Latest news with #MainStreet
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Demolition to begin for new ‘Gettysburg Welcome Center'
GETTYSBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — Main Street Gettysburg just announced that the next phase for the new Gettysburg Welcome Center project is now underway. According to Main Street Gettysburg, the existing structure at 340 Baltimore Street will be demolished on Wednesday, June 4 in order to make way for the construction of the new Gettysburg Welcome Center. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Demolition is going to be carried out by C.E. Williams, who is also preparing the site for construction. 'This project has been carefully curated for over six years and is finally moving forward,' Main Street President Jill Sellers said. 'It's a bittersweet moment to witness the past making way for the future, but thanks to many generous donors and grant awards, this vital project will support our businesses, residents, and visitors for generations to come.' Main Street Gettysburg says the new Welcome Center will feature ADA-compliant restrooms and a central hub for tourist information, event listings, transportation resources, volunteer opportunities, and more. Funding for the new Welcome Center was secured through a combination of local and federal support, which includes: $153,000 raised by Main Street Gettysburg through local fundraising efforts $300,000 committed by the Borough of Gettysburg $1,272,436 awarded through a Congressional Appropriation Final design plans, which were created by Connor Phiel of Crabtree and Rohrbaugh & Associates, will be submitted to the Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) in July. Pending approval, the project will go out for contractor bids this August, with construction expected to begin in the fall 2025. 'Our goal is to open the welcome center by summer 2026, just in time to host visitors for America's 250th anniversary,' Sellers added. 'We are incredibly grateful to our partners, donors, and the community for helping bring this vision to life.' For more information about the project or to donate to its endowment fund you can contact Main Street Gettysburg at 717-337-3491. abc27 news will keep you updated as more information becomes available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Johnstown Central Park renovation funding sparks controversy
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WTAJ) — The multi-million dollar renovation project of Johnstown's Central Park is moving forward and so is the fierce debate over where the money came from and how it should be used. The City of Johnstown received millions of dollars in relief funding following the COVID-19 pandemic from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The council earmarked it for upgrades to Central Park. The federal guidelines for how that money could be spent may be unclear and there's debate as to whether those funds should cover the cost of a park renovation estimated at up to $8 million. City manager Art Martynuska recently told WTAJ the project is on track with plans having been approved Thursday. Johnstown City Council approves designs for Central Park project 'The original plan was going for about $6 million. We hope to be around that same amount, if not lower,' Martynuska said. But Representative Frank Burns (D-72nd District) questions the price tag and the use of these particular funds. 'Casual upgrades, small upgrades to the park people are fine with. But 6 to 8 million in Central Park is ridiculous. And what people really wanted is meaningful things in their community and infrastructure,' Burns said. Burns proposed the money be put towards renovating or building a new police department, tearing down blighted homes or even building a new grocery store. But council has stated they believe the money must be put towards the park. 'City council members are telling us a former city manager, Ethan Imhoff, has misled them and they were told that they had to spend this money on the park…That's at least what they're telling us now, that they had to spend 6 to 8 million on Central Park as part of the Main Street program, which is not true at all,' Burns said. In a letter sent to each council member in May 2024, Burns stated he felt the lines were blurred between the ARPA funding and the city's RAISE grant when it came to how the project would be funded. The city's RAISE grant had to be used for transportation projects and could not be used for the park, according to the department of transportation who awarded the grant. WTAJ reached out to former Johnstown city manager Ethan Imhoff. He did not agree to a recorded interview but, in a phone conversation, said the decision to spend the money on the park was already made before he became the city manager. The grant specified that the money had to be allocated by the start of the year meaning the city has to move forward with current plans. It remains unclear whether this is an appropriate use of the funds as the grant was intended to be invested into COVID-19 response efforts or to address economic impacts. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Vogue
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Vogue
A Guide To Sag Harbor, the Hamptons Village Where You Can Spend a Classic American Summer
Traveling to Sag Harbor this summer? The Hamptons village is one that exudes an air of classic Americana, from its quaint Main Street lined with independently owned boutiques, to its sailboat-dotted harbors, to its wharf crowded with children eating ice cream cones with rainbow sprinkles after a long day on the boat or at Long Beach. A summer spent in Sag Harbor is likely spent the same today as it was 50 years ago. So for those lucky enough to visit the village—yes, the former whaling port isn't technically a town—here's a guide on the best restaurants, shops, and places to stay. Where to Stay Photo: Courtesy of Baron's Cove Baron's Cove—located, as the name suggests, right upon the water—embraces Sag Harbor's nautical history: navy blue is the interior color of choice, while anchors and ropes serve as accents. Many guest rooms feature a calming harbor view, and their grounds include a tennis court and a pool. It's also worth stopping by even if you aren't in need of lodging. The lounge is a cozy place where a fire roars on chilly nights; on warm ones, dine outside on their deck or sit on the Adirondack chairs on their wraparound porch. This stately Georgian hotel first opened in 1846, and, over the centuries, has become the grande dame of the town: at nights, the bar is packed with well-dressed patrons sipping martinis; during the day, townsfolk sit on the porch overlooking Main Street for lunch and people watching. There are only eight guest rooms—but arguably, there's no more authentic stay in town. Where to Eat There's no official ranking of the most critically acclaimed restaurants in the Hamptons—but if there was, Sag Harbor Tavern would arguably be at the top. From the same Michelin-starred hospitality group behind Red Hook Tavern and Saga, the cozy dockside bistro serves steaks, fish and chips, and the best burger out east. Right upon Sag Harbor Cove is The Beacon, a waterfront restaurant where you can drink rosé and eat lobster rigatoni as the sun sets on the sailboats that stretch out into the sea. It's a summertime staple—the restaurant is celebrating its 27th season—and, as a result, is full every night with couples, families, and celebratory singles who perch up at the bar. On Main Street sits Page, an all-day American bistro that serves lunch, brunch, and dinner. There's something on the menu for everyone here—dinner alone has a crowd-pleasing menu that includes caesar salads, vegetable risottos, seared tuna, and New York strips—making it an enjoyable meal made even more enjoyable by their light and airy dining room. People travel from towns far over for Sen, the sushi restaurant that's operated in the Hamptons for over thirty years. Come for their extensive list of speciality rolls; stay for the softshell crab steamed buns and chicken lemongrass dumplings. There's something simple yet elegant about the Southern Italian cuisine at Tutto il Giorni, where linguine with clams, mussels, shrimp, and penne with mozzarella are served in a quaint, rustic dining room. Although if you can—try to snag a table in their charming garden, which is adorned with greenery and hanging lanterns. For a more social night out, Le Bibloquet is the see-and-be-seen restaurant in Sag Harbor. The bar is usually lively, especially on the weekends, when a DJ spins from a booth. As for what to order? Cajun chicken, tuna tartare, and several rounds of drinks. There are plenty of ice cream shops in Sag Harbor. But Big Olaf Ice Cream, with its retro interiors and famous waffle cones, should satisfy your sweet tooth and your dreams of summer nostalgia. This Sag Harbor bakery, which also has two other locations in East Hampton, was a James Beard Semi Finalist Outstanding Bakery in 2025. With every bite of a different pastry—whether it's their monkey bread, their raisin snail, or their prosciutto Gruyère croissant—you understand why. They also have a number of breakfast and lunch offerings, like lobster rolls and chicken ban mi sandwiches. Where to Shop Photo: Anna Watt 'I just think our whole aesthetic just feels like the Hamptons,' TWP founder Trish Westcoat Pound says of her brand and their store in Sag Harbor, which is housed in white clapboard 18th-century home. 'It's the ease of the clothes, it's the comfort of the clothes—it's casual, but it's elevated. And I think that's what the Hamptons are.' Stop by to shop American sportswear summer staples like button-down linen shirts, light cashmere sweaters, and white jeans. Gwyneth Paltrow's lifestyle and wellness empire has a charming outpost in Sag Harbor that carries exactly what one m ight expect: think clean sunscreens, supplements, as well as airy linen clothing that works just as well on a boat in Sag Harbor as it does on the beaches of Malibu. A town is only as good as its book store—and luckily, the quaint Sag Harbor Books is excellent. The tiny independent shop, which is covered in ivy, sells new and used books as well as hosts a number of author talks. (Last summer, for example, saw a meet-and-greet with Goosebumps writer R.L. Stine.) Housed in an old barn is Sage and Madison, a charming store that sells gourmet pantry staples, locally made gift baskets, chocolates, teas, linens, and, well, a whole lot of other goods meant to liven a well-appointed home. It's also the perfect place to shop for a hostess gift—a box of Louis Sherry chocolates is a sure way to get invited back. See a summer blockbuster or an arthouse flick at Sag Harbor Cinema, the non-profit movie theater that's also a historic landmark. (Its neon Art Deco sign is one of the most recognizable sits out East.)
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Opinion - Main Street deserves access to private markets
On the campaign trail, President Trump promised to revive the American economy and deliver greater opportunity for working families: to create 'a middle class that is once again the envy of the entire world.' Making that pledge a reality starts with tax cuts and deregulation but doesn't end there. It will require policymakers to reconsider who has access to wealth-building opportunities. Unfortunately, far too many Americans lack the tools available to the wealthy. More Americans deserve the opportunity to invest in private markets, and that's something Trump's administration can provide. The Securities and Exchange Commission has a unique opportunity to help level the playing field. It has been more than 30 years since the agency reviewed the regulatory framework for retail funds created by the Investment Company Act of 1940. By modernizing these outdated rules and expanding access to private markets, the Securities and Exchange Commission can help put Main Street investors back on equal footing with Wall Street and big corporations. Over the last decade, private markets have exploded, growing to around $25 trillion since 2012. Big institutions like pension funds, endowments and hedge funds have long used these investments to earn higher returns than what's available in the stock market. But for everyday Americans? This opportunity to invest is largely off limits. Outdated regulations are primarily to blame. They assume retail investors can't handle the risks of private markets. In reality, institutional fund managers already invest responsibly in private markets on behalf of workers like teachers and police officers. Like any investment, private markets require proper safeguards. But with the right protections in place, there's no reason similar access couldn't be extended to individual investors. This is where the Securities and Exchange Commission can step in. Consider the current restriction that prevents closed-end funds from allocating more than 15 percent of their assets to private funds. This artificial cap locks Main Street investors out of opportunities their pension funds already enjoy. Removing or relaxing this limit — while maintaining proper oversight — would be a good first step toward giving Main Street access to wealth-building opportunities readily available to Wall Street. Closed-end funds are uniquely positioned for private investments, but because closed-end funds often trade a discount to their net asset value, short term arbitrageurs often seek to 'open' fund to capture the spread between traded value and asset value. Such activists seek to profit at the expense of long-term investors. It would help to design governance structures and legal frameworks that ensure the stability funds need to focus on long-term value. This is not to suggest we shouldn't have responsive governance and transparency for all investors, but we should encourage and enable long-term thinking and investing. These common-sense reforms are necessary to remove the barriers that have left the middle class locked out of a key financial tool. We should update old rules to reflect today's economy and empower more Americans to build wealth in the same way institutions and the wealthy already do. If the Trump administration wants not only to support but also to build up the middle class, the solution goes beyond creating good jobs and stimulating economic growth. It will also involve expanding access to the financial opportunities that create long-term wealth. It's time to finally level the playing field and make private markets available to everyone. Vikram Mansharamani, chairman and CEO of Goodwell Foods, is a former lecturer at Harvard and Yale and has served on the boards of closed-end funds, publicly-traded companies, and start-up technology firms. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
How To Diversify Your Portfolio With Real Estate and Emerging Tech
If you've heard one piece of investing advice, it's that you need to diversify your portfolio. It sounds good, but as you nod your head, you might wonder how exactly you can go further than the healthy mix of asset classes, sectors and even geographic regions you already have in place. Learn More: Check Out: However, every smart investor — whether you've been swimming in the sea of stocks for a while now or just started dipping your toe in — knows that you've got to regularly review your portfolio to determine when and how to change things up. Adding real estate investments, as well as companies that produce emerging technology, can provide new opportunities for growth while helping manage risk over time. While these industries may be new to you, it's easier to get started investing in them than you might think — especially if you follow a few simple tips. One of the core benefits of adding real estate to your portfolio is the fact that real estate doesn't always trend with the stock market — meaning that even if there's volatility on Wall Street, that doesn't mean it'll hit your investments on Main Street. In addition, property values generally tend to increase over time due to factors like inflation, demand and limited land supply. You also enjoy great flexibility in how you approach real estate investing: You have the option of buying a property, or multiple properties, so you can rent them out to other people, either as long-term rentals or short-term vacation stays through platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo. Even if being a landlord seems overwhelming to you, you can outsource the day-to-day management to a property manager. If your rental income covers those costs, you could still walk away with a solid profit. Explore More: That said, if you don't want to take on the responsibilities of direct, hands-on property ownership — or don't have the capital to do it — you might consider a real estate investment trust (REIT). A REIT is a publicly traded company that owns or finances income-producing real estate, such as shopping centers, apartment complexes or office buildings. You can buy shares in a REIT just like you would a stock through any brokerage account. The perks of investing in a REIT? It's highly liquid and requires a low minimum investment. It also pays dividends regularly, typically on a quarterly basis. That said, because REITs trade like stocks, you do have less control over the underlying assets and may experience market volatility. There's a whole world of emerging technologies out there, from AI to blockchain to green energy, and they're attractive investments not only because they reflect the direction of the future, but also because they allow you to put your money into areas that excite and inspire you. If you're excited about the potential of artificial intelligence, you can invest directly in AI-focused companies like Nvidia, Microsoft or other firms partnered with OpenAI. You can also explore AI-specific ETFs and mutual funds that provide broader exposure. If blockchain or crypto sparks your interest, you can invest in cryptocurrencies directly or in blockchain-related stocks, such as Coinbase. There are also blockchain ETFs and other investment vehicles focused on building infrastructure, scalability and security in the decentralized ecosystem. Environmentalists who want to invest in green energy have their pick of renewable energy stocks and green bonds, which finance eco-friendly initiatives. You can also consider ETFs and mutual funds centered around environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria. When you're assembling your real estate portfolio, you can further diversify by property type — residential, commercial, industrial or even vacation rentals. Likewise, with emerging tech, spreading your investments across different sub-sectors like AI, biotech, clean energy and blockchain can help reduce risk while boosting potential returns. To put it simply: Real estate can provide recurring income, through tenant rent or REIT dividends, while also helping to hedge against inflation. Emerging tech, on the other hand, may offer a little more sizzle in terms of growth potential, though it tends to be more volatile and may not produce consistent short-term cash flow. As always, your best strategy is to regularly review your portfolio and make sure it aligns with your goals and risk tolerance. Diversification isn't just about owning many different investments — it's about owning the right mix to support your financial future. More From GOBankingRates 4 Things You Should Do When Your Salary Hits $100K If a Financial Advisor Doesn't Ask These 5 Questions in Your Consult, Keep Shopping 5 Steps to Take if You Want To Create Generational Wealth Robert Kiyosaki: 5 Money Habits of People Who Retire Early This article originally appeared on How To Diversify Your Portfolio With Real Estate and Emerging Tech 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
