Latest news with #BobJacobs
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
How fast is Olympia growing? Residents raise concerns about rising middle housing
The City of Olympia is continuing to take comments on a number of housing code amendments aimed at middle housing — more ADUs, duplexes and triplexes in more single-family neighborhoods. However, some residents are raising concerns about code amendments that address the size of the city. The larger the city, the more units can be developed on a single lot. Most code revisions address requirements set by House bills 1110 and 2321 which were passed by the state legislature. HB 1110 was passed in 2023 and requires cities to allow middle housing in areas that typically have only single-family homes. Middle housing includes duplexes, triplexes, townhomes and more. The bill also limits how cities can regulate middle housing, lowers parking requirements and includes resources to streamline design review processes. HB 2321 was passed in 2024 and addresses minimum residential density, exemptions for critical areas, creation of new lots through lot splitting, and encourages dense building near major transit stops. According to city documents, Tier 1 cities have a population of 75,000 or more. Tier 2 cities have a population of 25,000 to 75,000. Olympia is a Tier 2 city currently, with a population of about 55,400, but by 2030, Olympia and its urban growth area are projected to meet the Tier 1 population threshold. To avoid revising code once the city reaches 75,000 people, the city plans to meet Tier 1 requirements now. This means the number of units allowed on a lot will increase from two to four. Near major transit stops, or when at least two affordable housing units are provided, the number will increase from 4 to 6. The city has heard from residents about the changes during public comment before the Planning Commission and in writing. So far, comments have only trickled in and none were completely in favor of all the amendments. At the April 21 Planning Commission meeting, Bob Jacobs said the proposed policy amendments would have a very significant impact on the Governor Stevens historic neighborhood. He said revising code to meet the standards of a Tier 1 city and allowing more units per lot retroactively is jumping the gun. He said Olympia won't meet the Tier 1 population threshold of 75,000 by 2030 as predicted, unless the city moves forward with annexing its entire Urban Growth Area. Without doing that, he said it would take Olympia 20 years to reach 75,000 people. Sandy Novack wrote to the city that she strongly objects to the housing code amendments. She said allowing up to six units per lot would allow the city to succeed 'in packing as many people as you can together.' 'Most of us, even the poor or middle would like to walk a short distance to see a forest or a tree or a bit of sky,' she said. 'People are happier and better adjusted when they can do that. I suggest affordable housing go up but have space around it that is not developed.' She said if developers can't afford to build smaller, they should subsidize the building of smaller houses or build public housing. Novack also argued against upping the size of ADUs to 1,000 square feet. Lorie Hewitt wrote to the city that her concerns are related to preserving the historic heritage and character of the South Capitol Neighborhood, while allowing some proportional increased density needed for housing. Hewitt echoed Jacobs' concerns regarding making Olympia a Tier 1 city. She said there's no guarantee Olympia will actually be a Tier 1 city by 2030. 'I have lived here 40 years and seen many population projections come and go and not ever materialize,' she said. Hewitt said she doesn't see the benefit of redefining the city limits by including the UGA. 'Why intentionally reduce the flexibility to design a program for a Tier 2 city and see how it works before jumping right into Tier 1 requirements from the State?' she said. 'Many regulations benefit from adjustments in a 5 year timeframe, which should not be overly onerous as far as staff time. Just review the regulations in 2030 and amend them, if needed.' Hewitt said increasing unit density for neighborhoods within half a mile from a 'frequent transit route' would entirely encompass the South Capitol Neighborhood. 'Has anyone actually looked at our neighborhood lots?' she said. 'Fitting six units on them will certainly not allow for design standards that respect the historic nature of our streets and houses.' Hewitt also raised concerns about selling individual units on a lot to other owners. She said if a development is approved on a parent lot, the amendments allow for the individual units to be sold independently of each other. She asked what provisions are in place to make sure each of these units isn't bought and used primarily for business purposes. 'Unfortunately, when that happens it's likely they will frequently be left vacant due to absentee ownership,' Hewitt said. 'And when owners are present and properties are used for business purposes, parking can become an issue on congested SCN streets. The SCN already has a large share of houses whose owners are operating businesses and leave them vacant for most of the year.' Transit stops Near major transit stops, or when at least two affordable housing units are provided, the number will increase from 4 to 6. There aren't any major transit stops in Olympia under the state's definition. Instead, Olympia code is being proposed using 'frequent transit routes' for transit stops that have four or more stops per hour for 12 or more hours per day. The geographical range for areas considered near frequent transit routes — the areas that could see the 4-to-6 unit increase — would increase to half a mile from the current quarter of a mile. The city's amended codes would not require off-street parking as a condition of permitting middle housing within half a mile walking distance of a frequent transit route. ADUs Under the state regulations, cities can choose whether to count Accessory Dwelling Units in the Unit Lot Density allowed. The most allowed on one lot would be a six-plex or a six-plex and two ADUs. Cities also can no longer adopt a size limit for ADUs that's less than 1,000 square feet. Olympia code will have to be updated to increase the maximum size from 850 square feet. The city isn't allowed to impose setback requirements, yard coverage limits, tree retention mandates, restrictions on entry-door locations, aesthetic requirements or requirements for design review for ADUs that are more restrictive than those for the principal unit. Code amendments also would allow ADUs to be converted from existing structures, including but not limited to detached garages, even if they violate current code requirements for setbacks or lot coverage. Code also would be updated to keep building height maximums at 35 feet, but allow three stories instead of two, in residential zoning districts that allow 12 or fewer units per acre. Joyce Phillips, long-range planning manager, said comments are being taken on the draft amendments until May 15. A public hearing could occur as soon as July or August, and the City Council is expected to make a decision by the end of the year. To receive notice of public hearings or when the new draft is out, you can submit an email to middle@ and ask to become a party of record.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
I'm a successful businessman who hid my mental health struggles. Not anymore.
As a businessman, author, and someone deeply involved in Nashville's professional and social circles, I've spent years cultivating relationships, building companies, and giving back to my community. But for a long time, I was fighting a battle no one could see. For years, I battled severe depression and anxiety. From the outside, everything looked fine — successful career, loving family — but inside, I was unraveling. At my lowest point, I questioned whether life was worth living. Now, I share my story so others know they're not alone. I want people — especially those who seem like they've 'got it all together' —to know it's okay to not be okay. There is strength in vulnerability, and healing begins with conversation. These days, I travel the country speaking about mental wellness — how small, honest actions can lead to real healing. A check-in, a conversation, a shared story — these moments can save a life. I've learned that the most important relationship we have isn't with clients, colleagues, or communities — it's with ourselves. And when we take care of our mental health, everything else begins to align. This Mental Health Awareness Month, and every month, let's keep talking. Let's keep listening. And let's remind each other that hope is real. Beyond his advocacy work, Bob Jacobs has spent over 15 years working with Churchill Mortgage, where he serves as Director of Affiliate Business and is a Partner in Champion Title Ventures. He is also the author of Rack 'Em Up and Win: Tips to Building Successful Business Relationships and serves on multiple industry and community boards. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to talk and listen | Opinion
Associated Press
19-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Out-of-This-World Broadcast: LIVE from Space at the 2025 NAB Broadcast Engineering and IT (BEIT) Conference at NAB Show
A groundbreaking look at the future of broadcast-streamed live from the International Space Station. BEIT Explores AI, Cloud Virtualization, Streaming and Next-Gen TV at the Forefront of Media Innovation. WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESS Newswire NAB Broadcast Engineering and IT (BEIT) Conference, part of NAB Show taking place April 5-9 (Exhibits April 6-9), is blasting off with a keynote session that's literally out of this world! Conference attendees will engage in a live 4K UHD conversation with NASA astronauts aboard the International Space Station , showcasing new live UHD switching and routing capability at the agency's Johnson Space Center in Houston. Live from the International Space Station: The BEIT Conference Opening will explore the evolution of global broadcasting, from the grainy 1969 Moon landing to the upcoming Artemis III mission, expected to be the largest live-streamed event in history. This session will examine the challenges and innovations that will define the future of broadcast technology, content distribution and media consumption on April 5 at 9:30 a.m. Moderated by Bob Jacobs, retired senior communications executive at NASA, the keynote panel will feature insights from NASA astronaut Tracy C. Dyson, general manager and head of NASA+ Rebecca Sirmons, VP Americas Engineering Services, Harmonic John Lysic and SVP Production Technology and Operations, Paramount Frank Governale. Engineering the Future: AI, Cloud, Streaming and Next-Gen Broadcasting The BEIT Conference continues with over 70 expert-led sessions, panel discussions and technical paper presentations, focusing on the latest advancements in AI-driven workflows, software-defined broadcasting, cybersecurity and Next-Gen TV implementation. Attendees will gain firsthand insights into how broadcast engineers and technology leaders are leveraging AI to enhance newsroom integrity, combat deepfake threats and improve production workflows. Sessions will also cover the expanding role of cloud virtualization in media production and distribution, the evolution of streaming/OTT services and emerging trends in ATSC 3.0 and Broadcast Positioning Systems (BPS). Featured brands presenting include Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, Intel, Nvidia OneMedia and Paramount. Recognizing Innovation and Excellence at BEIT The BEIT Conference will spotlight the groundbreaking research and technical achievements shaping the industry. The Best Paper Award and Best Student Paper Award, co-sponsored by IEEE BTS, will be presented during the opening session, recognizing the most impactful contributions to broadcast engineering and IT. Selected papers will be featured in the official Proceedings of the 2025 NAB BEIT Conference and presented by leading professionals and emerging scholars to share expertise, discover breakthrough technologies and shape the future of media. 'NAB Show continues to be the premier global destination for broadcast engineers and media technology professionals,' said John Clark, senior vice president, NAB Emerging Technology. 'The BEIT Conference is a critical platform for industry leaders to share insights, tackle challenges and drive the future of media technology forward. This year's lineup of sessions, panels and research presentations reflects the ongoing innovation that is redefining content production and distribution.' A Premier Technical Forum with Industry Partnerships BEIT 2025 continues its long-standing partnerships with the IEEE Broadcast Technology Society (BTS), the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE), the North American Broadcasters Association (NABA) and the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE). This year also features a new relationship with the Public Media Venture Group (PMVG). Notable session collaborations include: Registration for NAB Show and BEIT is open. Don't miss this opportunity to be at the forefront of broadcast engineering and IT innovation. Register to attend NAB Show today. Can't make it? Stay updated on the latest show news by adding your name to our media list and check out our press resources page for the media kit, coverage guides, press releases, stock images and more. About NAB The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America's broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at About NAB Show NAB Show is the preeminent conference and exhibition driving the evolution of broadcast, media and entertainment, held April 5-9, 2025 (Exhibits April 6-9) in Las Vegas. Produced by the National Association of Broadcasters, NAB Show is the ultimate marketplace for next-generation technology inspiring superior audio and video experiences. From creation to consumption, across multiple platforms, NAB Show is where global visionaries convene to bring content to life in new and exciting ways. Learn more at Elizabeth Donatelli 202-429-5407
