEmail: Send EmailPhone: (703) 783-9357Address:8466-B Tyco Rd City: ViennaState: VA 22182Country: United StatesWebsite: https://mayflowerva.com/

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Mayflower Construction Group Highlights What Makes Its Bathroom Remodeling Team Apart - Digital Journal

Wondering where to spend and where to save in a small bathroom? Many new homeowners start out a small bathroom project assuming that it will be cheap because of the small size of the room. But because bathroom remodels can quickly become more complex than anticipated, the costs can quickly add up. Proper advance planning is the only way to ensure you stay within budget while achieving the bathroom look you wanted.

So, to convert you small bathroom ideas to reality you need a good understanding of where to spend and where to save.

(Image credit: Bathroom Mountain)

So, where should you spend the big bucks in a small bathroom? Scrimp in the wrong place you'll create more problems for yourself further down the line; splash on everything, and you'll run out of money. Here's how to get the balance just right, according to interior design experts.

If there's only one thing you can spend your money on, our interior designers recommend investing in the structural elements of your bathroom above anything else. Interior designer Karen B Wolf told us she had to admit that 'you do have to spend on the bones of the bathroom. That means the plumbing fixtures do need to be from accredited, well-reviewed brands.'

Bathroom plumbing may not be the most exciting thing to spend money on, but, as Wolf points out, 'If you have plumbing issues down the line, it can be an expensive proposition to replace diverters in walls. (Tile has to be removed and it can become a messy job). This does not mean buy the BMW, a Subaru of plumbing is just fine, steady and secure.'

Once you've invested into high-quality plumbing, consider investing in frameless shower doors. Wolf explains that these give an 'immediate indication of high-end vs lower-end bathroom'. Andra DelMonico, the Lead Interior Designer for Trendey, agrees, telling us that 'the right shower door can mean the difference between a small bathroom feeling bigger or more closed in.' Shower doors should be the priority when calculating your shower remodel costs.

(Image credit: Katie Lee/Future)

You may be wondering if you should spend good money on bathroom tile, and here our designers have slight differences of opinion. Bathroom tile ideas are probably the most noticeable element of your bathroom design, and our experts agree that it makes sense to invest in tile. However, as principal designer and co-founder of Twelve Chairs Interiors Roisin Giese told us: 'We typically spend on the finishes where things like tile and wallpaper have a big impact without requiring too much material.'

So, if you'll only be tiling a small section of your bathroom, or doing half-tile, half-paint, it may make sense to splurge on marble or another natural material. Wolf highly recommends spending extra on your tile 'you can use marble in a small space for quality and longevity (natural materials typically do not go out of style as fast as synthetic product)'.

However, interior designer at Kern & Co Chloe Spath thinks that it's more important to spend on bathroom cabinetry 'after all, it is the foundation of a bathroom.' Bathroom cabinet ideas are worth prioritizing when looked at in this way. If you fancy marble, she recommends finishing your vanity 'with a Carrara marble slab to make your small bathroom impressive.' This will cost a lot less than all-over marble, but will still give your small bathroom oomph.

(Image credit: Armac Martin)

Interior designers agree: where it comes to small bathrooms, you can save a lot by. going for cheaper bathroom fixtures likes toilets and sinks. The toilet, especially, doesn't need to be fancy it just needs to do the job.

DelMonico is emphatic about this: 'You dont need to spend a fortune on a new toilet for your bathroom. American Standard makes a quality toilet that can look modern and lovely, right out of the box.'

Wolf agrees, pointing out that it's worth looking for a toile 'from a reliable brand, but you do not need fancy bells and whistles or specialty finishes.' Chloe adds that 'when you are working with a budget dont splurge on the most expensive plumbing fixtures.' So, if you're wondering how to choose a bathroom sink, going for the respectable mid-range should always be your guiding principle.

(Image credit: The Albion Bath Company)

The other area where it's worth saving rather than spending is bathroom accessories. According to DelMonico, 'you can find great deals on towel bars, cabinet hardware, and toilet roll holders. These small touches are nice, but you dont need to spend a fortune to get the look you want.'

And as for that controversial question of marble, if you are on a tight budget, it's best to go for porcelain tile instead of natural stone. Chloe believes that 'marble floors and walls look incredible in a bathroom but can really drive up the price. You can achieve a similar look by using porcelain tile. The porcelain gives the same clean look that marble has but for a fraction of the price.'

If you're just getting into bathroom remodel ideas, and your bathroom is on the smaller side, David Mason, an interior designer and owner of The Knobs Company, recommends spending money the floor and the tile: this will give you a sense of luxury. And don't scrimp on the tile; get good quality.' If you have a mid-range budget, 'spend money on the vanity and the cabinet. It will give you so much bang for your buck.'

For truly budget renovations, Mason recommends on bathroom paint ideas and accessories: 'You can even change the feel of a bathroom by simply changing the paint color and adding some new accessories.'

If you're starting a small bathroom from scratch, Mason advises that 'you can easily save a lot of your funds by doing some or all of the work yourself.' With new bathrooms, costs can add up, so 'save on tile by using paintable tiles of a high quality.' Fixtures can also be bought at a lower price, but Mason does recommend making sure you go 'for streamlined, simple fixtures that will last a long time.' There is a line between saving and a false economy.

Overall, the advice from Mason (and other experts) is clear: 'focus on the big-ticket items like the floor and the tile; those will surely give the biggest impact to the overall texture and look of your washroom.' Whether you're subtly remodeling or building a brand-new bathroom, the floor and the walls really matter, as does quality plumbing. Everything else can be got for cheaper without affecting the style or quality of your bathroom.

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Where to spend and where to save in a small bathroom - Real Homes

A mold work order is created when:

Once you report a mold issue to NYCHA, either through the Customer Contact Center CCC, MyNYCHA app, or the website, NYCHA will schedule an inspection of your apartment. Remember! NYCHA does these inspections and repairs free of charge.

Note: Mold Service Requests are subject to NYCHAs Right of Entry.

The inspector (superintendent or assistant superintendent):

Identify the probable root cause(s) of the mold condition. This means the inspector will try to determine the underlying cause of mold and/or moisture and ensure the root cause repair is addressed. An example of a root cause may be leak from the apartment above, faade penetrating water or roof needing repairs. The inspector might take a few photographs of the reported complaint, and ask you a few questions about the mold issue in your apartment to be able to better assess the history.

If there is mold present, the inspector will also:

The timeline for taking care of the mold will depend on whether the mold condition in your apartment involves simple or complex repairs:

After completing the work, NYCHA will schedule a quality assurance inspection to evaluate the quality of the repair, ensure the mold removal work was done effectively, and that the root cause was addressed. This step is very important because it will reduce the risk of recurrence. If issues are observed during the inspection, NYCHA will correct those repairs.

What is Right to Entrythe Right of Entry?

Right to of Entry is used when NYCHA needs to address environmental hazards and perform critical mold-related inspections and repairs as soon as possible. According to your lease, a NYCHA worker can enter your apartment to make repairs whether or not you are home, if you are given written notice two days prior. See the sample Right to of Entry Notice below.

If repairs were made when you werent home, the NYCHA worker will leave a tag on your door noting the repairs that were completed.

If your door lock was changed due to the repair, pick up your new keys from the property management office the day the repairs were made, up until 4:30pm. After that, pick them up at your local Police Service Area (bring your ID).

This door tag will be used to indicate the presence of NYCHA staff or completed repairs when Right to of Entry is employed.

If you are not home for a scheduled mold inspection, the NYCHA worker will leave a notice with a new appointment date for you explaining that a staff member will be back again in 48 hours to do the inspection. If the NYCHA staff member is unable to get into your apartment for the second visit, NYCHA may use its right of entry under the lease to go into your apartment. See more details about scheduling mold inspections and the right of entry at on.nyc.gov/mold-busters.

If you missed your scheduled appointment, please contact the Customer Contact Center (718-707-7771).

Residents who have already contacted the NYCHA Customer Contact Center (718-707-7771) but still have concerns or complaints regarding mold/leaks and any associated repairs can contact the NYCHA Compliance Department at compliance@nycha.nyc.gov or the independent court-appointed Ombudsperson Call Center (OCC) at 1-888-341-7152 or at ombnyc.com.

If the issue hasnt been fixed, call 311 or visit nyc.gov/health and search for mold. For more information about mold: Visit epa.gov/mold. For more information on NYCHAs Mold Busters Program, visit on.nyc.gov/mold-busters.

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mold-remediation-procedure

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Staten Islands Tunnel to Towers Foundation gathered the community of Mayfield, Ky., together and distributed more than 15,000 toys during a free barbecue Tuesday in Americas Heartland.

The foundation also made a financial commitment promising millions of dollars to help Kentucky and the surrounding states recover and rebuild from the devastating storms going forward.

A Tunnel to Towers team, including about 50 active and retired New York City firefighters, arrived with about 2,000 hamburgers, 2,000 hot dogs and 4,000 buns for the event, aimed at helping families in the wake of this months deadly and destructive tornadoes. They handed out gifts and manned the grill for the families in attendance.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation supports families with young children, and right now the families that need help are here in Americas Heartland,' said Frank Siller, of Westerleigh, the foundations CEO and chairman. After losing so much, I hope these gifts bring a little joy to these families this holiday season.'

Tunnel to Towers volunteers and more than 50 active duty and retired firefighters distribute lunch and toys to families in Kentucky on Dec. 21, 2021.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation was founded by Siller and his family to honor the sacrifice of his brother, firefighter Stephen Siller, who lost his life at the World Trade Center on 9/11 after running through the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel while off-duty to help others.

For 20 years, the foundation has supported first responders, veterans and their families by providing them and the families they leave behind with mortgage-free homes.

The foundation also has a nearly 10-year history of helping communities rebuild following natural disasters. Starting in 2012 with Hurricane Sandy, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has been raising funds and deploying teams of volunteers to assist with storm cleanup and recovery.

The foundation has raised funds and deployed volunteers to assist in the wake of hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Florence, and Tropical Storm Michael.

In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, the foundation gutted 1,500 homes, rebuilt more than 200 homes, distributed $5 million in strategic supplies to homeowners in need and performed mold remediation on more than 1,000 homes.

Tunnel to Towers volunteers and more than 50 active duty and retired firefighters distribute lunch and toys to families in Kentucky on Dec. 21, 2021.

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Tunnel to Towers Foundation delivers cheer and a promise to Kentucky in wake of devastating tornadoes - SILive.com

Its frozen pipes season in Park City, UT. Photo: Emily Witham

PARK CITY, Utah Frozen pipes can be a problem that will impose costly damage throughout the season. The government agency that oversees Utah counties has the following helpful tips and tricks.

Water expands as it freezes. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on whatever contains it, including metal or plastic pipes. Pipes can freeze when temperatures drop rapidly or stay below the freezing point (32 Fahrenheit/ 0 Celsius) for an extended period. Once a pipe freezes and has expanded, the pipe can break and cause flooding.

No matter the strength of a container, expanding water can cause pipes to break, posing a significant water damage risk during the winter months. When water invades, it creeps into every crevice and crack, causes thousands of dollars in damage to clean up and repair, and even opens the door for mold and mildew growth.

Pipes that freeze most frequently are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, and water sprinkler lines; water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, or garages; and pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation.

Frozen pipes and the problems they cause can be prevented by following a few basic steps:

If pipes do freeze, there are steps you can take to minimize water damage:

If you experience frozen or, broken pipes take photos of the damage, which will help make an insurance claim easier to process and prove useful. Counties have the authority to call a restoration company (i.e., Utah Disaster Kleanup) immediately to mitigate their damages.

Originally posted here:
Tis the season for frozen pipes - TownLift

Rocco & Roxie is a family-owned small business named after theMagleby family's pets Rocco, a Labradoodle, and Roxie, a former shelter tabby cat. They make a variety of pet supplies, including cleaners, treats, grooming tools, accessories, and toys.

Promising review: "I have six elderly cats, and a few of them oftentimes leave smelly pee puddles to register their disdain at whatever cats get 'peed off' about. It's not a litter box problem and, although I've caught one or two of them doing it, I can't blame them all. This product works great on fresh messes as well as dried ones. After blotting up fresh pee pads, I saturate the area with Rocco & Roxie's odor remover and let dry. For dried stinky stuff, I just saturate the area and let it dry. It has a pleasant odor and completely eliminates the ammonia odor. Believe me, I've tried all kinds of products, and this one works the best. I buy gallons now just to have on hand. It's better than smelling that awful pee!" mona mia

Get it from Amazon for $19.97.

Check out our in-depth Rocco & Roxie Professional Strength Stain & Odor Eliminator review.

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38 Things You *Shouldnt* Buy If You Want To Continue To Live In Filth In 2022 - BuzzFeed

A private housing contractor that subjected military families across the country to toxic mold, insect infestations, water leaks, burst pipes and other problems pleaded guilty to major fraud against the United States on Wednesday, agreeing to pay more than $65 million in fines and restitution.

The contractor, Balfour Beatty Communities LLC, falsified its performance data and destroyed resident comment cards so it could pocket performance incentive fees from the Army, Air Force and Navy, the U.S. Department of Justice wrote in a press release. Balfour Beatty Communities operates military housing communities at 21 Air Force, 18 Navy, and 16 Army bases across the country.

Instead of promptly repairing housing for U.S. service members as required, BBC lied about the repairs to pocket millions of dollars in performance bonuses, said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, the second-highest ranking official in the Department of Justice. This pervasive fraud was a consequence of BBCs broken corporate culture, which valued profit over the welfare of service members.

Specifically, Balfour Beatty Communities was sentenced to pay over $33.6 million in criminal fines and over $31.8 million in restitution to the U.S. military, serve three years of probation, and engage an independent compliance monitor for a period of three years. Separately, Balfour Beatty Communities settled a False Claims Act case with the U.S. and was found liable for $35.2 million. However, any amounts paid under the civil settlement will be credited against the $65 million owed under the companys criminal plea, the Justice Department said.

The punishment was not enough for some onlookers, who wanted Balfour Beatty Communities taken off the government payroll and forbidden from military housing responsibilities.

This is a fucking joke right, there is no way the DoD is going to allow a company who pled guilty to defrauding its troops all over the country to continue to do business with its troops right? wrote one commenter reacting to the news on the unofficial Air Force subreddit.

They still have their contract, wrote another. So its basically a slap on the wrist and a warning to not do it again.

Balfour Beatty Communities may still run private housing for some bases for another four decades. In 2011, Air Force Global Strike Command announced the company was selected to privatize military family housing for Beale, F.E. Warren, Malmstrom and Whiteman Air Force Bases under a 50 year lease.

At closing, the houses become property of BBC who will own and operate the rental housing development for military families, as well as finance, plan, design, and construct improvements in the development that maintain the housing units for the 50-year lease period, said Jessie Barrera, who was program manager for Global Strike Commands Western Group bases at the time.

Still, the fines could have a dramatic impact on the bottom line of Balfour Beatty, BBCs United Kingdom-based parent company. The Guardian reported that the fines levied against BBC are more than Balfour Beattys entire profit before tax for 2020 of 48 million ($64.4 million). However, the company made 8.6 billion ($11.54 billion) in revenue that year.

American lawmakers and military officials have pressured Balfour Beatty Communities to clean up its act for years. In 2019, after Reuters and CBS reported that Balfour Beatty had falsified its Tinker Air Force Base maintenance records for years in order to appear responsive to resident complaints and secure its incentive fee bonuses from the Air Force, the Air Force gave the company 90 days to come up with a plan to fix those problems.

This is not the first time allegations have been raised that Balfour Beatty has used fraudulent work order practices at Air Force bases, said Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) and Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) at the time, in response to the Reuters report. This isnt even the second time. It is the third timeand it is completely unacceptable and disturbing. How much more should we ask military families to endure?

But two years later, Air Force and Army families were still filing lawsuits against Balfour Beatty Communities. One lawsuit alleged one instance after another of squalid conditions, such as plumbing issues, insect and rodent infestations, asbestos, and mold, that the housing provider did little to repair.

One family involved in the lawsuit alleged that they developed asthma and migraines after moving into their Balfour Beatty-maintained home at Sheppard Air Force Base. James Banner, the father of the family, had such intense migraines he was eventually discharged from the military, the lawsuit said. Another family at Fort Bliss said a hot water pipe ruptured in their childrens bedroom in the middle of the night, burning them with [scalding] hot water, the lawsuit said.

Theyre still doing the same things today that theyve got people in jail for, Air Force Staff Sgt. Jonn Roellchen told Task & Purpose in June. The airman and his family have been dealing with problems in Balfour Beatty homes since 2019.

The issues with the work orders that they were under federal investigation for, its still happening, he said. Nothing has changed.

In its defense, Balfour Beatty said on Thursday that it is committed to the highest standards of ethical conduct, the company wrote in a statement.

The wrongdoing that took place is completely contrary to the way the Company expects its people to behave, Balfour Beatty added. The Company apologizes for the actions of Communities to all its stakeholders. It has been made clear to all employees that breaches of policies, procedures, or law will not be tolerated.

Still, the scheme to which Balfour Beatty Communities pleaded guilty is despicable, said David Estes, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, in the Department of Justice statement. Tens of thousands of service members and their families live in Balfour Beatty communities around the country, for which the company earns not only fees from the military, but also the payments of service members basic allowance for housing.

While Balfour Beatty Communities usually receives a monthly base fee, the company also received performance incentive fees from service branches paid quarterly or semi-annually, the Department of Justice explained. To obtain the incentive fees, Balfour Beatty Communities had to submit proof that it was maintaining the properties and satisfying residents. But from 2013 to 2019, Balfour employees altered or manipulated data in property management software, and destroyed or falsified resident comment cards to make it seem like they were doing a better job than they actually were, the Department of Justice wrote.

As a result, according to court documents, there were lengthy and unnecessary delays in the resolution of maintenance issues to the detriment of service members and their families, the department said.

Earlier this year, two of those employees, former community manager Stacy Cabrera and former regional manager Rick Cunefare, pleaded guilty to charges related to those fraudulent incentive fee submissions.

The defendants greed undermined a program designed to protect service members homes while they courageously fight to protect our homeland, said Robert Troester, acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma on Wednesday. Service members and their families deserve better.

Those families have understandably had enough.

You can sit here and tell me that youre sorry all you want, Roellchen said in June. I dont want sorry, I want you to do the job.

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Military housing company to pay $65 million after years of 'pervasive fraud' - Task & Purpose