Split level homes, with their three staggered floors, began appearing in American suburbs in the 1950s and reached peak popularity in the late 60s before slowly falling out of favor. While layouts variedoccasionally even a fourth floor was addedthe most common design featured the kitchen, living room, and dining room on the main level. From there, a half stairway led to an upper level with bedrooms while a second half-stairway went to the basement level recreation room and a door that opened into the garage.

For the last few decades, split level homes were seen as drab and dated, but perhaps recent attention to the most famous split level of allthe exterior of The Brady Bunch housewill trigger a resurgence. (As fans well know, having seen the family assembled on the full set of interior stairs, the iconic home completely modernized by HGTV in A Very Brady Renovation was not a split level on the inside!) If youre thinking of buying a split level home or already reside in one, keep reading to find out the best and the worst this architectural design has to offer.

RELATED: These 9 Forgotten Home Trends are Suddenly Cool Again

After WWII, when the Baby Boom got into full swing, growing families started looking for houses with a minimum of three bedrooms. But lot sizes in many communities were still rather small, averaging around 50 to 75 feet wide and 100 to 150 feet deep. By staggering the floors, split level homes offered additional living space (vertically) without taking up more yard space. The garage was often located at grade (yard level) with the bedroom area located over the garage. This way, a house could have at least three bedrooms and still maintain ample backyard space for recreation. Two-story homes had always offered this benefit, but in the 60s, the split level design was fresh, and homebuyers were eager for a modern look.

While the design of split level homes can vary (some split in the front, others split in the back), a good number will feature a set of exterior stairs leading to the front door instead of a level sidewalk. The number of steps ranges from two to eight or more, each additional step meaning more of a challenge to remove snow and ice in winter. Exterior steps can also hamper visitors, especially elderly ones, and just carrying groceries into the house can become a physical workout. In some communities, owners of homes with exterior steps install a street-level mailbox so on-foot postal carriers neednt climb stairs to deliver the mail.

On rugged, hilly terrain, staggering the floors is often the best option for building a house. This allows the contractor to adjust the foundation to suit the lot rather than having to excavate through bedrock to construct an entire basement on a single level. Split level construction is still commonly seen today where its necessary to build a home on the side of a hill. In this case, the floor plan is often designed by an architect to fit the individual lot topography. The end effect can lend the appearance of the house being built into the hill.

No need to attend step aerobics class when you live in a split level! With the kitchen, dining room, and living room on the main level, family members must go up and down the stairs every time they want to use a different part of the house. This staggered floor plan usually isnt optimal for the elderly, so split level homes (like standard to two-story homes) are more apt to appeal to younger families who dont mind traversing all three levels repeatedly when cleaning, carrying laundry baskets (usually to appliances on the lowest level), and simply looking for other family members elsewhere on the premises.

Working at home can be a challenge if your office is on the main floor where most of the activity takes place. Even if you close the door, youre likely to be distracted by voices or footsteps in the hallway. This is one area where split levels shine because you can set up a home office in either a vacant upper-floor bedroom or on the lower level (if the rec room isnt a constant source of racket); either way, youll have a buffer from the noise that commonly occurs on the main living level.

Few remodeling options are open to owners of split level homes because the layout isnt conducive to making changes. In a single floor ranch house, for instance, its fairly simple to switch the location of the bedrooms and the kitchen from one side to the other, but in a split level, each level was constructed with a pre-determined purposerecreation on the lower level, eating and entertaining on the main level, and sleeping on the upper levelleaving very little leeway for change.

For night shift workers who need to sleep during the day, or for parents of infants who are easily awakened by a noise, the split level can be beneficial. A sleeping family member is less likely to be awakened by the sounds of meal preparation in the kitchen or play activities in the basement recreation room.

Because split levels are still seen as unfashionable, theres a lower demand for them, and they usually sell for less than ranch-style homes of the same age and square footage. If you can get beyond the downsides explained above, you can often get a fully functional house at a discount price. This makes the split level a good starter home, but be aware that when youre ready to sell and move up, the same rule will likely apply, and the house will bring a lower price than others of a similar size and vintage.

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Split Level Homes and Their Pros and Cons - BobVila.com

The YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region announced an ambitious plan Wednesday to redevelop nearly an entire city block in downtown Colorado Springs, a project that officials of the nonprofit and community leaders predict will become a catalyst for additional development in downtown's core.

Under the plan, the YMCA's 47-year-old downtown facility at Nevada Avenue and Bijou Street would be torn down and replaced with a state-of-the-art recreation and wellness center on the northwest corner of the same block; the center would be topped by a multistory apartment building.

Future phases of the block's makeover call for two commercial buildings of at least 82,000 square feet and 37,000 square feet, whose uses might include stores, restaurants, offices, medical facilities and even a grocery store.

The project's total cost could approach $150 million.

"This may not have quite the magnitude of an Olympic Museum," YMCA board chairman Brian Risleysaid of that venue, which opens next year in southwest downtown. "But I think the YMCA by itself is an incredible anchor... and I think a new state-of-the-art YMCA with a housing component will continue to be a very momentous anchor for this part of downtown."

The redevelopment plan still preliminary and with unanswered questions, such as the apartment building's height was outlined during a news conference Wednesday by YMCA officials, city leaders and executives of White Lotus Group, an Omaha, Neb., developer that will partner with the YMCA on the project.

It follows the YMCA's announcement in early 2016 that it would seek to remodel and redevelop the downtown facility, on the southwest portion on a block bounded by Nevada and Platte avenues and Bijou and Weber streets. The YMCA owns or co-owns most of the block.

But after they studied converting their aging facility, which opened in 1972, YMCA officials decided a remodeling would be too costly, said Risley, president of a Springs architectural firm.

"The reality is, when you've got a building that's almost 50 years old, the amount of money that it would take to bring this up to current standards just, unfortunately, just doesnt seem to be making economic sense," Risley said in an interview before Wednesday's news conference.

Instead, YMCA officials have opted for a plan they say will create a venue that can adapt to a growing city with a focus on healthy living while continuing programs that assist schools, seniors and other community members. Combined with retail, medical and other uses, the block could become a "health campus," Boyd Williams, the YMCA's president and CEO, said in an interview.

"We dont want to just have a bunch of stand-alone, separate entities here," he said. "We think that there's a tie, whether it's health care, whether it's a healthy grocery store. Housing fits very well with the YMCA."

The project's initial phase calls for the demolition of a boarded-up former Texaco service station, which sits on the block's northwest corner and served as a backdrop to Wednesday's news conference.

In its place: a 75,000-square-foot YMCA building of two to three stories, which could grow to four stories if the YMCA moves its corporate offices there from its home at 316 N. Tejon St., Risley said.

On top of the new YMCA would be an apartment building with 100 to 200 units. A rendering Wednesday showed a building of at least eight stories, but YMCA and White Lotus officials said the buildings height hasnt been determined.

White Lotus has done several mixed-use, multifamily, hotel and other projects around the country involving renovations and new construction, said CEO Arun Agarwal.

He chairs Omaha's YMCA board and learned via his YMCA staff of plans for a new facility in downtown Colorado Springs, which led to the company being tabbed as a developer by the local YMCA, Williams and Risley said.

As planned, the YMCA would donate the northwest portion of the block to White Lotus. In turn, the YMCA would become a long-term tenant in the new facility, which White Lotus would finance along with the apartment component.

The new YMCA would be smaller than the more than 100,000-square-foot existing facility, which has underutilized space, Risley and Williams said.

Members' needs also have changed, they said. Thirty years ago, for example, many people played racquetball at the downtown YMCA; today, not so much.

A centerpiece of today's YMCAs is a healthy living center, where cardio workouts and strength training are staples.

The healthy living center at the YMCA's new First & Main facility on the Springs' east side is 12,000 to 13,000 square feet, Risley said. At the downtown YMCA, it's about 4,000 square feet and "buried" in the building's basement without a majestic view of the Front Range that other facilities enjoy, he said.

"Currently in this building, we have a very limited number of spaces where we can offer group exercise and personal training and high performance training and those kinds of things," he said. "In a new facility, all of those would be highlighted."

The apartment portion of the new building, meanwhile, would include what Risley and Williams called "workforce housing" for Colorado Springs employees lower-rent units for restaurant workers, teachers, firefighters, police officers and others earning more middle-income wages.

Williams said the city has a shortage of such apartments, especially in downtown. It's tough for young people and families to live downtown "in an affordable manner," he said. Downtown apartments that have opened the last few years command rents from roughly $1,500 a month to more than $2,000, their websites show.

White Lotus' Agarwal said the project will be designed to serve a mix of employee income levels, though some units would fetch market-rate rents.

It hasnt been determined how many apartments would be set aside as so-called workforce housing or what rents would be.

"What we are aiming to do is to earmark specific sets of units for different tiers of income levels to make sure that our teachers, our nurses, our service industries can afford the units and live in the same community in which they work," Agarwal said.

The YMCA and White Lotus plan to seek city regulatory approvals over the next year for the first phase, Williams said. Groundbreaking could come in the fourth quarter of 2020, with an opening of the new YMCA and apartments in mid-2022.

Once the new YMCA is open, the old one would be torn down. White Lotus then would develop its 82,000-square-foot mixed-use building possibly topped with a restaurant on the old YMCA site. The 37,000-square-foot building would go up on the block's northeast corner, just east of Borriello Brothers pizza.

The YMCA doesn't own the Borriello Brothers site, but has been in "healthy conversations" for nearly two years with the owners and those talks continue, Williams said. Borriello Brothers' owners couldn't be reached for comment Wednesday.

The YMCA co-owns a parking garage on the block with First Presbyterian Church. The structure was designed so that it could be increased by two levels, although Williams said its future hasn't been determined.

Another major question will be the height of the apartment tower.

Ryan Tefertiller, urban planning manager for the citys Planning and Development Department, said the maximum height in that part of downtown is six stories.

But the citys form-based zoning code that regulates downtowncould allow up to 10 stories for structures that add housing, use sustainable building practices or have structured parking, among other components, Tefertiller said.

YMCA and White Lotus officials say they're mindful of designing a building that takes into account neighboring land uses, includingAcacia Park and First Presbyterian.

"We certainly don't want to design this kind of looming tower that's going to hang over Acacia Park," Risley said. "So, we don't know right now how many stories in total we're talking, but thats to be determined."

A rendering shows a new YMCA building in downtown Colorado Springs, topped by a multistory apartment building. The YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region on Wednesday announced plans to redevelop much of the property it owns on a downtown block bounded by Nevada and Platte avenues and Bijou and Weber streets.

Boyd Williams, president and CEO of the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region, speaks during a press conference in which a new plans were unveiled for the YMCA in downtown Colorado Springs on Wednesday, December 11, 2019. The press conference was held in front of an old boarded up gas station next to the current YMCA. The old eyesore will be torn down for the new building, which will include affordable apartments. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette)

The exercise equipment workout room at the downtown YMCA is in a dark basement room with equipment crowded into the small space. Deanna Sanders works out on the tightly packed equipment on Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2019. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette)

One of the renderings that shows the affordable apartments and outdoor pool that will be built where the current downtown YMCA is located. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette)

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Downtown Colorado Springs YMCA to be razed in favor of new facility topped by apartment tower - Colorado Springs Gazette

After years of litigation, the Idaho Transportation Department is moving forward with plans to expand U.S. Highway 95 to two lanes in each direction from Thorncreek Road to Moscow. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled in favor of ITD and the Federal Highway Administration during the latest appeal of the highways expansion.

2014 Five years ago today

As the temperatures drop, crimes of opportunity diminish, but the stress of the winter may cause spikes in other crimes and situations. Police in both Latah and Whitman counties report there is typically a rise in anxiety and alcohol-related incidents during the long winter months. Lt. Brannon Jordan, public information officer for the Latah County Sheriffs Office, said the winter is just a stressful time of year for many people. Down stone-colored steps in a well-lit Pullman basement, the scientists in their matching shirts are hard at work. The six are surrounded by diagrams, toolboxes, presentation boards and models in numerous stages of completion. This is the completely un-dreary laboratory of EAWACK, a local Lego-Robotics team that recently learned it would be competing at the state level. An exciting prospect for many scientists, but for these six team members, even more so, since they are between the ages of 10 and 12 and in their first few months of competition.

Karen and Ken White have lived in Moscow for more than 25 years but say they still occasionally discover something new about their town. The couple were among hundreds of residents who attended Buy Local Moscows third annual Winterfest event Wednesday evening at the 1912 Center. The Whites are familiar with most of what Moscow has to offer, but said the event was a good way to discover something new.

Its been about three months since Debby LeBlanc corraled a fresh group of trigonometry-born and chemistry-bred high schoolers and began turning them into marketable commodities. Not for college recruiters, though, but for job recruiters, and for life. So when LeBlanc took those eight students from her Troy High School Business Technology class to Walmart, it was to hone the skills she had imparted up to this point in the semester. Asbestos removal has put a glitch in Latah Countys goal of having the courthouse remodeling completed by Christmas. In what used to be the location of the vehicle and drivers licensing office before it moved to the Eastside Marketplace, replacement of the carpet in the empty office distrubed some of the underlying tiles, presenting an asbestos hazard.

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Back Issues: From the pages of the Moscow-Pullman Daily News - Moscow-Pullman Daily News

Tonight's Public Affairs show with Gary Rabine, CEO [Rabine Group] airs in Chicago, 25 Chicago Metro N & NW suburbs and Evanston, See detailed airing schedule, below

Gary Rabine: If I were born with a few billion dollars, I might be the same way as JB Pritzker, I might be trading businesses. Heck, it's a lot cheaper. All my businesses that I have, these little and mid-sized businesses, I am paying income tax for all profit because I am S corp. and LLCs. JB, he's trading businesses, so he's paying capital gains tax, half of what I am.

Jeff Berkowitz: JB [and many of the Dems], they want to raise your income tax with the progressive income tax. Property taxes, are they high in IL? Workers' comp. insurance, is that high in IL? Are those the kind of things that might drive you out of IL?

Gary Rabine: You mention are they high? High would be to me, higher than the average... but when you are the highest, that's ridiculous, that's crazy high, that's where we're at in IL, we're off our rockers high!

*********

Gary Rabine [CEO, Rabine Group]: Gov. Pritzker said to me, "Gary, you built all your businesses here, your family is all here, you're never gonna go anywhere, I mean, that's exactly how he said it... and God Bless him, if he really believes that that's the case, but that can't be the case, I can't risk...

*********

Jeff Berkowitz: ...[W]hat's your elevator pitch?

Gary Rabine[CEO, Rabine Group]: One of the most important things ... is how I differentiate myself... So first ... we give away ... the best engineering we can find in the world when it comes to pavement, stormwater and structural engineering for roofing, we... say "Here's our engineers, use them how you like to help you plan your properties"...we did that originally through boots on the ground, but today we do that using drones, satellite imagery and artificial intelligence.

*******

Tonight's Chicago Metro suburban edition of Public Affairs features Gary Rabine, ditchdigger CEO of the Rabine Group and advocate for Free Enterprise. [Airing schedule, below]

The program also airs

--in a special airing tonight in Chicago proper, 10:28 pm, Cable Ch. 21 (CAN TV)

-- in Evanston tonight and every night the rest of the week, 8:30 pm, Cable Ch. 6

Gary Rabine discusses with show host Jeff Berkowitz how capitalism satisfies consumer demand and creates jobs and opportunities- when innovation and competition are allowed to operate in a free market environment.

Rabine discusses with host Jeff Berkowitz how he began, after graduating from high school, a driveway paving business that was transformed, eventually, into a group of major companies that have been a source of quality jobs, growth, opportunity and wealth for his employees and himself, and improved choices for his customers, both in and out of Illinois.

Rabine and Berkowitz discuss and debate, among other issues, the pluses and minuses of Governors Rauner & Pritzker, IL pension reform-- amending the IL Constitution to allow reduction of government pension benefits and giving IL cities and villages the power to file for bankruptcy, Gov. Pritzker's proposed IL progressive income tax (on the Nov. 2020 ballot) and Democratic Party Presidential Primary candidates and President Trump.

Rabine also discusses what is necessary for IL to become more competitive in business and a better environment for its residents to work, grow and enjoy their lives and families.

The half hour program airs:

--Tonight in 25 Chicago Metro North & Northwest suburbs at 8:30 pm

-on Cable Ch. 19in Buffalo Grove, Elk Grove Village, Hoffman Estates, parts of Inverness, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Niles, Northfield,Palatine, Rolling Meadows andWilmetteand

-on Comcast Cable Ch. 35in Arlington Heights,Bartlett,Glenview,Golf,Des Plaines, Hanover Park, Mt. Prospect, Northbrook, Park Ridge, Prospect Heights, Schaumburg,Skokie, Streamwood andWheeling

You can also watch 24/7 the program featuring Ditch Digger CEO Gary Rabine by clicking here

**************************

Gary Rabine [CEO, Rabine Group]: Gov. Pritzker said to me, "Gary, you built all your businesses here, your family is all here, you're never gonna go anywhere, I mean, that's exactly how he said it... and God Bless him, if he really believes that that's the case, but that can't be the case, I can't risk the lives & jobs we are talking about, I can't risk all these jobs just because I want to be here- right?

Berkowitz: If you could persuade [those in control of] the IL State Government to change and start going in the other direction: [LEGISLATE] lower property taxes, lower income taxes, [Don't support] a progressive income tax, [ADOPT THE NEEDED REFORMS TO] lower workers compensation rates, would that be Nirvana for you?

From Public Affairs, taped on November 18, 2019 in the Chicago Loop offices of Residco

Filed under: Uncategorized

Tags: Amending IL constitution to allow for a progressive income taxes. Amending IL constitution to allow for pension reform, building a business, capitalsim, Gary Rabine, Governor Pritzker, Governor Rauner, IL business environment, IL business reforms, IL high property taxes, IL pension reform, IL progressive income tax, IL property taxes, IL workers comp. insurance, impact of unions, JCN, Jeanne Ives, Jeff Berkowitz, job creators network, making IL a competitive business environment, paving parking lots, Public Affairs, Rabine Group, reducing IL property taxes. Entrepreneurship, right to work, socialism, union shop, young presidents organization, YPO

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Better than Bears v.Packers,Berkowitz w/Ditchdigger CEO Rabine in Chicago, Suburbs & Evanston on business & life: Cable&Web - ChicagoNow

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 11, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --When it comes to the perfect outdoor space, it is important to pay attention to every last detail from the choice of outdoor furniture right down to the paving. Creating that perfect zen is something that everyone strives towards achieving and it is far too easy to overlook the importance of making sure they have the best-quality paving installed. That's where Eminent Pavers comes in. One of L.A's top-rated interlocking paverinstallers, Eminent is the go-to company for all paving requirements.

What does Eminent Pavers offer?

They offer an exceptional service that specializes in designing and installing high-quality paving including driveways, pool decks, planters and steps, patios, fire pits, walkways and BBQs using proven, sturdy materials to an outstanding standard. Eminent Pavers combines years of experience with a wealth of knowledge to offer the client a service that goes above and beyond. So, just what do they offer?

Why use Eminent Pavers?

While the above gives an insight into what Eminent can offer that makes them a top choice for paving installation, it needs to be reinforced why they are the company to choose.

For more details, contact:

Mark Ovitch323-842-9464

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SOURCE Eminent Construction

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Eminent Construction Offers an Exceptional Service That Specializes in Designing and Installing High-Quality Pavers - PRNewswire

Scottsdale, AZ - With over 10+ years of experience in the asphalt industry providing unrivaled asphalt solutions in New Hampshire, Northern Massachusetts, and the New England area, Curb Appeal Asphalt Services, LLC is excited to be serving Scottsdale, AZ and The Phoenix Valley. They continue to be the #1 choice for many homeowners and business owners thanks to the quality of their services. They are not only known for utilizing high-quality materials and state-of-the-art technology, but are also known for executing commercial and residential asphalt projects on time and on budget. Curb Appeal is fully licensed with a team of experienced and honest staff, as described by many of their past clients.

Curb Appeal Asphalt Services, LLC is owned and operated by Henry Cook, a local entrepreneur and experienced contractor with many years in business working closely with his staff to provide services that exceed their clients' expectations, in terms of quality and availability. Growing up in New Hampshire as the second of five children, Henry developed a sense of responsibility and a strong work ethic from an early age. As a teenager, he started working for his uncles paving business and later, as an adult, he worked in a regional paving firm, where he learned all he knows about the paving industry, experiencing first-hand what a company needs to offer to fulfill both residential and commercial paving needs. Therefore, in 2008 Henry founded his successful business, which has done nothing but grown ever since.

Henry is known for having great involvement on each project performed by his staff, as he personally supervises each project, no matter how big or small, and even works side-by-side with his team wearing the same Curb Appeal uniform shirt that everyone else wears. Im there because I care about quality and relationships, explains Henry. Clients entrust my team and me with their property, and we value their trust and want to earn their referrals. Its the right thing to do and its how we maintain happy repeat customers one parking lot or driveway at a time.

Curb Appeal Asphalt Services, LLC is known for offering a comprehensive variety of services for both residential and commercial needs including parking lot paving, driveway paving, parking lot seal coating, parking lot striping, parking lot patching, parking lot curbing, and more. All of their services, from commercial parking lots to residential driveways, are performed with state-of-the-art equipment and world-class products to guarantee long-lasting results. High-traffic, mission-critical firms including Dunkin Donuts, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and Applebees (to name a few) have entrusted Curb Appeal Asphalt Services, LLC with their parking lot sealcoating and other asphalt maintenance needs for a reason.

In contrast to many of their competitors, Curb Appeal Asphalt Services, LLC offers services performed by skilled and well-established technicians, with at least 5 years of hands-on experience performing all types of small and large projects for homes and business owners in the Phoenix area. To this day, owner, Henry Cook, oversees every project their company performs, no matter how big or how small. He takes great pride in his work and in supporting his team in order to deliver residential and commercial paving projects that satisfy the expectations of each and every client.

Curb Appeal Asphalt Services, LLC is located at 17470 N Pacesetter Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85255. Their business hours are from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm, Monday through Friday, and from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday. For high-quality driveway paving and additional commercial and residential paving projects, contact their team via phone at 602-620-9324 or send online inquiries via email to Curbappealsealcoating@gmail.com. For additional information regarding their services or to request a Free Quote, visit their website at: https://curbappealasphaltservicesllc.business.site

Media ContactCompany Name: Curb Appeal Asphalt Services, LLCContact Person: Henry CookEmail: Send EmailPhone: 602-620-9324Address:17470 N Pacesetter Way City: ScottsdaleState: AZCountry: United StatesWebsite: http://www.nhcurbappeal.com

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Curb Appeal Asphalt Services, LLC is Paving the Way for Commercial Parking Lots and Residential Driveways in Scottsdale, AZ - Press Release - Digital...

Vandals left a bloodlike substance on the front porch, and in the mail box of the Bloomingtonian journalist Jeremy Hogan overnight, which was discovered in the morning, Wednesday, December 11, 2019 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)

In a seemingly coordinated attack overnight, vandals smashed windows, placed nails on driveways, and left a bloodlike substance at the entrances to homes and in mailboxes, including that of the Bloomingtonians sole employee, Jeremy Hogan.

Hogans spouse, Toni Arcuri, discovered a bloodlike substance poured on their homes wooden porch on the way to work just after 8 a.m., in the Waterman neighborhood. Hogan called the police to make a report.

The police said that a similar bloodlike substance was also left at the home of controversial Indiana University professor Eric Rasmusen, and a balloon containing a similar substance was thrown at the entrance to the Womens Care Center of Bloomington in the 400 block of South College Avenue.

Joshua Graham, who also lives in the Waterman neighborhood, said the back window of his car was shattered overnight with a brick. He spoke to Hogan after he stopped by to speak to police investigating the incident at Hogans. Graham has been a vocal supporter online, and as a customer, of the Schooner Creek Farm. Hogan reached out to Sarah Dye, suspecting the attack on his home might be related to his coverage in The Bloomingtonian, and Dye said she found nails in her driveway and had filed a police report. Schooner Creek Farm has been the subject of protests for several months at the Bloomington Farmers Market, and The Bloomington has covered the issue. Several activist groups, including B Town Antifa, No Space for Hate and the Purple Shirt Brigade, want the city to ban Schooner Creek from the market, but the city has declined to do so, citing the First Amendment rights of the businesss owners, including Dye.

Dye said in similar incidents, her carwas covered in asimilar bloodlike substance after she had spoken to the GrassrootsConservatives at the Monroe County Library in Ellettsville in September, andshe found a similar bloodlike substance and broken balloon in her mailbox inOctober 2018. She said in that incident,fascist was spray-paintedon the pavement on her property, and an American flag was broken. She filed apolice report with the Brown County Sheriffs Department.

Hogan suspects the attack on his home might be related to his coverage of the Bloomington Farmers Market, because at least two activists have been following Hogan at various times over the past several months, and have told people not to allow him to photograph them. One of the activists, who has pink hair and a large hunting knife, has cursed at Hogan on more than one occasion at close range. Another one of the activists called Hogan a Nazi while he was covering the market. In another instance, the same activists followed Hogan at Bloomington PRIDE, and told people that he photographs people in public without their permission, and walked toward Hogan as if they were going to run into him, but just missed him by a foot or two. Hogan spoke to the police about the intimidation, and was told the police couldnt do anything about it unless someone made a threat.

Its a common practice for journalists to photograph people in public without their permission while covering news events. Hogan often, as a courtesy, attempts to get the permission of people hes photographing, but in a news situation, its not always possible. The First Amendment, and cases decided by the Supreme Court, protect the rights of journalists to do their work in public places.

Around 11:45 a.m., Hogan discovered what appeared to be blood dripping from his closed mailbox. He then saw a postal worker driving a postal vehicle coming to deliver the mail and flagged him down before the worker could open the mailbox. The postal worker called a supervisor, who then called the police, and the police soon arrived at Hogans home again.

Police assessed the threat, and decided the mailbox was likely safe to open, and did so. Inside was a burst balloon, which they said was similar to the one filled with the bloodlike substance used against the Womens Care Center.

Police are currently investigating the series of vandalism incidents. Tampering with a mailbox is a federal crime.

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String of vandalism incidents continue overnight - The Bloomingtonian

A sketch within the new Bastrop Building Block (B3) code. Credit: Simplecity Design.

Zoninga form of land-use regulation that polices the design and use of buildingshas had a bad run in America. Legalized in 1926 by the Supreme Court as a public protection to separate noxious uses, its since metastasized into something that micro-manages many aspects of city life. Zoning has been blamed for worsening the affordable housing crisis, inducing car-reliant sprawl, and squelching bottom-up entrepreneurship.

But zoning isnt going anywhere. Almost every city has it, and the legal ability for change is limited. The question is: how can zoning at least be reformed to better enable market outcomes and reduce its high social costs. A recent code rewrite in Bastrop, TX embraces that goal.

The 8,800-person city recently adopted Bastrop Building Block (B3), a comprehensive rewrite of its zoning code. The point is to ensure fiscal sustainability and mitigate against environmental damage. The code, said city manager Lynda Humble, will effectively extend the downtown land-use paradigm further into the 9sqmi city. In this respect, B3 will be different than most U.S. zoning codes: rather than copying the Euclidean model of sprawl and separated uses, it will mirror the form-based model of walkable streets, mixed uses, and urban density.

Certain conditions have led to this measure in Bastrop, a historic city 30 miles east of Austin. Situated on the Colorado River, these last few years it has experienced multiple floods, wildfires, and a hurricane. Another city issue (due in part to these weather problems) is the prospect of fiscal unsustainability. According to an analysis by an outside consultant, downtown Bastrop generates the most revenue for the city, while its sprawling areas lose money due to infrastructure maintenance costs mixed with low property tax generation. So B3 is designed to replicate what works, while avoiding development patterns that create liabilities.

Bastrop will do this through a Transportation Master Plan that extends the downtown grid to under- or undeveloped areas, via the construction of narrow, tree-lined streets. This contrasts with the wide, winding, subdivision-style streets that dominate many U.S. cities once you tread outside downtown. The narrower streets should reduce flooding, since there will be fewer impervious surfaces; reduce costs, since theres less asphalt; and improve walkability. Existing blocks will also be subdivided into smaller 385 ones, another measure that will benefit the pedestrian realm.

The other noted aspect of B3 will be zoning thats more permissive, and that features various urbanist best practices. Like other form-based codes, B3 regulates nuisances rather than uses. This means there will be more potential to mix retail and residences, a trademark of early U.S. urban growth. The code has no parking minimums, and shared parking is encouraged. There will be no lot-size minimums, meaning extremely small businesses or housing is allowed. Every lot can have at least three unitsthe main home, and two accessory dwellings.

Our code, said Humble, takes all of the elements of pre-suburban sprawl and incorporates them into a code that allows us to go back to what we know. Matt Lewis, CEO of Simplecity Design, the consulting firm that helped with B3, added that the code is an act of reestablishing the traditional American grid.

To address the flooding problem, B3 allows property owners more flexibility in preventing runoff from their own lots. Rather than being forced to build drivewaysas is common elsewherelot owners can use pervious pavement alternatives and install drainage swales.

What made B3 politically possible, when similar initiatives havent been in other cities, was the ideological mindset of Bastrop. It votes Republican in presidential elections, and arguments about fiscal sustainability and limited government appeal there, said Humble. So, when the city was able to demonstrate that certain development patterns dont pay for themselves, it found support for change. Whether or not those arguments work elsewhere, Bastrop at least provides a framework for how other cities could write more liberalized zoning codes.

Cities are requiring bad development practices; were over-regulating to such an extent that its harming good developments, said Lewis. The point of B3 is to reverse course, by going back to the core principle of what were trying to design our communities to function like. This is an applicable tool that could work in large cities.

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Is There a Model Zoning Code? | Scott Beyer - The Beacon

SOUTHEND Council is urging residents to support their own communities by signing the snow wardens pledge and commit to grit pavements and driveways.

Free gritting equipment is available to Southend residents who attend Veolias central depot in Eastern Avenue on Saturday and sign the snow wardens pledge.

Snow Wardens provide additional support for residents by using the equipment provided to clear driveways and paths of ice, to help their neighbours and others on the pavement use the walkways safely.

The packs, which include salt grit, snow shovels and high-visibility jackets, will be available for collection from 8am to 12pm at Veolias depot .

Veolia staff will be on hand to distribute the supplies to residents, who must bring proof of an address within the borough.

Larissa Reed, executive director for neighbourhoods and environment, said: The cold weather that is anticipated in the coming months brings with it challenging conditions for residents, particularly elderly and disabled residents, who may struggle with the icy pavements.

Signing up to become a Snow Warden enables people to provide support for fellow residents and also to work with Veolia staff who are out gritting the main pedestrian and vehicle routes across the borough.

Snow wardens pledge to use their supplies for the benefit of the wider community, adhere to the councils advisory information sheet The Snow Code and other pledges.

To express an interest in becoming a Snow Warden, or if you are unable to attend on the day but would still like to sign up, call Veolia on 0203 567 6955.

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Sign up to commit to grit your pavements and driveways when freeze hit - Southend Standard

From time to time, TTAC will highlight automotive products we think may be of interest to our community. Plus, posts like this help to keep the lights on around here.Learn more about how this works.

Not all of us need to install a different set of rubber the instant Old Man Winter pokes his head around the corner. While parts of the continent grumble into their coffee about that days forecasted high (*raises hand*), wide swaths of the population can run the same tires year-round, particularly if its the family daily.

Especially if its the family daily, in fact. Your author argues at length, much to the annoyance of his family, that a car owner should emphatically not cheap out on tires. Theyre the only things touching the road, after all. Ponying up a few stray bills for an off-brand whose rubber compound has the flex of an oak tree is a terrible idea. And dont get me started on the propensity of certain people to buy second-hand tires full of frozen water and weeds.

Here are some good all-season tire suggestions, presented in alphabetical order, sourced from the crew at TireBuyer.com.

(Editors note: As noted above, this post is meant to both help you be an informed shopper for automotive products but also to pay for our 90s sedan shopping habitsoperating expenses. Some of you dont find these posts fun, but they help pay for Junkyard Finds, Rare Rides, Piston Slaps, and whatever else. Thanks for reading.)

Advantage T/A Sport tires, featuring H- or V- speed ratings, are what BFGoodrich calls Grand Touring All-Season tires. Theyre marketed at the drivers of sedans, minivans, and small crossovers looking for all-season traction in dry, wet and light snow conditions. BFG promises some fun with this tire, but your author believes that word is best reserved for their high performance line.

The tire features an all-season tread compound molded into a symmetrical design, allowing easy cross rotation to resist irregular wear. The tires continuous center rib creates constant contact with the road. Their 3D Active Sipe Technology provides an increased number of biting edges for improved wet and light snow traction.

Pros: Great brand, reports of long tread life

Cons: Only one size greater than an 18-inch diameter

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According to the company, this tire is designed to provide year-round traction, even in light snow (we would put the emphasis on light for this and all tires on this list when it comes to the fluffy white stuff).

The TrueContact Tour features a tread compound containing temperature-activated functional polymers, a snazzy way of saying theyve baked in components that will aid tread life and fuel efficiency. This compound is molded into a symmetric tread design that provides for the ability to rotate tires (you do rotate your cars tires, right?) and help maximize tread life. The tread pattern is also said to be optimized in a bid to reduce noise. Those heavily siped tread blocks should provide the additional biting edges necessary to enhance traction in rough weather.

Pros: Plenty of common sizes for the family car segment

Cons: Massive ECOPLUS badges brands you a nerd

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The RT in this tires name doesnt stand for retweet, no matter what social media might try to tell you. Here, it refers to Road Touring, an activity for which this tire is uniquely designed. Altimax is Generals flagship line, so theyve thrown the proverbial kitchen sink at this hoop in an effort to grab some of the everyday all-season market share.

According to the company, these tires feature a Twin Cushion Silica Tread Compound that places a high-density all-season top compound for year-round traction and long wear above a low-density foundation compound that absorbs road vibrations to promote a comfortable ride. Circumferential grooves and Generals anti-slip sipe design technology increases the number of biting edges to enhance traction on slippery roads.

Pros: Enormous selection of sizes, positive reviews from a healthy sample size

Cons: Not exactly the sexiest tire on sale

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The tire you see here is one of Michelins entrants into the green arena, with fuel economy being at the top of this tires mission list. Without too much details, the company is touting its EnergySaver construction and a special type of tread rubber as features that keep this tire cooler, thereby increasing fuel efficiency and technically reducing CO2 emissions.

Its continuous tread pattern (read: traditional three-rib design) allows for a good footprint and a shape that maximizes road contact. This latter attribute should be a plus for grip and acceleration, activities which benefit from greater amounts of rubber being pressed into the macadam.

Pros: Excellent real-world reviews, frequent rebates

Cons: Michelins are expensive

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Pirelli knows a thing or two about making things that go around. While most of the world associates the brand with high performance rubber thanks to their involvement in Formula 1, they also do a more than passable job of manufacturing all-season tires. In a fantastic blitz of marketing, theyve foisted the mighty P-Zero name upon it for good measure.

All of the sizes are 18-inch diameter or greater, save for a single Mercedes spec 17-incher. It should surprise no one that most of the suggested applications for this Pirelli are expensive luxury machines, such as Audi and Jag and the aforementioned Merc. But, hey if you can convince your better half to agree to a set of these for the Camry, more power to ya.

Pros: Good looking tires sized for big-wheeled cars

Cons: Warranty stretches only 45,000 miles

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Sounding for all the world like an after-dinner drink or fancy perfume, the Versado Noir is a touring all-season tire designed on the comfort end of the spectrum. Rigid outside tread blocks give a quieter ride, while those wide and straight grooves improve water drainage and reduce the chance of hydroplaning. There is a higher sipe density on the inside tread, another feature that helps when the weather turns foul.

The placement of those sipes is far from random. Without a clear shot to the edge of the tire, road noise is funneled away, meaning these tires will allow drivers to hear their passenger carping about the music selection. Whether this is a good thing or not is up to you.

Pros: Big 75k-mile warranty (on H-rated hoops)

At Cons: V- and W-rated examples have a shorter warranty

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[Images by the manufacturer; Lead image: Volodymyr Plysiuk/Shutterstock.com]

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Year-Round Rollers: Best All-Season Tires - The Truth About Cars