Latest news with #Hagan
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Emmitsburg to allow new type of student housing downtown
Students will be allowed to live in the Village Zone in the town of Emmitsburg in residences with six or more bedrooms. The policy does not apply to homes with five or fewer bedrooms, since those types of living arrangements are considered boarding homes in the town code. Designations of student housing of this type are to be awarded as zoning special exceptions by the Board of Appeals and must not be within 500 feet of another boarding home or student housing units, according to the ordinance. Additional conditions of student housing for those enrolled in post-secondary schools include one off-street parking space per bedroom, trash to be screened from public view and a maximum of one student per bedroom. All dwelling units must meet the requirements of the International Building Code. The ordinance came as a response to two rental properties owned by local businessman David Ott that totaled 11 units — surpassing the boarding house thresholds. The ordinance passed 3-2 on Monday. Commissioners Jim Hoover, Kevin Hagan and Cliff Sweeney voted in favor. Commissioners Amy Boehman-Pollitt and Valerie Turnquist voted against. Hagan said the ordinance was more about preventing development in the future that might change the character of the community of West Main Street and destroy the historic, charming nature. He added that a more robust student housing bill may need to be passed later to address all forms of housing that students from Mount St. Mary's University may choose, but the ordinance would provide assurances to landowners in the near term. 'We're putting off the good for the perfect and we may never find the perfect,' Hagan said. 'The longer we wait, the more it costs everyone. We're running up everybody's legal fees here.' Boehman-Pollitt said amending the ordinance with a rental registration bill later to put more restrictions on student housing was like 'putting the cart before the horse.' 'I don't see how it is the town's problem to make sure a landlord gets to maximize their profit, so much as what is our town vision?' she said. 'If we want it limited, it should be stated ahead of time.' Turnquist said the policy was 'so vague' that it would not adequately solve the issue for any parties involved. 'I'm not opposed to students living in town, but I think we need to protect the quality of life for our residents by ensuring a policy that's fair and equitable to all,' she said. During the public comments period, two residents spoke out against student housing, while Gerard Joyce, Mount St. Mary's president, asked the council to continue building the relationship between the town and the Mount. 'We want to be part of this community, if you'll have us,' Joyce said. He added that living off campus was not a matter of scarcity of on-campus housing, but a step in the development of life skills for students looking to live independently and frequent local stores and restaurants, adding to the vibrancy of downtown life. 'Part of our mission is producing ethical leaders with service to God and others — you're the others in this scenario,' Joyce said. 'I want you to be as proud of our students as we are.'
The Sun
31-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Kota Kinabalu's Shangri-La Rasa Ria champions community-based tourism
PETALING JAYA: Shangri-La Rasa Ria in Kota Kinabalu is strategically positioned to serve as an ideal platform supporting Sabah's advancement towards community-based tourism, in alignment with the objectives set forth by the Sabah Tourism Board. 'It's about creating moments that matter – grounded in our surroundings and led by our people,' general manager Fiona Hagan told SunBiz in an interview via email. She said the resort's collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Sabah facilitates several ongoing research initiatives and conservation education programmes. The partnership ensures guests engage in meaningful learning and contribute to sustainable tourism practices, reinforcing the destination's commitment to responsible and impactful visitor experiences. Encompassing 400 acres of beachfront, rainforest, and protected reserve, Shangri-La Rasa Ria offers immersive cultural and nature-based experiences. Hagan said that apart from local cultural attractions, today's guests seek experiences rooted in wellness, nature and authenticity. 'We have shaped our programming around sunrise hikes and winged wonders, buggy tours and birdwatching, beach walks, and marshmallow roasting at sunset. Families can learn about biodiversity together, while couples can reconnect with nature in simple, memorable ways.' On Shangri-La Rasa Ria's achievement in securing Asean Green Hotel Standard classification, Hagan said the recognition reflects the resort's ongoing efforts to build a truly sustainable operation. 'At Shangri-La Rasa Ria, our EcoRia platform drives our environmental strategy – from rainwater harvesting and in-house bottling to LED retrofitting and achieving a 63.21% waste diversion rate. We are the first hotel in Malaysia certified under ISO 20121 for sustainable event management. 'These milestones reinforce our commitment to the Triple S pillars – Stay Responsibly, Savour Sustainably and Shine Through Collective Impact,' she said. Asked what sets Shangri-La Rasa Ria apart from other resorts, Hagan highlighted its people and commitment to guest experience. 'Through continuous upskilling, daily training, and our planned National Dual Training System (NDTS) accreditation, we are investing in the future of hospitality. We also consistently refine our guest programming – from cultural workshops to nature exploration – to ensure it evolves in line with guest expectations. 'Our strength lies in delivering quality experiences with authenticity, supported by a team that genuinely cares,' she said. Hagan noted a shift in the resort's primary guest demographics, with more families, independent travellers and those seeking meaningful cultural and community connections now making up the core audience. To meet evolving traveller expectations, the resort is enhancing its offerings. 'We are excited to introduce our upcoming Cultural Village, featuring a bamboo house crafted by local artisans, which will host dance performances, storytelling sessions, and local markets. 'Additionally, we have expanded our food and beverage programming with initiatives like the Rasa Ria Chef's Garden and the Rooted in Nature menus, celebrating Sabah's rich culinary heritage and local ingredients. 'These experiences enable our guests to engage more deeply with the culture and environment,' Hagan said. The resort has planned several enhancements, including new facilities and culinary expansions, to elevate the guest experience and uphold Shangri-La's premium positioning. 'Later this year, we will open the bamboo house as part of our Cultural Village, providing an immersive space for guest engagement, cultural exchange, and event hosting. Additionally, we are expanding our Asian cuisine offerings to feature live, sustainably sourced seafood, reflecting Sabah's renowned status as a seafood destination. 'These developments, alongside ongoing service and product improvements, underscore our commitment to delivering luxury with substance,' Hagan said. Shangri-La Rasa Ria is also leveraging technology and digital innovation to enhance both guest engagement and operational efficiency by integrating multiple digital touchpoints for a seamless guest experience. Guests can now use mobile check-in, access activity booking kiosks and manage all service requests through the Shangri-La App. Additionally, 24/7 messaging support is available via WhatsApp and WeChat, enabling real-time communication. These tools allow the resort to deliver prompt, personalised service while maintaining a strong human connection. Asked what are the biggest challenges and opportunities for Malaysia's luxury resort sector over the next five years, Hagan pointed to talent development and environmental, social and governance (ESG) integration. 'Attracting and developing hospitality talent, especially in regional areas, is a critical challenge. Our approach is to grow from within by offering structured training, clear career pathways, and launching our NDTS-accredited training centre. 'Simultaneously, ESG integration is reshaping luxury travel, and guests now demand transparency, connection, and purpose. Through local sourcing, sustainability education, and digital engagement, we are committed to keeping Shangri-La Rasa Ria future-ready and aligned with evolving guest expectations,' she said. Shangri-La Rasa Ria is also positioned as a preferred destination for both weddings and business events, capable of hosting intimate gatherings of 15 guests to large-scale functions accommodating up to 1,000 attendees. With its private beachfront, expansive landscaped gardens and versatile open spaces, the resort offers flexibility for a wide range of events – from sunset beach weddings and garden receptions to structured business conferences and meetings.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Clay County breaks ground on new animal shelter after decades of capacity, flooding problems
A number of leaders in Clay County came to see the ground broken on the new animal shelter opening in Middleburg. A feeling shared among many of them: it's been a long time coming. 'The reality is, the need has outgrown our current animal shelter,' said Ernest Hagan, director of Clay County Animal Services. One of the last times Action News Jax told you about the struggles the county has been having at its current animal shelter in Green Cove Springs was last spring, when the county described its lack of shelter space for animals in need and staff to support them as a 'desperate' situation. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Hagan told Action News Jax on Tuesday that this has been an issue the shelter has faced for decades, since it was first built back in the 1960s. He said there's been an ongoing effort for more than 15 years to replace the shelter, especially because of its risk of getting flooded. 'Black Creek has always run behind the shelter and that's always been a threat,' Hagan said, 'not having that threat will be a godsend to us.' The Federal Emergency Management Agency says the shelter's current location on State Road 16 West in Green Cove Springs is right in the middle of a flood risk zone. The new shelter location in Middleburg, at the intersection of County Road 220 and Sleepy Hollow Road, per FEMA's Flood Zone maps, is not in an area of flood risk. 'Not only during hurricanes do we have to move our animals, but we also have to take into account bringing in other animals as well,' said Hagan, 'this new location will eliminate that problem for having to find extra space and we can create more emergency shelters.' [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Clay County Animal Services says the new shelter cost around $21 million. $1 million of that money is coming from Lincoln Memorial University, a Tennessee-based private school working on a new veterinary school in Orange Park, which the school says will make use of the new shelter as a hands-on learning space for students. The county, through the new shelter, is also opening up a new donation service as it works on the new shelter, which is set to open in late 2026. The new service allows anyone to purchase a decorative paw print with a customizable engraving to be displayed in the shelter, with the proceeds going toward the work done through Clay County Animal Services. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Exclusive: Bitcoin 2025 to host Trump-backed 'Code and Country Day'
Bitcoin 2025 joins America's 250th celebration with a presidential partnership, 30,000 attendees and exclusive programming. In an interview with TheStreet Roundtable, Sean Hagan, Head of Media at BTC Inc., confirmed a landmark federal tie-in for Bitcoin 2025. 'I'm happy to share on the show that Bitcoin 2025 is officially a part of the America 250 celebration. We are officially partnered with the Trump administration and America 250 celebration to have Code and Country Day on day one of our event,' Hagan said — marking a rare fusion of U.S. bicentennial ceremony and blockchain innovation. Special Discount for TheStreet Roundtable Readers — Click Here to Register Hagan also highlighted the conference's sheer scale and community energy. 'We're expecting about 30,000 people for this year's event,' he noted, promising a diverse crowd of 'hardcore Bitcoin maxis, crypto enjoyers and like-minded individuals.' Despite the high-profile political programming, Bitcoin 2025 remains true to its roots. As Hagan put it, 'It's not a crypto conference. It's the Bitcoin conference,' placing the original chain at center stage and dismissing others as 'test networks at best or scams at worst.' Special Discount for TheStreet Roundtable Readers — Click Here to Register Themed 'embrace game theory,' this year's event will examine how strategic incentives drive adoption — from nation-state allocations to corporate treasuries — and will feature speakers such as Vice President JD Vance and Michael Saylor. Attendees can expect an exclusive "Code and Country Day" tied into America's 250th anniversary in partnership with the Trump administration, a community of 30,000 Bitcoin enthusiasts and industry leaders, deep-dive sessions on game theory's role in Bitcoin adoption, and official after-parties and networking events each evening. Hagan further emphasized Bitcoin 2025's role as the industry's announcement hub. 'It's also the place where industry leaders make their announcements about their companies and their updates for their shareholders,' he said — underscoring the event's significance for corporate strategy and investor relations. He added that Code and Country Day will 'celebrate America's exceptionalism through Bitcoin and technological developments at our event.' Special Discount for TheStreet Roundtable Readers — Click Here to Register Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Edinburgh Live
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Edinburgh Live
Prince Harry is 'clearly broken' and 'distressed' by two different problems
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Prince Harry's recent bombshell interview with the BBC has sparked concerns about his wellbeing, as he appeared deeply troubled following his defeat regarding government-funded security arrangements. Royal commentator for Canada's CTV News, Afua Hagan, pointed out that the Duke of Sussex struggles to disentangle his family issues from those concerning his personal protection. On True Royalty TV, Hagan remarked, "I don't think he can separate the issues with his family from the issues of security, because it's all tied up,". During the emotional exchange, Hagan explained the royal's predicament, saying, "It is all the same thing. The reason why he is in the position he is now is because of the family, because he feels that they are instrumental in taking away that security from his nuclear family, from his immediate family." While acknowledging Prince Harry's evident anguish during the interview, Hagan highlighted that the Duke did have some compelling points to make. "Like you said, Sarah [Hewson], he was clearly broken. He was clearly distressed." Observing the Duke's struggle, the expert added, "You can see the toll that this has taken on him over the past five years, but there was also an element of him saying lots of the quiet parts out loud.", reports the Mirror. Despite the intense nature of his revelations, Hagan suggested that, "And maybe he didn't deliver it in the best way, but he made some very, very good points." Hagan has weighed in following Prince Harry's bombshell BBC interview last week, where the Prince shared concerns about his family's safety in the UK after a legal defeat. In a startling revelation connected to his mother's passing, Prince Harry mentioned: "I don't want history to repeat itself - from the disclosure process I've discovered that some people want history to repeat itself, which is pretty dark." Without naming individuals, Harry's words heavily suggest he was referencing the tragic fate of his mother, Princess Diana, who died due to a car accident in Paris in 1997 while paparazzi were in pursuit. Prince Harry faces a dual crisis regarding his family and their security, struggles he finds challenging to disentangle as they have stirred familial conflict. Speaking to the BBC, the Duke of Sussex revealed that King Charles has ceased communication with him, stating plainly: "He won't speak to me because of this security stuff." Despite the strains in their relationship, Prince Harry expressed a desire for resolution, particularly in light of his father's declining health: "Life is precious. I don't know how much longer my father has... but it would be nice to reconcile. I would love reconciliation with my family, there's no point in continuing to fight anymore."
