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Report: Former Wisconsin kicker eyes return to college football

Report: Former Wisconsin kicker eyes return to college football

A recent court ruling has allowed numerous college athletes to return for a fifth year of eligibility.
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
New canal-side restaurant, apartments planned in Fairport

New canal-side restaurant, apartments planned in Fairport

A proposed Fairport development would bring Blackbird, an upscale restaurant with rooftop seating, and six apartments to a canal-side property.
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Chattanooga Board Issues Default Notice to Developer Jimmy White Over The Bend Project

Chattanooga Board Issues Default Notice to Developer Jimmy White Over The Bend Project

Chattanooga Board Issues Default Notice to Developer Jimmy White Over The Bend Project
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Massachusetts Budget Bill Introduces Major Reforms to Zoning Act

Massachusetts Budget Bill Introduces Major Reforms to Zoning Act

Governor Maura Healey has signed a budget bill that introduces significant changes to Massachusetts' Zoning Act, G.L.c. 40A. The reforms replace the 'substantial hardship' variance standard with a 'practical difficulty' threshold, granting zoning boards more discretion in evaluating variance requests. The changes also allow for residential use variances, previously prohibited by many local bylaws, and extend zoning freeze protections. These reforms aim to balance housing production benefits with neighborhood impacts, reflecting a shift towards more flexible land use planning.
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Future of Historic Bryant School in Kansas City Under Review

Future of Historic Bryant School in Kansas City Under Review

The future of the historic Bryant School in Kansas City is under consideration, with a survey closing on July 31 for public input. The school, which closed in 2009 as part of a 'right-sizing' initiative by Kansas City Public Schools, has been vacant and the subject of redevelopment discussions. The building, dating back to 1915, is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, but deed restrictions have complicated redevelopment efforts. Three proposals are currently under review: one to demolish the building for single-family homes, another to preserve it as an early education center, and a third to demolish it for fewer homes.
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Mayor Rhodes-Conway Calls for End to Madison Street Occupation Amid Community Tensions

Mayor Rhodes-Conway Calls for End to Madison Street Occupation Amid Community Tensions

Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway of Madison, Wisconsin, has issued a call for the end of an ongoing occupation at the intersection of Williamson Street and Baldwin Street. The occupation, which has led to the blockade of a major thoroughfare, is causing significant disruptions, including detours for public bus routes and impediments to emergency services. The mayor emphasized the need for the community to move forward with compassion and grace, acknowledging the palpable grief present. She highlighted the harm being caused to local businesses and community services due to the blockade. Outreach workers are actively engaging with unhoused individuals to connect them with services and shelter. Mayor Rhodes-Conway stressed the importance of not abandoning the rule of law and the need for collective efforts to address systemic issues. She also expressed a commitment to working with the family of Corey Ruiz to create a memorial at the intersection, ensuring his life is remembered.
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New York City's Floating Pool Project Faces Further Delays Due to Flood Prevention Work

New York City's Floating Pool Project Faces Further Delays Due to Flood Prevention Work

The +POOL project, a long-standing initiative to create a floating pool in New York City's East River, has encountered another delay. Originally planned to launch a prototype this summer, the project has been postponed until at least 2027. This delay is attributed to a scheduling conflict with ongoing city efforts to prevent future flooding, as the pool's proposed site is currently part of a major flood protection project. The +POOL, designed to filter and clean the river water for safe swimming, has been in development for over 15 years. Despite securing $16 million in funding from Governor Kathy Hochul and former Mayor Eric Adams, the project has faced numerous challenges, including technical issues with water filtration and safety concerns from the city's health department.
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UND Seeks PILOT Agreement to Prevent Closure of Ray Richards Golf Course

UND Seeks PILOT Agreement to Prevent Closure of Ray Richards Golf Course

The University of North Dakota (UND) is pursuing a 20-year Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement with the city to redevelop the Ray Richards Golf Course. The course has been operating at a financial loss, averaging $467,000 annually between 2021 and 2025. The proposed redevelopment includes a 169-unit apartment building and a Toptracer driving range/clubhouse facility. UND President Andrew Armacost stated that without the PILOT agreement, the project is not viable, and the likelihood of the course closing is high. The course, which was previously closed from 2016 to 2020, has struggled to increase revenue due to the lack of amenities like a clubhouse or restaurant.
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Dane County District Attorney Initiates Investigation into Officer-Involved Shooting in Madison

Dane County District Attorney Initiates Investigation into Officer-Involved Shooting in Madison

Dane County District Attorney Ismael R. Ozanne has announced an investigation into the officer-involved shooting that resulted in the death of Corey Ruiz on July 22. The investigation will be conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice-Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), as mandated by Wisconsin law for such incidents. The Madison Police Department has already begun its own investigation and is expected to cooperate fully with the DCI. The Wisconsin State Patrol has also contributed by documenting the scene to aid the investigation. Once the DCI completes its investigation, the materials will be handed over to DA Ozanne, who will decide whether to pursue criminal charges against any officer involved. Ozanne emphasized the importance of a thorough review and stated that he would communicate his decision to Ruiz's family before making any public announcements.
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Madison Mayor Addresses Williamson Street Closure Amid Community Concerns

Madison Mayor Addresses Williamson Street Closure Amid Community Concerns

Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway has issued a community update regarding the ongoing closure of Williamson Street, where a memorial for Corey Ruiz, who was shot by a police officer, has been established. The mayor highlighted several public safety and health concerns at the site, including the lack of sanitation facilities and emergency response challenges. Despite these issues, the mayor did not specify future actions regarding the encampment. The city is working with local leaders and businesses to address the situation, aiming to ensure safety while honoring the memory of Ruiz.
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Miami Adopts New Zoning Rules to Encourage Cottage Housing Development

Miami Adopts New Zoning Rules to Encourage Cottage Housing Development

The City of Miami has implemented new zoning regulations to facilitate the construction of small, single-family homes, known as cottage houses, in the style of traditional shotgun homes. This initiative aims to revitalize Coconut Grove's historic housing style while addressing the city's housing shortage. The new rules allow for the development of cottages on lots between 25 and 35 feet wide, with specific setback and lot coverage requirements. The changes are intended to support diverse housing options and maintain neighborhood character, responding to the trend of larger, boxy homes that often clash with existing architectural styles.
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Opposition Grows Against Manresa Island Redevelopment in Norwalk

Opposition Grows Against Manresa Island Redevelopment in Norwalk

Plans to redevelop Manresa Island in Norwalk into a public park and event space are facing opposition from local residents. The project, led by philanthropists Austin and Allison McChord, aims to transform a defunct power plant into a community space. While initially supported by public officials and local institutions, recent proposals for a hotel, amphitheater, and other facilities have raised concerns about traffic, noise, and environmental impact. Residents are calling for further evaluation of the project's implications, particularly regarding access and infrastructure.