With more surges of Covid-19 highly likely, companies should have a plan in place for dealing with whatever the pandemic throws at them. It should include these measures: reduce restrictions as the situation allows, plan for another surge or outbreak now while cases are low, embrace remote and hybrid work, and effectively communicate pandemic plans.

Leaders of companies in the United States and many other parts of the world are breathing a sigh of relief as the Omicron BA.1 surge is in the past with higher community immunity, new effective treatments, and plentiful tests and vaccines. But with the Omicron BA.2 strain and its descendants becoming dominant and immunity from infections and vaccinations waning, the pandemic is not over and companies must be prepared for whatever the pandemic throws at them next. This article outlines four actions leaders can take now to increase the safety of their employees and decrease business disruption in the event of future community outbreaks.

The Pandemic Isn’t Over

Cases of Covid-19 rose steeply in Europe in March, are still high in parts of Asia and North America, and U.S. officials are warning of a fall surge. Meanwhile, the last country with a zero-tolerance policy against the coronavirus, China, is struggling to contain the virus. Beyond this situation, there are reasons to fear there will continue to be future outbreaks or waves of Covid-19. The SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes Covid-19, can spread from humans to mammals and back, driving the virus to mutate in ways difficult to anticipate. More than 5.2 million refugees from the war on the Ukraine will increase global risk as refugees have reduced access to tests, vaccines, and the ability to quarantine or isolate. Simultaneously, waning immunity against the coronavirus or variants that don’t respond to widely-used vaccines will make transmission more likely.

After more than two years of Covid-19 and its variants, most of us have been beset by pandemic fatigue. This includes business executives who want and need to focus their skills and activities on business-critical areas and spend less thought, time, and energy on the pandemic. But the answer isn’t to ignore the pandemic; it is to have a system in place to handle it. It should include these components.

1. Reduce restrictions as the situation allows.

With the current low rates of community Covid-19 transmission in most of the United States, employers have been removing pandemic precautions in a manner that balances safety while allowing employees freedom to interact and be optimally productive. Given lower current risk of infection, many companies are bringing their remote employees back to the workplace, and most have removed mask mandates.

Even as restrictions decrease, employers should maintain certain baseline safety practices such as encouraging employees to get appropriately vaccinated or boosted and stay home if they are ill, optimizing indoor air quality, and maintaining a notification system for workplace exposures. Companies can adjust any additional protective measures based on updated local, state, or federal guidance, where required or prudent.

Indoor masking should continue to be an option for everyone, even if the local public health guidance does not require it. Managers should not assume anything about an individual if they choose to wear a mask. Encouraging employees to protect themselves will support their health today and prevent future disruptions due to illness.

2. Plan for another surge or outbreak now.

A new coronavirus strain can travel around the world in less than a day, so companies need protocols that will protect their businesses against future surges. Employers have a unique opportunity now, while transmission is low, to apply the hard-learned lessons of the last two years to develop plans that meet this moment of the pandemic.

There are several key ingredients to create a successful response. A good place to start is to choose metrics and thresholds that would trigger changes in the company’s Covid-19 safety protocol. Using factors such as community transmission rates, wastewater surveillance, hospital capacity, test positivity rates, variant infectivity, and vaccination rates, businesses can set specific triggers for when a different response is warranted.

Companies must also choose which of their locations to monitor. Many businesses should limit monitoring to sites with many employees and readily available data. In some instances, companies may choose to assess the risk of where employees live rather than the worksite itself. The key is to choose site(s) that have a large part of the workforce or where business disruption needs to be minimized.

Most interventions — such as mask wearing, educating employees about the effectiveness of different types of masks, physical distancing, Covid-19 testing, and vaccination requirements — can be flexed up or down. However, by making changes too frequently, organizations run the risk of creating confusion among employees as to which policies are currently in effect. A predetermined, balanced approach will allow organizations to respond promptly to developments with a minimum amount of new decision-making. Organizations that create such streamlined plans will have an advantage over their competitors who will be distracted from their core business as they reactively design a response to every turn in the pandemic.

3. Embrace remote and hybrid work.

Many businesses continue to offer the option to work remotely and realize that this flexibility benefits both them and their employees. This is most important for unvaccinated or high-risk individuals, such as those who are immunosuppressed. Employers can plan accordingly by having enhanced guidance for onsite unvaccinated or non-immune employees and asking them to continue to work remotely, requiring indoor masking, or performing surveillance testing.

Companies have found many ways to foster community and communication among their employees, despite hybrid or remote work arrangements. Some organizations encourage in-office time on certain days of the week or promote specific events or all-staff meetings that build community while still limiting overall risk of transmission. Organizations that continue to facilitate flexible work arrangements will be better able to attract and retain employees because workers now look for companies that can be adaptable and create stability during these challenging times.

4. Effectively communicate pandemic plans.

The very real possibility of future surges or localized outbreaks makes ongoing communication with employees important even when community case rates are low.

Employees believe that their employers have been successful at keeping them safe throughout the pandemic, according to a survey we conducted this winter. What is more, the employees who reported that their employers kept them safe at the workplace were more engaged, more productive, and less likely to leave. At the same time, some employees may feel that reinstituting pandemic safety measures are not needed, which makes active communication and setting employee expectations from managers and leaders critically important.

Employers can offer regular updates on the company’s plan to support safety even as they acknowledge that fewer measures are needed while community case rates are low. These communications should be routine and spaced out according to the local circumstances. Routine communication will enable a faster company-wide response when/if circumstances change.

It can take leaders years to build credibility and trust among employees, and that trust can erode in a matter of days or weeks. Communicating a well-designed pandemic safety plan in a clear and forthright manner is an important step toward maintaining the trust and resilience of employees to handle even greater challenges tomorrow.

Companies can take advantage of this unique moment, when risks are low but the memory of the Omicron wave is still fresh, to create a system and protocols that will address any future pandemic risk. This will allow employers to concentrate on the economic and geopolitical challenges ahead. Through proactive and flexible planning, businesses can create a competitive advantage that will give them an edge, no matter what happens next.

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SWAT Environmental – America’s Leading Radon Mitigation Company

“I look forward to further building the company and pursuing its mission of creating healthier, clean air environments for everyone. SWAT Environmental is committed to providing exceptional service for our residential and commercial customers.” – Bill Sublette, CEO

MILWAUKEE (PRWEB)
May 12, 2022

SWAT Environmental, the nation’s largest radon mitigation services company, is pleased to announce that Bill Sublette has joined the company as Chief Executive Officer.

Mr. Sublette returns to the residential and commercial services industry, having previously spent 22 years as a senior executive at Terminix and TruGreen, two leading brands within the Service Master family of companies. As Vice President of Sales at Terminix and Chief Sales Officer at TruGreen, Mr. Sublette was instrumental in developing and driving innovative sales technologies and sales processes which revolutionized the way Terminix did business and transformed the customer experience. Mr. Sublette was the driving force behind various best-in-class programs and initiatives that set the pace for driving revenue growth, helping Terminix become the first pest control company to surpass $1 billion in annual revenue. Most recently, Mr. Sublette was a senior executive at Mahaffey USA, a leading provider of temporary structures and shelter solutions, where he led the creation of new products and the expansion into new markets which resulted in phenomenal growth for the business and the associates.

Mr. Sublette joins Kyle Larkin, SWAT Environmental Chief Operating Officer, and the rest of the senior management team in continuing to pursue the company’s growth initiatives and expansion of its industry-leading radon mitigation services for homeowners, home builders, and commercial property owners.

Mr. Sublette said, “SWAT Environmental is the nation’s largest radon mitigation services company in the United States. The awareness of indoor air quality has grown significantly during the past few years, as Americans are increasingly attuned to the health hazards presented by air pollutants. I look forward to further building the company and pursuing its mission of creating healthier, clean air environments for everyone. With our network of professionally certified radon technicians, SWAT Environmental is committed to providing exceptional service for our residential and commercial customers.”

About SWAT Environmental

SWAT Environmental is the nation’s largest radon mitigation services company. Its trusted professionals are committed to providing healthier homes and workplaces in neighborhoods everywhere. Through its nationwide service network of certified AARST technicians, SWAT Environmental delivers the highest quality radon mitigation solutions with unmatched customer satisfaction. Since 1988, SWAT Environmental has installed over 400,000 radon mitigation systems nationwide and continues to serve the needs of homeowners, home builders, businesses, and commercial property owners throughout the United States. To learn more about SWAT Environmental or to inquire about joining our growing team, visit http://www.swat-radon.com or call 1-800-NO-RADON.

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A study conducted in China found that long-term exposure to ambient particulate matter increased the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

High levels of ambient particulate matter (PM2.5) significantly increased the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD), according to new study findings published in American Journal of Kidney Diseases. The aim of the study was to estimate the risk of incident CKD associated with long-term exposure to ambient PM2.5 in mainland China.

The longitudinal study took place in Hunan, China, between 2005 and 2018. All participants (N = 72,425) underwent an annual physical examination at the Health Management Center in the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University.

Annual PM2.5 concentrations were taken from the China High Air Pollutants (CHAP) dataset from 2000 to 2018. Two main indicators of PM2.5 were calculated for each participant: the average of annual mean PM2.5 concentrations from the year of the baseline date to the endpoint date and the previous 0- to 10-year average PM2.5 annual mean concentration for the year of the baseline date.

Incident CKD was defined as participants with an estimated glomerular filtration rate below 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or self-reported physician diagnosed CKD. Covariates included age, sex, residence, education, body mass index, smoking and drinking status, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension, and history of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

The median (IQR) age of the participants was 38 (30-48) years, and 58% were male. The median long-term concentration exposure to PM2.5 was 70.27 (61.21-74.88) mcg/m3 for all participants in the follow-up period.

The follow-up was a median 3.79 (2.03-5.48) years; 3.02% of participants developed incident CKD in this period, with an incidence rate of 732.45 per 100,000 people. The HR for incident risk of the previous 1-year PM2.5 and cumulative average PM2.5 in the highest quartile of exposure were 1.85 (95% CI, 1.57-2.15) and 2.55 (95% CI, 2.16-3.00), respectively.

The HRs of CKD were 1.28 (95% CI, 1.21-1.36) and 1.70 (95% CI, 1.58-1.85). An association was found between the previous 1-year average PM2.5 and CKD (adjusted HR [aHR], 1.28; 95% CI, 1.21-1.36); cumulative average PM2.5 had the stronger association (aHR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.58-1.85).

Risk of incident CKD was higher in older adults (65 years and older), patients with diabetes and CVD, patients in areas of high humidity, and patients living in environments with lower temperatures when PM2.5 was more than 74.88 mcg/m3. Overall additive interaction was only found for humidity.

In sensitivity analyses, long-term exposure to PM2.5 had the greatest risk whereas that for the 1-year average PM2.5 for CKD became insignificant after adjusting for common air pollutants.

The study has some limitations. It did not account for socioeconomic status that may be associated with development of CKD, data on population density were not available for this study, and the researchers did not have data on indoor air pollution exposure, fixed addresses for assessing PM2.5 exposure, and participants’ activity levels.

The researchers concluded that there was a positive association of long-term ambient PM2.5 exposure with risk of incident CKD in areas of high concentration.

“These findings support the conclusion that long-term exposure to PM2.5 poses a significant health risk to the general population, and additional measures and strategies are therefore needed to reduce the burden of disease caused by PM2.5 air pollution,” the authors wrote.

Reference

Duan JW, Li YL, Li SX, et al. Association of long-term ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and incident CKD: a prospective cohort study in China. Am J Kidney Dis. Published online April 22, 2022. doi:10.1053/j.ajkd.2022.03.009

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After months of investigation and conversation, the Chadds Ford Planning Commission has finished work on a marijuana grower/processor ordinance. However, the ordinance won’t go iunto effect until township supervisors vote on the matter after a hearing.

The commission has been developing the ordinance for more than a year, and it follows the development and final approval of a marijuana dispensary ordinance. Under current state law, medical marijuana dispensaries and grow facilities for medical cannabis are legal. As such, municipalities need to have zoning ordinances to limit where the facilities may be located. Otherwise, they could go almost anywhere and township officials would have little say in how they are regulated.

No date has been set for a hearing; that will come later. The Board of Supervisors must first authorize the township manager to advertise the hearing.

The grower/processor ordinance restricts facilities to the LI-1 Zoning District on parcels no smaller than five acres. The facilities must also maintain indoor air quality standards and ensure that odors do not escape.

Also during the May 11 meeting, commission members heard a new application for a convenience store — possibly a Wawa — along Route 202 at Hillman Derive, the William Bunch Auction House site. Peter Miller, the developer who built the Wegmans complex on the other side of Route 202, said his Wilmington Pike Group bought the property from Bunch several months ago. While Planning Commission members and supervisors have referenced Wawa, Miller said that is not necessarily the tenant.

The presentation was only a sketch plan, not something that‘s been engineered, nor has it been submitted for approval.

But a convenience store with gasoline sales is planned for the site. There would also be a bank with drive-thru service.

Brian DiBiase, the traffic engineer on the project, said one of the plans is to widen Hillman Drive at it approaches 202. Currently, there are three lanes on Hillman at the Intersection, one inbound from 202 and two outbound. Those outbound lanes include one dedicated left-turn lane and a shared lane for right turns and straight through traffic.

Under the new proposal, DiBiase said there would still be one inbound lane, but four outbound lanes: two dedicated left-turn lanes, one dedicated to through traffic, and a fifth lane dedicated for right turns onto Route 202. There would also be a new driveway entrance for the Bunch property on the north side of Hillman and another driveway for the Goddard School on the south side. Those new driveways would be farther back from Route 202.

Hillman Drive’s possible widening has been a discussion topic for years. The Henderson Group owns the Chadds Ford Business Campus and Hillman Drive. Henderson has been working on widening that street and connecting it to Route 1 to finish the fourth and final leg of the loop road system around Routes 1 and 202, but that project was delayed.

According to Chadds Ford Township engineer Mike Schneider, “This is a much better plan than Henderson’s.”

While the proposal won’t complete the loop road, it makes for a wider approach to Route 202 with more lanes than Henderson could have built. The reason, Schneider said, is that Henderson didn’t control the buildings on either side of Hillman at 202. The current proposal calls for five lanes, while the older plan still only had four.

Commission Chairman Craig Huffman raised questions about traffic flow within the site and pedestrian traffic safety in the parking area because some of the parking spaces were on the other side of the gasoline aisles from the store. He was also concerned about vehicles making left turns onto Hillman from the convenience store or bank.

The applicant will be back with answers if he chooses to move forward with the project.

 

About Rich Schwartzman

Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.

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Originally Appeared Here

Self-powered Homes That Pay for Themselves by Producing Clean Energy

Courtesy of Cosmic Buildings

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Now that the effects of climate change are visible and indisputable, consumers are more environmentally conscious than ever. In fact, as a United Nations 2021 study suggests, 85% of them reveal that sustainability plays a key role when making their purchase decisions, motivating businesses and manufacturers to respond accordingly. This explains the rising demand for electric vehicles and products made of renewable or recyclable materials. However, architecture – and especially traditional housing – seems to be several steps behind compared to other industries. Although there are numerous efforts to move towards a greener built environment, the way most buildings are made today continues to be outdated, creating tremendous amounts of waste and significantly contributing to the global carbon footprint.

Like Sasha Jokic, founder of building startup Cosmic, points out, “homes count for roughly 45% of all the U.S CO2 emissions, with the vast majority of those emissions (87%) attributed to fossil fuel-fired heating, cooling, and hot water.” The necessary response from the housing sector is therefore clear: it must aim for carbon-neutral, energy-efficient homes that, unlike many cases, must be affordable to be accessible at a massive scale. Once that is prioritized with the necessary urgency, we can begin to dream of really tackling the devastating effects of the ongoing climate crisis.

To reshape the housing sector, the first step is to question the way today’s homes are being built. The second is to adopt an entirely new approach and allocate resources accordingly. With this in mind, Cosmic has developed the first end-to-end housing development chain for fully electric, self-powered homes. Their first product is an innovative ADU (accessory dwelling unit) prototype that brings extra living space and pays for itself by self-generating clean energy. Also referred to as an autonomous backyard home, it produces zero emissions and avoids the irresponsible depletion of natural resources, seeking to improve people’s health and wellbeing.

Courtesy of Cosmic Buildings

A standardized system that reshapes residential construction

In an effort to deliver these self-powered homes at a massive scale, it was necessary to come up with an innovative modular construction system. Traditionally, projects are built in one-offs, meaning that design, engineering and construction costs are not shared between different projects. On the contrary, Cosmic’s approach treats buildings like a product, creating an iterative system with the goal of achieving efficiency, sustainability and cost-effectiveness.  

The result is a standardized building template centered around a modular, all-electric building chassis, which besides acting as a foundation system, includes built-in mechanical, electric and plumbing systems. These can be combined in practically endless ways without having to engineer each project individually from the ground up.

The chassis can be combined in thousands of different ways to ensure design excellence. Image Courtesy of Cosmic Buildings

While the chassis is made of metal and wood, the joists, joints and decking are made of tubes and sheet metal. The roof is made of standing seam metal and other structural elements are composed of sustainably sourced wood. Similar to other prefab constructions, all of these components are initially built in a factory and then transported in flat pack containers to the building site. Since the module’s maximum weight is 600 pounds (272 kilograms), offload and assembly require only a small telehandler, avoiding the use of cranes. Altogether, the standardized design improves predictability, minimizes costs and accelerates project delivery by 50%.

Courtesy of Cosmic Buildings

Generating more energy than is consumed

Apart from offering additional living space, this tiny house stands out because of its ability to generate more energy than it consumes. This doesn’t just offset energy on the ADU itself, but also provides heating, cooling and power to the main home or any electric vehicle.

ADU is able to generate and store both electricity and thermal energy when it’s most efficient and cheapest and then distribute it into the household when it’s needed. – Sasha Jokic, Cosmic founder

But how is this achieved? Simply put, by integrating smart, innovative systems. This includes full scale solar panels in the roof and hybrid energy storage – thermal storage systems and lithium-ion batteries. In addition, the self-sufficient home features a heat pump for smart heating and cooling, as well as an ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilation System) that exchanges indoor air with fresh outdoor air for excellent air quality. To operate all of these technologies in a centralized manner, each ADU also incorporates an electric control panel.

Courtesy of Cosmic Buildings

When combined, these features enable sustainable living, eliminating the dependence on fossil fuels and emphasizing user wellbeing. But what’s unique to Cosmic’s ADU is that this doesn’t compromise affordability. By producing extra clean energy, electricity bills are drastically reduced and, eventually, the home is able to pay for itself. Thanks to the Cosmic ESA (Energy Service Agreement), owners can obtain the tiny home for no upfront cost, earn credits by generating energy and make monthly payments for full ownership, placing sustainability within everyone’s reach.

Courtesy of Cosmic Buildings

Sustainability without sacrificing good design

Like any industrial process that results in affordable housing alternatives, there is a risk of completely compromising aesthetics, comfort and creative freedom. While maintaining the efficiency of the standardized process, Cosmic presents a different scenario. The ADUs come in two different sizes that act as the base, but enable multiple layouts: Cosmic Studio and Cosmic One. While the first is a 350 square feet (33 square meters) multifunctional space to live and work, the second is a 700 square feet (65 square meters) two-bedroom, one-bath house with a roof terrace.

Cosmic Studio. Image Courtesy of Cosmic BuildingsCosmic One. Image Courtesy of Cosmic Buildings

Made with the same natural, non-toxic materials, both models are characterized by a modern minimalistic style that is timeless, comfortable and versatile. In particular, the wall panels are made of cross-laminated timber and different types of plywood. Whereas flooring is made of engineered hardwood, cladding options include stained cedar (in black, grey or natural finishes) and composite panels in a copper tone, allowing the user to choose the desired aesthetic.  

Courtesy of Cosmic BuildingsFloor Plan Cosmic StudioSection Cosmic Studio

Exploring the future of the built environment

As Sasha Jokic indicates, “climate warming and the global pandemic have reshaped our living environment, and we are not going back.” As this becomes more evident, a new building standard that points towards flexible, energy-efficient homes must be adopted. Existing efforts are definitely not sufficient – and those that are remain at a price point that is out of reach for many. Certainly, the industry has a lot of catching up to do.

But by creating well-designed, all-electric modular homes at a lower cost like Cosmic’s, it’s possible to imagine a greener lifestyle that simultaneously tackles the aggravating housing crisis. Of course, architecture is a broad industry and there are many other routes to explore, but the key seems to be evident: for people to take part of their sustainable future, they must be given access to the necessary tools and technologies. This way, they gain the power to improve their own built environment (and their quality of life in the process).

Courtesy of Cosmic Buildings

Cosmic has built its first prototype and will start selling in the U.S during the second semester of 2022. To learn more, visit their website.

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Great to read about the efforts by the Massachusetts School Building Authority, HMFH Architects, Harvard University scientists, and the Green Science Policy Institute in California to get toxics out of Massachusetts schools (“Toxic dust in the classroom,” Page A1, May 9). But this does not come from nowhere. The work of the Massachusetts Toxics Use Reduction program and the state Department of Environmental Protection is the forgotten origin story here. These agencies pioneered the approach of reducing our use of harmful chemicals and began the focus on toxics in schools.

In fact, the Toxics Use Reduction Institute at the University of Massachusetts Lowell issued guidance last month on how to address PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” by making them a category, so that chemical companies cannot keep claiming that a slightly altered version is a new, innocent chemical. This received little to no publicity. Massachusetts’ 1989 Toxics Use Reduction Act, or TURA, is still regarded by those who know as a world model.

The concept of toxics use reduction is simple, but doing it can get complicated, and some companies that sell toxic chemicals do what they can to resist the trend. People generally need a lot of help to do it right, and to be motivated. If we want faster progress, we need a revitalization of government to get it done. We should provide more resources to the programs that have proved their effectiveness with toxics use reductions in large industrial facilities year after year.

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Expansion of the TURA program is long overdue. Give it funding to address schools and help architects, builders, municipalities, and all citizens, because toxics are everywhere and can absolutely be reduced. Let’s make the examples in your article commonplace.

Rick Reibstein

Lexington

The writer worked in the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs on toxics use reduction from 1989 to 2015, including the following since-discontinued efforts: the CURIAS Project (Chemical Use Reduction for Indoor Air Quality in Schools), the Massachusetts Interagency Task Force on Toxics in Schools, and the Massachusetts School Sustainability Coordinators Roundtable.

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New York State just approved another round of cannabis cultivators, aka farms that can legally grow marijuana. That means that things are moving in the right direction to get the legal adult-use cannabis industry up and running. While marijuana use is legal in the state, there are no dispensaries or on-site consumption lounges just yet (outside of medicinal marijuana). The 36 new licenses indicate progress being made to set up the state’s cannabis industry infrastructure. But here’s the thing, using marijuana or marijuana products is not quite a ‘free-for=all.’ there are still rules and regulations to abide by.

The answer is both yes, and no. There are certain instances when marijuana use can be an issue when it comes to your job. Here’s what you need to know:

Can Your Job Discriminate Against You For Using Marijuana In New York State?

New York State Issues 36 More Cannabis Cultivator Licenses

New York has issued 36 new cultivator licenses, which permit farms around the state to grow cannabis. The 36 licenses are in addition to the 52 issued in April. The 88 farms were selected out of more than 200 that applied. One of the conditions of the licenses is that the farms had to have previously grown cannabinoid hemp,

508 Land LLC
MDCAPMD LLC
Andrew J Pirozzolo
Torrwood Farm LLC
4 Erratic Farm LLC
Karker Hess and Davis LLC
Stop 28 Farm and Nursery Inc.
Hop-n-Hemp Tea Inc.
Old Mud Creek Farm LLC
BLACK PHEASANT FARM LLC
Bridgehampton Loam, LLC
Bunker’s Hemp LLC
Jack Bear Farm LLC
Tap Root Family LLC
Mary L Strassheim
PC Development Corporation
Hydro Grow NY Inc
Graceful Roses LLC
Windsor Cider LLC
Tumbleweed Farms, LLC
Gardenworks Farm LLC
Unhinged Hemp Farm
Windy Hills Farms LLC
NG GrowersInc.
LaDolce Vita Farm Inc.
Homestead Farms & Ranch, LLC
Donald Spoth farm
Joseph H Sega
Ithaca Organics, LLC
JRS Naturals
SKX LLC
Adirondack Hemp LLC
Misty Bleu Farm, LLC
Miss Perry Farms LLC
Walter J Samselski JR
Grow Source LLC

When You Can’t Legally Have Marijuana In New York State

Here’s The Penalty For Getting Caught Driving While High In New York State

Before you decide to consume cannabis and then illegally drive under the influence in New York, you should know the real cost of your decision. Not only will you have to pay up in dollars, but you’ll also pay with time, a hit to your license, and possibly injury or death.

The penalties for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol are pretty harsh in New York according to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Here’s How To Get Your Criminal Record Sealed In New York State

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Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of construction on a $21 million affordable housing development in the Monroe County town of Chili. Hubbard Springs Apartments provides 72 energy-efficient homes, including 11 apartments reserved for individuals with physical disabilities or who are recovering from a traumatic brain injury. The development offers affordable family homes in a vibrant community in the high performing Churchville-Chili Central School District.    

“Housing is a human right, and in New York we are taking bold action to ensure everyone has a safe, affordable place to call home,” Governor Hochul said. “Our investment here in Chili not only expands access to housing, but it helps us build more diverse and accessible communities where everyone can thrive. We will continue to confront the housing crisis with projects like Hubbard Springs that help ensure high-quality affordable housing, improve the lives of residents, and strengthen neighborhoods.”    

Hubbard Springs Apartments is part of Governor Hochul’s sweeping plans to make housing more affordable, equitable, and stable. The Governor has introduced and successfully secured, in the recently enacted State Budget, a new $25 billion, five-year, comprehensive housing plan that will increase housing supply by creating or preserving 100,000 affordable homes across New York including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes.  

Hubbard Springs Apartments consists of a single two-story building with 24 apartments and six two-story buildings, each containing eight apartments. All seven newly constructed buildings are located on Union Square Boulevard in the town of Chili and are linked by crosswalks and sidewalks.  

The town of Chili and hamlet of North Chili are considered higher opportunity neighborhoods due to their access to a high-performing school district and lower poverty rates. The development is conveniently located a half-mile from the hamlet center of North Chili with pharmacies, a post office, grocery store, gas station and other retail shopping, and the town’s Hubbard Park is only a quarter mile away.     

Energy-efficient features include Energy Star appliances and LED lighting, windows, insulation, air sealing and additional measures to improve indoor air quality, maximize resident comfort and reduce overall energy consumption and costs.   

There are 11 apartments reserved for individuals with physical disabilities or traumatic brain injuries who have access to on-site services provided by the Center for Disability Rights, Inc. An additional 11 apartments are designed to be accessible to individuals with a mobility impairment or hearing/visual impairment.   

The rest of the homes are for households with incomes at or below 70 percent of the Area Median Income. There are 24 one-bedroom apartments, 24 two-bedroom apartments and 24 three-bedroom apartments  

Residential amenities include a 24/7 laundry and fitness area, a community room with kitchenette, a computer room, and office space for the supportive service provider. Outdoor amenities include a fenced-in playground.   

The development team includes Rochester’s Cornerstone Group, Ltd., and Bishop Sheen Ecumenical Housing Foundation, Inc.    

State financing for Hubbard Springs Apartments includes Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits that generated about $10.9 million in equity and $6.4 million in subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority has committed more than $63,000 in support. In addition, the Community Preservation Corporation is providing a $2.8 million permanent loan through its partnership with the New York State Common Retirement Fund.         

Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “Hubbard Spring Apartments provides an opportunity for low- and moderate-income individuals and families to live affordably in an economically thriving and resource-rich community. With 72 energy-efficient apartments and excellent amenities, the new residents of Hubbard Springs will benefit from a strong school district, nearby recreation, and easy access to retail and other services. In addition, eleven individuals with physical disabilities will have the support they need to live independently in a comfortable setting. In partnership with Rochester’s Cornerstone Group and Sheen Housing, we are making Chili a more inclusive, affordable and even better place to live.”   

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “Hubbard Springs Apartments will provide vulnerable families in Monroe County with increased access to affordable housing that includes critical support services and the energy cost savings and comfort provided by a highly energy efficient home. The state is committed to reducing harmful emissions while ensuring that all New Yorkers benefit equitably in the transition to a clean energy economy.”  

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli said, “The Hubbard Springs development is a welcome addition to the Rochester community, providing much needed affordable and supportive housing for New Yorkers with disabilities. I’m grateful that our state pension fund can invest in projects like this that provide a secure return for its members, but also benefit New York’s communities. I look forward to our continued collaboration with the Community Preservation Corporation and Gov. Hochul’s administration in creating new and affordable housing for New Yorkers.”   

State Senator Edward Rath III said, “Providing quality housing options for all, in our community, is critical. I am pleased to see these developments happening in Chili.” 

Assemblymember Harry Bronson said, “Housing is a basic human right and we must do all we can to ensure safe, stable housing for our families. Housing is health care, housing is economic opportunity. Hubbard Springs will provide our families with all of these things and more – including 11 apartments reserved for individuals with physical disabilities or who are recovering from a traumatic brain injury. I’m proud to see this development in the Town of Chili. Thank you, Rochester’s Cornerstone Group, Ltd., and Bishop Sheen Ecumenical Housing Foundation, Inc. for leading the way on this important project.”  

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said, “Access to a safe, secure, high-quality and affordable place to call home is a cornerstone of stability and quality of life for individuals and families. Projects like Hubbard Springs help make our communities stronger. I thank Governor Hochul and New York State Homes and Community Renewal for making this project possible, and Rochester’s Cornerstone Group and Bishop Sheen Ecumenical Housing Foundation for investing here in Monroe County.” 

Town of Chili Supervisor David Dunning said, “Quality affordable housing is a key element to a strong community. Having a safe and affordable place to call home is a fundamental right for all. We welcome those who will soon call Chili home.”  

Mortgage Officer at The Community Preservation Corporation Miriam Zinter said, “It’s amazing to see the transformation of this site and to know that the housing we’re celebrating today will be an anchor for the community for decades to come. The 72 affordable apartments will provide residents, including those recovering from traumatic brain injuries, with the stability and opportunity to build better futures for themselves. We are also proud to have helped finance a property that is affordable and energy efficient, bringing healthy, sustainable homes to the Chili community. My thanks to Rochester’s Cornerstone Group, Bishop Sheen Ecumenical Housing Foundation the Center for Disability Rights, and Comptroller DiNapoli and our partners at the State Pension Fund.”  

Bishop Sheen Ecumenical Housing Foundation, Inc.’s Board Chair Kevin LoCicero said, “Sheen Housing is honored for the continued partnership with Rochester’s Cornerstone Group to provide safe, affordable housing for our community. Our deep commitment and investment in expanding safe, affordable housing options is never more evident than here at Hubbard Springs where residents have access to quality, stable housing.”  

Rochester’s Cornerstone Group President Roger W. Brandt, Jr. said, “Rochester’s Cornerstone Group is proud to have developed, along with our co-developers at Sheen Housing, Hubbard Springs Apartments in the Town of Chili. The Town has been the site for numerous Cornerstone developments over the years and Hubbard Springs will add to Chili’s diverse housing options. Cornerstone is excited to celebrate with our partners and funders who helped complete this development.”     

Managing Director at Community Development Banking, Chase, David Walsh said, “It’s exciting for us to see the Hubbard Springs Apartments opening to provide Chili residents with safe, stable and affordable housing. We’re proud to have worked with local leaders like Rochester’s Cornerstone Group and Bishop Sheen Ecumenical Housing Foundation, Inc., who are committed to community development and the creation of affordable housing in areas where it’s needed.”     

Accelerating Finger Lakes Forward   

Today’s announcement complements “Finger Lakes Forward,” the region’s comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. The regionally designed plan focuses on investing in key industries including photonics, agriculture and food production, and advanced manufacturing. Now, the region is accelerating Finger Lakes Forward with a $500 million State investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative. The State’s $500 million investment will incentivize private business to invest well over $2.5 billion – and the region’s plan, as submitted, projects up to 8,200 new jobs. More information is available here.    

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Originally Appeared Here

Wed, May 11th 2022 03:40 pm

New NYPA Ventures Group to incubate and scale innovative products and services

The New York Power Authority announced a series of awards for its customers that are making advances in energy efficiency and clean energy infrastructure at its marquee customer event the Customer Clean Energy Exchange (CCEX) conference in Albany. Award winners include the State University of New York at Stony Brook, New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, the New York City Housing Authority, Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, the City of Utica and GlobalFoundries.

At the event, NYPA also announced the launch of NYPA Ventures, a business unit dedicated to innovating and scaling new customer solutions; building on the success of both NY Energy Manager and NYPA e-Mobility.

NYPA Interim President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “NYPA is committed to improving New York’s power system and combatting climate change with the help of our valued customers. Our customers are always at the core of everything we want to achieve at NYPA, so we are honored to recognize their many efforts through today’s awards. With our customers’ progress, we are advancing Gov. Kathy Hochul’s nation-leading clean energy goals and NYPA’s ‘VISION2030’ strategic plan.”

Award Winners

The State University of New York at Stony Brook was recognized for its outstanding commitment to energy efficiency. Together, NYPA and Stony Brook developed five energy master plans while also improving air-handling, LED lighting, heating and cooling, building envelope and weatherization, submetering, and indoor air quality monitoring systems. The result was a 20% reduction in campuswide energy use intensity and nearly $20 million in annual savings.

New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) was recognized for its comprehensive investment in clean energy because it implemented renewable solar power across many of its facilities. It is the largest solar generation portfolio of any New York state entity with more than 30 megawatts of solar capacity. The solar power offsets nearly 4,500 tons carbon dioxide emissions – the equivalent of removing nearly 1,000 cars from the road.

The New York City Housing Authority was recognized for being a leader in electrification. NYPA is working with NYCHA to replace its aging gas-and-oil-fueled heating and hot water systems with technologically advanced alternative fuel solutions. The result will be a fully electrified heat pump system at a high-rise public housing facility installed with minimal disruption to residents, and a 50% greenhouse gas emissions reduction of more than 590 tons – the equivalent of removing 130 cars from the road.

The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority was recognized for being a leader in fleet electrification. NFTA has a goal of fully electrifying its fleet by 2035, and turned to NYPA for a master plan to support its infrastructure needs – including fleet routing, charging station placement and electrical requirements. NYPA is also implementing a visionary charging infrastructure deployment at NFTA’s Cold Spring depot. By including a new substation and other electrical upgrades at the depot, it will be ready to support more than 100 electric buses in the future. The new substation will also result in lower electric rates that will lower the operating costs of the electric buses. The result is reduced operation and maintenance costs and a greenhouse gas emissions reduction of 266 tons and an expandable substation to meet the goal of a 100% electric vehicle fleet.

The City of Utica was recognized as a local government project champion. NYPA and the city replaced more than 7,100 streetlights with efficient LED fixtures as part of the Smart Street Lighting NY program. The energy efficiency project saves the city more than $1.5 million annually and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 2,280 tons a year – the equivalent of taking more than 1,600 cars off the road. The city now benefits from a new asset management system to monitor and control the entire streetlight system, providing localized dimming options and outage reporting. The new fixtures also act as a power source, creating individual hubs for future smart technology additions.

GlobalFoundries, a NYPA ReCharge NY customer, was recognized for being a leader in corporate sustainability for its continued focus and commitment to sustainability throughout the state and globally. Global Foundries has realized 40 million kilowatt-hours of annualized savings in energy as well as reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 36,000 metric tons annually. Beyond a continuing emphasis on reducing energy use, carbon impact and waste, GlobalFoundries has also made corporate responsibility fundamental to its culture and value proposition it offers customers.

NYPA Ventures

NY Energy Manager and NYPA e-Mobility were also highlighted at the CCEX conference under the new banner of NYPA Ventures, which will allow the Power Authority’s customer-facing business units to be more agile and lean, quickly adapting to their dynamic marketplaces and evolving customer needs.

“The Power Authority will continue to develop and deliver products that meet our customers’ needs,” said Sarah Salati, NYPA executive vice president, chief commercial officer. “With the full support of the executive leadership team and an agile approach to innovation and scaling, we anticipate significant growth for the business unit in the coming years. We are building on the success of NY Energy Manager and NYPA e-mobility as we integrate and expand our offerings to help our customers meet their energy goals, their financial targets and accelerate the decarbonization of their organizations and the transportation industry.”

NY Energy Manager uses data analytics to provide more than 1,000 NYPA customers with information on their energy use, including 17,000 facilities. Facility managers across New York presently use the program data to improve energy performance, reduce environmental impact and manage energy costs.

The NYPA e-Mobility team manages electric vehicle charging infrastructure projects that serve government customers and the needs of the public, deploying a variety of charging technologies at public parking lots, highway rest areas and fleet depots. The team is leading EVolve NY, a leading public fast charging network across New York to enable consumer choice for increased adoption of electric vehicles, while reducing the carbon footprint of the state’s transportation sector. 

New York has committed to being a leader in EV adoption and charging infrastructure, investing up to $1 billion through 2025 to build fast, affordable and reliable charging stations throughout the state so New Yorkers “can drive electric with confidence.” The e-Mobility team also leads some of the largest electric charging infrastructure implementation projects for transit agencies across New York state.

For more information about energy management solutions offered by NYPA, visit NYPA’s Clean Energy Solutions web pages on the NYPA website. 

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Originally Appeared Here

Inclusive Prosperity Capital, Inc. (IPC) announced that it raised $13 million in program-related investments (PRI) from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, McKnight Foundation, and The Kresge Foundation to support the capitalization and deployment of accessible clean energy upgrades across the nation.

Created in 2018, IPC’s mission is to ensure everyone has access to the benefits of clean energy. IPC’s programs and products are designed to serve historically marginalized communities and other underserved markets – nonprofits, faith-based institutions, small-to-medium commercial businesses, affordable multifamily housing, and credit-challenged and lower-income homeowners.

The foundations have provided IPC with a combined $13 million in PRI, including a $3-million loan from Kresge’s Social Investment Practice in partnership with the Environment Program. PRIs are critically flexible and catalytic capital support and give IPC the opportunity to expand the depth and breadth of its investing platform. IPC intends to blend the PRI money with other private and public capital to create a unique investment platform for underserved markets.

“Kresge has invested in IPC from the beginning,” said Portfolio Director and Social Investment Officer Joe Evans, “because we believe in its unique mission. We’re excited to make this additional capital available to them in partnership with new investors.”

Inclusive Prosperity Capital CEO Kerry O’Neill said, “Foundation investors like these are at the core of our ability to deliver on our mission. Without low-cost PRI investment, we’re less likely to be able to provide a loan for an affordable multifamily building to install heat pumps and improve indoor air quality, or to help a community center or house of worship in an underserved community go solar and see significant savings on their bills, or to help low-income homeowners make green improvements that reduce their energy burdens. We are so grateful to Kresge, McKnight, and MacArthur, who have helped us streamline the capital raising process from this critically important sector. The need for catalytic capital is only growing, and it’s how we’ll ensure everyone has access to the benefits of clean energy.”

View the full press release here.

 

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Originally Appeared Here