Solar projects providing rays of sunshine for construction industry

After the number of memorable events that took place over the years in the Spectrum in Philadelphia, it seems the old arena was due to go out in a blaze of glory. That didn’t exactly happen.

Georgia-Pacific snuggles up to forests

Published: November 17, 2010
Tags: blog, Fetters, Hot Topics

By Tom Fetters

copy editor

So the country’s biggest plywood maker is upping its conservation efforts. Good move, Georgia-Pacific.

Senator’s call: Hold the pork

Published: November 10, 2010
Tags: blog, Fetters, Hot Topics

By Tom Fetters

copy editor

We may get a peek next week at the future of earmarks in the U.S. Senate, with the announcement Tuesday by Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., that he’ll push to change internal GOP rules to effectively ban party members from slipping pet projects into legislation — those projects have been known to include construction of roads, bridges and buildings for lawmakers’ districts.

Congrats on winning — now fix this mess

Published: November 3, 2010
Tags: blog, election, Fetters, Hot Topics, vote
Comments: 2

By Tom Fetters

copy editor

Dear freshman U.S. senator-/U.S. representative-/state officeholder-elect:

Whether you coasted to victory or eked out a win by just a few votes, you have a mandate: Fix this mess.

Decision to kick out caretaker would be un-Phantom-able?

Published: October 27, 2010
Tags: blog, Fetters, Hot Topics

By Tom Fetters

copy editor

Joe Patten, 83, aka the Phantom of the Fox, has helped spare the historic Fox Theatre in Atlanta from ruin twice. And now the nonprofit that operates the theater seems to be effectively telling Patten to hit the road.

Madison is land banking, but will developers take it to the bank

Published: October 20, 2010
Tags: blog, Fetters, Hot Topics, land bank, Madison, Washington Avenue

By Tom Fetters

copy editor

The city of Madison seems to be getting serious about building up its land banking portfolio, announcing its intention this week to buy a second parcel. But if replays of the Edgewater Hotel saga are on the horizon, the city could wind up sitting on a lot of desirable real estate no developer will touch.

Sink or swim: Who was watching Fla. courthouse construction?

Published: October 13, 2010
Tags: blog, Fetters, Hot Topics

By Tom Fetters

copy editor

To an office seeker looking to make some political hay, the new courthouse in Tallahassee, Fla., might resemble a vast expanse of healthy alfalfa ready for its third cutting.