By JEFF KAROUB Associated Press

DETROIT (AP) - The families of Detroit's Brightmoor area are delighted that the day is finally approaching when bulldozers will arrive to level more of their neighborhood. After that, their community's future will be like the cleared landscape - a blank canvas.

For years, Brightmoor residents pleaded with the city to demolish vacant homes that scavengers had stripped of wiring and plumbing and anything of value. Some structures are already gone, and now officials aim to do much more, possibly tearing down as many as 450 empty houses each week across more than 20 square miles of this bankrupt city - a vast patchwork of rotting homes comparable to the size of Manhattan.

The huge demolition project holds the potential to transform large parts of Detroit into an urban-redevelopment laboratory like the nation has never seen. But community leaders here and in cities that have attempted similar transformations say Detroit's best efforts could still wither from lack of money, lack of commitment or harsh economic realities.

"What's the plan for lots to keep them from becoming a different type of blight?" asked Tom Goddeeris, executive director of Grandmont Rosedale Development Corp., a nonprofit community improvement group representing a cluster of five Detroit neighborhoods.

The ambitious demolition schedule was formally presented last month as part of the city's plans to emerge from bankruptcy.

The changes could be far-reaching: Unlike other cities where building space is almost always limited, Detroit will offer urban planners a rare chance to experiment with wide-open land. Neighborhood advocates are talking excitedly about creating urban gardens, farms, forests and other types of "green space." Brightmoor already has the Lyndon Greenway, which connects two large parks with smaller parks and bike paths.

No other American city has as many abandoned properties as Detroit. But smaller-scale successes with similar green initiatives have been engineered in places such as Philadelphia and Cleveland.

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society's Philly Green program has converted roughly 10,000 vacant lots over the last two decades, making it the "gold standard," said Joe Schilling, who directs the Metropolitan Institute at Virginia Tech.

Having a non-governmental organization manage and design the effort, is a huge advantage, Schilling said.

See the rest here:
Home demolitions turn Detroit into blank canvas - NBC40.net

Sunnyvale, CA (PRWEB) March 27, 2014

iSmart Alarm, Inc is aiming to revolutionize the home security market, again. For 2014, the company is developing and offering new devices to expand on the iSmartAlarm Home Security System, such as the Doorfront front door security solution, Smart Switch outlet controls, glass breakage sensors, satellite sirens, an updated version of the streaming iCamera, security yard signs, and more.

Launching in 2013, the iSmartAlarm Home Security System is the companys flagship product, a self-monitored, self-controlled home security system with no monthly fees and no contracts, emphasizing a 21st century spin on traditional security systems. The iSmartAlarm Home Security System is sleek, expandable, and completely DIY, with no wiring necessary.

iSmart Alarm Inc will be exhibiting these new products at the ISC (International Security Conference) West show in Las Vegas April 2-4 in booth 34064. Held annually in the Sands Expo, the show is the largest security show in North America, focusing on access controls, alarms, home monitoring, high and low-tech security, and the latest in digital and physical protection in the modern world.

With the iSmartAlarm Doorfront, users can remotely monitor entryway activity, know immediately if there are deliveries, and be alerted to suspicious activity. The Doorfront is the first device to seamlessly integrate motion detection, a high-resolution controllable camera, doorbell, and intercom functionalities in an easy-to-use device. The iSmartAlarm Doorfront provides a wide view of activity and notifies a user via their Android or iOS device if there is motion in range or if someone rings the doorbell. The user can then see who is at the door and directly communicate with the visitor, view activity through the live streaming video and automatically or manually take snapshots of action and people.

With the iSmartAlarm Smart Switch, users can remotely control electrical outlets, see when their lighting is turned on or off, ensure potentially dangerous appliances are turned off when not in use, and monitor energy usage. Automated schedules can be established to secure the home, to create the impression of a family at home, and provide physical safety so the user will never have to walk into a dark home again. Multiple Smart Switches can be in use at the same time, and can cross-communicate with other devices in the smarthome ecosystem to automatically turn on lights or machines in case of a break-in.

Along with our new App updates, weve focused our attentions on a combination of what our customers want and what our customers need. The upcoming free Android and Apple updates will focus on giving our users more customization capabilities to match their lifestyles, said Raymond Meng, co-founder and CEO, iSmart Alarm. Our new devices will widen the range of controllability in the home, and ultimately give users peace of mind when they are home or away. The game is changing It is not just about security anymore. It is about home control, comfort, and connectivity.

The new iSmartAlarm devices all compliment iSmart Alarms line of existing home control, home security, and home automation products. These products are all part of the iSmartAlarm home control ecosystem, offering users a new level of control and connectivity within their homes. With iSmartAlarm, the ability to monitor, manage, and secure your home, property and family using your iPhone or Android devices has gotten even better.

Visit iSmart Alarm, Inc at booth 34064 at the ISC West show April 2-4 at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas for the latest in devices and app updates.

For more information on the iSmartAlarm ecosystem, Doorfront, Smart Switch, and current and future iSmart Alarm offerings, visit http://www.ismartalarm.com. Pre-sale for new devices will begin in Q2.

Read the original:
iSmartAlarm Showcasing New Products and Innovations at ISC West Show in April

OCALA - An Ocala home was found vandalized Thursday. Officials estimated the damages at more than $15,000.

Police said that inside the residence, in the 2400 block of Northwest 31st Avenue, the ceilings and walls were torn down and there was extensive damage to pipes and electrical wiring. Multiple items had been removed from the home, including a refrigerator, microwave and air handler for the central air conditioner.

Anyone with information can call the Ocala Police Department at 369-7000 or Crime Stoppers at 368-STOP, or visit http://www.ocalacrimestoppers.com.

OCALA - An Ocala home was found vandalized Thursday. Officials estimated the damages at more than $15,000.

Police said that inside the residence, in the 2400 block of Northwest 31st Avenue, the ceilings and walls were torn down and there was extensive damage to pipes and electrical wiring. Multiple items had been removed from the home, including a refrigerator, microwave and air handler for the central air conditioner.

Anyone with information can call the Ocala Police Department at 369-7000 or Crime Stoppers at 368-STOP, or visit http://www.ocalacrimestoppers.com.

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Home vandalized, appliances stolen

Choosing the right kind of appliances for your home whether they are for the kitchen or laundry can seem overwhelming. However, taking into consideration what you want from your appliances is the first step in finding the ones that are right for you.

Once we know what they (the customer) are doing, said Mike Carter, a sales representative for Factory Direct Appliance, in Topeka, then we can have a game plan. Its us asking questions about what they want.

For example, Carter said, if a customer loves to cook and bake, he or she may want to invest in higher-end, more technologically-advanced kitchen appliances like a convection oven or a gas stove. If theyre not a whiz in the kitchen, more basic appliances may be all that they need and maybe they dont need a high capacity washer and dryer because it might be just a couple. Whether you currently use gas or electricity would be another factor to take into consideration when choosing appliances, Carter said.

Before choosing an appliance, it can be helpful to do some research online to get a feel for what you may want before shopping for an appliance. However, Carter said to take online reviews with a grain of salt.

The difficult thing is that sometimes they read something and believe its gospel, he said. Theres a lot of misinformation out there.

Carter said, however, if you read several online reviews and the same problem with a product continues to crop up, that can be a red flag. He said asking a professional at an appliance store about different issues with a particular product can be helpful.

We try to give the pros and cons about what they can expect an appliance to do, he said. We want to help them make an educated decision.

If youre planning to remodel your kitchen, Carter suggests you decide whether you want to replace all your appliances and if so, its a good idea to decide what those appliances will be before the remodeling begins.

Maybe theres wiring or plumbing work that needs to be done first, he said. A lot of the cabinet companies want to know what sizes the appliances are going to be so they can get the sizes (of the cabinets) made right.

Carter said when deciding where to buy your appliances, take into consideration a store that can help you choose whats right for you and for some people, knowing that the store can deliver and service your appliance is an added level of comfort.

Go here to see the original:
At Home Living: Appliances - Choosing the right ones for you

Originally Published: March 27, 2014 10:07 AMModified: March 27, 2014 2:48 PM

The families of Detroit's Brightmoor area are delighted that the day is finally approaching when bulldozers will arrive to level more of their west-side neighborhood. After that, their community's future will be like the cleared landscape a blank canvas.

For years, Brightmoor residents pleaded with the city to demolish vacant homes that scavengers had stripped of wiring and plumbing and anything of value. Some structures are already gone, and now officials aim to do much more, possibly tearing down as many as 450 empty houses each week across more than 20 square miles of this bankrupt city a vast patchwork of rotting homes comparable to the size of Manhattan.

The hugedemolitionproject holds the potential to transform large parts of Detroit into an urban-redevelopment laboratory like the nation has never seen. But community leaders here and in cities that have attempted similar transformations say Detroit's best efforts could still wither from lack of money, lack of commitment or harsh economic realities.

"What's the plan for lots to keep them from becoming a different type of blight?" asked Tom Goddeeris, executive director of Grandmont Rosedale Development Corp., a nonprofit community improvement group representing a cluster of five Detroit neighborhoods on the city's west side.

The ambitiousdemolitionschedule was formally presented last month as part of the city's plans to emerge from bankruptcy.

The changes could be far-reaching: Unlike other cities where building space is almost always limited, Detroit will offer urban planners a rare chance to experiment with wide-open land. Neighborhood advocates are talking excitedly about creating urban gardens, farms, forests and other types of "green space." Brightmoor already has the Lyndon Greenway, which connects two large parks with smaller parks and bike paths.

No other American city has as many abandoned properties as Detroit. But smaller-scale successes with similar green initiatives have been engineered in places such as Philadelphia and Cleveland.

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society's Philly Green program has converted roughly 10,000 vacant lots over the last two decades, making it the "gold standard," said Joe Schilling, who directs the Metropolitan Institute at Virginia Tech.

Having a nongovernmental organization manage and design the effort is a huge advantage, Schilling said.

See the rest here:
Home demolitions turn Detroit neighborhoods into blank canvas

Its the season for home improvement projects, and weekend warriors will soon be visiting home supply retailers to buy everything from paint to plywood. There are many advantages to making home improvements on your own, including the opportunity to test your mettle at projects big and small.

Many a novice DIYer has learned the ups and downs of home improvement through trial and error. But the following are a handful of lessons first-timers can heed before beginning their maiden voyages into the world of DIY home improvements.

Measure twice, cut once. Perhaps this is the best-known mantra of home improvement, yet many still ignore it. Whether youre eager to get started or simply because you still cannot convert metric to standard formula, you must take the time to measure twice before cutting. Learning that youre a hair too short later will prove frustrating and time-consuming and often necessitates a last-minute run to the store for more materials. Always measure multiple times before making cuts.

Enlist a helper. Having a partner helping with the work is the most efficient way to tackle a project. This person can assist you with heavy lifting or moving things or by holding the ladder or simply passing tools your way. He or she also can manage work while you make another run to the home center for more supplies. Having a helper around also provides companionship during tedious projects.

Lighten the load. You run the risk of injury, both to yourself and your belongings, if you attempt to move heavy items on your own. When moving heavy items, take steps to lighten your load. For example, empty or remove drawers from desks and dressers before moving them. Rely on sliding pads when moving furniture so items can be slid into place instead of lifted. Always ask a buddy to help move especially heavy items.

Prime before painting. Painting can be a time-consuming task. In an effort to save time, some people will look for painting shortcuts, and these may include skipping the priming portion of painting. Priming helps to cover existing paint color and prevent bleed-through of stains or darker hues to the next coat of paint. Failure to use a primer could mean having to paint coat after coat, which can become costly and take up a significant amount of time. Always rely on a priming product, or look for a paint that blends a primer within to achieve better coverage. And while you are ensuring a proper paint job, remember to use painters tape or an edging product to help keep paint off of moldings and trim.

Use the right tools. The right tools make work safer and easier. Think about how much faster you can cut through a tree trunk with a chainsaw rather than a handsaw. Improvising or using the wrong tools for the job can cost you time and increase your risk of injury.

Turn electricity off at the panel box. Be especially cautious when working with electricity, turning off the current. This means shutting down the power on the breaker box. A live wire can provide a minor shock or lead to serious injury. Take the extra time to ensure the power is off before working with any exposed wiring.

Expect the unexpected. Although many renovation projects go off without a hitch, you never know what you might uncover when you embark on repairs or remodels. Homeowners have come across all sorts of hidden problems when doing seemingly minor repairs. Removal of drywall may uncover insect damage in beams or indications of water infiltration. Some people take down old paneling, only to discover it was covering heavily damaged walls beneath. One repair project can run into another when home improvements are being made. Always leave breathing room in your budget and schedule extra time for unforeseen tasks as well.

Originally posted here:
Home improvement tips learned the hard way

DETROIT - The families of Detroit's Brightmoor area are delighted that the day is finally approaching when bulldozers will arrive to level more of their neighborhood. After that, their community's future will be like the cleared landscape - a blank canvas.

For years, Brightmoor residents pleaded with the city to demolish vacant homes that scavengers had stripped of wiring and plumbing and anything of value. Some structures are already gone, and now officials aim to do much more, possibly tearing down as many as 450 empty houses each week across more than 20 square miles of this bankrupt city - a vast patchwork of rotting homes comparable to the size of Manhattan.

The huge demolition project holds the potential to transform large parts of Detroit into an urban-redevelopment laboratory like the nation has never seen. But community leaders here and in cities that have attempted similar transformations say Detroit's best efforts could still wither from lack of money, lack of commitment or harsh economic realities.

"What's the plan for lots to keep them from becoming a different type of blight?" asked Tom Goddeeris, executive director of Grandmont Rosedale Development Corp., a nonprofit community improvement group representing a cluster of five Detroit neighborhoods.

The ambitious demolition schedule was formally presented last month as part of the city's plans to emerge from bankruptcy.

The changes could be far-reaching: Unlike other cities where building space is almost always limited, Detroit will offer urban planners a rare chance to experiment with wide-open land. Neighborhood advocates are talking excitedly about creating urban gardens, farms, forests and other types of "green space." Brightmoor already has the Lyndon Greenway, which connects two large parks with smaller parks and bike paths.

No other American city has as many abandoned properties as Detroit. But smaller-scale successes with similar green initiatives have been engineered in places such as Philadelphia and Cleveland.

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society's Philly Green program has converted roughly 10,000 vacant lots over the last two decades, making it the "gold standard," said Joe Schilling, who directs the Metropolitan Institute at Virginia Tech.

Having a non-governmental organization manage and design the effort, is a huge advantage, Schilling said.

"To use a military metaphor, if you go in with your demolition forces and you're trying to get a stronghold in a particular strategic place, you have to be able to stabilize it before you keep moving on in your campaign," he said. "Otherwise, you're going to go back in ... five years and removing all the trash."

Original post:
Home demolitions create blank canvas in Detroit

Lebanon When Dana Seguin bought 4 South Park St., he wasnt sure what he was going to do with the 5,500-square-foot, historic 19th century home facing Colburn Park in the citys center, but he was clear that it should be lived in, he said.

Now, a year and a half after Seguin took ownership, Lebanons Zoning Board of Adjustment is considering his 41-page application for a zoning variance that would allow him to convert the single family home, office and nearby carriage house into eight apartments. The house is located in a zoning district where multi-family homes are not allowed.

It needs a ton of work, but its sound, said Seguin during a tour of his mostly unheated historic home on Sunday. For whatever reason, it called me.

He said he plans to keep the homes four fireplaces as decorative, not functional, touches and that he hopes to retain most of the buildings hardwood floors. In addition, the structures slate roofs will likely stay as they are relatively new, having been replaced following a 1988 chimney fire.

In order to transform the homes large living spaces into 700 or 750-square-foot apartments, Seguin will need to move walls and reorient stairs, he said.

The renovation, if approved, will likely include replacement of all the single-paned windows, and upgrades to the plumbing, wiring and heating.

Residential use is an idea supported by the homes previous owner Lois Wood widow of Lebanon legend Dr. Myric Wood Jr. who died in 2006 at the age of 79 from prostate cancer.

Im very pleased with Danas plans for the house, said Mrs. Wood in a phone interview from her home in Hampden, Maine. I want the next chapter to be a good one.

The Woods lived and worked in the South Park Street house for approximately 50 years from 1962 to 2008.

They raised four children in the main house, while Dr. Wood, famous in part for delivering 2,500 Upper Valley babies, operated a medical practice from an office, a laboratory and two exam rooms located in an ell-shaped adjoining structure in the rear.

Read the original post:
New Plan for Old Home: Proposal Would Change Lebanon House Into Apartments

Woodland firefighters take a breather while fighting a blaze that struck the second-story of a two-story home on Garfield Court in the southeast part of the city Sunday Afternoon. (Jim Smith/Democrat)

The home, located on Woodland's southeast side, at 1459 Garfield Court, was unoccupied. There were no injuries in the blaze, although firefighters were quickly overheated by the work.

Officials at the scene reported the blaze was called around 2:25 p.m. by a passing motorist on Hwy. 113. The highway lies immediately to the east of the home with only a retaining wall separating it and traffic.

That first notification was almost immediately followed by neighbors on the normally quiet cul-de-sac, who spotted the thick black smoke coming from the second story of the structure.

Woodland firefighters get their oxygen bottles refilled while fighting a blaze that struck the second-story of a two-story home on Garfield Court in the southeast part of the city Sunday Afternoon. (Jim Smith/Democrat)

Officials at the scene indicated the home appeared to have been a foreclosure. It was vacant with no furnishing or people inside on their arrival. Nearby residents said it had been occupied for some months.

While it was still too early to determine what caused the fire, guesses ranged from faulty wiring which may have shorted out when an air conditioner activated to the bright sun shining through a window and causing some object to burst into flame.

A number of engine companies responded to the blaze, including UC Davis and Davis fire departments and Willow Oak Fire Department.

The fire itself was knocked down within minutes by a coordinated action of water being poured onto the second story from the backyard and firefighters going inside the structure and tearing down the ceiling as well as venting the roof.

Firefighters remained on scene until at least 4 p.m. - although some engine companies were dismissed earlier - to conclude mop-up operations as well as arrange for sealing off the structure to prevent vandalism.

Here is the original post:
2-story home catches fire Sunday in Woodland

(PRWEB) March 21, 2014

With the beginning of spring, some of the country is finally thawing out and starting to see the first signs of the season. While the warmer temperatures and flowers are welcomed, one part of spring that no one looks forward to is flooding. While flooding can occur at any time of year, the spring is a particularly troublesome time of year as snow and ice melts and seasonal rains begin. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, flooding causes more damage than any other weather-related event, averaging eight billion dollars in losses and 89 fatalities annually.

As part of this weeks National Flood Safety Awareness Week hosted by NOAA, the Insurance Institute for Building & Home Safety (IBHS) suggests several improvement projects, and last-minute actions (with two accompanying infographics), for homeowners to help protect their property against flood damage this season. IBHS has additional flooding property protection resources on its website at: http://www.DisasterSafety.org/Flood.

Home Improvement Projects

Last-Minute Preparedness In addition, when a flood is forecast for your area, IBHS recommends homeowners take these last-minute actions to protect their property against flood damage:

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About The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) IBHS is an independent, nonprofit, scientific research and communications organization supported by the property insurance industry. The organization works to reduce the social and economic effects of natural disasters and other risks on residential and commercial property by conducting building science research and advocating improved construction, maintenance and preparedness practices.

See original here:
IBHS Recommends Home Improvement Projects to Reduce Flood Damage (with accompanying infographic)