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Innovative cities figure out how to add lots of single family homes
Revitalizing Morrisville’s aging downtown was key to new development



HALTOM CITY, TX, /24-7PressRelease/ — A grass-roots movement known as Make Haltom City Thrive Again (MHCTA) is urging the city council to adopt policies that would reverse ongoing decline in the city’s south and central areas. Founded in 2022 by businessman Ron Sturgeon and supported by a growing number of citizens and business owners, MHCTA aims to call attention to the need for change.
During a recent book signing event for Keeping the Lights on Downtown in America’s Small Cities, it was clear that citizens and small business owners have been frustrated and disheartened by the City Council’s lack of attention to their concerns. Although a number of practical and cost-effective ideas have been presented over the past two years both by citizens and by the Haltom United Business Alliance (HUBA) not one of the suggestions made seems to have gained any traction to date.
According to Sturgeon, Haltom City leaders owe it to their constituents to consider each and every idea put forward. When discussing the current challenges faced in the south and central areas, particularly along the older corridors of NE 28th Street, Belknap, and Denton Highway, Ron frequently points to other cities that have successfully implemented one or more of the proposed ideas.
One such example is the town of Morrisville, Vermont, which is on track to add 500 housing units in three years. As reported in the recent on-line article The Morrisville Miracle by writer Will Gardner, the key take-aways from Morrisville (based on his “deep dive” into the strategies used) are as follows:
– First, “humbly observe the needs and challenges” of your current residents and businesses;
– Review what you have and build on that, including businesses that have seen better days;
– Prioritize people over vehicles by reducing or eliminating unnecessary parking minimums;
– Encourage traditional development patterns and processes (e.g. allowing apartments above shops in existing buildings);
– Prioritize incremental business growth (rather than “putting all your eggs in one basket”) which has the added benefit of positioning the city in a much stronger place when ‘big developers come knocking” at your door;
– Encourage development by streamlining the approval process and reducing costly and time-consuming red tape which is all too often a death knell for small business growth.
The members of HUBA and the supporters of the Make Haltom City Thrive Again movement would very much like to see Haltom City consider the Morrisville ideas and any others used by similar towns and cities across the country. Says Sturgeon, the hope is to “bring back the prosperity and opportunity once enjoyed in these areas, which can be a very real and lasting legacy for everyone in Haltom City.” Haltom City residents are invited to contact him directly at [email protected] and to check out the Make Haltom City Thrive Again website to learn more.
About Haltom United Business Alliance
Haltom United Business Alliance (HUBA) wants to give members of Haltom City’s business community an advocate and to keep those businesses informed about issues that affect them. They want to make sure Haltom City is business friendly and nurtures small business growth, including automotive businesses, and bring more restaurants including breweries and a major grocery store to the city. New businesses and growth in existing businesses will create a stronger tax base which will allow the city to pay its first responders wages that are competitive with surrounding cities while improving Haltom City’s facilities and infrastructure. HUBA believes that the southern and central parts of the city need a revitalization plan, to prevent further degradation in those areas, and wants that to happen before the inner-city experiences increased crime and more blight. As retail and office uses are in decline, it’s more critical than ever to attract new businesses. They believe that such a plan requires a strong relationship and support of the business community. Anyone who owns a business in Haltom City is eligible to join HUBA. Dues are $20 annually or $50 for a lifetime membership, and membership is 100% confidential. To join, contact Joe Palmer at (682) 310-0591 or by email at [email protected]. Visit the group’s Facebook at Haltom United Business Alliance.
About Make Haltom City Thrive Again
The Make Haltom City Thrive Again website offers information and resources about its purpose and goals. For more on Sturgeon’s personal ideas and background, check out his book Keeping the Lights on Downtown in America’s Small Cities and watch the videos on his Facebook page. Ron is also the founder of the Haltom United Business Alliance (HUBA) which represents existing business interests in Haltom City and promotes growth of diverse businesses as well. HUBA is not a political action committee and does not endorse candidates. If/when Ron endorses candidates, he will do so on his own with the Make Haltom City Thrive Again organization.
Source: Make Haltom City Thrive Again
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METROLINK RELAUNCHES LOW-INCOME DISCOUNT PROGRAM AS “MOBILITY-4-ALL”
LOS ANGELES – Metrolink’s low-income discount program was relaunched today as the Mobility-4-All program. Metrolink passengers with a California Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card are still eligible for a 50 percent discount on all Metrolink tickets and passes. Riders can use their EBT card at any Metrolink station ticket machine to validate and unlock the discount.



“Since we began the program in September 2022, we have sold more than 80,000 tickets with the discounted fare,” Metrolink CEO Darren Kettle said. “Thanks to a generous Caltrans grant, we have made Metrolink an even more affordable option for people. Renaming the program to Mobility-4-All reaffirms our commitment to make public transportation more equitable, without reference to socioeconomic status.”
Funding for the discount is made possible by a grant from the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP), administered by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).
A California EBT card is required to validate the discount, while an alternative form of payment is needed to complete the ticket transaction.
Source: Metrolink
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Hollywood Writers Strike Ends: Guild Approves Contract with Studios
Hollywood writers strike ends as guild approves contract with studios, bringing production back after months of halt. Scriptwriting resumes.
After nearly five months of uncertainty and halted production, the Hollywood writers strike has finally come to an end. The governing boards of the Writers Guild of America, representing both the eastern and western branches, along with their joint negotiating committee, have approved a contract agreement with studios. This decision marks a significant milestone for the industry, allowing the resumption of scriptwriting and the gradual return to normalcy.
Key Highlights of the Contract Agreement:
The contract, spanning three years, encompasses several vital victories that writers had fought for since the beginning of the strike. These wins include improved compensation, longer employment terms, increased staff sizes, and control over artificial intelligence. The agreement closely aligns with the initial demands of the writers, reflecting a compromise between both parties.
Compensation and Employment:
The writers’ union sought higher pay and future residual earnings from shows, and the compromise deal resulted in a raise ranging from 3.5% to 5%. Additionally, the contract introduces new residual payments based on the popularity of streaming shows, ensuring writers receive adequate compensation for their contributions to highly watched properties.
Staffing and Artificial Intelligence:
The contract addresses the issue of staffing, with a requirement that shows intended to run at least 13 episodes must have a minimum of six writers on staff. The number of writers will be adjusted based on the episode count. While the initial desire for guaranteed staffs of six on shows yet to be ordered was not achieved, a guaranteed minimum of three writers was agreed upon.
Furthermore, the agreement grants writers control over the regulation and use of artificial intelligence. AI-generated storylines will not be considered “literary material” or “source” material, protecting writers’ creative contributions and avoiding competition with computer-generated content.
The end of the Hollywood writers strike brings relief to the entertainment industry, allowing the resumption of production and the creation of new scripts. The approved contract represents a significant achievement for the Writers Guild of America, securing important gains in compensation, employment terms, staffing, and control over emerging technologies. As late-night talk shows prepare to return, the agreement paves the way for the gradual comeback of scripted shows as negotiations continue. The Hollywood writers strike, while disruptive, ultimately led to a more equitable and sustainable future for the talented individuals who shape the narratives we love on screen.
For more on the writers and actors strikes, visit: https://apnews.com/hub/hollywood-strikes/
Source: Associated Press
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Punctuate Your Day with Humor: National Punctuation Day
“Embrace the power of punctuation on National Punctuation Day and let your words dance with clarity and humor. #NationalPunctuationDay”
Attention, grammar nerds and word enthusiasts! Today, we celebrate the unsung heroes of the written word: punctuation marks! It’s National Punctuation Day, a time to pause, take a breath, and appreciate those tiny symbols that bring order to our sentences.
Imagine a world without punctuation. It would be utter chaos! Sentences would blend together, leaving us scratching our heads and desperately searching for meaning. Take a look at this sentence: “Let’s eat grandma.” Now, add a simple comma, and voila! “Let’s eat, grandma.” Crisis averted!
Punctuation marks have the power to change everything. They can turn a statement into a question, add excitement or urgency, and even make us sound sarcastic. Just one exclamation point can transform a dull sentence into an enthusiastic proclamation! “I’m going to the store” becomes “I’m going to the store!”
Let’s not forget the semicolon, the mysterious and underappreciated member of the punctuation family. It’s like the James Bond of punctuation marks—sophisticated, elegant, and capable of connecting two independent clauses with effortless grace.
So, on this National Punctuation Day, let’s raise our pens and give thanks to these unsung heroes. They may be small, but they wield a mighty influence over our words. So, use them wisely, cherish them dearly, and remember: without punctuation, we’d all be lost in a sea of confusion. Happy National Punctuation Day!
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