Podcasts about planning board

Condo development had been set for foreclosure sale A housing development twice halted by the city and ordered by a state judge to be sold to pay down debt is back on the Beacon Planning Board agenda. Eliza Street LLC, the owner of The Mews at Beacon, has hired a Newburgh architecture firm to see the project at 53 Eliza St. to completion, according to materials submitted for the board's Tuesday (Aug. 11) meeting. If that happens, it will be a remarkable turnaround for a project that appeared doomed. In February 2025, a lender, Insula Capital Group, filed a lawsuit in Dutchess County court demanding repayment of nearly $4.63 million from Qele "Charlie" Qelaj, whose project calls for nine loft-like condominiums two blocks from Main Street. The proposal received Planning Board approval in 2019, as well as variances to construct multi-family housing in a single-family zone and to construct nine units on a parcel where six were allowed. But by 2023, construction had stalled as Qelaj sought new financing. In its suit, Insula asked the court to force the sale of the property to pay the debt. There were additional money problems. In April 2025, the Building Department issued the first of two stop-work orders at the site when it said Qelaj could not renew a work permit because of unpaid property taxes. In the months that followed, Building Inspector Bryan Murphy said he allowed windows and doors to be installed to protect the property from the elements, but when further work commenced in April 2026, he issued a second order. Qelaj paid $175,000 in delinquent taxes earlier this year, city officials said. On the legal front, Judge Maria Rosa granted Insula's request for summary judgment in August 2025 and appointed an attorney who determined that Qelaj owed Insula $5.97 million plus costs and interest. The Mews were scheduled to be auctioned in March at the Dutchess County Courthouse in Poughkeepsie, but the sale did not take place. Instead, in an April 21 letter to Rosa, Insula attorneys said the sides had agreed to stay the sale. The agreement was not filed with the court, but the attorneys said the sale will be rescheduled if Qelaj defaults. Otherwise, upon compliance, Insula will drop the suit. In his letter to the Planning Board, Chris Berg of Fifth Street Architecture said he hopes to "see this project stabilized, completed and occupied by residents." But he acknowledged another setback. While authorizing a new work permit, Berg and Murphy — who was not the building inspector when the project was approved in 2019 — discovered that site drawings were never endorsed by the board after its approval. The project "should never have been issued a work permit, let alone subsequent renewals," Berg wrote. Qelaj, who is not the original applicant, is returning to the board seeking endorsement of the 2019 approval so he can proceed with construction, Berg said. He said that Qelaj will work with Murphy to "correct any deviations that have been noted from the original approval." Finally, Berg added that Fifth Street was not involved "in the initial planning or permitting of any portion of the project at 53 Eliza Street — we are simply assisting in getting this project back on track to completion."

The Economic Development Subcommittee met on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 as scheduled. Committee Chair LeBlanc, members Morrongiello, Malloy & Griffith were present for this session.Quick recap:Discussion and update on the UMass Boston study of downtown to be conducted over 2 semesters of the college year. Final number of students involved to be determined when classes begin in September. Coordinate to have them meet the Committee (either in person, or virtually) early one (Sept or October).update: the Depot Plaza hearing at the Planning Board has changed from 8/10 to 8/24. the application was withdrawn for a technical change and resubmitted, hence the date changeNext up the 40b policy revisionlikely for Morrongiello and LeBlanc to meet with Jamie and Morena to review the items in more detail to bring back a version for further discussionnext up, Sustainability CommitteeJamie and staff can draft a charter for the committee to review before bringing to the Councilnext up, GATRA updateWorld Cup was big for them, transported a bunch of folksfunded by State, so we didn't lose anything from other servers to compensate 38,385 riders in Franklin during the past year (demand response) approx 3,000/monthGATRA had a fixed route once upon a time https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/on-this-date-mar-5-2010-franklin-area.html What would a study for the GATRA fixed route cost? What would it cost for GATRA to do so? We can't finance the route on our own. The pipeline to the Planning Board is minimal, they are cancelling meetings as they don't have work to reviewThe meeting runs about 2 hours & 35 minutes. —-----------The Franklin TV video can be viewed here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJ8h5WC8rP0 The agenda and released docs can be found - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08042026-2434 My full set of notes captured during the meetinghttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1cKNSbTXGpP-s3395o_i52zDkPXuPn4tJ/view?usp=drive_link --------------We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.How can you help?If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighborsIf you don't like something here, please let me knowAnd if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We'll share and show you what and how we do what we doThrough this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.For additional information, please visit www.franklin.news/ or www.Franklinmatters.org/ If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot comThe music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.I hope you enjoy!------------------You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Director of Media Services Mike Gillis about what Dover's boards, committees and commissions took up in July.The City Council met twice. They discuss additional scope of work approved at Maglaras Park, tied to the Cochecho waterfront project and paid for with previously identified funding, an approach meant to shorten construction along River Street, Payne Street and Henry Law Avenue. The Council also approved added outdoor pool expenses within the original bonded amount, awarded a bid extending pedestrian-level lighting south along Central Avenue, and directed Dover Business and Industrial Development Authority land sale proceeds to the Light Up Dover initiative and to a new Dover Arts Commission program placing rotating sculptures at ten downtown locations. Councilors also funded ADA improvements at Sullivan Field and Woodland Park, set 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. voting hours for the September primary and November general election, and held annual property appraisal hearings. Separately, after City Manager J. Michael Joyal Jr. announced his December retirement, the Council said it will first look internally for a successor.At its single July meeting, the Planning Board continued talks on the cottages at Back River Road, approved a Church Street conditional use permit and a Dover Point subdivision, and posted annual zoning amendments, including proposed transfer of development rights changes that would tie density to neighborhood character.The School Board approved a one-year teachers' contract to stagger bargaining cycles and reviewed the first year of the school device ban.

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Buffalo's Common Council has tabled a request from Bottoms Up for a special permit for 18+ college nights. Planning Board Chair James Morrell gives his take on the issues facing Chippewa.

Buffalo Planning Board chair James Morrell after approving site plans for the revitalization of the Broadway Market full 275 Tue, 28 Jul 2026 08:30:00 +0000 rbg1Sk37t6Aeq4VFyPOk9hkbhyAjZC4b buffalo,news,wben,east buffalo,broadway market,james morrell WBEN Extras buffalo,news,wben,east buffalo,broadway market,james morrell Buffalo Planning Board chair James Morrell after approving site plans for the revitalization of the Broadway Market Archive of various reports and news events 2024 © 2021 Audacy, Inc. News

Board chair for Broadway Market Management, Inc., Peter Cammarata after the Buffalo Planning Board approved site plans for the revitalization of the Broadway Market full 363 Tue, 28 Jul 2026 08:30:00 +0000 szqCYsJezyhQd60gN6axBHyUqMxRoxCb buffalo,news,wben,east buffalo,broadway market WBEN Extras buffalo,news,wben,east buffalo,broadway market Board chair for Broadway Market Management, Inc., Peter Cammarata after the Buffalo Planning Board approved site plans for the revitalization of the Broadway Market Archive of various reports and news events 2024 © 2021 Audacy, Inc.

07-27 Buffalo Planning Board meeting - Broadway Market presentation full 1295 Mon, 27 Jul 2026 20:00:00 +0000 fSCE1pyRq9xQtFbvTwKvdMwtLV3htNlv news,wben,broadway market,buffalo planning board WBEN Extras news,wben,broadway market,buffalo planning board 07-27 Buffalo Planning Board meeting - Broadway Market presentation Archive of various reports and news events 2024 © 2021 Audacy, Inc. News https://player.amperwavepod

For years, people across Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary have been told the Midwest needs a long-term plan to fix its healthcare system.Today, another step has been taken with the appointment of a new chairperson to oversee a health planning board that will map out the future of healthcare in the region, including how to ease pressure on University Hospital Limerick and where future services should be located. And of course theMinister of State at the Department of Health, Limerick City, Fianna Gael, TD, Kieran O'Donnell, joined the show.Image via Getty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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PB98 - Planning Board 3/26/26

PB103 - Planning Board 6/25/26

PB102 - Planning Board 6/11/26

PB101 - Planning Board 5/28/26

PB100 - Planning Board 5/14/26

PB99 - Planning Board 4/23/26

PB94 - Planning Board 1/29/26

PB97 - Planning Board 3/12/26

PB96 - Planning Board 2/26/26

PB95 - Planning Board 2/12/26

PB104 - Planning Board 7/9/26

PB93 - Planning Board 1/15/26

In Episode 211, Scott Piehler's topics include: Busy times for the City Council and the Planning Board. A sunken ship finally being removed from the estuary. Alameda Brewing brings home the Gold. A bit of Hollywood here in Alameda. Burger King reopens. Plus something for everyone this weekend, including getting to know the Caroline of Caroline street. Support the show• AlamedaPost.com • Podcast • Events • Contact •• Facebook •  Instagram • Threads • BlueSky • Reddit • Mastodon • NextDoor • TikTok • YouTube • Apple News •

Beacon building draws Planning Board's ire For the second straight month, Beacon Planning Board Chair John Gunn blasted the 364 Main St. development team on Tuesday (July 14) as the board parsed discrepancies between the nearly complete building and plans approved four years earlier. According to a spreadsheet submitted by the Poughkeepsie-based Baxter group, which purchased the property in 2024, at least 21 features on the fenced-off structure deviate from the approved site plan. Some changes were made to architectural drawings that were approved when building permits were issued, project officials said. Others were "field changes" approved, sometimes verbally, by city officials onsite. A final category listed applicant/contractor changes. The changes range from window-sill sizes and detailing and the installation of sidewall vents to more noticeable deviations such as the replacement of fire-rated windows with solid walls in stairwells and in a rooftop lobby. In another instance, standard double windows were installed instead of Juliet balconies. A patio at the front of the building was modified because the floor height and Main Street sidewalk were not accurately represented on drawings. Steps and gates next to the adjacent Masjid Ur Rashid mosque were on the site plan but never constructed. A canopy over the residential entrance was removed, with a recessed entryway constructed in its place. Custom wood windows with decorative trim on the storefront were replaced with aluminum windows with insulated metal panels. At least one change — replacing the approved thin-brick veneer with full-depth bricks — likely enhances structural integrity, though it's unclear whether the city approved it. "I've looked at the timeline," said Jason Anderson, the president of ADG Architects, a firm recently hired by Baxter. "The contractor came in, got the building permit and built what was on the drawings, with the exception of the field changes. We have a finished painting that we're trying now to correct." The inconsistencies infuriated Gunn, who acknowledged he was repeating himself. "Do you understand the position that this applicant put the city in?" he asked, his voice rising. "This is a goddamn mess, and you're asking us to help you fix a giant mistake. This is an ugly building. It's built poorly. It looks horrible." Pointing at diagrams, he shouted: "It's not what we approved!" The issues have also derailed the tenants who expected to occupy the building's 8,800 square feet of commercial space and 20 apartments. The owner of Pure Physique, a gym set to open on the first floor, said in a letter to the board that she has had to provide membership refunds while absorbing the financial impact "of a business that is fully prepared to open but is unable to operate." Most of the apartments had been rented, project attorney Taylor Palmer said, but about 25 percent of the tenants pulled out because the building lacks a certificate of occupancy. After more than an hour of back-and-forth, the developer agreed to confer in a work session with the city's consultants. "We need better ideas," Gunn said. The board could vote as early as next month on a proposal to convert a two-story brick building to a karaoke bar called The Howl. The project has received pushback from nearby residents, but Gunn said Tuesday that a city consultant agreed that the applicant's plans to mitigate noise "appear to be very robust." Eric Weitner, the applicant, said he had scaled back operating hours to 2 to 11 p.m. on Wednesday, 2 p.m. to midnight on Thursday, noon to 1:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 11 p.m. on Sunday. Sundays will no longer revert to Saturday hours on holiday weekends. There will be no parking in the rear of the building, which adjoins the residential neighborhood. Responding to public concerns, Weitner said staff at The Howl will conduct "perimeter checks" five times per eight-hour shift to keep patrons from congregating outside. Security ca...

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Legislators will appoint most members The Putnam Legislature on Tuesday (July 7) approved a law giving it the power to appoint the majority of the Board of Ethics. At the same time, it dissolved the current five-member panel, which had three vacancies. The 5-3 vote (with one legislator absent) could be vetoed by County Executive Kevin Byrne. The executive currently nominates all five volunteer members, who then must be confirmed by the Legislature. The revision reduces the executive's nominations to two and gives one to the Legislature's chair, one to its minority leader and the fifth to a majority of the Legislature. In 2025, according to its annual report, the Board of Ethics investigated three complaints of potential conflicts of interest and received one request for an advisory opinion. It also reviewed 193 financial disclosure forms. It lost three members in 2025: Roderick Cassidy resigned, Joseph DeMarzo decided not to seek another term and John Sweeny died. The board has a budget of about $31,000 for 2026, including $25,000 to hire outside counsel for ongoing litigation. Under the current system, "the Legislature's only role was to vote 'yes' or 'no' " on the county executive's nominees, said Legislator Jake D'Angelo, whose district includes parts of Carmel and Kent. "The public never knew how the candidates were identified, what their qualifications were or who else may have even been considered." As the Legislature's sole Democrat and minority leader, Nancy Montgomery would nominate one member for the panel. A proposal by Legislator Erin Crowley, who represents parts of Carmel, to eliminate the minority-leader nomination failed to gain enough support. "There was a lot of political grandstanding" about the minority nomination, said Montgomery, who represents Philipstown and Putnam Valley. "It's not about giving the minority control; it's about independence and public confidence." The measure shortens board members' terms from three years to two and retains language banning appointees who are lobbyists or officeholders in a political party. It also drops a requirement that at least one member of the board be a county officer, employee or elected official and instead bars anyone in those positions from serving. In addition, if the Legislature's nine members are from the same party, the county chair of the "non-controlling party" gets to choose the minority-party nominee. Putnam's code requires that Byrne hold a public hearing no later than 20 days after receiving the legislation and approve or veto it within 25 days. The Legislature can override a veto with six votes. The current board has two members: Barbara Scuccimarra, a former Republican legislator who was defeated by Montgomery in 2018 and 2021, and Paul Eldridge, Putnam's personnel officer. Despite the three vacancies, legislators decided in June against confirming two Byrne appointees because of the Legislature's plans to change the appointment process and dissolve the current board. A third Byrne appointee, John Molloy, dropped out amid concerns that his position on the Putnam County Republican Committee violated the ban on appointing members who hold office in a political party. Byrne accused legislators of trying to "hijack" the board and "block the board from doing its job." He also said that Molloy "had already taken steps to resign from the GOP committee upon his appointment." The Legislature formally reallocated $2.1 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding initially earmarked for a mental health crisis center to paving projects. People USA had planned to lease space for the 24-hour "stabilization" center above a childcare center in Brewster, but that sparked outrage from residents and led the Town of Southeast to impose a moratorium on permits for medical and mental health clinics. The nonprofit then tried to open a center in an office building in Carmel. That provoked similar opposition, and the town's Planning Board rejected the applicatio...

Beacon developer ordered to make project right The developer of a Main Street building in Beacon must return to the Planning Board on Tuesday (July 14) with a "full, complete and comprehensive" list of how the nearly complete structure at 364 Main deviated from a site plan approved four years ago. The property owner, Eric Baxter, and other project officials came to the board in May seeking approval of an amended site plan after acknowledging that nearly two dozen features on the building — material selections, window and facade details, the replacement of Juliet balconies and others — had been changed during construction. With Chair John Gunn absent, board members rebuked Baxter but took no action. Last month, Gunn took the project team to task. Applications for prominent sites such as 364 "establish our Main Street," Gunn said on June 9. "Our Main Street," he repeated, with emphasis. "The Main Street we all have to look at, experience and live with, and this applicant ignored all of the time that we put in to that review." His voice raised sharply, Gunn said he was "beyond angry at the waste of our time, including this time" spent reviewing the plan again. "I want it known by every applicant that we don't sit here just for our health, or for the fun of it. This is a waste of our time, and I'm tired of it. I want that clear," he said. Gunn said he expected the applicant to return this month with a list of "every single item" that deviates from the plan approved in April 2022. "And I'm not going to talk any more about this until next month when we have that list, and we're going to go line by line, is that clear?" he said. "It's very clear," said Taylor Palmer, the developer's attorney. The project team is taking the matter "very seriously," he said, and intends to "make this project better overall, not just return to center." A public hearing will be required before the board can approve changes, but Gunn said it is too early to schedule one. Once complete, the three-story building will have commercial space on the first floor and 20 apartments on the second and third. A public hearing will continue Tuesday on a proposal to convert an art gallery at 1154 North Ave. (Route 9D) to a karaoke bar. The project was introduced in May and drew immediate pushback from neighbors, who said that people congregating at the venue late at night would disrupt nearby residences. In response, the project team submitted a five-page management plan last month that it said could allay some concerns. It states that the venue will operate primarily via online reservations, though walk-ins may be accommodated if capacity allows. Walk-ins who cannot be accommodated will either wait at the bar or leave and receive a text notification when space is available. Staff will be trained to address capacity-related issues. Patrons will not be permitted to congregate on sidewalks, at the rear of the building or near emergency exits, the plan says. A rear exit will be used for emergencies only. Smoking will be permitted in a designated outdoor area on the southwest corner of the building, but the space will not be used as "an outdoor gathering area." The venue is proposed to be closed on Monday and Tuesday, and open from 2 p.m. to midnight on Wednesday and Thursday, noon to 1:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday and from noon to 11 p.m. on Sunday. On holiday weekends, Sundays would revert to Saturday hours. "That means a Sunday goes to 1:30 a.m. on a holiday? I don't know about that," Gunn said during a June 9 meeting. The applicant, Eric Weitner, said he had based the hours on comparable businesses, including the Vinyl Room and Piggy Bank (both open until 2 a.m. on weekends) and the Happy Valley Arcade Bar (open until 1:30 a.m. on weekends). But if the Sunday schedule is a problem, "we're amenable to bringing that back," he said. Patrons would be encouraged to use public transportation or park on-street or in one of the nearby municipal lots. Noise has been the gre...

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In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Mike Gillis for an end-of-June recap of city government activity. June was an unusually quiet month, with the City Council holding only one regular meeting, plus a special meeting and workshop on June 3. The special meeting addressed a procedural housekeeping vote on the waterfront TIF, ensuring the $6 million in bonding was properly noticed. Parker explains how tax increment financing works, with growth above a baseline funneled into a dedicated bucket that pays debt service, and notes the city only issues debt when funds are actually needed. The accompanying workshop covered stormwater management and nutrient loading in Great Bay, plus an update on the Tolend Road landfill Superfund site, a long-term obligation that later prompted a roughly $530,000 appropriation from unassigned fund balance. The council also weighed in on state legislation, supporting HB 1491 (later vetoed) and opposing HB 1588 as an attack on local control.The Planning Board met twice, granting conditional approval to convert below-grade canal-level space at the Cocheco Falls Mill into residential units, and experiencing a rare 4-4 tie vote on a conditional use permit for the historic Samuel Wyatt house at 7 Church Street. Parker announced a July 14 ribbon-cutting for Nebi Park, comparing its cost to the newly renovated outdoor pool. The School Board accepted 16 retirements totaling 369 years of service, and both Parker and Gillis praised Dover Adult Learning graduations and the Dover High commencement at the Whittemore Center.

In Episode 208, Scott Piehler's topics include: No answers in the dismissal of Coach Arnerich. The Planning Board discusses pro soccer on Bay Farm. An Alameda County grand jury examines Alameda's emergency operations. An extended look at our local real estate market. Local rowers bring home the gold. West Nile is detected in Alameda County. Another great Sand Castle competition. Plus events for the first full weekend of Summer. Support the show• AlamedaPost.com • Podcast • Events • Contact •• Facebook •  Instagram • Threads • BlueSky • Reddit • Mastodon • NextDoor • TikTok • YouTube • Apple News •

Caroline Pineau, owner and CEO of Stem, a Haverhill cannabis retailer, recently shared her story of navigating the struggles of breast cancer, while managing a company.She appeared on WHAV's morning program. Pineau explained, after being diagnosed last October, she underwent a double mastectomy to avoid chemotherapy and radiation treatments.She was encouraged by medical professionals to have an early mammogram due to breast cancer running in her family. Pineau said her thankfulness in catching the cancer early saying,“I was grateful that early detection allowed me to have more options in my treatment,” said Pineau. “If there's one thing that I could empower women to do more is to be more on top of early detection when it comes to your breast care health,” she added.Despite Pineau's cancer scare, she continues her work as Stem launched a campaign to collect signatures to allow on-premise cannabis consumption in Haverhill. Explaining, Stem will need 4,700 signatures from registered Haverhill voters in order to get its question on the November ballot. Stem was looking to collect signatures at CiderFeast last Thursday, June 18, and again Wednesday night at the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce, where Stem had a “community education evening” to answer question from potential supporters.Stem is also hosting its fifth annual Green Goddess Invitational golf tournament on Oct. 26, at Renaissance Golf Club in Haverhill to support early detection breast cancer advocacy and support for women facing cancer diagnoses.Pineau described how Stem sees itself contributing not just to the community of marijuana users in the city but to Haverhill as a whole,“We have a vision for Haverhill as a thriving community where small businesses can flourish and contribute to the local economy. So, we really see social consumption as a way to create more jobs, boost local businesses and foster a sense of community here in Haverhill.”She added, “We really believe this can help bring more vibrancy to Haverhill's downtown.” Pineau remarked on Haverhill's desire to have a 18-hour economy, believing that Stem can be a contributing factor in this endeavor.Currently, Stem is breaking ground on phase two of its construction to turn its 124 Washington St. building's third and fourth floors and roof into a cannabis lounge. The building within the Washington Street Shoe District, was built in 1876, prior to the Great Fire of 1882. Pineau said she believes the location was “born to be a cannabis building.”Stem has hearings scheduled Wednesday, July 8, before the Planning Board and Tuesday, July 14, before the City Council.Support the show

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In Episode 207, Scott Piehler's topics include: The City Council adopts a new plan. A shooting at Crown Beach. A Planning Board preview.  One of the world's top sailors is headed to Alameda. A changing of the guard on Coast Guard Island. Beer downtown, and birds and bites at Alameda Point. Activities for your weekend, including ways to say “Thanks, Dad.” Support the show• AlamedaPost.com • Podcast • Events • Contact •• Facebook •  Instagram • Threads • BlueSky • Reddit • Mastodon • NextDoor • TikTok • YouTube • Apple News •

Redevelopment of state prisons proves challenging Two years after New York State selected Conifer Realty to construct a mixed-use campus with up to 1,300 apartments at the former Downstate Correctional Facility in Fishkill, the company has yet to submit a proposal to the town's Planning Board. Two and a half miles away, redevelopment plans at another decommissioned state prison, the Beacon Correctional Facility, or Camp Beacon, have also stalled. An update from Empire State Development, New York's economic development agency, provides little clarity. A spokesperson for the agency said on June 5 that "ESD, Conifer and the Town of Fishkill continue to work collaboratively on the redevelopment of the Downstate Correctional Facility" — virtually the same statement it provided a year ago, when it said that "ESD continues to work with Conifer and the Town of Fishkill to finalize a site plan." The state announced in June 2024 that the Rochester-based Conifer would, over the course of a decade, convert the 80-acre former maximum-security prison into a campus with as many as 1,300 housing units. Construction of 375 units, at least 20 percent of them "permanently affordable" for households earning less than 80 percent of the area's annual median income, was expected to begin by January 2026. Fishkill Supervisor Ozzy Albra, who criticized the plans as a "bad deal for the taxpayers," said a year ago that he had negotiated ESD and Conifer down to 1,100 units. He said this week that, while he believes local schools, including Glenham Elementary, which is part of the Beacon City School District, will be able to absorb the students generated by the development, traffic will be a critical issue. That has guided continued negotiations, he said, with his goal to get the unit count "well below 700." Albra said he has made a number of additional requests, including a split between homes for sale and rental units and for the project to include more one-bedroom apartments. The state's announcement, framed as part of Gov. Kathy Hochul's plan to build 15,000 homes and apartments to address a statewide housing crisis, said the site would include two-story duplexes and triplexes, with at least 25 percent of units having three bedrooms. Albra has also asked New York State to commit to connecting the property to the Dutchess Park and Rombout sewer districts and to extend water infrastructure to the surrounding area. Last year, Conifer said it would limit construction to 2½-story buildings because the nearest fire department, in Glenham, does not have a ladder truck. A spokesperson said this week that the company continues to "work collaboratively" with stakeholders, but there are "no major updates to report." The representative did not respond when asked about a timeline for a submission to the Planning Board. Albra said he has no insight into timing, either, but suggested the project has slowed because "we did our homework to protect the residents of Fishkill." Meanwhile, the state has twice asked for proposals — and once awarded development rights — at Camp Beacon, yet the 39-acre property, with 22 buildings hidden beyond Beacon High School and the city's Highway Garage, has remained seemingly untouched since the women's prison closed in 2013. New York State asked for proposals in 2014 but received only one: from the New York City-based Doe Fund, which proposed creating a farming and job-training center to help homeless and low-income people seek employment and self-sufficiency. The nonprofit withdrew its proposal in 2017 after local officials — including Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino, then a state senator — asked then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo to reject the plan because it was "inconsistent with the site's mixed-use, recreational and destination development potential." After seeking a second round of proposals, in 2019 Empire State Development selected Urban Green Food, also based in New York City. The organization said it planned to build a hotel ...

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In Episode 206, Scott Piehler's topics include: The Planning Board studies the next phase of development at Alameda Point. A preview of the next City Council meeting. The Corica Golf dispute is settled. EBMUD has an unexpected repair. Graduations in the news. A fish frenzy. APD looking to catch you in the act…of doing the right thing. The latest real estate sales, and events for your weekend. Support the show• AlamedaPost.com • Podcast • Events • Contact •• Facebook •  Instagram • Threads • BlueSky • Reddit • Mastodon • NextDoor • TikTok • YouTube • Apple News •

In Episode 205, Scott Piehler's topics include: The City Council approves a parking plan for the Jean Sweeney aquatic center. The Planning Board prepares for one of their biggest challenges. The Primary may be over, but the tallying continues. Encinal Field gets a new name. Changes to schedules and fares at AC Transit. Alameda receives some welcome funding. And, with the end of the school year,  events to keep you occupied. Support the show• AlamedaPost.com • Podcast • Events • Contact •• Facebook •  Instagram • Threads • BlueSky • Reddit • Mastodon • NextDoor • TikTok • YouTube • Apple News •

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This week Chris goes over the School Board, Planning Board, and Zoning Board meetings and has special guest Community Development Director Kyle Finnell on to go a little more indepth and talk about upcoming projects.

In Episode 202, Scott Piehler's topics include: Alameda Hotel Apartments hit the market. The Planning Board examines ADU to Condo conversion.  A look ahead to next week's City Council meeting. SF Bay Ferry set to increase rates. The Clement/Tilden project continues. Get to know the birds on the beach. A beloved Park Street retailer set to reopen. Plus, events for your weekend. Support the show• AlamedaPost.com • Podcast • Events • Contact •• Facebook •  Instagram • Threads • BlueSky • Reddit • Mastodon • NextDoor • TikTok • YouTube • Apple News •

In Episode 196, Scott Piehler's topics include: Busy times for the Planning Board, City Council, and AUSD. An embezzlement arrest involving Girls Inc. AC Transit makes changes. Local nurses raise a red flag. Another No Kings rally. Are you ready for a tsunami? Do you really need 10,000 steps? And, events for your weekend.  Support the show• AlamedaPost.com • Podcast • Events • Contact •• Facebook •  Instagram • Threads • BlueSky • Reddit • Mastodon • NextDoor • TikTok • YouTube • Apple News •

In Episode 194, Scott Piehler's topics include: The Planning Board addresses housing. A busy City Council agenda. Woodstock spreads its water wings. APD busts a mail thief. Some great sports news just across the Estuary. Warm weather brings lots to do, including Restaurant Week 2026. Support the show• AlamedaPost.com • Podcast • Events • Contact •• Facebook • Instagram • Threads • BlueSky • Reddit • Mastodon • NextDoor • TikTok • YouTube • Apple News •

In Episode 193, Scott Piehler's topics include: The latest from City Council. A look ahead to the next Planning Board. Layoffs paused at Alameda Health. Our new Postmaster makes history. The latest real estate sales. The Rotary Club plants for the future. Carrier Con is back. A golden celebration. Events for your weekend, and don't forget the time change on Sunday.  Support the show• AlamedaPost.com • Podcast • Events • Contact •• Facebook • Instagram • Threads • BlueSky • Reddit • Mastodon • NextDoor • TikTok • YouTube • Apple News •

In Episode 192, Scott Piehler's topics include: City Council addresses police statistics and the homeless issue. A preview of next week's Planning Board meeting. AUSD averts a strike. Our Naval history in the present day. The latest real estate sales. And SF Beer Week tops the list of events. Support the show• AlamedaPost.com • Podcast • Events • Contact •• Facebook • Instagram • Threads • BlueSky • Reddit • Mastodon • NextDoor • TikTok • YouTube • Apple News •

Last year, Hampton Coffee Company took over a roadside cafe in a quiet corner of Hampton Bays. Over decades, the building, a former farm stand, had been expanded and transformed into a small eatery with bathrooms, a kitchen and walk-in refrigerators. The neighbors love having the cafe nearby. The problem is, all those expansions were done sans permits. So in an effort to bring everything up to date, Hampton Coffee Company's owners Jason and Theresa Belkin filed a change of tenancy notice with Southampton Town Building Department to officially convert the certificate of occupancy from a farm stand to a take-out restaurant. Now the town is telling the Belkins they must go to the Planning Board for a proper assessment of what the building has become. This week, the editors discuss the conundrum the town faces as it considers legalizing a beloved business in a residential zone while also pondering what sort of precedents it might set down the road in other similar situations.

In Episode 183, Scott Piehler's topics include: The Planning Board approves the next step in the West Midway Housing Project. The Clipper system gets a major upgrade. A couple of local documentaries in the news. Wildlife on the shore and on the water. The latest real estate sales. And holiday events are in full swing. Support the show• AlamedaPost.com • Podcast • Events • Contact •• Facebook • Instagram • Threads • BlueSky • Reddit • Mastodon • NextDoor • TikTok • YouTube • Apple News •

In Episode 182, Scott Piehler's topics include: City Council tackles inclusionary housing, and lets Mylar balloon sales continue. The Planning Board returns to Alameda Point. The Food Bank and Christ Episcopal to unveil new services. A brazen robbery at a local 7-Eleven. Alameda Fire Department honors one of their own. A holiday gift guide devoted to Alameda.  Support the show• AlamedaPost.com • Podcast • Events • Contact •• Facebook • Instagram • Threads • BlueSky • Reddit • Mastodon • NextDoor • TikTok • YouTube • Apple News •

===== MDJ Script/ Top Stories for November 21st Publish Date:  November 21st    Commercial: From the BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Friday, November 21st and Happy Birthday to Stan The Man Musial I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal Cobb targets millions in federal funds to counter drones, boost World Cup security Smyrna denies five-story apartment building Interrogation videos highlight third day of trial for man accused of killing Acworth neighbors Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on rice All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!  BREAK: INGLES 10 STORY 1: Cobb targets millions in federal funds to counter drones, boost World Cup security  Next summer, Cobb County will play host to international soccer teams prepping for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, one of the biggest sporting events ever. With Atlanta set to host eight matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Cobb will handle training, transportation, and fan events. But with that comes challenges—crowds, security, and logistics. To prepare, county officials are asking for Homeland Security grants to boost safety measures, including $7.5–$12 million for drone detection tech. Training sites? Atlanta United’s grounds in Marietta, KSU’s Fifth Third Stadium, and possibly Pace Academy. “The more popular the team, the bigger the crowds,” said Cobb EMA Director Cassie Mazloom. STORY 2: Smyrna denies five-story apartment building  The Smyrna City Council shot down a rezoning request for a 250-unit apartment complex this week, with a 5-2 vote against the proposal. Wood Partners South Acquisitions LLC had pitched a five-story mixed-use development on 6.7 acres along Highlands Parkway, near Technology Court. The plan included 250 apartments—mostly one- and two-bedroom units—plus retail space, a pool, and a courtyard. Councilwoman Latonia Hines acknowledged the project’s quality but questioned the location. “It’s a great development—just not here,” she said. The Planning Board and city staff had already recommended denial, citing conflicts with the area’s industrial zoning. STORY 3: Interrogation videos highlight third day of trial for man accused of killing Acworth neighbors On the third day of Matthew Lanz’s murder trial, the defense finally had its turn. Lanz, now 26, sat quietly in a green jumpsuit, his hair unkempt, his face hidden behind a scruffy beard. Prosecutors played interrogation videos from 2021, where Lanz, then 22, denied killing his neighbors, Justin and Amber Hicks. “I didn’t murder them,” he said. “Someone murdered them.” The Hicks, both 31, were found shot to death in their home, their two-year-old son unharmed nearby. Lanz is accused of breaking in through a back window and pulling the trigger. The trial, a bench trial at the defense’s request, will hinge on Judge Sonja Brown’s decision. Prosecutors rested their case Wednesday, leaving the defense to decide if Lanz will testify. In one chilling video, Lanz asked police if Amber Hicks had been pregnant. She wasn’t, but his comment left the courtroom uneasy. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.  We’ll be right back. Break: STRAND THEATRE STORY 4: State Senate election appears headed toward runoff  It looks like Democrats Jaha Howard and Roger Bruce are headed for a runoff in the special election to fill the state Senate seat vacated by Jason Esteves. Unofficial results show Howard leading with 32.6% of the vote, followed by Bruce at 25.4%. The six-candidate race was a whirlwind, with just over a month to campaign. “We had to gear up in days,” Howard said, calling the campaign a “faith journey.” Bruce, a Capitol veteran with 22 years in the Georgia House, leaned on endorsements from big names like former Gov. Roy Barnes. The runoff is set for Dec. 16. STORY 5: Smyrna limits vape shop locations, approves Tolleson Aquatic Center contract This week, Smyrna’s City Council cracked down on vape shops, unanimously passing an ordinance to define and restrict them. “Right now, they’re just lumped in with general retail,” said Community Development Director Rusty Martin. “This lets us set some boundaries.” The new rules? Vape shops—defined as retailers primarily selling alternative nicotine or vapor products—can’t open within 1,000 feet of another vape shop, schools, or daycares. In other council news, Arrow Waste got the green light (6-1) for a temporary office on Riverview Road, despite concerns about a nearby fuel tank. Also approved: a $16.23M contract for the Tolleson Aquatic Center, set to open in 2027. And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on rice We’ll have closing comments after this. Break: Ingles Markets 10 Signoff-   Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at mdjonline.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: www.ingles-markets.com Strand Marietta – Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.