Latest news with #Austins
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
What did we learn from Your Voice Your Vote events?
Voters have been quizzing election candidates on their views during a series of 'Your Voice Your Vote' events hosted by BBC Guernsey. The events have seen 10 candidates each night present themselves in a 90 second pitch, then answer three audience questions in 45 seconds each. Housing, taxation, education, healthcare and the third sector have all been on the agenda so far, as well as questions over toxicity in the States and candidates' ability to compromise. After the pitches, questions and mingling with candidates, these voters told us what they thought. The Austins are making voting a family affair, with Mum Kirstie, Dad Andre, Tanner and Bailey all keen to put their questions to candidates. Andre said: "What's most important is not leaving people behind. "Homelessness and inequality are really uncomfortable conversations that thankfully more people are starting to have, but I think if we want to get things done, people need to put their money where their mouth is. "If they don't, they'll hear about it this term as people will be on the streets." Tanner, who is at school, said his priority was creating a better education system. "I feel like certain schools give you a one-up in life and everyone should have the opportunity to access those." When asked if he thought the candidates would deliver what he wanted, he said: "I think you can get a sense of where people are coming from and how confident they are in what they can do. "So after tonight I'd have faith in a few people up there." Bailey, 19, asked the candidates a question about how they would support the third sector. She said: "The third sector literally carries Guernsey, it does work that the government should do, and it does it for free. "Some of them were very convincing, particularly the people who'd been involved in the third sector, others weren't because they spoke negatively about it." Kirstie said she was not passionate about one policy in particular, but wanted to see an Assembly that would "agree, and get stuff done". She said: "I was not convinced by the panel because some of them didn't even acknowledge the current toxicity within the States or more importantly, what they're going to do to hold themselves accountable so it doesn't happen in the next States." Ben Langlois has come to two Your Voice Your Vote events so far to help him decide who to vote for. He said: "My election priorities are affordable housing and a change in the tax system to make it more progressive and less flat-rate. "I thought it was really interesting. You come in and know certain candidates have got your vote and some don't, and it's the 'inbetweens' that you can ask questions to. My mind's been solidified. I've got three definites from tonight and a couple of maybes." Susan and Ian Souter said they wanted to vote for candidates who would look at the future realistically, and inspire islanders to do the same. Susan said: "The harbour is essential. It's going to take up most of any savings the States has, but it's crucial, and I don't think they've done any major work in it for a long time. "But imagine if our harbour gives way! No thanks." Ian said, "What people standing can't seem to do is paint a picture of what Guernsey will be like in 10 years, a wonderful place where we all want to live. "There will be some painful decisions to be made, and if we're going to have pain, we want to understand what's at the end of the rainbow." Further events are being held until 5 June. More news stories for Guernsey Listen to the latest news for Guernsey Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to BBC Guernsey to host eight election events General Election: The booklet lands... Guernsey Election 2025
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
GISD answers questions about bond
In the midst of scrutiny from the public regarding an upcoming bond election, Gainesville Independent School District hosted an information meeting Monday afternoon to answer any questions the public may have. The bond is for $58,833,798 to renovate the five main GISD schools. These renovations include new classrooms for the elementary and intermediate schools, a new career and technical education wing for the high school, a new roof for the junior high and other general repairs, updates and security measures on all campuses. These updates do not cover everything that officials say need to be done at GISD, but it will help get everything back up to standard. 'We had a facility assessment done about four years ago from a third-party who came in to look at all our instructional space, not the admin building, not athletic facilities, just instructional space where kids work in classes,' said Superintendent DesMontes Stewart. 'Just to bring all of our campuses back up to par, not to add any new classrooms, not to add any innovative learning spaces, just to take what we currently have and bring it back up to par: $300 million. That was four years ago. 'This $58 million helps us get the train back on the tracks and take care of some of the top priorities that are needed here within GISD.' Some of the new safety and security measures are required by Texas legislature. These new additions have become priorities in the wake of the Uvalde shooting in 2022. However, the state has not included new funds to pay for these measures. GISD has been applying for grants to pay for these measures with some successful applications, such as a $220,000 grant for an intruder program and emergency alert messaging system. However, GISD would be competing with larger districts, and officials say that grants can only go so far. 'We're trying to do any and everything possible to secure enough funding to take care of those unfunded mandates, but 1,300 school systems are applying for grants,' said Stewart. 'We're going against the Houstons, the Dallas, the Austins, and that list goes on and on, so you have 1,200 plus school systems that are fighting for this small pot of money. Hopefully, we'll see some additional funding come at the conclusion of this legislative session.' Stewart also explained that while people are paying more in property taxes, the school isn't seeing those funds. 'When property tax values increase and we get more in taxes, the state's contribution goes down,' he said. 'Trust me, I would love for it to stay where it is and continue to grow, but that's not the way it works. When we get more, the state decreases the amount of money that they contribute to the district. In essence, it's a wash: we don't see any new money.' Two of the updates include a new roof for the junior high and new floors for Edison Elementary, both original to the buildings that were built in the 1960's. A meeting attendee asked about why new athletic facilities were prioritized over fixing these in previous years. Stewart explained how much of the reasoning behind keeping these facilities up-to-date was to save on manpower and expenses in the long-run, plus helping give back to the community. 'That turf didn't pay for itself in one year, but that turf is going to pay for itself over time. It's going to reduce the amount of man hours that we've had to put out there on those fields, which now we can divert those man hours somewhere else,' he said. 'From a community standpoint, those fields are utilized by more than just GISD. You've got the college who uses those fields, you have our youth sports that utilize them, both indoor and outdoor, so when you talk about overall the benefit that provides to our community, it's priceless.' Throughout the bond planning process, it has been emphasized by the district that Gainesville Junior High is the oldest building currently in use for classrooms, hence why it needed the most work. At the information meeting, it was brought up that the current high school was built in 2005 because the previous junior high, which was built in 1937, was beyond repair. This led to someone asking why the district wasn't looking at building a new junior high, similar to what happened in 2005. In November 2021, a bond was voted down to build a new junior high for $70 million. As that proposal was denied and construction costs have risen over the past four years where it would take over $80 million now, the devision was made to try to scale back and renovate. 'Keep in mind, we built that high school for $24.5 million [in 2005],' said Stewart. 'Same building, nothing extra, built in 2025, $120 million, almost $100 million more … The overarching theme is, it's not going to get cheaper … We have to have these conversations, but while we have these conversations, construction prices are continuing to climb.' In the discussion with the high school, concerns were also brought up about GISD asking for more money while the district is already in debt. Director of Finance John Hill explained that the debt was intentional. 'It's an investment, like your house, but the difference is, unlike your house being a single-family home, we're traipsing in thousands of kids through these halls,' he explained. 'We refinance three of those bonds … reducing the amount that we're paying for interest and letting that money work for us. It's that old saying, if you're paying a low interest on your house, then you better be investing your money in the stock market because you're going to get a better return … These bonds are at such a low rate for what we're financing, it makes more economical sense to keep them going, paying them, and refinance them when we can for lower rates.' If the bond passes, the district is looking at a three-to-five year timetable to accomplish all the updates. According to Stewart, there will be a six to eight month window of going into deeper planning and prioritizing projects before seeing the change. 'Once we get the results, my plans will include a kind of Bond Oversight Committee similar to this where we sit down and give constant updates about where the projects are,' said Stewart. 'Also giving financial review … people want to know are we coming in under budget? Are we coming in over budget? … Hopefully I can provide you with the answers so that you can have the clarity to speak competently about what's taking place throughout the bond.' Another question about the planning process involved if the district could use local contractors and businesses. GISD Director of Maintenance and Operations Joe Warren explained that yes, the district can, if the company has the means. 'Because of the magnitude, the amount of money, we are mandated by the state to take it out for a competitive sealed process,' he said. 'We encourage the general contractors to utilize our preferred vendors that we utilize here in town. Unfortunately, sometimes that just doesn't happen because the sheer size of whatever the project may be.' Overall, attendees said it was an informative meeting, with one community member noting what was discussed needs to get out to the public. 'I know a lot of people weren't able to attend this meeting because we are a blue collar community. We are a working class community, so it's a luxury for some of us to be able to attend this meeting tonight on a school night,' said GHS alumnus and local businesswoman Renee Jones. 'I regret my ignorance, but I was not aware that state funding is reduced when we grow as a community. Ultimately, our district is being penalized by the state, and that's something we should take up with our state representatives with regard to the deficiency that they're creating … We have exponential growth coming in the next 36 to 48 months, and it's terrifying because we don't have the infrastructure for it, and it could be very critical to the educational opportunities of our children.' Early voting is April 22-29 with Election Day on May 3. Early voting will be held at the Gainesville Civic Center at 311 S. Weaver St. in Gainesville daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Election Day polling locations vary based on precinct within GISD with Precincts 1, 1C, 2, 3, 4 and 4C at the Gainesville Civic Center, Precincts 6, 7 and 8 voting at Woodbine Baptist Church at 245 CR 211 in Woodbine, Precincts 10 and 11 at the Valley View Community Center at 101 S. Lee Street in Valley View and Precinct 33 voting at St. Peters Church at 431 Ash St. in Lindsay. All polling locations are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Yahoo
09-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
What next for store that once dominated city?
In the heart of Londonderry, on a prime city centre corner, stands the building once home to the world's oldest independent department store. In 1830 - some 20 years before Harrods of London began trading and more than a quarter of a century before Macy's of New York opened its doors - Thomas Austin came to Derry and opened a drapery shop on a city centre corner. Over the next 180 years Austins would become synonymous with shopping in Derry. Since the shutters came down in 2016, the grand building has lain empty – now that is set to change. On Wednesday Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said a grant of £1.2m from his department would allow Derry's Inner City Trust to complete the purchase of the building. So what next for the former department store building? "Well that's the question isn't it?," the Venerable Robert Miller, chairman of the trust, told BBC Radio Foyle. "Nothing is ruled out or ruled in. We have saved a building, we have rescued it, now the next stage is to work to revitalising it." Spread over five storeys and 25,000 sq ft, the Austins building dominates its corner of the Diamond. For generations it dominated the city's retail landscape too. Archdeacon Miller said it was a building people in Derry feel an affinity with. Liz Doherty remembers school day lemon meringue pies in Austins café and trips to see her cousin who worked in the ladies fashion department for more than 30 years. When Austins was in its heyday, she loved "the style of the building, the ladies fashion, the old radiators and the staircase". "It had a beautiful atmosphere, it was so different to anywhere else. Whatever they decide to do next, like maybe a hotel, I hope they keep its old structure," she told BBC News NI. "It really is a fantastic building, with such a sense of history to it." Conor Green owns a coffee shop close to the building and told BBC News NI it has been empty for far too long. "Whatever goes in there, I hope helps attract a lot more people, a lot more businesses into the city centre," he said. He wants the old department store to be given a new lease of life. "I'm thinking restaurants, cafés, maybe even a cinema," he said. "Things that will draw people in and where they can enjoy themselves." Archdeacon Miller said the trust knows how important the building is to the city. "We are all mindful everyone is watching… that's good, whatever goes into it will encourage wider growth and development," he said. Founded in the 1970s, with the then-Church of Ireland Bishop of Derry James Mehaffey and Catholic Bishop of Derry Edward Daly among its founding trustees, the Inner City Trust was designed to inject commercial and social life into the city centre after a decade of the Troubles. It has, in the decades since, developed some of the city's most recognisable buildings, including the Tower Museum, the Tower Hotel, the Bishop's Gate Hotel. "One of our principles at the Inner City Trust is to diversify our portfolio to ensure risk is mitigated as much as possible. "But obviously it needs to be commercially productive…and benefit the community," Archdeacon Miller said, adding that work would begin almost straight away. "The first element of it is stabilising the building, that gives us time in our conversations as to what might come next, on the next chapter because that will affect what it looks like inside," he said. "It is not a case of saying 'who would like to come?' It is much more strategic than that." As shopping habits changed in the early part of the new century, Austins came under pressure, posting significant losses in 2011 and 2012. In November 2014 the listed building was sold to the City Hotel Group. The receiver then sold the trading side of the business. When it closed in 2016 more than 50 workers lost their jobs. Conservation architect Karl Pedersen told BBC Radio Foyle's Mark Patterson Show the challenge that lay ahead was a "joyful one". The building, he added, had been "caught just in the nick of time". "There is a lot of the detail we will be able to restore and salvage and preserve," he said. Stormont to fund purchase of Austins building Austins staff 'devastated' at job losses
BBC News
09-03-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Austins: What next for former department store in Londonderry?
In the heart of Londonderry, on a prime city centre corner, stands the building once home to the world's oldest independent department 1830 - some 20 years before Harrods of London began trading and more than a quarter of a century before Macy's of New York opened its doors - Thomas Austin came to Derry and opened a drapery shop on a city centre the next 180 years Austins would become synonymous with shopping in the shutters came down in 2016, the grand building has lain empty – now that is set to change. On Wednesday Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said a grant of £1.2m from his department would allow Derry's Inner City Trust to complete the purchase of the building. So what next for the former department store building?"Well that's the question isn't it?," the Venerable Robert Miller, chairman of the trust, told BBC Radio Foyle."Nothing is ruled out or ruled in. We have saved a building, we have rescued it, now the next stage is to work to revitalising it."Spread over five storeys and 25,000 sq ft, the Austins building dominates its corner of the generations it dominated the city's retail landscape Miller said it was a building people in Derry feel an affinity with. Liz Doherty remembers school day lemon meringue pies in Austins café and trips to see her cousin who worked in the ladies fashion department for more than 30 Austins was in its heyday, she loved "the style of the building, the ladies fashion, the old radiators and the staircase"."It had a beautiful atmosphere, it was so different to anywhere else. Whatever they decide to do next, like maybe a hotel, I hope they keep its old structure," she told BBC News NI."It really is a fantastic building, with such a sense of history to it." Conor Green owns a coffee shop close to the building and told BBC News NI it has been empty for far too long."Whatever goes in there, I hope helps attract a lot more people, a lot more businesses into the city centre," he wants the old department store to be given a new lease of life."I'm thinking restaurants, cafés, maybe even a cinema," he said."Things that will draw people in and where they can enjoy themselves." Archdeacon Miller said the trust knows how important the building is to the city."We are all mindful everyone is watching… that's good, whatever goes into it will encourage wider growth and development," he said. What is the Inner City Trust? Founded in the 1970s, with the then-Church of Ireland Bishop of Derry James Mehaffey and Catholic Bishop of Derry Edward Daly among its founding trustees, the Inner City Trust was designed to inject commercial and social life into the city centre after a decade of the has, in the decades since, developed some of the city's most recognisable buildings, including the Tower Museum, the Tower Hotel, the Bishop's Gate Hotel."One of our principles at the Inner City Trust is to diversify our portfolio to ensure risk is mitigated as much as possible. "But obviously it needs to be commercially productive…and benefit the community," Archdeacon Miller said, adding that work would begin almost straight away."The first element of it is stabilising the building, that gives us time in our conversations as to what might come next, on the next chapter because that will affect what it looks like inside," he said."It is not a case of saying 'who would like to come?' It is much more strategic than that." As shopping habits changed in the early part of the new century, Austins came under pressure, posting significant losses in 2011 and November 2014 the listed building was sold to the City Hotel receiver then sold the trading side of the it closed in 2016 more than 50 workers lost their jobs. Conservation architect Karl Pedersen told BBC Radio Foyle's Mark Patterson Show the challenge that lay ahead was a "joyful one".The building, he added, had been "caught just in the nick of time"."There is a lot of the detail we will be able to restore and salvage and preserve," he said.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Stormont to fund purchase of Austins building
A former department store in Londonderry that traded for more than 180 years before its closure is to be bought and redeveloped with more than £1m of government funding. Austins closed in 2016 after going into liquidation. The business began in 1830 when Thomas Austin came to Derry, opening a drapery shop in the corner of the Diamond. Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said a grant of £1.2m from his department would allow Derry's Inner City Trust to complete the purchase of the building. "The investment of £1.2m is the first step in the regeneration of this iconic building located at the heart of the Historic Conservation Area," Lyons said. The future of the 188-year-old building has been the focus of much debate since its closure. In November 2014 the listed building was sold to the City Hotel Group. The receiver then sold the trading side of the business. More than 50 workers lost their jobs when it closed in 2016. In 2023 a taskforce was set up by Derry City and Strabane District Council to work with the owners to safeguard the buildings future. The Inner City Trust works to inject commercial and social life into Derry's city centre. Rev Robert Miller, chair of the trust, said the funding announcement marked a significant step forward in the rescue and revitalisation of one of the city's most iconic buildings. "This restoration will not only breathe new life into an important historic building but will also strengthen the Department for Communities' Public Realm Scheme and the transformative ambitions of the Derry City and Strabane District Council's City Deal," he said. "It sends a clear message of confidence to other investors that our city is a place of progress, innovation and opportunity." Derry's built heritage, the trust chair said, was "a cornerstone of our identity". SDLP councillor John Boyle, a member of the council's taskforce, said: "It will be an enormous undertaking to breathe life back into the Austin's building, but I am confident that the Inner City Trust, with their track record, are well placed to take the next steps to achieve that goal." Former BBC Radio Ulster presenter Wendy Austin told Evening Extra that her family were "lucky enough to build the beautiful old building". "It's a bit like one of those expensive watches, you don't really own them just a curator for the next generation perhaps." Alongside the rest of her family, she said she "could not have been more delighted" with the news of the investment. "The worry was something really awful would happen to it," she said. "It dominates the Diamond.. and it will contribute to bringing that part of Derry up which will be super." Foyle assembly member Gary Middleton said the investment represented a "significant step towards restoring the vibrancy of the city centre". "This will not only restore a crucial piece of Londonderry's heritage but also provide a tangible opportunity for further investment in the area", he added. Austins staff 'devastated' at job losses 53 jobs go as Austins store closes doors
