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Rochester Democrat and ChronicleRochester Democrat and Chronicle
Five girls soccer matchups we're looking forward to this fall

Five girls soccer matchups we're looking forward to this fall

Section final rematches and Monroe County rivals highlight top games to watch.
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Bensonhurst Chinese American Community Objects to NYC Tree Planting Plan Over Feng Shui Concerns

Bensonhurst Chinese American Community Objects to NYC Tree Planting Plan Over Feng Shui Concerns

The New York City Parks Department's initiative to plant more trees is facing opposition from the Chinese American community in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. Residents are concerned that the proposed locations for new tree wells, marked in front of some homes, will negatively impact their feng shui. According to Brooklyn Councilwoman Susan Zhuang, planting trees directly in front of a home is believed to block positive energy, which could be detrimental to health and personal fortune. The community asserts that they were not consulted about the placement of these trees, leading to a lack of consideration for their cultural beliefs regarding energy flow. The city's Urban Forest Plan aims to expand the urban tree canopy for environmental benefits, but local leaders are urging officials to work with the community to find alternative locations that respect cultural traditions.
Sarasota Herald-TribuneSarasota Herald-Tribune
Paid parking in Sarasota isn't a 'win.' It's a mistake. | Letters

Paid parking in Sarasota isn't a 'win.' It's a mistake. | Letters

Sarasota's controversial paid parking program has never been effective or efficient.
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Portage Residents Advocate for Public Transit and Roundabouts in New Comprehensive Plan

Portage Residents Advocate for Public Transit and Roundabouts in New Comprehensive Plan

Portage, Indiana, is drafting a new comprehensive plan, the first since 2009, which is likely to include proposals for public transit expansion and the implementation of roundabouts. This follows a public input session where residents expressed strong support for these initiatives. Mayor Austin Bonta highlighted the importance of public transportation, particularly for senior citizens, to ensure access to essential services like grocery stores and medication. The city is exploring options such as expanding services from Gary Public Transportation Corp. (GPTC) across county lines or having its own bus line connect with Valparaiso's intercity V-Line bus service. A $15 million bond issue for the city’s Redevelopment Commission already includes a roundabout at the intersection of Samuelson Road and Central Avenue to improve traffic flow. Consultant Taghi Arshami of The Arsh Group, involved in the plan, noted that a community survey garnered about 1,600 responses, indicating significant public engagement. Other...
Rochester Democrat and ChronicleRochester Democrat and Chronicle
Bills vs Texans weather forecast for game conditions in Houston

Bills vs Texans weather forecast for game conditions in Houston

Here's what to know about the weather in Houston during the Bills-Texans game.
Springfield News-LeaderSpringfield News-Leader
Choosing transparency over shortcuts with data centers | Opinion

Choosing transparency over shortcuts with data centers | Opinion

By hosting public workshops and listening to concerns, Springfield is approaching potential data center projects with proper care, this letter says.
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Skylight CEO Stephanie Blake Leads Urban Transformation and Venue Development

Skylight CEO Stephanie Blake Leads Urban Transformation and Venue Development

Skylight CEO Stephanie Blake Leads Urban Transformation and Venue Development
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St. Paul City Council Reverses Policy, Approves Street Co-Naming for Professor Mahmoud El-Kati Amidst Procedural Controversy

St. Paul City Council Reverses Policy, Approves Street Co-Naming for Professor Mahmoud El-Kati Amidst Procedural Controversy

The St. Paul City Council has voted to resume the practice of co-naming streets for living individuals, a policy it had discontinued in 2017 due to concerns about public confusion, emergency responder issues, and potential controversies. The council's decision, driven by Ward 1 Council Member Anika Bowie, led to a 6-1 vote to co-name the corner of Iglehart Avenue and Milton Street after Professor Mahmoud El-Kati, a retired Macalester College professor of Black history. This move was made at the request of El-Kati's family and state Senator Bobby Joe Champion. The honorary co-naming will be publicly announced during the Selby Avenue JazzFest, with new street signs to be unveiled at a later date. The vote was not without contention, as Council Member Cheniqua Johnson and others accused Bowie of making last-minute changes to the resolution that lacked support from the city attorney's office. Council Member Saura Jost, who cast the sole dissenting vote, expressed frustration over the confusion and last-minute ...
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Bellevue City Council Approves BelRed Arts Multifamily Project and Advances Parking Reforms

Bellevue City Council Approves BelRed Arts Multifamily Project and Advances Parking Reforms

The Bellevue City Council unanimously approved a development agreement for the BelRed Arts Multifamily Project, a 100% affordable housing development slated for the BelRed Arts District. This project is a public-private partnership with BRIDGE Housing, which will develop mixed-use, artist-focused housing on a site purchased by the city in 2020 and designated for affordable housing. The agreement provides flexibility in construction while ensuring community benefits, including dedicated affordable units and creative spaces, aiming to deliver approximately 60 of the expected 172 housing units. Concurrently, the council advanced citywide parking reforms for new development. These reforms, recommended by the Planning Commission, aim to modernize Bellevue’s parking regulations, align them with the city’s comprehensive plan, and comply with state law mandates. The proposed changes include substantive reductions in minimum parking requirements and the elimination of parking minimums for small homes, affordable ho...
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Pawtucket City Council Postpones Dog Kennel License Renewal, Orders Mediation

Pawtucket City Council Postpones Dog Kennel License Renewal, Orders Mediation

The Pawtucket City Council, acting as the board of license commissioners, has postponed a decision on the kennel license renewal for Harmony Dog Training LLC until its first meeting in October. This decision followed a two-hour formal hearing where neighbors testified about alleged violations, including habitual barking and odor issues, which they claim have persisted for over two years. The council also ordered mediation between the business owner and the neighbors to attempt to negotiate changes before a final vote. The city solicitor presented four alleged violations, focusing on a zoning criterion that states a kennel lot cannot be within 200 feet of a residential district. The director of zoning and code enforcement testified that the lot is split between residential multifamily and industrial open zones, with the industrial zone covering approximately 80% of the property, which typically permits pet care services by right. However, councilors acknowledged that the board might have erred in granting t...
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Provo Launches 'First Down Provo' Event to Boost Downtown Economy During BYU Football Weekends

Provo Launches 'First Down Provo' Event to Boost Downtown Economy During BYU Football Weekends

Provo Launches 'First Down Provo' Event to Boost Downtown Economy During BYU Football Weekends
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Henrico Officials Initiate Major Upgrade Project at Tuckahoe Park

Henrico Officials Initiate Major Upgrade Project at Tuckahoe Park

Henrico and community officials gathered at Tuckahoe Park on September 9 to break ground on significant upgrades. The park, which serves as the home of Tuckahoe Little League, will receive a new playground, additional restrooms, and other amenities. This investment is described by Tuckahoe District Supervisor Jody Rogish as one of the most substantial in community amenities since the county acquired the park nearly two decades ago. Funding for these enhancements comes from the county's voter-approved 2016 bond referendum. The project includes paving two existing parking lots, renovating current restrooms, constructing new restrooms and an additional parking lot, and installing new storm drainage systems. Recreation & Parks Director John Zannino emphasized that resident feedback, focusing on comfort and accessibility, was central to the planning process. Construction has begun, but the park and athletic fields will remain open during the fall ball season.