December 19, 2008

News for contractors and the construction industry

§                                 Local governments turn to re-zoning to revive construction
Some local governments are pushing through re-zoning proposals as part of an effort to revive plans for new construction. Officials in Fresno, Calif., for example, have approved a $150 million mixed-use development on a prime 39-acre plot. Meanwhile, leaders in St. Francis, Wis., are expected to approve construction of a university that could revive plans for local commercial development. Officials note that construction will help keep workers employed while the economy is weak. The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) (12/17)

§                                 Nevada city approves large MXD project
Two 330-foot towers may be built in Henderson City, Nev., according to the City Council. The towers are part of a mixed-use, 40-acre development that will include 850,000 square feet of commercial space and 1,700 homes. The project will be built in six phases over a period of up to 10 years. Las Vegas Review-Journal (12/18)

§                                 Developer aims to build two skyscrapers after razing hotel
Los Angeles developer Michael Rosenfeld plans to build two new skyscrapers where the historic Century Plaza hotel now stands. The two buildings would reach 600 feet and include 293 condominiums, office and retail space and a 240-room luxury hotel. Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa supports the $2 billion project, and a spokesman for the mayor's office said the project could "transform an aging hotel into an iconic destination and a state-of-the-art, mixed-use development in the heart of our Westside." Los Angeles Times (free registration) (12/18)

§                                 Tysons Corner embraces "smart growth" plan
Planners and developers have a vision to transform the Tysons Corner, Va., sprawl of shopping malls, office towers and car dealers into a shining example of "smart growth" by 2050. Located 13 miles from downtown Washington, D.C., Tysons Corner plans to build high-rise apartments, new transit stations and urban parks to complement the country's 10th-largest mall. "Tysons Corner can become a textbook example of how to turn an absolute planning catastrophe into a textbook example of ecologically sensible, sustainable architecture," said architect Doug Carter. The New York Times (12/16)

§                                 Structural problems cited at Indiana hotel
Officials in Indiana's Allen County in May ordered work stopped on an 80-room hotel. The Homewood Suites by Hilton hotel has has sunk up to five inches on one end. A local design engineer has produced a list of 14 design and structural deficiencies associated with the building. High on the list was the contractor's failure to compensate for soil that was unstable. The News-Sentinel (Fort Wayne, Ind.) (12/18)

§                                 Massachusetts prosecutors drop charges against Big Dig company
Massachusetts prosecutors have dropped manslaughter charges against a company for the collapse of a section of the Big Dig tunnel in Boston that killed a passenger in a car. However, the state will require Powers Fasteners to pay $16 million in damages to the state and city. The New York epoxy vendor must also stop selling the fast-drying epoxy adhesive implicated in the collapse, and recall all of the product now in the field. The Boston Globe (12/18)

§                                 Other News

·                                 Volkswagen picks Walbridge to build Tennessee plant
XYZ Computing/Knoxvillebiz.com (12/18)

§                                 Real estate industry shaken by Madoff scandal
Developers, wealthy families and large and small commercial brokers were all affected by a Ponzi scheme authorities say was run by financier Bernard Madoff. Observers noted Madoff managed his funds by providing few details to his clients. Some developers had pledged their investments with Madoff as collateral, and the charges raise questions about whether banks will continue to loan funds to them. The New York Times (free registration) (12/18)

§                                 Contractors propose improved safety measures at Las Vegas meeting
Las Vegas contractors attending a public meeting on Tuesday voiced support for several proposals they say will make construction sites safer. The Associated General Contractors' proposals focus on improving training and cutting drug and alcohol abuse by workers. The contractors hope the proposals might counter stricter policies that could slow the pace of construction in the area. Las Vegas Sun (12/17)

§                                 Versatile knuckleboom cranes grow in popularity
Knuckleboom cranes are versatile enough to help hang decorations in a casino, handle materials at a construction site or launch a boat from a waterfront house. The cranes can be mounted to a truck and travel with materials directly to a job site. They are popular in Europe, where they are also used in vehicle salvage and towing. Associated Construction Publications (12/17)

§                                 Some lawmakers hope to pass recovery package by Jan. 20
Advisers for President-elect Barack Obama are working to finish an economic recovery plan by Christmas and hope Democratic congressional staff members can draft legislation very quickly. "The goal for completing action on this important legislation should be as close to Jan. 20 as possible," stated an e-mail message from Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's office to senior Senate Democratic staff members. The recovery package, which is expected to include infrastructure projects, could total just under $1 trillion. The New York Times (free registration) (12/18)

§                                 Getting the Job Done Safely: Worker Orientation DVD
This DVD outlines the fundamental construction safety practices for new workers and provides refresher training for veteran workers. Easy to deliver training in less than 15 minutes! 1996. To purchase copies, visit www.agc.org/bookstore, item #435D.

§                                 AGC offers construction Tool Box Safety Talks DVD
This DVD contains more than two hours of video (30 titles) of the most used Tool Box Safety Talks for construction jobs. You'll be able to select videos by title with just one click. Each video topic is an average of five minutes in length. Topics include: Chemical Safety, Compressed Gas Safety, Construction Equipment Maintenance, Crane Signals, Cut-off Saw, Safety, Environmental Hazards, Eye & Face Protection and much more. To purchase copies, visit www.agc.org/bookstore, item #0550D.

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