Posted by Cochise at 07:19 AM | Permalink

A Blaine County court decision may affect future development in this rural county and may impact county and city ordinances statewide.

In a decision handed down June 3, District 5 Judge Robert Elgee told county officials the county’s ordinances governing the fees developers pay to mitigate impacts on public services are unlawful and must be revised. In addition, he said cities and counties may not turn down development applications on the sole basis of being inconsistent with the comprehensive plan.
Blaine County’s chief deputy prosecuting attorney Tim Graves declined to comment because part of the lawsuit is still pending, adding, “I also am prohibited by my ethical rules from being outwardly critical of a judge.”
County administrator Mike McNees said the county commissioners have had at least one executive session discussing the decision, but no action has been taken yet.
In January 2008 Cove Springs filed suit against Blaine County, seeking a review of the county’s “improper procedure and its arbitrary and capricious application of the relevant law,” according to a Cove Springs press release from the time. The lawsuit also seeks damages that could add up to “many millions of dollars,” according to the release.
The development was originally proposed in December 2004, consisting of 340 homes on 600 acres of the 4,600-acre Cove Springs Ranch, located in Blaine County about four miles south of Bellevue and one mile east of Gannett Road. The remaining 4,000 acres would be left as productive agriculture land and open space.
Public hearings before the Planning and Zoning Commission began in October 2006, with a dozen occurring before the commission recommended the county commissioners deny the application in April 2007. The public spoke up about the development throughout the hearing process, with those opposed to the development outweighing supporters by a roughly 2-1 margin in at least one meeting, according to news reports from the time.
That August, developers responded to the county’s concerns and submitted revised plans, eliminating 52 lots and preserving more land for wildlife habitat protection. The county commissioners nevertheless unanimously rejected the subdivision in October 2007.
 The court’s June 3 ruling does not yet address the Cove Springs denial specifically, but rather some of the ordinances the county used as reasons for denial.
A court document filed by the county lists five main reasons for the commission’s denial. With this decision, Cove Springs attorneys say at least two of those reasons have been struck down.
The decision declared county ordinances stating developments must conform to the county’s comprehensive plan were invalid.
Cove Springs attorney Chris Meyer said such broad requirements leave developers to wrestle with “vague and conflicting aspirational goals” that should be sorted out by the county and spelled out specifically in zoning ordinances.

 http://www.idahobusinessreview.com/archive.htm/2008/06/16/Blaine-County-court-tosses-development-ordinances

commercial appraiser, commercial appraisal

Posted by Cochise at 06:59 AM | Permalink

http://www.ncreif.com/index.phtml

http://www.ncreif.com/committees/papers.phtml?name=research

Posted by Cochise at 10:05 AM | Permalink

How Rent Control Drives Out
Affordable Housing

by William Tucker

William Tucker is the author of The Excluded Americans: Homelessness and Housing Policies (Regnery) and Zoning, Rent Control, and Affordable Housing (Cato Institute).

Executive Summary

Rent control has been in force in a number of major American cities for many decades. The best-known example is New York, which still retains rent controls from the temporary price controls imposed during World War II. But this policy, meant to assist poorer residents, harms far more citizens than it helps, benefits the better-off, and limits the freedom of all citizens.

A look at the classified ads in rent-controlled cities reveals that very few moderately priced rental units are actually available. Most advertised units are priced well above the actual median rent. Yet in cities without controls, moderately priced units are universally available.

In many cities, policymakers understand that controls drive out residents and businesses. Thus many exempt significant portions of housing from controls, creating shadow markets. Yet as controls hold down rents for some units, costs for all other rental housing skyrockets. And tenants in rent-controlled units fear moving to more desirable neighborhoods since the only units available for rent are very high-priced.

But the trend in recent years has been toward removal of rent control. The repeal of controls in Massachusetts, for example, did not lead to the widespread evictions and hardships that some predicted. The lesson for the rest of the country is that rent control is policy that never was justified and certainly should be scrapped. commercial appraiser, commercial appraisal

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Posted by Cochise at 09:25 AM | Permalink

New California Brownfield Fund will launch this fall. Click here to get the latest information on this new and exciting grant and loan program.		Fall Workshops Get the latest information on California’s Proposition 1C Housing Bond, and all state and federal funding programs dedicated to brownfield and infill development. CCLR is hosting two funding workshops on October 1st & October 30th with representatives from state and federal agencies who will discuss their programs. This is our annual and very popular funding workshop that sells out quickly—so please register early. San Francisco Wednesday, October 1st 8:30am - 12:30pm The Port Commission Room 2nd Floor, Ferry Building   One Ferry Building (Embarcadero & Market) Map >> Los Angeles Thursday, October 30th 8:30am - 12:30pm Center for Healthy Communities The California Endowment 1000 North Alameda Street  Map >>
The Center for Creative Land Recycling (CCLR or "see clear") is a nonprofit organization that repairs fractured communities and discourages urban sprawl through creative private, public, and nonprofit partnerships. Our work is accomplished through training, technical assistance, small grants, and loans for communities who are attempting to turn around vacant or environmentally distressed properties.
		This half-day workshop is designed for municipalities, local governments, nonprofit and private developers, and anyone involved in redeveloping brownfield sites. The workshop will bring together the major providers of funding for infill and brownfield properties, including:
		Stone & Youngberg LLC Housing & Urban Development Dept. of Toxic Substances Control Economic Development Admin. Environmental Protection Agency State Water Resources Control Board Center for Creative Land Recycling Housing & Community Development
		Tuition: $150 CCLR is committed to helping community-based organizations by providing scholarships to reduce the cost of the workshop. Please inquire about our Wells Fargo Scholarship program. To register, and for more information about curriculum please visit our website www.cclr.org/funding.htm or call 415.398.1080 x104.

Posted by Cochise at 07:33 AM | Permalink

September 3, 2008

Study Finds Multifamily Builders Are Embracing Green Washington, D.C.--More of the nation's apartments and condos are going green as multifamily builders and developers respond to growing consumer interest in sustainable building practices, according to a recent survey by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Innovative 38-Unit Townhome Project Completed in Downtown Phoenix Phoenix--JAG Development has recently completed construction of its latest project, Portland 38, the first large-scale private investment in years in the historic Garfield District, adjacent to downtown Phoenix. Mr. Bamboo Introduces VOC- and Formaldehyde-Free Bamboo Flooring Mr. Bamboo Inc. has introduced its BamLoc, a 100 percent strand-woven, "click" bamboo floor. Designed to lock together, BamLock is reportedly easy to install on any type of subfloor. Withee Malcolm Architects to Design Oscar de la Hoya's First Golden Boy Partners Project South Gate, Calif.--The real estate development company founded by boxing star Oscar De La Hoya, Golden Boy Partners, has unveiled the company's first housing venture, Tierra del Rey, 107 for-sale attached town homes project located on five acres at Firestone Boulevard and Calden Avenue in South Gate, Calif. DUMBO's Tallest Building Wins Award for Design from Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce New York--The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, through its 2008 Building Brooklyn Awards, honored 17 recently completed construction and renovation projects they believe enrich Brooklyn's neighborhoods and economy.

Case Study: Brownfield Redevelopment Brings Mixed-Use, Mixed-income Residences to Denver Jim Johnson, AIA, founder and principal of JG Johnson Architects in Denver and a past chair of the Denver Partnership Housing Council, discusses his firm's work on a new mixed-use, mixed-income, transit-oriented development in Denver. When completed, Alexan Broadway Station will be comprised of 479 units and 14,000 sq. ft. of retail space and public amenities. THIS MONTH'S ISSUE » Luxurious Outdoor Amenities » Boston Market Report » Low-Rise Design Trends » Ground-Breaking Green Developments

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Posted by Cochise at 07:27 AM | Permalink

California Pollution Control Financing Authority

California Recycle Underutilized Sites(CALReUSE) Remediation Program

$55 Million of Funding Available for Grants and Loans for Brownfield Cleanup that Promotes Infill Residential and Mixed Use Development

The California Pollution Control Financing Authority (CPCFA) is pleased to announce the launch of the CALReUSE Remediation Program (Program) funded by Proposition 1C (2006). The Program offers grants and loans up to $5 million for brownfield cleanup that promotes infill residential and mixed-use development, consistent with regional and local land use plans.

Applications are available through the Program’s Strategic Partners. Strategic Partners work in conjunction with CALReUSE staff to review and score applications, recommend projects to the CPCFA Board for consideration, and assist in administering the Program. The Remediation Program has two statewide Strategic Partners and two local Strategic Partners. Applicants may choose to work with any Strategic Partner that best meets their needs.

Recommended applications will be considered by the Authority on a rolling or monthly basis as long as funding remains available. Strategic Partners have up to 45 days to review an application and must submit recommended projects to the Authority for consideration no fewer than 30 calendar days before a scheduled Authority board meeting.

Strategic Partners must submit recommended projects by October 20th to be considered at the November 19th Authority Board meeting; November 14th is the deadline to be considered at the December 17th Authority Board meeting. The Authority’s 2009 Board schedule will be determined in the fall.

Additional information can be found on the Program website, specifically by reviewing the Program Summary, Frequently Asked Questions, and Sections 8090, and 8102 - 8102.15 of the Regulations. For specific questions regarding project eligibility and to obtain an application, please contact a Strategic Partner. CALReUSE staff can be reached at (916) 654-5610 or by emailing calreuse@treasurer.ca.gov.

Posted by Cochise at 06:53 AM | Permalink

In This Issue Bureau of Labor Statistics Releases 2007 Workplace Fatality Data 14th Victim of Imperial Sugar Co. Explosion Dies in Hospital Make Workplace Safety and Health a Top Priority This Labor Day OSHA Publishes Proposed Rule on PPE and Training Standards New OSHA Guidance Document on Working with Portland Cement ACCSH Travels to Washington for September Meeting Fluor Corporation Accepted into VPP Corporate Pilot OSHA VPP Seminar Scheduled for Cincinnati P.J. Hoerr Partnership Makes Great Strides in Promoting Safety and Health During Construction Project OSHA Education Center Offers Advanced Certificate in Safety and Health Maritime Outreach Course Offered by OSHA Education Center in New Hampshire Governor's Industrial Safety and Health Conference in Spokane, Wash. Alliance Program Update Strategic Partnership Program News Upcoming OSHA Events "QuickTips" from QuickTakes Bureau of Labor Statistics Releases 2007 Workplace Fatality Data A preliminary total of 5,488 fatal work injuries were recorded in the United States in 2007, a decrease of 6 percent from the revised total of 5,840 fatal work injuries reported for 2006. Based on these counts, the rate of fatal injury for U.S. employees last year was 3.7 fatal work injuries per 100,000 employees, down from the final rate of 4.0 recorded for 2006, and the lowest annual fatality rate ever reported by the BLS fatality census. "We are pleased to see both the number and rate of fatal work injuries continue to decline," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Edwin G. Foulke, Jr. "These numbers show that OSHA's balanced approach to improving safety is working. However, we will continue to work to eliminate all fatalities since one fatality is one fatality too many." The final results for 2007 will be released in April 2009. Back to Top 14th Victim of Imperial Sugar Co. Explosion Dies in Hospital On Aug. 22, the fourteenth victim of a Feb. 7, 2008, explosion at the Imperial Sugar Co. plant in Port Wentworth, Ga., died of injuries sustained in the accident. One victim still remains in the burn center after the disaster, which drew the third-largest fine in the history of OSHA for safety violations identified at the company's facilities in Port Wentworth, Ga., and Gramercy, La. "We are deeply saddened by this additional loss of life stemming from this terrible tragedy," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Edwin G. Foulke, Jr. "We will not rest until we make certain that all employees go home safely to their families and friends at the end of every work day." Back to Top Make Workplace Safety and Health a Top Priority This Labor Day On this Labor Day, OSHA reminds everyone to make workplace safety and health a top priority. Through its balanced approach, OSHA helps to assure employee safety and health by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. There are a number of OSHA resources available to assist employers and employees in identifying workplace hazards and possible solutions to those hazards. One is the On-site Consultation Program, which is a free and confidential service. Some consultation program participants can qualify for a one-year exemption from routine OSHA inspections. Visit OSHA's Web site for more information on how employers can help protect their employees. Back to Top OSHA Publishes Proposed Rule on PPE and Training Standards OSHA announced in the Aug. 19 Federal Register that it is accepting public comments on a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on personal protective equipment (PPE) and training standards. The proposal clarifies that when an OSHA standard requires an employer to provide PPE or training to employees, the employer must do so for each employee subject to the requirement, and that each employee not protected may be considered a violation for penalty purposes. For more information on the proposal and details on how to submit comments, refer to the Federal Register notice. Comments will be accepted until Sept. 18. Back to Top New OSHA Guidance Document on Working with Portland Cement Portland cement is a generic term used to describe a variety of building materials valued for their strong adhesive properties when mixed with water. Employees who work with portland cement are at risk of developing skin problems, ranging from mild and brief to severe and chronic. OSHA recently released a new guidance document, Preventing Skin Problems from Working with Portland Cement, aimed at helping employers and employees understand the hazards associated with portland cement and the applicable OSHA regulations.   P.J. Hoerr Partnership Makes Great Strides in Promoting Safety and Health During Construction Project In April 2007, P.J. Hoerr Inc. formed a strategic partnership with OSHA and the Illinois On-site Safety and Health Consultation Program aimed at reducing injuries and illnesses for employees involved in the Illinois Medical Center construction project. The project is an $18 million, five-story medical office building with a two-story parking garage. It is scheduled to be completed in 2009. During the project's first 14 months, the partnership recorded a days away from work, restricted work activity, or job transfer rate of zero and a total case incident rate that was 45 percent below the Bureau of Labor Statistics' national average for the construction industry. OSHA congratulates the participants of this partnership on their successful efforts to maintain safe, healthful working conditions for construction employees, and wishes them more good fortune during the remainder of the project.< /a>

Posted by Cochise at 07:05 AM | Permalink

New California Brownfield Fund will launch this fall. Click here to get the latest information on this new and exciting grant and loan program.		Fall Workshops Get the latest information on California’s Proposition 1C Housing Bond, and all state and federal funding programs dedicated to brownfield and infill development. CCLR is hosting two funding workshops on October 1st & October 30th with representatives from state and federal agencies who will discuss their programs. This is our annual and very popular funding workshop that sells out quickly—so please register early. San Francisco Wednesday, October 1st 8:30am - 12:30pm The Port Commission Room 2nd Floor, Ferry Building   One Ferry Building (Embarcadero & Market) Map >> Los Angeles Thursday, October 30th 8:30am - 12:30pm Center for Healthy Communities The California Endowment 1000 North Alameda Street  Map >>
The Center for Creative Land Recycling (CCLR or "see clear") is a nonprofit organization that repairs fractured communities and discourages urban sprawl through creative private, public, and nonprofit partnerships. Our work is accomplished through training, technical assistance, small grants, and loans for communities who are attempting to turn around vacant or environmentally distressed properties.
		This half-day workshop is designed for municipalities, local governments, nonprofit and private developers, and anyone involved in redeveloping brownfield sites. The workshop will bring together the major providers of funding for infill and brownfield properties, including:
		Stone & Youngberg LLC Housing & Urban Development Dept. of Toxic Substances Control Economic Development Admin. Environmental Protection Agency State Water Resources Control Board Center for Creative Land Recycling Housing & Community Development
		Tuition: $150 CCLR is committed to helping community-based organizations by providing scholarships to reduce the cost of the workshop. Please inquire about our Wells Fargo Scholarship program. To register, and for more information about curriculum please visit our website www.cclr.org/funding.htm or call 415.398.1080 x104.

Posted by Cochise at 09:22 AM | Permalink

Posted by Cochise at 09:14 AM | Permalink