Tom Pollard’s Post

All along, the neighbours in the upscale Old West End neighbourhood just south of The Mount Community Centre, were curious about what would unfold in the long-neglected buildings next door. Many of them remembered the high-density, greenspace-eating plans proposed by another developer who bought the former convent in 2009. To assuage their concerns, the Mount board organized a public meeting on October 2, 2013. They set up a series of stations in the main floor’s former cafeteria to address various aspects of the redevelopment. They envisioned a sparse crowd moving from one presentation to the next with Steve Kylie, John Martyn and jim russell answering their questions. When the doors swung open, the neighbours swarmed the first station. One man had just moved into the house facing the south parking lot and was livid that he now lived next to a future construction zone. He demanded answers and was pointed to the plans laid out on the board. While the evening started with tension, the more the neighbours heard the plans and the sincerity of the new owners, the tone changed. They seemed to appreciate the opportunity to ask endless questions and see that the renovations would focus largely within the existing structure, preserving the grounds. Many of them walked their dogs on the property and were relieved to hear they would still be welcomed. As Steve said, the more eyes on the property, the better. That's the power of a strong communications plan. And as the Communications Chair at the time, it was a huge win. That livid man became our webmaster and organized a huge yard sale to raise money for the renovations. Good messaging leads to good relationships. And that's where I excel. If you want to read more about the bat that nearly stole the show and the rumour of the unmarked graves on the grounds, it's all in this chapter: https://lnkd.in/g7gQQHvV There are so many stories to tell in this world. And I guide people to getting theirs on paper, just like this one. #affordablehousing #strategiccommunications #communications #publicrelations #housing #inspiration #believetoachieve #crazyasseddreamers #seizeopportunity #miracles #dealingwithcrowds #publicmeetings

How much thought do you give to your Foundation? We've found that the answer is often...not much! The foundation is probably the most important part of a home, yet we take it for granted and forget about it until something happens....like leaks and water or a sinking home. The hard fact is that no foundation si going to last forever. The general lifespan of a poured concrete foundation is around 80-90 years. Without some attention and care, the integrity of the foundation will gradually decrease. Want to get the longest life from your foundation? INSPECT IT regularly and take care of small issues as they are found. We're here to help you care for your home's foundation! Learn more using the QR code on the image or https://buff.ly/3gsXQ97 #foundationrepair #foundations #rhodeisland #setinstone

Back to housing. This is a proposal for high density affordable housing with the parking hidden under the raised public space. Much in the theme of the Vormenfabriek in the same city.

"Foundation issues at your cottage? Let's tackle them together! Call Loralee at 613-407-8869 for expert advice. #CottageCare #FoundationRepair"

Auckland Transport has reduced the number of proposed raised pedestrian crossings, the Board reports from their first meeting of the year. This sparked many recent discussions as they are of great value to many pedestrians, including families with young children and people with access or mobility needs. We want to hear what you think! A lot of overseas research has gone into the design of these platform crossings. "From a pedestrian perspective, they offer a considerable level of safety in slowing down traffic and giving pedestrians a clear indication that they are designed for them," says Vivian Naylor, Barrier Free Advisor & Educator. "For the disabled community, they provide a quicker and far safer way to cross the road without having to negotiate often badly designed kerb ramps." As Greater Auckland's article states, the evidence supports the crossings' effectiveness, and they play a crucial role in protecting lives, especially for vulnerable road users like children, the elderly, and those with mobility devices. If you have something to say about the issue, leave a comment sharing your experience below – we'll collate these and pass them on to AT. https://lnkd.in/gx3khEzC

This is why. This is why we do this work. This is why we innovate. This is why centering voices of lived experience matter and make us better. As this crisis evolves, so must we. What once was a great solution may need adjustment as things change around us. There’s no such thing as a perfect or “silver bullet” solution. That’s why Pallet remains open to feedback and we are continually innovating in response to our lived experience experts, customers, end-users, colleagues, and partners. #housinginnovation

"Foundation issues at your cottage? Let's tackle them together! Call Loralee at 613-407-8869 for expert advice. #CottageCare #FoundationRepair"

when you are dealing with homes with foundation problems just remember that there are more things you need to deal with after the foundation repairs. Please give me your comments on this #foundation #structuralengineering #homerepairs #homebuyingtips #homesellingtips #homeownertips #coloradorealestate #davidnovak #davidnovakhomes #davidnovakrealtor #davidnovakremax

Housing construction has not kept up with demand. We currently have a shortage of more than 7 million homes in our country. What can be done? ✔️ Increase ⬆️ supply. ✔️Increase ⬆️ density. ✔️Make it easier to build. In addition to zoning reform, let’s lead the way with creative housing solutions, including modular/manufactured off-site construction. 🏗️ 🏠🏠🏠 #buildmodular #housing #solution #manufacturedhousing #urbaninfill #zoningreform David Allen Steve Payne Doug Tollin, MBA Stephen Peel John Jacon

🚪Gaps around windows and doors can be a sign of foundation failure. When walls settle, they leave gaps that are often larger at the top than the bottom. 📏 Measuring these gaps helps track movement over time and can let cold air into your home during the winter. ❄️ Before investing in new windows or a roof, we recommend addressing any foundation issues. Go with the Pros! Visit FoundationPro.com or call 501-753-1009. #FoundationPro #QualityWork #TrustedPros #GoWithThePro #LocallyOwned #KeepItLocal #FoundationProAr #FoundationRepair #TrustThePros