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Governor Tom Wolf today announced funding for environmental restoration projects focused on economic development or community revitalization at abandoned mine land (AML) locations across Pennsylvania. This year, $25 million will be made available for reclamation projects with economic development components.

These newly approved projects will bring economic opportunity and activity to Pennsylvania, and eliminate dangerous environmental scars left over from Pennsylvanias mining history, said Gov. Wolf. Removing the dangerous hazards from these sites also removes barriers to productive use. These sites will become hiking trails, farm fields, and solar farms a new future for sites still marred from past use.

The 2020 Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program (formerly known as the AML Pilot Program) will provide an additional $25 million of U.S. Treasury funds for Pennsylvanias AML program. First authorized by Congress under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 (Public Law 116-94) the funds are to be used to accelerate the remediation of AML sites with economic and community development end uses. This is the fifth year Pennsylvania has received funding from the AMLER Program.

Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Patrick McDonnell was joined by Department of Interior Secretary Deb Haaland to announce the investment at an abandoned mine in Luzerne County today.

This program demonstrates that investments in environmental cleanup can have strong economic benefits to communities, creating new opportunities for recreation, land reuse, and clean energy development, said McDonnell. There has been $130 million invested into projects like these in partnership with local governments, other state agencies and private companies and these investments are paying dividends for the communities and environment of Pennsylvania.

The Federal Office of Surface Mine Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) recently approved the following projects:

Armstrong County:

Forks Church North

Reclamation of two dangerous highwalls at a combined length of 180 linear feet by backfilling the highwalls using the adjacent five acres of mine spoil to eliminate the health and safety hazards. A two-acre refuse pile will also be reclaimed. A DEP-approved alkaline material may be added to the refuse during backfill to neutralize the soil acidity and the reclaimed area will be revegetated. Multiple hazardous abandoned mine structures on the AML site will be demolished and also used in backfilling the highwalls. The project site is surrounded by a 90-lot seasonal, family-friendly campground and once reclaimed will be used for recreational and camping purposes. The primary project partner is the property owner of the AML site and owner of the campground.

Belnap South

Reclamation of a 1,700-foot dangerous highwall by using the adjacent 20-acre spoil area to backfill the highwall and eliminate the health and safety hazards. Once reclaimed the site will be repurposed for agricultural purposes to increase hay production. A DEP-approved alkaline material may be added to the spoil during backfill to neutralize the soil acidity to provide a more suitable pH required for agricultural purposes. Hay production will increase by approximately 42% to provide more local feed for cattle in the area, in turn keeping local beef prices down. The primary project partner is the property owner farming the property adjacent to the AML site.

Clarion County:

Wildcat Run

Reclamation of a 2,500 linear foot dangerous highwall by backfilling with the adjacent 19-acre spoil area to eliminate the health and safety hazards. A seven-acre refuse pile will also be reclaimed. A DEP-approved alkaline material may be added to the refuse during backfill to neutralize the soil acidity and the reclaimed area will be revegetated. The existing AML conditions are adjacent to property owned by the Redbank Valley Trails Association where the association possesses a 100-foot right-of-way for another section of the abandoned rail spur currently being improved and maintained by volunteers as an all-season trail. Portions of the reclaimed AML areas will be repurposed as a multi-use green space to be utilized by visitors of the trail and an existing parking lot is proposed to be resurfaced as part of the AML project to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility guidelines. The primary project partners are Redbank Valley Trails Association and the property owner of the AML site.

Clearfield County:

Thompsontown

Reprocessing approximately 140,000 tons of high British Thermal Unit (BTU) coal refuse from a 10-acre 240,000-ton abandoned coal refuse pile. The high BTU material will be used at a local co-generation facility. The remaining low BTU value refuse will be regraded on site to eliminate the health and safety hazards and to improve the watershed environment. A DEP-approved alkaline material will be added to neutralize acidity and re-establish vegetation. The current condition of the refuse pile is unstable and erodes acidic sediment into Wilson Run causing significant AMD. The watershed improvement will enable a local fishery to expand and improve their current operation that has been negatively impacted by the adjacent acidic refuse pile. The primary project partners are the Thompsontown Cooperative Trout Nursery and the property owner of the AML site.

Elk County:

Tyler Run

Reclamation of five dangerous highwalls, totaling 6,000 linear feet, through backfilling the highwalls with an adjacent 16-acre spoil area will eliminate health and safety hazards and improve the watershed environment. Portions of the proposed reclaimed areas will be repurposed as two public parking areas to enhance visitor access to multi-purpose recreational trails used for public hunting within the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (PA-DCNR) Moshannon State Forest. The primary project partner is the PA-DCNR.

Indiana County:

State Game Lands 332

Reclamation of two dangerous highwalls, totaling 5,800 linear feet, through backfilling the highwall with the adjacent 79-acres of combined mine spoil and refuse materials to eliminate the health and safety hazards. Once reclaimed the site will be repurposed and added to an adjacent 21-acre area to increase and improve approximately 100 acres of contiguous state game lands. A DEP-approved alkaline material may be added to the spoil during backfill to neutralize the soil acidity and the reclaimed area will be revegetated with native species to support wildlife. State Game Land 332 hosts many visitors from the Greater Pittsburgh Region and the improved 100-acre area will be immediately available for recreational hunting. The 2,500 linear foot construction access road will be repurposed for use by disabled sportspersons. On site acid mine drainage (AMD) will also be addressed with the design and installation of two passive AMD treatment systems. The primary project partners are the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Aultman Watershed Association for Restoring the Environment.

Blacklick Creek AMD Treatment Plant (Indiana and Cambria Counties)

Construction of an active AMD treatment facility will control, divert, and treat three major sources of AMD to improve the watershed environment. Up to a combined 7.2 million gallons per day of AMD from the Commercial No. 16 (Red Mill), Vinton No. 6, and Wehrum mine discharges will be treated and discharged to the Blacklick Creek just west of Vintondale, PA. Benefits of the project include enhancements to accessing the existing Ghost Town Trail, cleanup of 25 miles of stream of the Blacklick to the confluence of Two Lick Creek, and increased opportunities for recreational fishing and boating. Funding for the project will also be provided by the Pennsylvania Capital Budget Act 41 of 2008 and Act 82 of 2010. The primary project partners are the Indiana County Conservation District, Indiana County, Blacklick Creek Watershed Association, Cambria County Conservation District, Cambria County Conservation and Recreation Authority, and the C&I Trail Council.

Luzerne County:

Mocanaqua AML Recreation Access

Reclamation of a 165 linear foot dangerous highwall, a one-acre spoil area, several mining pits, industrial/residential waste, and ten mine openings to eliminate the health and safety hazards. The reclaimed areas will be repurposed for public parking areas to accommodate at least 30 cars for visitors of the state forest and game lands and gravel resurfacing improvements of an existing 2,400 linear foot access road will be performed along with the installation of historic information kiosks. The primary project partners are the PA-DCNR, the Pennsylvania Game Commission, and Earth Conservancy.

Audenried Coal to Solar Phase 1

Reclamation of 185 acres of AML comprised of mine refuse, mining pits, multiple hazardous abandoned mine structures, and approximately 2.5 million yards of mine spoil to eliminate the health and safety hazards. The reclaimed area will be repurposed by Teichos Energy, LLC. to accommodate construction of their first of two phases of a utility scale solar photovoltaic facility. A future, Phase 2 project is planned to reclaim similar AML features covering an additional 125 acres and restoration of stream segments of Hunky Dory Creek. Once the second phase is completed, Teichos Energy estimates that the facility will support 150-300 fulltime jobs directly related to the solar construction and 6-8 permanent jobs related to facility operations and maintenance of the solar panels. The primary project partners are Teichos Energy, LLC, and the property owner of the AML site.

D&L Trail Wilkes-Barre Mountain Phase 2

Reclamation of a nearby abandoned mine opening through installing a bat friendly gate and backfilling pits situated immediately adjacent to the D&L Trail by utilizing onsite and borrowed material will eliminate the health and safety hazards. A 2.3-mile trail will be constructed and traverse through the Pinchot State Forest along an abandoned railroad bed and would begin where the existing Wilkes-Barre Mountain Section (Phase 1) trail ends about one mile from the PA-DCNRs Seven Tubs Recreation Area and would end near Laurel Run Park on East Northampton Street, Wilkes-Barre. The primary project partners are North Branch Land Trust and the PA-DCNR.

Schuylkill County:

Coal Castle Revitalization

A high priority water-filled pit, an 11-acre abandoned refuse pile and a 43-acre spoil area will be regraded on site to eliminate health and safety hazards. A DEP-approved alkaline material will be added to neutralize acidity and re-establish vegetation. The reclaimed areas will be regraded and compacted to suit the property owners plans to build an approximate 10,000 square foot campground office and welcome center and additional camping facilities. The proposed facilities will attract hundreds of visitors of Famous Reading Outdoors, offering an extreme, off-road trail riding experience. Temporary construction jobs will be created through construction of the facility and upon completion of the project an estimated 10-20 full and parttime jobs will be created. The primary project partners are Famous Reading Outdoors, the property owner of the AML site, and New Castle Township.

Washington County:

Muse

Reclamation of a five-acre abandoned refuse pile by regrading the pile on site to eliminate the health and safety hazards. A DEP-approved alkaline amendment will be added to neutralize acidity and re-establish vegetation. Additionally, four hazardous abandoned mine structures will be demolished and buried onsite. The regrading will allow the property owner to develop a storage facility business that will support the surrounding community, which is heavily populated with many housing developments. The primary project partner is the property owner of the AML site.

Walkertown

Reclamation and regrade of a seven-acre abandoned refuse pile on site and restoration of a two-tenths mile clogged stream segment of Little Pike Run to eliminate health and safety hazards. Refuse material will be moved away from the stream and will be regraded on site into a stable configuration. A DEP-approved alkaline material may be added to the refuse during backfill to neutralize the soil acidity and the reclaimed area will be revegetated. Once the area is revegetated, the property owner intends to divide the parcel and donate three to four acres to West Pike Run Township for recreational green space to be maintained by the Township. The site access road installed during reclamation will be converted into a walking path. The primary project partner is the property owner of the AML site and West Pike Run Township.

The rest is here:
Gov. Wolf Announces $25 Million Investment in Economic Recovery for Abandoned Mine Lands - pa.gov

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 6 reports active highway projects this week and advises motorists to be aware of possible delays and closures.

BOONE KENTON COUNTIES

KY 536 (Mt. Zion Road) Corridor 13.2 14.7/ 0 1 mile-marker The road is being widened from two to four lanes between U.S. 25 (Dixie Highway) and KY 1303 (Turkeyfoot Road). Two roundabouts will be built:at the intersection of Mt. Zion and Sigmon LaneOn Mt. Zion Road approximately one-thirdof a mile west of Turkeyfoot Road.

Utility relocation is currently taking place. Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2022. Project completion is the end of 2023.

BOONE COUNTYKY 3159 (Ted Bushelman Blvd.) 0 0.6 mile-marker A widening and road improvement project on KY 3159 (Ted Bushelman Blvd.) is in progress.Motorists should be alert in the work zone.U.S. 42 Bridge (13.9 mile-marker) over I-71/75 (180 mile-marker) A project is in progress that will add a new westbound lane and pedestrian sidewalk. Both shoulders are closed within the project area for approximately one-quarter mile at the US 42 interchange on I-71/75 north and southbound. Also, traffic on US 42 westbound is shifted to the north while crews work on widening the south side of the roadway. No permanent lane closures on US 42 are anticipated while this work takes place. This travel pattern is expected to remain in place through spring 2022.

KY 237 (Pleasant Valley Road) A project is in progress on Pleasant Valley Road between Valley View Drive and Rogers Lane. The roadway is being widened and re-aligned and includes the construction of a bridge and roundabout. KY 237 is in its final configuration, with two lanes open in each direction from Oakbrook to Rogers lanes. KY 237 will remain in the current two-lane configuration from Oakbrook Drive south to the project limits at Valley View Drive. KY 536 (Mt Zion Road) Double Crossover Diamond (DCD) interchange Construction is in progress between Tiburon Drive and US 25 (Dixie Highway).

Biltmore Blvd. between Mt. Zion Rd. (KY 526) and the Biltmore Connector has been reopened.

Traffic moving eastbound on Mt. Zion Rd. will be able to turn right onto Biltmore Blvd., however there will be no direct access to Mt. Zion Rd. from Biltmore Blvd. drivers should continue to access Mt. Zion Rd. via Sherwood Lakes Dr. or Investment Way.Ongoing traffic impacts, weather permitting:

During the winter, as weather and temperatures allow, work may occur throughout the project area. Occasional lane closures may be put into place, but traffic will be maintained with flaggers when needed. Please be aware of construction vehicles entering and exiting the project area.

KY 338 (Richwood Road) Double Crossover Diamond (DCD) interchange and U.S. 25 Dixie Highway SPUI Work is in progress.Transport Dr. at US 25 is CLOSED. The closure is expected to remain in place through mid-2022.

The existing intersection of Richwood Rd. and Dixie Hwy. (US 25) is permanently closed.

Traffic on US 25 is using the new pavement between Duffel Ln. and Logistics Blvd. Signage has been put into place to direct drivers through the new traffic pattern, and a new traffic signal will be installed at the intersection of Best Pal Dr. and Richwood Rd.

This travel pattern is expected to be in place through project completion, which is expected in late summer 2023.The intersection of Paddock Rd. and Richwood Rd. (KY 338) has been reopened. Traffic on Richwood Rd. from the Frogtown Connector west to the new roundabout is using the new pavement to allow for improvements on the south side of the road.This travel pattern is expected to be in place through the end of 2022.

Ongoing Traffic Reminders:

The right lane of I-71/75 northbound is closed from approximately one-half mile south of the Richwood Rd. (KY 338) exit to the bridge over Frogtown Rd. (The length of the closure is approximately one mile.) This closure is expected to remain in place through the end of the year while improvement work continues in the northbound ramp area.

In addition, the right lane of I-71/75 southbound is closed at the Richwood Rd. (KY 338) exit for approximately one mile. This closure is expected to be in place through the end of the year.

Crews are working along Richwood Rd. (KY 338) between Triple Crown Blvd./Grand National Blvd. and Dixie Hwy. (US 25), and along the US 25 corridor. Occasional lane closures may occur, but traffic will be maintained with flaggers when needed. Please be aware of construction vehicles entering and exiting the project area.

Crews also are continuing work on Best Pal Dr., Winning Colors Dr., and Triple Crown Blvd. weekdays between 7 a.m. 5 p.m. During this time, temporary road closures may be needed, and short-term detours will be put into place.

Railroad Crossings Update:

The Old Lexington Pike railroad crossing just south of Richwood Rd. is closed.

All traffic will use Chambers Rd. to access US 25 and I-71/75. Temporary traffic signals have been installed at the intersection of Chambers Rd. and US 25 to help improve traffic flow. (Signals will remain flashing until operational.)

This traffic pattern is expected to be in place throughout the duration of our construction work, which is scheduled to continue through 2022, but options to reduce the length of this closure are being evaluated.The railroad crossing at Richwood Rd. and US 25 is now permanently closed.

During construction, traffic will cross the railroad tracks at the intersection of Shorland Dr./Winning Colors Dr., where new traffic signals are operational and timed to help ease congestion and support traffic flow through the intersection.This closure is needed so that temporary railroad tracks can be built in the project area to allow for major intersection improvements at Richwood Rd. and US 25.

New I-275 Graves Road Interchange The new DCD interchange is OPEN to traffic. Work will continue on a new road connecting to KY 20 (Petersburg Road). Graves Rd. has been reopened to local traffic only between Worldwide Blvd. and Sequoia Drive. The Graves Rd. leg of the KY 237 roundabout is CLOSED. A detour route using Worldwide Blvd. to Graves Rd. will be put into place and marked with signage. The intersection of Worldwide Blvd./Williams Rd. and Graves Rd. will be a new four-way stop.This travel pattern will remain in place as utility relocation and construction work continues at the new roundabout. Access to Graves Rd. from the KY 237 roundabout is expected to be closed through March pending completion of utility relocation and weather.

CAMPBELL COUNTY

I-275 Eastbound-Westbound (73.3 mile-marker) Duke Energy has scheduled a project for Sunday, Jan. 23 Wednesday, Jan. 26 that will require rolling roadblocks so that they can install new utility wires across I-275. The location is near KY 8 (Mary Ingles Highway) and the Combs Hehl Bridge. Law enforcement will assist with traffic control during the hours of 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. Motorists should expect short delays. Work is weather dependent.KY 8 (Mary Ingles Highway) 18 milepost A bridge rehabilitation project is in progress on the truss bridge that crosses Twelvemile Creek. Crews will be on-site clearing the area to prepare for construction. A total closure is in progress and the bridge will be closed to traffic for 150 days, the first part of June. Motorists will be encouraged to use the signed detour by taking KY 8 (Mary Ingles Highway) to KY 2828 (Ivor Road) to KY 9 (AA Highway) to KY 547 (4 Mile Road) to KY 8 (Mary Ingles Highway).U.S. 27 (0 1 mile-marker) A safety improvement project is in progress on U.S. 27. Construction will focus on three areas: the KY 177 intersection (17.1-17.5 marker ) going northbound to just past KY 3162 (Lock Road) intersection, the Boss Dunaway Road intersection (19 milepost) in northern Pendleton County and the intersection of Plum Creek Church Road (1 milepost) in southern Campbell County. Motorists should be aware of crews and lane closures in the work zone areas.

GALLATIN COUNTY

U.S. 42 (3.1 4.6 mile-marker) U.S. 42 IS CLOSED to traffic from the Markland Dam to Craigs Creek for a landslide repair project until Nov. 2023. A signed detour will be in place to direct vehicles onto KY 1039 to I-71 to KY 35.GRANT COUNTY

KY 1993 (Lawrenceville Road) 0 2.8 mile-marker) A slide repair project on a section of KY 1993 (Lawrenceville Road) is in progress. There is a temporary signal to help with traffic control from KY 22 to Bennett Road until work is complete. Work is weather-dependent.

KENTON COUNTY

KY 1303 (Bristow Road) 0.0 0.5 milepost Starting Monday, Jan. 24 through Friday, Jan. 29, KY 1303 (Bristow Road) will be closed to through traffic daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for ditching and shoulder work. The closure will be from KY 536 (Mt. Zion Road) to Timber Lane. Local traffic will have access. The suggested detour is U.S. 25 (Dixie Highway to KY 842 (Richardson Road). Work is weather-dependent.

KY 1501 (Hands Pike) Construction on a new, two-lane road will realign Hands Pike from the KY 17 (Madison Pike) and KY 3035 (Old Madison Pike) intersection to Crystal Lake Drive is in progress. Motorists should watch for construction crews and equipment in the project area. Blasting operations are in progress. Blasting may occur in the project area Monday Friday, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

John A. Roebling Bridge (KY 17) The John A. Roebling Bridge is completely closed to vehicular traffic for a lengthy restoration project to preserve the 154-year-old historic landmark. A pedestrian walkway will remain open during the project. Additional repairs have been added to the project. The bridge will be closed to motorists until work is complete.At this time, we can not confirm a date to open for traffic. Work will continue in the spring 2022 that will require lane closures. Motorists may use the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge (U.S. 25) or the 4th Street/Veterans Bridge (KY 8) to the Taylor Southgate Bridge (U.S. 27) as a detour.

KY 2373 (Bromley-Crescent Springs Road) 3.1 3.8 mile-marker A safety improvement project is in progress between Anderson Road and Amsterdam Road. Watch for crews, equipment and lane closures in the work zone. The road is closed to through traffic until Spring 2022, so that crews can do utility work and install a box culvert and retaining wall. Motorists may use Anderson Road (KY 2373) to Buttermilk Pike (KY 371) to Collins Road to Amsterdam Road as a detour.

PENDLETON COUNTY

U.S. 27 (17.1 19.3 mile-marker) A safety improvement project is in progress on U.S. 27. Construction will focus on three areas: the KY 177 intersection (17.1-17.5 marker ) going northbound to just past KY 3162 (Lock Road) intersection, the Boss Dunaway Road intersection (19 milepost) in northern Pendleton County and the intersection of Plum Creek Church Road (1 milepost) in southern Campbell County. Motorists should be aware of crews and lane closures in the work zone areas.

WORK ZONE TIPS

1. Expect the unexpected.2. Slow down.3. Dont tailgate. Keep a safe distance between you and the car ahead of you.4. Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the construction workers and equipment.5. Pay attention to the signs.6. Obey road crew flaggers.7. Stay alert and minimize distractions.8. Keep up with the traffic flow.9. Navigate traffic with GoKY TRIMARCor via Waze on your smartphone!10. You can follow us on the social media links below.11. Knowing where the construction zones are prior to the trip can minimize frustration and delays.12. Be patient and stay calm.

Read the rest here:
Road report: KYTC District 6 update on this week's construction projects; be alert to delays, closures - User-generated content

The Village of Bluffton reported a total of $11.8 million in construction permits in 2021, with the $10 million Knowlton Science Center comprising the lions share of that figure. (see attached chart for details)

The commercial-residential split was $10,061,347.55 commercial construction, $ 1,786,193.62 residential construction. The following list ranks key commercial construction:

Owner, cost estimate

Bluffton University science center, $10,000,000.00

Bluffton Presbyterian Church accessory building (gazebo), $40,771.00

Southgate Lanes volleyball court and patio $17,000.00

Spectrum Salon accessory building, $6,434.00

Blanchard Valley Health System sign $1,748.00

Village of Bluffton gaga ball pit, $900.00

Beacon Life Ministries sign, $ 576.55

Residential construction included five new homes, with estimated costs ranging from $240 thousand to $344 thousand. Other residential permits were for these construction types: accessory building, addition, ADA ramp, covered porch, curb cut, deck, driveway, fence, flag pole, garage, pool, retaining wall, shed, sidewalk, solar panels.

A Building and Zoning Permit Application is required for any property improvement that exceeds $1,000.00 in cost and/or alters the exterior structure of a property, including fences. Applications must be approved by the Mayor prior to work commencing. The application fee is $10.00. Assistant Village Administrator Bryan Lloyd is the designated Zoning Administrator and can assist with applications and answer questions regarding the Villages Zoning regulations.

Prior years construction permit totals

2020 - Eighty permits totalling $4.4 million

2019 - Fifty-two permits totalling $2.4 million

2018 - Sixty-five permits totalling $13.6 million

2017 - Forty-six permits totalling $1.7 million

Follow this link:
$11.8 million in Bluffton construction permits issued in 2021 - Bluffton Icon

Baton Rouge Symphony finally returns to the River Center Theatre with a packed spring season

Image Courtesy BRSO

Consider it like couch surfing. Except at each new place, youre unpacking 18 violins, 23 wood instruments, a harp, a piano and all manner of drums and percussion instruments.

The Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra has been hopping from various venues and churches for its performances over the last three years. The nearly 50 musicians have played everywhere but the orchestras home venue at the River Center Performing Arts Theatre, which closed for a massive renovation in 2018. Were over being a vagabond orchestra, says the symphonys executive director, Eric Marshall.

There were talks of a return to the theater at the beginning of 2021, then fall 2021, but supply chain issues and Hurricane Ida delayed construction and a reopening until this year. Now, BRSO takes the stage Jan. 27 with Andrew Grams conducting the orchestra alongside guest violinist Richard Lin. The show, initially scheduled to be the orchestras first performance back inside the updated River Center space, was recently moved down the street to First Baptist Church, 529 Convention St. The next performance on Feb. 12 will hopefully see the group return to the River Center.

While the phrase return to normalcy might be overused at this point, its especially true for the 75-year-old symphony, which had already been going through years of changes before the pandemic began.

Marshall took the helm as executive director in fall 2019, just as the organization was righting itself from financial struggles that had put it on the edge of extinction, he later told 225. Earlier in 2019, its longtime music director and conductor Timothy Muffitt announced his retirement. While the board began the search for a new conductor, the orchestra was set to finish its season in spring 2020 with a gala sendoff honoring Muffitts contributions.

Then, well, we all know what happened. The symphony was forced to cancel much of its spring season and delay Muffitts farewell concert multiple times. Its musicians took to social media for mini virtual concerts since they couldnt perform together in person.

As soon as it was able to, the symphony gathered for performances in area religious institutions like First Baptist Church and St. Joseph Cathedral.

It helps that we are incredibly low tech, Marshall says. We dont need to turn on a full sound system for you to hear the orchestra. As long as there are lights and a stage, were ready.

At these shows, patrons constantly approached Marshall and the symphony staff with questions about the status of the River Center Theatre.

Weve been fortunate that weve had these churches that have kind of taken us in. And we were fortunate that we had a resilient crew of musicians that were willing to work with us and figure out a path forward, Marshall says.

The River Center Theatres $16.2 million renovation includes a shiny new exterior; a larger lobby; central aisles to break up the 1,800-seat theater; and new box seats.

But Marshall explains the spaces already excellent acoustics wont be altered, though new wiring and fabric panels will accommodate a variety of other shows.

And while the symphony will still get out into the public for some performances, Marshall says the downtown venue provides an unrivaled experience for the musicians and attendees alike.

Now it can be more of a social experience, besides just the music, he says. You can go downtown, have dinner and get a drink before the concerts. Theres more mingling, especially with that big lobby. I think that will be really exciting for everyone.

And with a slate of several performances in the River Center Theatre this spring, there are plenty of chances to see the symphony in action. The season includes visits from three guest conductors while the symphony continues its search for a new music director. Its big gala in February features Grammy-winning pianist Emanuel Ax, who has performed and recorded with the likes of Yo-Yo Ma.

Closing out the season? That much-anticipated and much-delayed farewell to former music director and current music director laureate Timothy Muffitt, who will conduct the orchestra in a performance of Beethovens Symphony No. 9.

Its a fitting choice, as Beethovens final complete symphony.

This article was originally published in the January 2022 issue of 225 magazine. It has been updated to include new information about performance locations.

More:
Baton Rouge Symphony finally returns to the River Center Theatre with a packed spring season - [225] - 225 Baton Rouge

Alessandro Bruno

Teaneck - BRUNO, Alessandro, age 98, of Teaneck, NJ passed away on Saturday, January 22, 2022.

Beloved husband of (the late) Antonietta. Devoted father of Anthony Bruno and his wife Donna T., Basil Bruno and his wife Linda, and his daughter, Matilda Bruno. Loving grandfather of Antonietta, Alessandro, Cassandra, Antonia and Giulia. He is survived by many cherished nephews and nieces in the United States and Italy.

Alessandro is a Veteran of the Italian Army during World War II. He began his career as a stone mason artisan from an early age, following in the footsteps of his father, Antonio. He was always very proud of his work on many churches throughout Italy. He initially came to the U.S. in 1955 to work and finally immigrated, with his wife and son (Anthony), to the United States in 1962. He continued his artisanal work here for others and then finally started his own business in 1970 called The Bruno Construction Corporation. He prided himself on his craftsmanship and was well known for his impeccable work throughout the Northern New Jersey area, especially Teaneck. He was a member of the Teaneck Knights of Columbus and was a longtime parishioner of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Bogota, NJ.

Since his retirement in 1989, Alessandro spent most of his time helping his children with their various businesses, continuing other masonary projects and enjoying wood work crafting. Of course, he loved making bottled home-made tomato sauce and spending time with his adored grandchildren.

Friends and family are invited to visit on Tuesday from 4-8PM at Volk Leber Funeral Home, 789 Teaneck Road, Teaneck, NJ. Services from the funeral home on Wednesday at 9AM and then to St. Joseph RCC in Bogota for a 10AM Mass of Christian Burial. Entombment to follow at Washington Memorial Park, Paramus, NJ. For further information and to view Alessandro's tribute page, please visit volkleber.com

Posted online on January 23, 2022

Published in Record and Herald News

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Alessandro Bruno Obituary - The Record/Herald News - NorthJersey.com

Working feverishly inside a fenced construction site at Long Beach on Jan. 15, a group of volunteers from St. James Church was determined to fend off the surprise arrival of Saturday morning showers with shovels, pipe wrenches, and paintbrushes.

Due to the pandemic, it had been nearly two years since volunteers from the Redondo Beach parish could join the Catholic Coalition team at the ongoing building site with the Habitat for Humanitys Greater Los Angeles chapter. Theyve been as anxious to finish up the 10 two-story Craftsman-style homes by the spring as the families have been after several years of applying, qualifying, and often having to re-apply because of delays. Just two blocks away, an empty lot awaits another 36 houses to go up.

The pandemic amplified the perils of job loss, mortgage struggles, and chronic homelessness in the region. Those focused on resolving Southern Californias continuing housing crisis cite the availability of affordable homes as a critical component to turn the tide.

For the last eight years, the Catholic Coalition has been hammering that home as well.

St. James Church volunteers Andrea Fowler and Jim Whelehan dig a trench at the Long Beach site. (Barry Smith/Habitat for Humanity Catholic Coalition)

Catholics from parishes in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles have spearheaded local volunteer opportunities with Habitat for Humanity since the nonprofit started in 1976 and the Greater LA Chapter launched in 1990. Volunteers from St. Monica Church in Santa Monica also went to New Orleans in 2007 to help with Hurricane Katrina recovery.

The idea of combining financial, labor, and strategic resources in 2014 led more than two dozen churches, schools, and service organizations teaming up in the Our Lady of the Angels, San Fernando and San Pedro Pastoral Regions.

Retired St. James pastor Father Jim Kavanagh eventually broached the subject to Archbishop Jos H. Gomez, who endorsed the idea, having worked with Habitat for Humanity during his time in San Antonio.

Christine Gerety, the associate director of outreach and pastoral care at St. Monica, and co-chair of the Catholic Coalition, said they could measure success simply by the 36 houses already built, but were in constant discussion in our Zoom meetings we know we can be more successful. The only tragedy is we arent able to do more with the great need.

Habitat for Humanity estimated that some 60% to 70% of the families approved for Habitat homes in Southern California are Catholic. The coalition encourages Catholic parishes in underserved areas to support a parish family applying for a Habitat home, explained co-chair Carol Sanborn.

Think about how some Catholic parishes have schools closing and the community is absorbed by commercial business, said Sanborn. If those parishes were guided to having families own their homes and invest in the community, its win-win for everyone.

Volunteers from American Martyrs Church in Manhattan Beach and St. Cornelius Church in Long Beach have been back to the site in recent months, while others from the Catholic Coalition are lining up again.

The two sites located in the Washington District neighborhood of Long Beach under construction need $1.5 million more in funding. The Catholic Coalition is in the process of raising more than a third of that.

Holding the banner is partner family Logan Chavez, Valdemar Chavez III, mom Cynthia Evangelista and father Valdemar Chavez Jr.Left to right: David Palos, Matt Olivet, Moises Perez (kneeling), Andrea Fowler, Jim Whelehan, Yolanda Nunez, David McIntyre, Ana Alamaraz-McIntyre, Tom Miller, John Bauer, Louise Ramirez, Deacon Mark Ramirez, Chris Untiet and Belen Giron. (Barry Smith/Habitat for Humanity Catholic Coalition)

The neighborhood serves the Catholic parishes of Holy Innocents Church, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, St. Anthony Church and St. Lucy Church. A Catholic Charities office across the street from the site handles outreach to the homeless, and has set up temporary shelter on the sidewalks around the Habitat site.

Long Beach natives Valdemar Chavez Jr. and Cynthia Evangelista, and their two children, Valdemar III, 12, and Logan, 10, are recipients of the first completed home at this site, expected to be finished in June. They came Saturday morning to express their thanks to the St. James volunteers.

We thank God we are getting to live in this house, and know it is getting built with love, said Evangelista.

For Gerety, the work is rooted in the Christian imperative to love ones neighbor as oneself.

Its critical to who we are. Jesus was a carpenter. What better way to do something in his image?

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Parishes partner with Habitat for Humanity to take on LAs homeless crisis - Angelus News

Construction vs. environment difficult to reconcile

Ms. Ludtkes Your Turn column on Jan. 15 touched on a subject very close to the heart of many communities on the Cape. We are all agreed that there is a great need for affordable housing up and down the Cape. At the same time, we are anxious to preserve the character of our townships, and protect our fragile spit of sand from overbuilding.

How do we reconcile our need for housing with our wish to preserve the environment? Here in Wellfleet, the town owns nine acres of land, six of which are offered to a developer for affordable housing. This is a very worthy undertaking, and on paper it looks like an ideal solution. However, it involves stripping six acres of woodland and replacing it with the development of 46 housing units, asphalt, street lighting and traffic.

Are we overburdening our environment? Are we adding pollutants to the air, water, land? As I see it, it would be healthier to find or build smaller dwellings that will not impact our free spaces, because once they are gone, they are gone forever. I totally agree with Ms. Ludtke that we have an obligation to avoid the destruction of our heritage.

Edina Kopits, Wellfleet

Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha of the Catholic Diocese of Fall River may have overstepped his authority in silencing the Rev. Michael Fitzpatrick of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Hyannis for his criticism of COVID-19 vaccines, (Anti-vaccine priest in Hyannis is censured by the Catholic bishop of Fall River, Jan. 13).

It is beyond the competence of any Catholic prelate to determine the "efficacy" of a medical treatment. As for its moral legitimacy, although Pope Francis has urged Catholics to accept the vaccine, the same Vatican document that states that vaccine reception is morally licit, insists that vaccination must be voluntary.

This indicates, clearly, that those who have medical or ethical reservations about the vaccine such as Catholics concerned about the use of fetal cell lines in vaccine production or testing must not be coerced.

Nor does the Pope's endorsement of the vaccine nullify traditional Catholic teaching about the exercise of a properly formed conscience.

The Catholic Church expects faithful Catholics to defend the sanctity of innocent human life in an often hostile public square. One would think that the hierarchy would be accommodating to the conscientious concerns of such Catholics.

Sadly, this is not the case. When it comes to relations between the Catholic people and the Catholic bishops, loyalty, it would seem, is a one-way street.

C. J. Doyle, executive director, Catholic Action League of Massachusetts

In Sundays paper, there was a long article explaining all the reasons why businesses cant get workers.Nowhere in the entire article was the fact mentioned that over 800,000 Americans have died from COVID.I wonder why not.Are reporters cautioned to not relate those numbers?

True, a large number of those dead were older, retired folks, but surely several hundred thousand were workers who will never be returning to the job market.And, as long as folks dont take the sensible precautions of getting vaccinated and wearing masks, this number is going to continue to climb.

Robin Hubbard, Orleans

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Letters to the Editor: Housing, environment and the bishop of Fall River - Cape Cod Times

Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Johnston & Daniel Division

11 Woodlawn Ave. No. 4, Toronto

Asking Price: $2,195,000

Size: 2,046 square feet

Monthly maintenance Fee: $1,821.98

Property Taxes: $6,989.99 (2021)

Listing agent: Carole Lome, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Johnston & Daniel Division

About seven years ago a real estate developer knocked on Lucy Fromowitzs door on Keewatin Avenue to see if she and her husband would be willing to sell their home of more than 25 years. No, we plan to die here, she said her husband replied. Then they put a number down and he said, I could die elsewhere.

Such is the way in growing cities, and the couple was launched into a house-hunt. It had been decades since they had last bought a home in Toronto. They were attracted to Summerhill, the high-end retail area known affectionately as the Five Thieves, and all the charms of life south of St. Clair. The houses we would look at, we found they were exceptionally narrow; these 14- or 15-foot lots that often had no parking. And it was a bit overwhelming having come from a larger home, she said.

After yet another disappointing showing, she spotted an Open House sign and pulled over to look at the converted church at 11 Woodlawn Ave. She wasnt looking for a condominium, but right away there were things that made this one stand out.

It presented more like the kind of home we were comfortable with it had a front-door entrance from the street, so we werent having to deal with elevators, and unlike her old home there was indoor parking so no more shovelling snow. Inside, it was full of light, but also quiet and generously proportioned compared to the row houses theyd been looking at. There were only six units in the building, and they didnt come on the market that often.

The building had been converted to residential use in 1990, and after 30 years, there were some mechanical upgrades that needed doing. When Ms. Fromowitz moved in she tore out and upgraded the builder-original bathroom in the primary ensuite. Then, in recent years pretty much a full renovation kicked off, starting in the kitchen, the other bathrooms and included replacing some of the windows.

The kitchen is anchored by an island with bar seating and sink.Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Johnston & Daniel Division

The unit is around the corner of the building. A pathway runs along the lane, separated by a fence; No. 4 is the last door on the right.

The entrance opens into a large space thats currently set up as a formal dining room, but has enough connection to the rest of the fairly open main level it could be configured as a living room or even an office. Light-blond wide-plank hardwood covers the floor throughout the two-level apartment but there are no windows in this front area, divided as it is from the kitchen and living room by a large structural pillar and an HVAC bulkhead.

On the left is a two-piece powder room (with a very large window facing the laneway) and between the bathroom and the stairs leading upstairs is a utility closet with an electrical panel with a door to the furnace (also accessible from the living room).

Straight ahead are some large windows looking onto the rear deck, and as you step into this space the living room is on the left and the kitchen is on the right. One thing youll notice with the windows in the original structure is how deep the wells are, thanks to that sturdy church construction.

Large windows bring natural light to the large open-concept kitchen and living room area.Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Johnston & Daniel Division

The kitchen is anchored by an island with bar seating and sink (countertop slab of Calcutta granite flows over the side in the style thats become quite popular on renovation shows). Walking past a pantry wall with wall-mounted ovens takes you to the induction range on top of a deep counter with a geometric tile backsplash with pot-filler faucet. The fridge is in the back corner next to the frosted glass door to the solarium (which also houses the laundry) thats basically a greenhouse with glass walls and ceiling.

We have a small table and chairs and we have our coffee there every morning the sun just pours in, Ms. Fromowitz said. The deck is wrapped around this sun room, just below it is the entrance to the parking garage at the rear of the building.

Back inside, the living room has a gas fireplace on the exterior wall and the room soars upward to the second level and a ceiling with five narrow skylights cut into it pours light into the space. The stairs to the second level are also open to this room. The stairs, and the second level, is another feature that convinced Ms. Fromowitz she could downsize to a condo. Ive been married for 36 years, and a set of stairs can make for a good marriage, she says, arguing the flexibility to put a little distance between your partner can be helpful whether youre entertaining colleagues, watching different movies or just need some quiet time with a book.

Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Johnston & Daniel Division

Top: The primary bedroom is almost 20 by 12 feet, with a view.Bottom: The primary bathroom boasts a soaker tub and large shower.Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Johnston & Daniel Division

From the second level landing the two bedrooms branch off left and right. On the right is the guest bedroom which is about 14 by 10 feet with a double closet and a window that looks into the laneway. The three-piece ensuite (with large glass-walled shower) also has a surprisingly large window in need of a little privacy screening.

The primary bedroom is almost 20 by 12 feet, with a bank of windows with the same view as the deck. A walk-in closet at the back is just past the updated ensuite with floor-to ceiling marble tile, stand-alone tub and huge walk-in shower. Theres room for a double vanity, but the couple opted for an elegant single with chrome fittings (theres towel and toiletries storage in a built-in cabinet behind the door).

A terrace extends living space outdoors.Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Johnston & Daniel Division

The couple wanted this neighbourhood when they moved, and now theyre so woven into it its hard to imagine leaving the area and their neighbours behind.

That funny laneway entrance into our units means you meet each other on that, and you stop and chat and its a really strong community. We even do some of the [common area] gardening together, Ms. Fromowitz said.

You walk around the corner youre on Yonge Street within one block, Ive got my physiotherapist, hair salon, my optometrist. From Woodlawn, youre a couple blocks from that huge park system [the Yellow Creek ravine and Park Drive Reservation Lands that connects to the Don Valleys Beltline trail], and you can walk all the way to Brickworks. Its a neighbourhood you dont need a car in.

Five narrow skylights cut into the ceiling and pours light into the space.Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Johnston & Daniel Division

The push to leave it behind is another offer she cant refuse: retirement. Ms. Fromowitzs work as vice-provost, students at York University has meant shes rarely had more than two weeks at a time to travel, and the couple has hopes to take off and explore with an even lighter footprint at home.

I went through cancer a couple years ago, and it makes you rethink the type of life you want, she said. I have worked non-stop for 42 years and I have this notion of living that care-free life and just enjoy things Worst case scenario, I find out care-free is an illusion.

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Converted Summerhill church ticked all the right boxes - The Globe and Mail

Maria Moreno, a nurse in the Yucatan, always planned to move to her familys home in Citilcum once she retired. But a new train line meant to bring prosperity to Mexicos long underdeveloped and impoverished south may be pushing her plans off track. Last spring, the national tourism agency told her that her gleaming-white home surrounded by coconut trees would need to be demolished.

The Mayan Train is a pet project of President Andrs Manuel Lpez Obrador, who won on a populist ticket to create jobs and improve the lives of Mexicos rural poor and Indigenous populations. But how the project has been carried out with complaints of limited community consultations, incomplete environmental studies, and threats to displace many of the presidents most vulnerable supporters has soured some against him, including Ms. Moreno, who voted for Mr. Lpez Obrador back in 2018.

Mexicos president won on a ticket to help the countrys most vulnerable. But, with the end of his term approaching, his rush to complete big works could create a more complicated legacy.

The Mayan Train is meant to extend around the Yucatan Peninsula in a roughly 950-mile loop that links tourism centers like the colonial city of Mrida and the hipster paradise of Tulum. The government estimates it will increase tourism revenue by 20% and create more than 1 million jobs.

The president doesnt seem swayed by the criticism and pushback on the project, convinced any resistance to the train wont translate to a dip in support, says Carlos Bravo Regidor, a political analyst. Indigenous resistance to the project was never an issue [for this administration], he says.

Citilcum, Mexico

Maria Moreno promised her mother she would always take care of their family home. After her parents died, Ms. Moreno and her husband painted the houses walls gleaming white and planted a shady grove of coconut trees in the yard.

But the care that went into the home didnt seem to matter to Mexicos national tourism agency, Fonatur, when a representative told her last spring that it would need to be demolished. The government is making way for a massive infrastructure project called the Mayan Train, which it wants to build along the power lines that rise beside Ms. Morenos home in this steamy village about 170 miles west of Cancn.

The Mayan Train is a pet project of President Andrs Manuel Lpez Obrador, who won the presidency on a populist ticket to create jobs and improve the lives of Mexicos rural poor and Indigenous populations. But how the project has been carried out so far with complaints of limited community consultations, incomplete environmental studies, and threats to displace many of the presidents most vulnerable supporters has soured some voters against the president, including Ms. Moreno, who voted for him back in 2018.

Mexicos president won on a ticket to help the countrys most vulnerable. But, with the end of his term approaching, his rush to complete big works could create a more complicated legacy.

He has really deceived us, says Ms. Moreno, who works as a nurse. We were excited about change, but now things are going from bad to worse. Ms. Moreno currently lives in nearby Campeche, but always planned to move back to her familys home in retirement.

The Mayan Train is meant to extend around the Yucatan Peninsula in a roughly 950-mile loop that links tourism centers like the colonial city of Mrida and the hipster paradise of Tulum. Mr. Lpez Obrador promotes the train as a way to reduce poverty in the Yucatan: The government estimates it will increase tourism revenue by 20% and create more than 1 million jobs.

Locals gather in the shade of the municipal palace in Kimbil, Mexico, June 28, 2021, to discuss how their community can organize to have a say in the development of the Mayan Train. The major infrastructure project that has become a touchstone of President Andrs Manuel Lpez Obrador, who ran on a ticket of lifting up poor people.

Most of the train will run on existing tracks that need modernizing. The government plans to construct the rest on public and private land, which means eviction for some in Mexicos Yucatan. The government, which broke ground on the project in 2020, would not provide specific numbers on how many households it will relocate, saying the estimate of homes that could be affected is constantly changing. But Kalycho Escoffi, a lawyer who assists families facing displacement, estimates more than 2,000 homes will be demolished to clear space for the train.

Thats hit at the hope some in Mexico felt in voting for Mr. Lpez Obrador, who has built his personal brand on fighting for the little man and rejecting corruption. But Mr. Lpez Obrador is convinced any resistance to the train wont translate into a significant dip in support at the polls, says Carlos Bravo Regidor, a political analyst whose podcast Un Poco de Contexto featured an episode about the Mayan Train.

Construction started without securing the buy-in of Indigenous communities, says Mr. Bravo. Indigenous resistance to the project was never an issue [for this administration].

The Mayan Train has become so contentious its divided some friends and family over how to address Mexicos stark inequality.

The largely rural south has historically experienced higher rates of poverty and unemployment than the more industrialized north.And some take issue with the projects very name, calling it an act of cultural appropriation, commercializing Mayan culture without including Indigenous communities in the plans.

Francisco Colle, a member of the Mayan community in the town of Hctun, likens the presidents ambitious focus on infrastructure to the United States New Deal. He foresees construction jobs that will allow disadvantaged communities to put food on the table.

Now a lot of rich people [in Mexico] are mad because theyre no longer getting a piece of the cake, says Mr. Colle.

But others say its just another project dreamed up by the powerful, who will reap all the benefits. The train has backing from Mexican scion Carlos Slim, one of the richest people in the world.

Were living in the modern colonial era, says Juan, who is Mayan and declined to give his last name because he fears retaliation for his opposition to the train. He calls it a continuation of the Spanish conquest, in which outsiders plunder Indigenous lands. None of the profits from the Mayan Train will stay in our communities.

The government is obligated to consult Indigenous communities prior to building new projects on their land, according to Convention 169 of the International Labor Organization, which Mexico has ratified. Fonatur has repeatedly come under fire for not holding these consultations.

Mexico plans to build part of the Mayan Train along an access road below tall power lines that run through the small village of Citilcum, seen here June 28, 2021. The more than 950-mile project, championed by President Andrs Manuel Lpez Obrador, will link tourism hot spots like Cancn and Tulum.

Javier Velzquez Moctezuma, Fonaturs scientific coordinator for the Mayan Train, says the government complied with their obligations, organizing meetings in 15 regions along the trains route with interpreters who translated into Indigenous languages.

Many people [told us] they wanted the train, they wanted development, they wanted to have opportunities, Mr. Velzquez says, acknowledging the government hasnt held consultations in every town where the train will operate.

With the end of Mr. Lpez Obradors term looming in 2024, Mr. Velzquez says Fonatur must work to finish the train quickly. The train isexpected to cost nearly $10 billion. He maintains any disadvantages of speeding the projects construction are overshadowed by benefits.

But the collapse of Line 12 of Mexico Citys metro last spring casts doubt on a rushed project.Mariano Snchez-Talanquer, a political science professor at El Colegio de Mxico, says authorities rushed to complete that metro line and the project was carried out by a company owned by Mr. Slim that is also involved in constructing a section of the Mayan Train.

You cant help but think the same type of problems with the metro could be replicated, Dr. Snchez-Talanquer says.

Recently Mexicos government took the bold step of passing a measure that would expedite infrastructure projects in the name of public interest and national security. Critics say the move undermines regulatory measures and makes public spending less transparent, while allowing AMLO, as the president is often referred, to steamroll into existence big projects like the Mayan Train or a new Mexico City airport. He hasmore than 60%approval.

Despite some local disapproval of the train, I think the president is calculating that his popularity gives him no reason to change course, says Dr. Snchez-Talanquer.

On a Sunday morning last summer, nearly two-dozen residents from the town of Kimbil gathered in the shade of the municipal palace. They brainstormed ways to organize their community in order to gain greater say in the trains construction. Locals sat in a circle across from an aging colonial church and shops selling the regions colorful embroidery. Organizers say one strategy theyre using to appeal to AMLO supporters is to try and underscore that their discontent isnt blanket opposition.

I voted for Lpez Obrador, and Ill probably vote for [his party] Morena again, but that doesnt mean that I agree with how theyre implementing the Mayan Train, a software engineer named Juan Mex told the small crowd.

Chief among Mr. Mexs concerns is the fact that Fonatur has not held a local consultation with his community in Kimbil. The government plans to build part of the train in the local ejido collective farmland.

Representatives from Fonatur did come to Kimbil, but Mr. Mex says the government only met with select members of the ejido in a series of closed-door sessions. Everyone else was excluded, even though the entire community would be potentially affected.

Mr. Mex and others decided to fight for their right to attend, spending the summer pressuring authorities to give them a seat at the table. Despite their efforts, they remained sidelined: The government paid the ejido members 5,000 pesos each about $250 for the right to construct the train, locals say.

Theyll spend [that] in one month, says Jorge Fernndez Mendiburu, a lawyer with the human rights group Indignacin, which has won several injunctions to stop construction on parts of the train. Its an insult for those who live in poverty.

Still, the rollout has done little to dissuade Mr. Lpez Obradors core supporters.

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Mr. Colle, a former immigrant living in California, decided not to try to return to the U.S. after Mr. Lpez Obrador became president. For the first time in his life, he says he feels he has a future here. He wants to open a business near the train and take advantage of the increased foot traffic he expects to come with the train line.

If Mexico keeps going in the same direction, Mr. Colle says, then in 20 years, well probably be like Canada.

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Mexicos Mayan Train: Will it hurt those its meant to help? - The Christian Science Monitor

Longstanding structural issues at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts threaten the health and future of the building and need to be addressed, but it wont be able to do everything it wants after the Historic Landmarks Commission rejected the proposed color choice for the building, calling it too dramatic a chance for the iconic downtown building.

Commissioners voted 6-1 at its Jan. 13 meeting to support the Department of Planning and Community Developments recommendation to grant a certificate of appropriateness to allow proposed work to replace windows, the supports above them and moldings around the top of the building, but reject the choice of paint. Chairman Oliver Hobbs voted no.

I have family, I graduated there, my mother did she was back in the early (19)30s, said Commissioner Susan Coley. I think anybody from Suffolk itself is very sentimental to that, and youre taking away part of what is your memory. Theres got to be a better way of repairing, making better repairs.

Lorelei Costa Morrow, executive director and CEO of the arts center, spoke during a public hearing of the Historic Landmarks Commission Jan. 13 to get their support for the needed work, which includes addressing leaks and water damage that make part of the 78,600-square-foot structure uninhabitable.

Windows are also falling out in parts of the building and are taped off to keep people from getting hurt.

Costa Morrow said the center started the work about two years ago on fixing up the longstanding issues with the building, which formerly served as the old Suffolk High School. However, COVID-19 delayed those efforts.

The issues that you have before you are ones that existentially threaten our building, Costa Morrow said. Theyre existential threats to our building and our mission. These repairs that you have in front of you are a long time coming.

Specifically, the arts center is looking to replace all four-over-four double-hung windows on the original section of the building that are beyond repair with four-over-four double-hung aluminum-clad wood windows. It also wants to replace all one-over-one double-hung windows on the rear addition of the building that are beyond repair with one-over-one double-hung aluminum-clad wood windows.

All existing steel lintels that are beyond repair would be replaced with new galvanized steel lintels and new flashing. All damaged brick around the opening of the windows would be repaired and replaced with similar brick and mortar in color.

Also, all wood and metal cornice and dentil sections would be replaced with an exterior insulation and finish system to match the existing material in color and profile and to match the existing sections of cornice and dentil exterior insulation and finish system sections.

It would also paint all brick, columns, cornice, dentil, trim, accent panels and upper parapet with a white opaque protective coating, known as Tnemec paint. The granite tread and risers would not be coated.

Though the staff report supported the work the arts center has proposed for the windows, as well as the wood and metal cornice and dentil sections, it did not support painting over the building, noting that painting unpainted brick is not permitted by Historic District guidelines, and they state that waterproof, water-repellent or non-historic coatings should not be used because they often trap moisture inside the masonry and cause more problems in freeze/thaw cycles. The building is an anchor to the northwest corner of the Historic District and is highly visible from both West Finney Avenue and North Main Street.

Gerrie West, a principal architect with Dills Architects of Virginia Beach, which is heading up the arts centers restoration project, said the reason for the coating is to cover up bricks that have been removed and replaced due to previous repairs and are visible on the buildings exterior. The coating would cover up much more of it that they expect to happen when the lintels above every window are replaced.

Also, West said if they reuse the existing brick, assuming it could salvage enough, the mortar is the main visual problem. Getting it to match the existing mortar is nearly impossible, she said, due to the age of the existing mortar. The coating being used, West said, is not a sealer, but is breathable and made for use on old bricks. It allows the moisture from inside the building to penetrate the brick and come back out. She said it is not holding moisture inside the building and allowing it to cause more problems.

Mark Brinkley, president of C.W. Brinkley Inc. Construction of Suffolk, the general contractor for the project, said he was brought in due to the leaking issues. At the time, because it wasnt able to do all of the work needed, it put in a silicone sealer on the northeast side of the building the side having the absolute worst problems, he said.

Having worked with the arts center for more than a decade, Brinkley said the sealer would only buy the arts center a few years, calling it a Band-Aid.

The water was coming in so drastically that we had to do something to slow it down, Brinkley said. And over these years, its just continued the sealer has deteriorated and moistures been coming in worse and worse.

He said they would have used a clear coating if one was available that could do the job, but he said the white opaque protective coating would have covered what would have been a brick and mortar that would not have matched.

About five years ago, the arts center asked him what had to be done long-term, and Brinkley pointed to the work he and Dills Architects had done in downtown Norfolk for the 100-year building that housed Crossroads Church, which underwent a similar renovation to what has been proposed for the arts center.

All the windows and doors to the church had been removed and replaced, replaced the lintels and put new flashing in to get the water out. They also used the opaque coating because in many older buildings, Brinkley said, the moisture is designed to go into and through the walls and on the backside, there were furring strips to enable the moisture to come down the backside of the wall and drain out through the ground.

That worked when the building had no air conditioning, but now, when the water comes through, its trapped in the wall because the air conditioning draws air into the building, he said. Previously, windows could be opened to dry the walls out. He said that cant happen, so they must create a barrier to prevent the moisture from getting trapped in the walls. The Tnemec coating doesnt allow moisture into the wall, but it lets moisture out of it.

Since Tnemec coating has been put on the Norfolk church more than six years ago, Brinkley said they have had no issues with that.

In my opinion, if were going to correct the problem here, Brinkley said, and were trying to fix the envelope of this building forever, we need to go with the best product out there, and thats why we chose the Tnemec.

Several commissioners expressed concern about the choice of color for the building.

Commissioner George Bailey Jr. noted the buildings status as an anchor in the community and said despite his concern about the proposed color change, the commission has been presented with enough evidence that the buildings integrity has deteriorated.

My only concern is the overall changing of the color, Bailey said. I think (Brinkley) has already mentioned that theres nothing out there that will preserve the integrity of it, but we see a stark difference in the color from the existing red brick to an all-white exterior.

Said Commissioner Merritt Draper: I think that building is the most outstanding building in the city. I think it should be maintained as much as it can in its original color. The original color is brick, but I see here it does not approach that.

Commissioner Edward King asked why the paint couldnt be a different color that more approximated the current color of the bricks on the building.

The paint can be whatever color we want, Brinkley said. We could go with red. The problem is that youre never going to be able to simulate the mortar joints. because you would have to paint those individually, and I dont think that would be what you would want.

King agreed with Brinkleys point about the mortar joints, but asked whether more than one coat of the clear sealer could be applied.

Brinkley said the clear sealer would last just three to five years before it would have to be reapplied, versus the proposed paint that would last 15 to 20 years, he said.

Youre still going to have the mismatch of the brick and mortar, where every single window, weve got to cut out a section of brick above the windows and doors, and we have to put new flashings in, new lintels and lay that brick back, and youre going to see that difference between the two mortars. Its just no way around that. The Tnemec paint is just so much superior. Its designed for what were using it for. And in my experience, its 10 to 1 as far as quality. If we could go with a clear coat that would last and that it would give the protection, I would say thats what we need to do, but theres just not one out there.

Hobbs said he has seen brick buildings painted red in an effort to look like bricks that have turned out awful.

Still, Commissioner Brian Shaffer said he struggled with the loss of detail on the sides of the building no matter what color is used.Im really torn about altering the look of it that dramatically, Shaffer said.

Costa Morrow said the arts center wants to use the modern technology and materials available to them to ensure its use to support the arts in the Historic District for generations to come. She said the proposal before the commission is vital to continue its work.

We are proud and honored to be part of the district, Costa Morrow said. We want to continue to preserve and use this building and we want to make sure that the perfect is not the enemy of the good in this case.

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Structural issues at arts center an 'existential threat' to building, mission - The Suffolk News-Herald - Suffolk News-Herald