By Lillian EdenBU News Service

BOSTON The combination of constantly rising housing costs, trafficcongestion and inadequate public transit options has prompted planners toconsider new options in how to create developments that combine more affordablehousing with amenities designed to allow people to live, work and play inwalkable communities.

Just about everyone agrees metropolitan Boston has a housing crisis, wrote Amy Dain, a research associate at MassINC in a 2019 study commissioned by the Massachusetts Smart Growth Alliance.

Although the study was done in and around Boston, housing is a problem being addressed in some western Massachusetts communities too.

I think that theres been a growing movement across greater Boston toallow more housing. And some of this comes from a growing acknowledgement thatwhen we restrict supply of housing that causes price escalation, Dain said.

Theres also an increasing push for home, work and play to be within walksheds, meaning things, like schools, libraries or cafes are located close enough for people to walk to them. In recent years the city of Boston installed maps with walking time estimates for various points of interest.

One way to add density and increasing walkability is by requiring orallowing mixed-use development. One example is a building with businesses onstreet level and residential space above it. A single, mixed-use property canprovide both commercial and residential tax revenue, which is an incentive tocities.

Theres been a concerted effort in the last 20 years for cities andtowns to adopt mixed-use zoning, Dain said, adding this would not be a returnto a century ago, when there was no zoning, and towns and cities could mix usesanywhere.

The new zoning isnt really just about a free market return, its about requiring that there be first-floor retail or commercial in residential buildings, she said. The requirement makes developers consider adding a retail space from the beginning, even if thats not what they normally would have done with the space without the requirement.

Increased walkability isnt the only benefit of mixed use and higherdensity developments.

Mixed use is ideal just because you have the synergy between the commercial uses and the residential. And I think the more kind of residential units we can create in our business district just helps to promote the local businesses, said Denise Gaffey, director and city planner in the Melrose Office of Planning and Community Development.

Although mixed-use is generally considered favorable, it depends on theuse, she said. Not all businesses are created equal, so a community has to bemindful of what would be a good fit for the retail space, and factor in thingssuch as parking availability, which can make a business more viable and thetype of business, she said.

The city wouldnt consider putting in, for example, a business with adrive-through in an extremely residential area.

The neighbors say they want some retail, but I think it would really depend on the retail, right? she asked. I think they like the idea of a mom and pop coffee shop that they could just walk to, but, if it was, like, a Dunkin Donuts, they probably wouldnt be so excited about it because they would consider that as bringing a lot of traffic.

Melrose, a small city north of Boston with almost 30,000 residents, haslong had a history of mixed-use, high density and transit-oriented development,Gaffey explained.

Although adding the first mixed-use development in the town was ayears-long process launched in the early 2000s, there were a few things goingin the projects favor: the area being developed was underused and Melrose dida lot of community engagement every step of the way, Gaffey said.

The location was a key part of it, too. The city is about a quarter-mile from the end of the Orange Line, and there are multiple commuter rail stops within city limits. Building housing at a higher density allows more people to take advantage of public transportation.

Once that project got built, and everyone saw how great it was, I think that helped us a lot, she said. Its really been a successful project. And it is the poster child for transit-oriented growth because its right at the Orange Line.

The success of that first project opened the door for other similar projects, she said. The properties have increased the viability of businesses and the housing availability within the city.

Its nice to be in a community thats growing as opposed todeclining, Gaffey said. You kind of want to be in a community that has a lotof vitality, and thats growing. And I think introducing new housing and newpeople into the community is one way to do that.

Despite vastly different definitions of the term high-density, the western Massachusetts city of Northampton, which has a similarly sized population to Melrose, has also worked toward increasing housing density and having mixed use developments, according to Carolyn Misch, senior land use planner and permits manager of the city Planning Board.

We still feel like its important to maintain commercial space andcommercial viability whatever that mix might be, and continue to fosterresidential development, you know, behind those first floor and above, shesaid, referring to buildings where ground floor space that fronts the streetand hosts retail.

Mixed-use includes areas where there are commercial spaces, offices, restaurants, hotels and retail with or without residential space. Additionally, Smith College is located within city limits, and the city is near the Five College Consortium.

For Northampton, a certain density must be met in order for certainservices to be feasible. For example, she said, the city is part of a regionalbike share program which is one of the largest electric pedal assist bikeshares in the country. The program just finished its second season and willbegin again in April, she said.

What we talk about is what kind of densities support public transportation, what kind of densities support bike shares, what kind of densities support different beneficial elements that people in our community define as high value. Generally to support transit, we need six-to-eight units per acre. Thats not a very high density tabulation, she explained.

Misch said that development projects in Northampton are also successfulbecause of a lot of community outreach, explaining that Northampton knew theyhad a gap in the citys housing availability because of a needs assessment. Thecity is also taking into account the need to build more sustainably.

To accomplish this goal, planners take advantage of previousinfrastructure and develop places where its possible to walk to services likeschools or libraries, she said.

Its important for us as a community to focus that development wherewe can provide access by means other than just solely relying on the automobileand building further and further out from our centers. And of course, thatsupports the commercial base as well, Misch said. We cant really have avibrant downtown if everybody lived five miles away from downtown.

One issue, which resonates across the commonwealth is community pushback on projects.

One of the biggest issues were having here is not the regulatoryframework so much as actually what gets built on the ground. And theres stilla lot of neighborhood pushback on projects, Misch said.

People are extremely risk averse about allowing change in cities and towns, Dain said.

Both Melrose and Northampton stressed the importance of good,comprehensive outreach, and fielding concerns as they arise.

It was important for us to show that weve lost units over time, Misch said. So we werent necessarily saying that were going to completely change the character of the neighborhoods and the densities, but were actually going to go back to what densities were allowed when those neighborhoods were first built. And so that helped bring along that support for those zoning changes.

Read more:
For cities and towns in Massachusetts, increasing density requires outreach, reaps benefits - BU News Service

THE following applications and notifications have been received for consideration and can be inspected at http://www.somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk/planning.

May 7, 2020

BICKENHALL

04/20/0006: Change of use of land with siting of mobile home for equestrian workers dwelling with car parking and garden at Bickenhall Mill, Pound Road, Bickenhall (retention of part works already undertaken)

BISHOPS HULL

05/20/0015: Erection of single and two storey extensions, detached garage/gym building and creation of additional access at Highlane Manor, 51 Stonegallows, Taunton

05/20/0019: Erection of first floor side extension over garage at 1 Lowlands Terrace, Bishops Hull Hill, Bishops Hull

05/20/0020: Formation of equestrian sand school for personal use at Milligan, Netherclay

BISHOPS LYDEARD

06/20/0020: Erection of single and two storey rear extension at 41 Hither Mead, Bishops Lydeard

COMBE FLOREY

11/20/0002: Change of use of land from agricultural to domestic, following prior approval notification 11/17/0018CQ, with the erection of a detached double garage at the former poultry building north west of Redlands Barn, Trebles Holford, Bishops Lydeard

CURLAND

15/20/0001: Erection of 2 No. agricultural buildings (1 double storey barn, 1 single storey chicken shed) at Field B and formation of a private access drive, hard standing, alteration to access at Field B, New England, Curland (retention of part works already undertaken) (resubmission of 15/19/0004)

KINGSTON ST MARY

20/20/0010: Variation of Condition No. 02 (approved plans) of application 20/19/0016 at Cala, Kingston Road, Kingston St Mary

20/20/0013: Replacement of garage and outbuildings with the erection of a carport and store with solar panels to roof at Greenbanks, Lodes Lane, Kingston St Mary

LANGFORD BUDVILLE

21/20/0005: Removal of Condition No. 03 (occupational tie) of application 70526 at Camberley, Wellisford Manor Road, Langford Budville, Wellington (resubmission of 21/19/0007)

RUISHTON

31/20/0009: Replacement of dwelling with the erection of 2 No. dwellings with associated access and parking at Fouracres, Ilminster Road, Henlade

31/20/0013: Replacement of conservatory with the erection of a single storey extension to the rear of 6 Newlands Crescent, Ruishton

STAPLEGROVE

34/20/0007: Demolition of carport/garage with conversion of remaining structure and erection of a single storey extension to the side of 1 Drake Close, Taunton

34/20/0008/T: Notification to fell one small Hawthorn tree and to carry out management works to two Acer trees within Staplegrove Conservation area at The Grove (east side), Staplegrove

STOKE ST GREGORY

36/20/0005: Change of use of public house to public house and shop for general groceries at Royal Oak Inn, Huntham Lane, Stoke St Gregory

STOKE ST MARY

37/20/0001: Installation of antenna support brackets to support 3 No. antenna and 3 No. additional antenna, 6 No. remote radio units and ancillary works at EE Site Ref 26895, Haydon House Farm, Haydon Lane, Stoke St Mary

TAUNTON

38/20/0104: Erection of a two storey extension to the rear of 29 Dorchester Road, Taunton

38/20/0113: Erection of first floor extension to the rear to create 1 No. flat at 24 Billet Street, Taunton

38/20/0117: Demolition of single storey extension to create additional external trading area, installation of external fire escape staircase, internal alterations to provide 2 No. bedrooms for short term holiday let with internal alterations to public house accommodation at The Winchester Arms, Castle Green, Taunton (retention of part works already undertaken)

38/20/0118/LB: Demolition of single storey extension to create additional external trading area, installation of external fire escape staircase, internal alterations to provide 2 No. bedrooms for short term holiday let with internal alterations to public house accommodation at The Winchester Arms, Castle Green, Taunton (retention of part works already undertaken)

38/20/0123: Erection of 1 No. dwelling and formation of access on land to the side of 21 Holway Avenue, Taunton

38/20/0124: Erection of a residential block of 79 No. flats (use Class C3) with landscaping and associated works on Plot 1, Trenchard Way, Firepool Lock, Taunton

38/20/0137: Replacement of garage with the erection of a two storey extension to the side and erection of porch to the front of 26 Parkfield Road, Taunton

38/20/0139: Erection of extension to first floor residential accommodation at 52 Station Road, Taunton

WELLINGTON

43/20/0037: Change of use from Class B2 (general industrial) to Class A3 (restaurant/cafe) at The Pump House, Foxes Yard, Milverton Road, Tonedale, Wellington

43/20/0043: Conversion of first and second floor into 4 No. flats, conversion of loft to 1 No. flat, erection of a first floor extension to the rear to form 2 No. flats (7 No. flats in total), various internal alterations to ground floor commercial unit with various external alterations including installation of balconies and external stairs and construction of bin shelter, bike store and formation of car parking area to the rear of 12 Fore Street, Wellington

43/20/0044/LB: Conversion of first and second floor into 4 No. flats, conversion of loft to 1 No. flat, erection of a first floor extension to the rear to form 2 No. flats (7 No. flats in total), various internal alterations to ground floor commercial unit with various external alterations including installation of balconies and external stairs and construction of bin shelter, bike store and formation of car parking area to the rear of 12 Fore Street, Wellington

43/20/0045: Erection of a shed for storage and workshop in the garden to the rear of 27 Stoneleigh, Tonedale, Wellington

43/20/0046: Variation of Condition No. 02 (approved plans) of application 43/20/0009 at 23 Brendon Road, Wellington

43/20/0050: Replacement of single storey rear extension at 113 Buckwell, Wellington

WELLINGTON WITHOUT

44/20/0010: Change of use from agricultural land to dog walking venue (Class D2 assembly & leisure), formation of 2 No. parking areas, erection of stockproof fencing and the installation of security lighting on land at Houndsville, Monument Road, Wellington (resubmission of 44/19/0018) (retention of part works already undertaken)

44/20/0013: Replacement of pole barn and arch barn at Snakkercombe Farm, Briscoe Lane, Rockwell Green, Wellington (retention of works already undertaken) (amended scheme to 44/19/0003)

WEST BAGBOROUGH

45/20/0005: Replacement of dwelling with erection of 3 No. self contained holiday lodges and alterations and closure of vehicular accesses at Parkgate Lodge, New Road, West Bagborough

WEST BUCKLAND

46/20/0009: Change of use from Class A1 and A2 to Class D2 (assembly and leisure) at Unit E Monument View, Summerfield Avenue, Chelston Business Park, Wellington (retention of works already undertaken)

COMEYTROWE

52/20/0006: Erection of double garage to front of Danesfield, Comeytrowe Lane, Taunton

52/20/0007: Erection of a single storey extension to the rear of 26 Deane Drive, Taunton

BRUSHFORD

3/04/20/002: Erection of 1 No. dwelling with associated works. Land adjacent to Panarama House, Brushford, Dulverton, TA2 9AF

CROWCROMBE

3/07/20/005: Erection of 1 No. temporary agricultural workers dwelling: Fire beacon, Little Quantock Lane, Crowcombe, TA4 4AP

KILVE

3/18/20/004: Change of use of land for the siting of 3 No. shepherd huts for holiday accommodation: Old Rectory House, Sea Lane, Kilve, TA5 1EG

MINEHEAD

3/21/20/032: Erection of single storey rear extension, replacement workshop and vehicle hardstanding: 125 Cher, Minehead, TA24 5EL

3/21/20/033: Erection of 1 No. single storey dwelling with garage under-croft and associated site works (resubmission of 3/21/19/085): Hillside Barn, Moor Road, Minehead, TA24 5RT

3/21/20/034: Change of use of workshop/office (use class B1) to residential (use class C3) plus erection of extension to form 2 No. maisonettes: 7 Tyhtings Court, Minehead, TA24 5NT

Read the original here:
Planning applications in Somerset West and Taunton area: Up to May 7, 2020 - Somerset County Gazette

Now, air from 56 patient rooms on the third and fifth floors, which were opened in phases following the installation of the new fan, moves up to a mechanical space on the roof where a few facilities staff, all wearing personal protective equipment, work to safely filter and discharge it. Their work, and the new system, helps protect both patients and health care workers while conserving PPE that would have otherwise been necessary in public spaces throughout the building.

Access to these negative airflow rooms helps us in every way, said Dr. Paul Helgerson, section head of Hospital Medicine, who oversees service lines including the ICU. It was a lot of work, but it was amazing no one batted an eye. Everyone understood what we were trying to accomplish, and what was at stake.

Every decision we made has been based on the needs of the clinical staff, and treating our patients, Wilson said. Thats our mantra.

It was certainly a big lift, but everyone worked so hard, 110%, for weeks, to get ready for this, Harkins said.

Looking back on those whirlwind weeks now makes the whole team proud.

Honestly, it was rewarding, Hoy said. It was obvious that we had the means to make a difference for our patients and for our colleagues, and we pulled together to do what we needed to do.

Think about how long it might take you to move from one house to another planning the layout of each room and acquiring furniture, packing and unpacking boxes, putting each kitchen tool or bedroom lamp in the room where it belongs, setting up cable, water, electricity, internet.

Then, imagine that all of the rooms in your new house suddenly had to function differently.

That is basically the task that UVA Health was facing. They had been planning the move to the new tower for months, of course, but they had been planning for cardiac, orthopedic and organ transplant units. Now, they needed to plan for infectious disease ICUs.

All of the teams who had been planning for the move into the new tower had to be redirected to focus on the new plan, Reyes said.

As Harkins and his team finished retrofitting the tower, Reyes and her colleagues got to work, aiming to move all necessary equipment and people into the space as soon as possible.

Follow this link:
'Can We Really Do This?' How UVA Health Transformed Its New Tower to Fight COVID - UVA Today

Several Butler County restaurant owners expressed support for a state plan to reopen Ohios dine-in restaurants and bars under social-distancing guidelines and other restrictions over the next two weeks.

But some owners of small restaurants say theyll face challenges and remain unsure about how willing their customers will be to venture out as the coronavirus pandemic continues.

MORE: Line of cars shows growth in coronavirus testing in Butler County

Under the plan recommended by a statewide restaurant-and-health advisory panel and adopted by Gov. Mike DeWine, Ohios restaurants and bars will be allowed to reopen patios and outside dining on Friday and dining rooms for inside dining on May 21, under restrictions and guidelines designed to ensure safety for workers and customers.

Those guidelines state that restaurants must ensure a minimum of six feet between parties while dining or waiting for a table, and if thats not possible, to utilize barriers or other protective devices. Restaurants also must ensure a minimum of six feet between employees, and if thats not possible, utilize barriers and increase the frequency of surface cleaning, handwashing and sanitizing.

Rather than restrict restaurants to a percentage of their original seating capacity other states have used 50 percent of fire-code capacity, for example Ohio will ask businesses to rework their floor plan to ensure social distancing under its six-feet-apart or physical-barrier rules.

Parties of 10 or less can be seated together, for example, but each group in the restaurant must be kept separated from other parties, either my distance or barriers. The restaurant advisory group said how that separation is achieved is up to the business. It could mean high-backed booths are used, or Plexiglas dividers could be installed.

Restaurants and bars will decide if customers will be required to wear masks in the establishment.

At sushi burrito restaurant Roll On Ins Hamilton location, co-owner Michael McCarthy said the restaurant would continue to operate its carryout and delivery options but take a wait-and-see approach when it comes to indoor dining.

Thats because seating before the pandemic numbered about 20 in Roll On Ins modest-sized dining area, but due to the six-feet social distancing requirement, only 10 people at a time could be seated. In addition, tables are fastened to the floor.

Keeping that six-foot minimum would be very, very difficult, McCarthy said.

Rise-N-Shine, a new breakfast-and-brunch restaurant that opened earlier this year in the other half of the space at 102 Main St. with Roll On In, will hold off on reopening for about a month or so, he said.

MORE: New Hamilton breakfast and brunch restaurant opens: What to know

We didnt have much time before this all happened to really gain a solid customer base, McCarthy said. Our fear is that if we try to open up in the midst of all this that were just going to have employees standing around.

Before the pandemic reached Ohio, Roll On In found that 75 percent of its business came from carryout and the remainder from dine-in service, he said.

Its not a big thing to just continue on with what weve been doing, McCarthy said.

Capitalizing on this Fridays patio service option is not really a consideration, as sidewalk space outside of the restaurant is narrow and traffic can often get loud, he said.

MORE: More Butler County offices reopen as business official warns of damage to economy

Ephraim Skally, co-owner at Skallys in West Chester Twp., said he agrees with Ohio opening up dining slowly so customers can become comfortably reacclimated to dining out.

The restaurant, which opened in 2018, already has a patio, so the Friday outdoor dining option presents no challenge.

But when indoor seating reopens May 21, the biggest task to tackle will be seeing if customers feel safe enough to come and dine out again, he said. Skallys also will work to ensure there is at least six feet between tables, and customers may be seated at every other booth.

All servers will wear masks, Skally said.

MORE: Family-owned bakery opens restaurant in West Chester

Staffing will return from four employees back to 30, as servers, bartenders and dish washers are rehired for dine-in service, he said.

Were hoping that all the carryout business that weve gained during this crisis will hopefully maintain or maybe increase, so in case someone cant get a table, maybe theyll still come in and maybe order pizza or sandwiches to go, well just whip it out for them real quick, Skally said.

Abe Shteiwi, owner of Bourbons Craft Kitchen & Bar, said DeWine taking the time to meet with restaurant owners from across the state has meant fair restrictions for reopening.

MORE: Were trying to help everybody: Retailers all over Butler County changing to make hand sanitizer

The restaurant will install dividers between tables and at the bar for guests to feel safe and more easily practice social distancing. Other changes include ordering masks and putting hand sanitizers for guests and employees throughout the building, including tables and the host and service stations.

While he is excited to get the restaurant reopened, it wont be opening Friday for patio service. Instead, it is planning to reopen May 21 with both dine-in and patio service.

Were just more focused on the big picture than trying to just make something work for the patio at this time, Shteiwi said. Were going to take our time and make sure we get it right.

The restaurant plans to hire all 11 furloughed employees, bringing staffing back to 15 employees.

MORE: A cool mix of what you need and want: Vitoris Market opens in Middletown

I think its going to be a rough road to recovery, he said. Are a lot of people going to be OK with coming back into restaurants? Were hoping that they are. rough road to recovery. guests. hoping they are. Were going to try and make it as safe and as efficient as possible for everybody.

Shteiwi said he can see why some would believe Ohio should have reopened restaurants earlier, but ultimately understands the decision behind the slower rollout to reopening.

A rushed opening would have been completely detrimental for the economy and any small business, he said.

I would rather do it right the first time than have to repeat it again a second time because that would be a huge, huge loss for any small business owner, he said. Who knows if you have the money to reopen again because obviously youre taking a hit. I dont think restaurants or small businesses could take another hit.

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Ohios reopening schedule

May 12: Consumer, retail and services

May 15: patio dining, plus barbershops, hair salons, nail salons and spas

May 21: indoor dining

Six ways that dining at a restaurant will be different when they reopen May 21 in Ohio:

No more self-serve salad bars, buffets or drink stations.

Condiments, straws, stir sticks, vases and other items will be gone from tables.

Hang out areas, such as dance floors or arcade games, will be closed unless theyre being used for table seating.

Your party will be limited to 10 people and will be seated at least six feet away from other groups or separated by a physical barrier.

Face coverings are recommended at all times, except while eating.

Kitchen staff will be spread out to abide social distancing rules.

Read the original post:
Butler County restaurants making plans to reopen for diners: What theyre doing - Hamilton Journal News

Canadian Georges St-Pierre, who ruled the UFC welterweight division before putting a bow on a glittering career by winning the middleweight title in his final outing, is headed to the UFC Hall of Fame.

The announcement was made Saturday night during UFC 249 in Jacksonville, Fla., the UFC's first live show in two months due to the global pandemic.

The mixed martial arts fighter known as GSP was a pay-per-view gold mine for the UFC. And in honouring the 38-year-old from St-Isidore, Que., UFC president Dana White revived the debate of St-Pierre's place in the Canadian sports pantheon.

"Georges St-Pierre is a pioneer of Canadian MMA who helped build the sport globally," White said in a statement. "He is the most famous athlete to ever come out of Canada and one of the greatest martial artists of all-time. We're proud to induct him into the UFC Hall of Fame Class of 2020."

In 2010, White sparked a debate when he said St-Pierre was "a billion times more famous than any other athlete thats ever come out of Canada. Including Wayne Gretzky."

A Canadian Press-Harris Decima survey grading Canadian celebrities in January 2011 disagreed, calling Gretzky No. 1 and GSP seventh. Still the MMA fighter finished ahead of then Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

St-Pierre's success inside the cage, fuelled by hours of meticulous preparation, put MMA on the map in Canada and helped fuel the UFC's worldwide expansion.

St. Pierre (26-2-0) will be officially inducted into the Hall of Fame later this year.

"It's a great honour to be inducted to the UFC Hall of Fame," St-Pierre said in a statement.

"I want to thank Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta, Dana White and the entire UFC team, my family, my coaches and teammates, my past collaborators, my opponents and of course, all UFC fans. It's been an amazing journey, without them none of this would have been possible."

He will enter the Hall's "Modern Wing," which honours fighters who made their debut in the era of unified rules, which came into effect at UFC 28 in November 2000, and who are at least 35 or have been retired for one year or more.

He joins Forrest Griffin (2013), B.J. (The Prodigy) Penn (2015), Urijah (The California Kid) Faber (2017), (Rowdy) Ronda Rousey (2018), Michael (The Count) Bisping (2019) and Rashad (Suga) Evans (2019).

St-Pierre beat two of those Hall of Famers (Bisping and Penn).

There are also 15 fighters in the Pioneer Wing, including the likes of Randy (The Natural) Couture, Royce Gracie, Matt Hughes and Chuck (The Iceman) Liddell.

St.-Pierre stepped away from MMA after narrowly defeating Johny (Bigg Rigg) Hendricks at UFC 167 in November 2013. While the win marked his ninth straight title defence, St-Pierre said he needed a break from the stress of the sport.

He went on to fight just once more, winning the middleweight title off Bisping at UFC 217 in November 2017. St-Pierre gave up the 185-pound crown a month later, citing health issues (ulcerative colitis).

He officially retired Feb. 21, 2019.

"There's no tears. I'm very happy to do it," he said of hanging up the gloves. "It takes a lot of discipline though to retire on top. It was a long process in my mind but it's time to do it. Only a few people have done it. And I always said that I want to retire on my own and not be told to retire."

St-Pierre was a class act inside and outside the cage

His preparation for fights was legendary, incorporating everything from gymnastics to power-lifting. Pull-ups with a 75-pound weight chained to his waist were routine.

While other fighters wore sweats and sponsors' T-shirts, St-Pierre taking a page from some champion boxers always wore a suit for his post-fight news conferences.

St-Pierre is one of only seven fighters in UFC history to win titles in two weight classes. His 13 consecutive victories and 13 title fight wins are tied for second most in UFC history.

His 20 wins are tied for third most in the UFC and he leads all UFC fighters in most strikes landed (2,591), most significant ground strikes (461) and most takedowns (90).

He avenged his only two losses, beating Hughes twice and Matt Serra once.

St-Pierre helped make MMA history in Canada, attracting a then-MMA world record crowd of 55,724 to Rogers Centre for UFC 129 in April 2011 when he beat Jake Shields.

The championship belt St-Pierre defended against Penn at UFC 94 remains on display in the Canadian Museum of History.

During his career, St-Pierre survived knee surgeries and other injuries as well as unproven accusations of cheating (steroids, according to Nick Diaz, and greasing up with Vaseline according to Penn). White questioned his mental strength after he lost his first title defence to Serra.

Through it all, St-Pierre kept retooling and winning.

St-Pierre made a career out of taking away his opponent's advantages. It made for methodical, if not always pretty wins. Of his nine welterweight title defences, eight were by decision.

At UFC 87 in August 2008, St-Pierre was successful on seven of nine takedown attempts against Jon Fitch, an accomplished former Purdue wrestler. Afterwards, Fitch looked like he had been in a car crash, blood trickling down his face like tears.

St-Pierre dominated Penn, then the lightweight title-holder, in a champion-versus-champion showdown at UFC 94 in January 2009.

St-Pierre won the 170-pound title at UFC 65 in Sacramento in November 2006, stopping Hughes in the second round. Two years earlier at UFC 50, the Canadian had been submitted by Hughes with one second remaining in the first round.

St-Pierre, who admitted later he was in awe fighting his idol the first time they met, joined Carlos Newton as the only Canadian to ever hold a UFC title.

There were bumps along the way. St-Pierre's first reign as champion lasted less than five months as he lost his first title defence, staggered by a Serra blow to the head in a shock upset at UFC 69 in April 2007.

St-Pierre's training for the fight had been disastrous. His father was seriously ill and a cousin was in a coma after a car accident. There were other family issues. Injuries cut into his preparation.

St-Pierre changed managers, training and put his career back on track.

On the advice of sports psychologist Brian Cain, he looked to rid himself of the mental albatross of his title defeat by scrawling Serra's name onto a brick and hurling it into the icy waters off Montreal's South Shore.

He dominated Serra in winning back his title at UFC 83 in Montreal in April 2008. He never lost again.

St-Pierre comes from humble beginnings on the South Shore. His father spent more than 60 hours a week on a floor-recovering business, installing carpet and ceramics. His mother nursed the elderly.

He took up karate as a kid but chose mixed martial arts over hockey because his family couldn't afford both after watching Gracie in the early days of the UFC.

While going to school and training in MMA, he held down three jobs as a bouncer at the Fuzzy Brossard nightclub, working at a floor recovery store and working for the government teaching activities to delinquent kids. To this day, he remains proud that he earned his floor-recovering certificate.

St-Pierre won his first fight as a pro in January 2002, defeating Ivan Menjivar. Four more wins and he was in the UFC.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 9, 2020.

---

Follow @NeilMDavidson on Twitter

Read more here:
Canadian MMA star Georges St-Pierre headed to the UFC Hall of Fame - Yorkton This Week

Mike Froome and Matt Boos of M&T Printing show just a few of the products that are keeping them busy in London during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mike Hensen/The London Free Press/Postmedia Network

Those decals on the floor at grocery stores, the plastic shields protecting workers and the endless stickers and signs warning us all to be healthy and careful amidst the pandemic? Theyve kept a London printing business busy.

M&T Printing Group has managed to keep some of its workers on the job, winning new business as a result of the COVID-19 shutdown and social isolation.

Were trying to stay ahead of the curve, to find out what the new normal will be so we can position ourselves, Mike Froome, vice-president at M&T, said.

The business lesson from the pandemic is that one has to diversify to survive, he added. M&T, in business in London for more than 50 years, offers a study in how to do just that.

Among its recent and different contracts, the printer is now preparing to make plastic shields to be installed at airline counters at London International Airport, which hopes to see flights returning this summer.

We have started to call people back, Froome said. Were busy wearing a lot of different hats.

M&T has about 50 workers now on the job and about 100 remaining on layoff. But the company is trying to keep as much business as it can to serve its approximately 200 clients.

It has even tried to carve a niche as a hospital bedmaker. It has manufactured an inexpensive bed out of heavy board material that can hold 500 pounds and be shipped to a hospital in a flat pack and snapped together on site, in case a hospital gets swamped by patients.

The business has also seen a return to old-school printing, with stickers and signs warning workers to remain six-feet apart and wash their hands, making up a large part of its business.

I find it interesting were falling back on traditional signage. Everything were doing now, all of it, is COVID-related, Froome said.

That includes the activity book it has printed for the Boys and Girls Club of London to send to youth so they can do puzzles, colouring and games at home. Or print material for the pin caddy, a device which means golfers dont have to reach into the hole or touch a ball once it has been putted into the cup.

The decal floor stickers popular at stores started out with retailers asking for simple lines and markers on the floor. But it evolved in days to be decals with foot prints, many of which are now branded with store and restaurant logos.

The COVID-related opportunities are fascinating, Froome said.

It has even been asked to make signs for school graduates. Since there are no graduation ceremonies, families are placing a sign in their home windows stating it is the home of a graduate, as a way of celebrating a milestone for youths.

These are Grade 8 and Grade 12 commencement signs, Froome said. Its happening everywhere. I think were going back to the sense of community as a village.

ndebono@postmedia.com

Read more here:
Floor decals, plastic shields and the 'fascinating' business demands of COVID-19 - The Province

A house fire is one of the most horrifying calamities a homeowner can experience. A blaze can cause catastrophic damage in a matter of minutes, destroy priceless mementos, and threaten the lives of any occupants.

Thankfully, many residential fires are preventable. By understanding the most common causes of these disasters and taking the necessary precautions, you can vastly reduce the chances of your property going up in smoke.

Cooking

According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking is the leading cause of house fires and injuries caused by these fires. Cooking fires typically occur when the kitchen is left unattended during meal preparation, and most cooking fires start on the stove. If a fire starts while you are out of the room, it can quickly spread before you can fight it on your own.

Hot grease is a common source of ignition. David Beaudrie, writing for the home design site The Spruce, says grease that reaches a temperature of about 600 degrees Fahrenheit can spontaneously combust. The NFPA says flames can easily spread if combustible materials like oven mitts and towels are kept too close to the stove.

Appliances can also sometimes lead to fires. Beaudrie says portable appliances like electric griddles might heat up enough to ignite nearby materials. House Beautiful says fire risk is also heightened if appliances are crowded too close together, allowing more heat to build up.

Never leave the kitchen unattended while cooking, particularly if you are making a dish where grease will be produced. The NFPA says you should turn off the stove even if you just need to leave for a short period of time. When baking, simmering, or otherwise making a meal that requires a longer preparation time, set a timer so you don't forget about the food.

Practice regular cleaning to cut down on combustible materials. Beaudrie says you should thoroughly clean your cookware to prevent grease from building up, and regularly clean potentially flammable materials out of your appliances such as crumbs in a toaster oven.

If a small fire occurs while cooking, it can often be smothered quickly. The NFPA says the easiest thing to do is to put a lid over a flaming pot and turn off the burner, or turn off the heat and keep the door closed if a fire occurs in the oven.

Since fires can often start in the kitchen, keep a fire extinguisher in the room in an easily accessible area. The Donegal Insurance Group of Marietta, Pa., says the extinguisher should be rated A-B-C to take on all types of blazes. Wolgast Restoration, a Michigan home restoration company, says materials such as salt, baking soda, or flour should not be used to douse a grease fire, since these can cause the flames to flare up.

Heating

Homeowners seeking to keep their homes at a comfortable temperature during the winter can inadvertently create a hazardous situation. The NFPA says heating equipment accounted for 15 percent of residential fires in the United States between 2012 and 2016, with half of these blazes occurring between December and February.

Keeping a heater too close to flammable materials is a common source of fires caused by heating systems. Beaudrie says space heaters and electric baseboard heaters can easily ignite nearby materials, while heaters that use fuel such as kerosene can catch fire or explode if they are not used properly.

If a fireplace is used for home heating, a layer of flammable creosote will build up on the inside of the chimney over time. This can eventually ignite, with a chimney fire potentially spreading to other parts of the home.

Make sure there's ample space around any home heaters. The NFPA recommends a three-foot buffer zone between any heating equipment, including fireplaces, space heaters, and furnaces.

Make sure fireplacesincluding pellet stoves and fireplace insertsare properly installed and have the necessary safeguards. Open fireplaces should have a screen to block sparks and embers, and ashes should be allowed to cool thoroughly before being removed to a metal container stored a safe distance from the home. The chimney should be professionally cleaned at least once a year.

Follow all instructions on portable space heaters, and look for a model with safety features such as an automatic shutoff that will be activated if the device tips over. Beaudrie says you should also inspect them regularly to see if they are in good condition.

Central heating equipment is rarely to blame for residential fires, but it never hurts to be cautious. Donna Boyle Schwartz, writing for the home improvement professional Bob Vila, says an annual inspection will ensure that the system is working properly.

Electrical

Faulty wiring is the third most common cause of house fires, according to the NFPA, though fires sparked by this source also caused the most substantial property damage. Beaudrie says electrical fires are commonly caused by short circuits that ignite building materials or overloaded circuits that cause wiring to get too hot.

Electrical fires can also be caused by an outdated electrical system or unsafe practices. House Beautiful says major appliances should be plugged into their own outlets, not a shared power strip. You should also never connect multiple extension cords or use frayed or otherwise damaged electrical cords. Wolgast Restoration says the risk of an electrical fire is heightened if you use an older appliance, run cords under rugs or other heavily trafficked areas, or plug too many devices into a single outlet.

Make sure your home's electrical system is up to date with the recommended safety features. The NFPA says these include arc-fault circuit interrupters to cut off electricity and prevent short circuits. Electrical work should be completed by a licensed professional.

Periodically inspect the cords on appliances and other devices to look for damage. Schwartz says any worn or damaged cords should immediately be replaced.

Be safe when using the outlets in your home. Never overload an outlet, and make sure the wattage of your light bulbs does not exceed the recommended wattage of the light fixture.

Look out for any warning signs of trouble with the wiring. Wolgast Restoration says these may include flickering lights, repeatedly tripping breakers, or a suspect odor. Have an electrician inspect the system if you notice any of these issues.

Open flames

Smoking materials such as cigarettes and cigars cause a small percentage of house fires, according to the NFPA, but are the leading cause of deaths caused by these incidents. Beaudrie says fires caused by smoking materials are often ignited when embers fall on a flammable item after the smoker falls asleep, resulting in the greater possibility of a fatality.

Smokers can reduce the risk of a house fire by using fire-safe cigarettes, only smoking outdoors, and keeping smoking materials out of the reach of children. If you do smoke indoors, use a deep ashtray, keep smoking materials away from any flammable items, and douse smoking materials in water before discarding them.

Caution should also be used when burning candles in the home. While they add a pleasant ambience to a room, candles can lead to disaster if they fall over or set fire to nearby materials.

The NFPA says candles should be kept in sturdy holders and placed on uncluttered surfaces, at least one foot away from anything that might burn. Don't leave candles unattended or use them in the bedroom, where an occupant might fall asleep without blowing out the flame.

Consider alternatives to candles. You should have a flashlight handy so you can use it instead of an open flame for lighting during a power outage. Beaudrie says there are also flameless battery-powered luminaries that provide the same effect as a candle without the danger.

If medical oxygen is stored in the home, refrain from smoking or using candles indoors.

Certain appliances, such as furnaces and water heaters, have pilot lights that could potentially start a fire. Wolgast Restoration recommends that any flammable materials be kept at least three feet away from these appliances.

Flammable materials

Several household materials are combustible, including gasoline used for lawn mowers, propane tanks for grills, paint thinners, and mineral spirits. These materials often pose a serious fire risk because they emit fumes that can travel a long distance and ignite when they encounter a furnace's pilot light or other ignition source.

Flammable lint can accumulate in and around a clothes dryer. Dust, dander, and other materials can create a combustible mass on vents and filters in the home's HVAC system.

Safe storage is key in preventing flammable materials from causing a fire. Schwartz says gasoline, propane, kerosene, and similar materials should be stored in proper containers and kept outside the home. Beaudrie says containers should be no more than 95 percent full to allow room for vapors to expand safely.

Store paint thinners and other hazardous materials in proper containers and keep them at least 50 feet away from potential ignition sources. The ideal storage location is a fireproof cabinet in a separate location from the main living space.

Never keep oil- or chemical-soaked rags stored together, as they can spontaneously combust. Spread the rags out in an outdoor location to allow fumes to disperse, at which point the rags can be cleaned and reused.

Regularly clean the dryer vent before running a load of laundry. Wolgast Restoration says you should also periodically clean out the dryer's exhaust vent, sweep lint away from surfaces around the dryer, and avoid piling up laundry on or around the appliance.

Seasonal dangers

Some fire risks are seasonal, as they are associated with activities that typically take place at a certain time of year. Outdoor grilling during warmer weather is one potential risk, as flare-ups or problems with the grill's heat source can start a blaze.

The NFPA says grills should be regularly cleaned to remove accumulated grease, and the grill should be kept a safe distance from the home, deck, overhanging branches, or anything else that might catch fire. Inspect gas grills for leaks each year, and don't light the grill if you smell gas. Never leave a grill unattended.

Summer is also a time for homeowners to light up their fire pits, which naturally pose a hazard to the property if they aren't used properly. The Donegal Group says fires should not be lit outside when the surrounding vegetation is dry or when there are strong winds. Don't leave the fire unattended, and keep a water source or other firefighting option handy.

Halloween brings jack-o-lanterns, which traditionally use candles. Keep them away from dry decorations such as cornstalks or crepe paper, and consider using battery-powered flame lights instead.

Sumptuous cooking is a hallmark of the winter holidays, but this is also associated with a higher risk of cooking fires. Christmas also has some unique fire hazards. Make sure you keep a natural Christmas tree from drying out, hang decorations so they are a safe distance from any ignition sources, and make sure your holiday lighting is safe.

Excerpt from:
Common causes of house fires and how to prevent them - theday.com

Moving can be such a stressful time. The checklist of things to do can feel a mile long. Between finding a new place, packing, and wrapping up loose ends in your old home, it may be difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Its important to remember that moving doesnt have to be such a burden, once youve got a few tricks up your sleeves. If youre in the process of moving or just thinking about moving, here are four ways to take the worry out of what could be a chaotic situation and put your mind at ease.

In order to find a new home within your price range thats also in the neighborhood or school district of your choice, you may need to buy a fixer-upper. Fixer-uppers need a lot of love due to damage like water or mold. As long as you have the time, think about bringing in restoration services. If you live in the Chicagoland area, J.C. Restoration, Inc. can help you bring your new home back to its pre-loss condition. Whether the house needs big fixes like structural repairs and electrical work or smaller fixes like interior decorating and landscaping, youll be in great hands. J.C. Restoration, Inc. has successfully restored damaged properties for thousands of home and business owners. You can put your mind at ease knowing your restoration will be done right.

Moving into a new neighborhood is always stressful, because even if it appears nice, you never really know who youre living next to. Is it safe for your children to play in the front yard unattended? Is it wise for your children to go over and hang out at a new friends house? You can let go of some of that worry if you arm yourself with information. Introduce yourself to your neighbors, get their names, and then do a quick search of public records to see if there are arrest records or mug shots associated with each person. Go Look Up is an online information search engine that shows background checks and so much more. Youre sure to find the information you need to sleep easy.

Its so easy to think you can just do it all yourself, but thats a lot of additional pressure that you dont need. Hiring professional movers can save you some mental space and might even prevent you from injuring your back. If youre worried about getting the best price and hiring a company that will treat your furniture and possessions with respect, call around, read reviews, and dont be afraid to ask questions. With extra hands, your move will go faster, and youll get to move onto the fun partdesigning your new spacein record time.

When you start the moving process, the first thing that youll ignore in your daily routine is self-care. You can be so preoccupied with getting each facet of moving accomplished that you dont take time for yourself. You might think that youre gaining some extra time to complete each tiring task by skipping workouts or daily meditation sessions; however, its actually quite the opposite. Activities like working out and meditating help you to manage stress and put you in the right frame of mind to move forward. By removing that from your daily life, youre doing yourself a great disservice. You might find it harder to concentrate or problem solve. If youre really worried about time, shorten your workout or meditation, but try to keep some semblance of your regular routine.

See the original post:
Take the Burden Out of Moving: 4 Ways to Put Your Mind at Ease - NuWire Investor

Some of the major changes included opening up the views and bringing continuity to the spaces; raising the ceilings two feet toward the back of the house to build an extension with the kitchen (the focal point of the house) and living room; raising the floor of the master suite; installing a large steel and glass opening on the rear faade to let the light in; and adding three balconies.

Designed to be functional and fit the owners needs, the home features effortless style with its round and arched contours to balance out the hard lines in the steel doors.

The very cool suspended lighting device comes from Flos.

The scalloped plaster fireplace was done by Kamp Studios, and the art flanking it is by Matias Sanchez Martin.

It was built to complement our lifestyle, which is to have friends over for long dinners, good music, many candles, great cocktails and wine, and lots of laughs, Lindsay says. This house is to enjoy and celebrate life in the morning and at night, with no part of it overly precious.

Classic brownstone details are visible in the trims and molding throughout the house in off-white tones mixed with edgier touches like the matte black staircase. We stayed neutral throughout, but played with different textures and tones, incorporating decorative wall finishes like plaster and wallpaper, Jae says. We wanted to keep a sleek modern feel, while avoiding the bare and stark impressions associated with contemporary interiors.

BEFORE: This bedroom layout felt cramped and crowded.

AFTER: The master bedroom redo is all about clean lines and architectural details. The sculptures on display are by Jenny Min.

For the couple, the Brooklyn home is a study of equilibrium, where grids are balanced by curves, matte is juxtaposed with texture, and simple is only occasionally disrupted by grandeur. The house, according to the couple, is like Axel Vervoordt in the middle of a Kanye concert.

BEFORE: The master suite section had to be reconfigured entirely to make the space functional.

AFTER: The result was created with softness and serenity in mind. The scones in the bathroom are by Arne Jacobsen, and the faucets are by Waterworks.

AFTER: The master suite now boasts a grand master bathroom with a large freestanding tub and a custom vanity.

AFTER: Here, another bathroom was designed with a little more moody flair.

Although they invested a significant amount of energy, the couple enjoyed every part of the process. Renovations are very funnyyou feel like you end up with a Ph.D. in what not to do, Lindsay and Kayvan smile. A gut renovation on a townhouse is the most daunting, frightening, fiscally challenging, draining experience, but when you finally get the keys to your house, it becomes the foundation for your future memories that makes everything worth it.

The parlor floor gained a whole new chic living space after the expansion. The steel doors let in an incredible amount of light which brightens the entire floor. The big puzzle artwork is from M. Crow.

See the original post:
This Brooklyn Townhouse Gets a Refined Renovation - Architectural Digest

If the City Hall in Jersey City doesnt make you want to do home improvement projects, then nothing will. Well, thats certainly a sentence we never thought we would write. But its totally true because while the coronavirus pandemic was shutting down local businesses, keeping residents sheltering in place indoors, and forcing restaurants and eateries to transition to contactless options only, Jersey City began focusing on renovation projects that would otherwise disturb residents if they were done during normal life.

In a now-viral tweet, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop explained, We used COVID-19 shutdown to do projects that wouldve been inconvenient for residents regularly {street paving, park renovations, etc}. One project was ripping up the 1960s vinyl floor at City Hall. We thought wed find garbage, but instead we found the original from 100 years ago {sic}.The details on the gorgeous discovery.

{Photo credit: Twitter}

Move over, HGTV! We dont need your DIY home improvement channel when weve got City Hall!

City Halls surprise renovation didnt just impress the people of Jersey City. In fact, Mayor Fulops tweet gained national attention and went viral when it was picked up by Instagram meme account @kalesalad.

See More: 15 DIY Projects to Stay Busy and Productive at Home

While we are here why did every house cover hardwood floors with carpet in the 1960s @stevenfulopjc, the account @kalesalad wrote in the caption.

The reaction to the home improvement project has been overwhelmingly positive. One Instagram user wrote, Love when this happens. Like when a mosaic from a renowned artist was found in an NYC building entry during a reno.

Another chimed in, The old floor looks really pretty actually they should try and preserve that design!

All in all, the picture posted to @kalesalad garnered more than 330,000 likes and Mayor Fulops original tweet received 2.8K comments, 15.6K retweets, and 146.7K likes.

After the positive reaction to Fulops original tweet about the renovation, he began providing updates on other areas of the floor that have since been pulled up.

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Stephanie Osmanski writes honest things about health, the planet, and being a woman. Her words have appeared on Business Insider, Parade, Eat This Not That, Dogster, Scary Mommy, Green Matters, Parents, Seventeen, Life & Style, InTouch Weekly, and more. Her articles have been syndicated on World Economic Forum, MSN, MSN UK, and MSN Canada. In her free time, Stephanie and her registered therapy dog, Koda, volunteer at local hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities.

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If You Need Some DIY Inspo, Check Out the Floors of City Hall in Jersey City - hobokengirl.com