Latest news with #NancySmith
Global News
6 days ago
- Global News
N.S forest restrictions leave public scrambling for what's OK
It was a regular summer morning in Halifax's Point Pleasant Park on Wednesday, with joggers, walkers and tourists on the trails, despite a sweeping new provincial ban that restricts all travel into the woods across Nova Scotia. The ban, introduced due to heightened wildfire risk from dry conditions, has left many park-goers confused about where they're allowed to go. Nancy Smith, a pedestrian out for a walk, told Global News, 'I think people are confused about the roll-out and maybe wish that there had been a little more detail.' 'It's still really confusing, are we closed? Are we not closed?' she said. Unlike Shubie Park in Dartmouth, where pylons had been placed at the entrance, Point Pleasant Park had no visible signage warning visitors about the ban on Wednesday morning. Story continues below advertisement 'I struggle to see how they're going to be able to enforce this,' Smith added. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The province says those caught violating the burn or travel bans could face fines of up to $25,000. Enforcement is being carried out by conservation officers, the RCMP, and municipal police forces. The restrictions are in effect until Oct. 15, unless rainfall improves conditions sooner. For groups like Hike Nova Scotia, the ban has already forced cancellations. Executive director Janet Barlow said several planned hikes and outdoor events have been postponed. 'I'm happy to do it if it means that we're not putting people at risk and we're not putting our green space at risk,' Barlow said. Others, like Linda Taggart from Hike Nova Scotia, say clearer communication is key. 'When I came this morning there was no sign, so I proceeded to come in. If there had been a sign, I absolutely would've respected the rules.' Provincial wildfire officials say the forest floor is critically dry, with plenty of organic fuel that could cause fires to ignite quickly and burn intensely. 'These fires can now ignite relatively easily, spread quickly in the right conditions, but they're much more intense because so much fuel is available to burn,' said Scott Tingley with the Department of Natural Resources. Story continues below advertisement He says what's needed now is several days of light to moderate rain, but with no precipitation in the immediate forecast, many are left simply hoping for relief. 'Let's all pray for rain,' said Taggart.
Daily Mail
17-06-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
Hardworking senior, 92, forced to mow neighbors' lawns after Dem mayor's neglect in historic city
An elderly Alabama man has been forced to maintain his neighbors' lawns for decades after the city snapped up properties for a project that was never completed. Jimmy Smith, 92, regularly mows the grass of his late mother's house in Birmingham, despite the city having purchased it nearly 20 years ago, reported WBRC. He still lives next door to his mother's derelict home and said the local government stopped taking care of the property years ago. 'What the city said they were going to do has not been done, and my question is why?' Smith said. 'They took what was rightfully ours.' His mother, Nancy Smith, sold her longtime home for $42,000 on March 22, 2006, as part of the 35th Street North Extension Street Improvement Project, according to WBMA. Smith said his mother felt like she had no choice but to sell, and then tragically, she died five days later. 'When my momma got the news... what the city was going to do... although she had medical problems, she died, for lack of a better word, she died of a broken heart,' Smith said. The project, which was conducted during the administration of then-Mayor Bernard Kincaid, was never completed, and the Smith family property has sat untouched, according to 'What the city said they were going to do has not been done, and my question is why?' Smith said. 'They took what was rightfully ours. 'The city took this property, and it's not my responsibility to dictate their policies. They did it — they should have all the answers. Mr. Mayor, it's one of your children. I want action right now. Can't wait.' Smith remembers his once-thriving community and has taken on the burden of maintaining not just his mother's house but also several of his neighbors'. 'You're looking at the maintainer. Not just this, but that and that and that, that on the other side,' he said. Across the street is the former Carver High School, the original site of a high school built for black students in 1959 during the era of segregation. 'That's the school where the children made a difference, and Lord, look at it now,' Smith said. 'My God, man, they could do something with that. That hurts, not as much as my mom's house, but close to it.' 'This was a proud community with houses, filling stations and cleaners,' he said. 'I haven't completely forgotten. I know God says forgive, but I ain't Jesus, I ain't never going to forget that.' A spokesperson for current Mayor Randall Woodin told local media that they are reviewing the forgotten project. 'There are a great deal of historical details related to how the 35th Street North extension project evolved,' the spokesperson said. 'As a city, we are reviewing this area and see the need for access improvements and other changes to benefit the community.' The city intends to consult with Smith and his neighbors to use their input moving forward. 'Our study of this area will include input from Mr. Smith and his neighbors before committing to next steps for the specific property he has cited,' the spokesperson said. 'His advocacy has been impactful. We'll be following up with him and others in the community soon to discuss possible plans for the area.' Smith said he has hope that the community will be revived before he passes away. 'Then I could just go at peace,' he said. 'Some years to come, our babies are going to have a swimming pool, and our babies are going to have safe streets,' he said. 'We're going to have sidewalks. Just watch and see.'
Associated Press
23-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Lincoln Avenue Communities Breaks Ground on its First Build-to-Rent Affordable Housing Development in Maricopa, Arizona
MARICOPA, Ariz., May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lincoln Avenue Communities (LAC), a mission-driven acquirer and developer of affordable housing, broke ground this week on The Ranches at Gunsmoke Apartments, a ground-up development that will provide 271 units for individuals and families in Maricopa earning up to 60% of the Area Median Income. 'We are excited to break ground on LAC's first Build-to-Rent development and to partner with WNC & Associates to bring high-quality affordable housing to Arizonans,' said Ben Taylor, LAC vice president and project partner. 'The Ranches at Gunsmoke will provide sorely needed units in one of the nation's fastest-growing metro areas.' The Ranches at Gunsmoke is LAC's first Build-to-Rent (BTR) development and will consist of two- and three-bedroom duplexes and standalone homes, with each unit featuring a patio, walk-in closets, and private fenced backyards. Communal amenities will include a fitness center, pool, grilling areas, a clubhouse, and rental storage units. Additionally, a solar carport system will be installed to offset approximately 50% of the community's electricity usage. Construction is expected to be completed in 2026. 'We're excited to see this new community taking shape thanks to Lincoln Avenue Communities,' said Maricopa Mayor Nancy Smith. 'This new development addresses the needs of those who work in the city of Maricopa, whether they're hourly workers, teachers, new police officers, or even our retired senior citizens who want to be a part of a community in which they don't have to take care of the property itself.' The development's financing includes back-to-back construction and permanent loans from Citibank, $65 million in tax-exempt bonds issued by the Arizona Development Authority, and $49 million in Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) and solar equity from WNC. About LAC: Lincoln Avenue Communities (LAC) is one of the nation's fastest-growing developers, investors, and operators of affordable and workforce housing, providing high-quality, sustainable homes for lower- and moderate-income individuals, seniors, and families nationwide. LAC is a mission-driven organization with a presence in 28 states and a portfolio of 170+ properties comprising 30,500+ units housing 80,000+ residents. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Lincoln Avenue Communities
CBS News
27-04-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Justice Department halts funds for programs for victims of hate crimes, child abuse, school violence and more
CBS News has obtained a list of 365 federal grant programs halted this week by the Justice Department, disrupting programs to help victims of hate crime and sex trafficking, children who've suffered violence, and refugees. The department also paused programs aimed at reducing school shootings, efforts to combat domestic terror and an Emmett Till cold case initiative in the Southeast. At least some of the grants were halted in memos sent Tuesday to nonprofit organizations by the Justice Department. The memos alerted program operators that the projects no longer "effectuate" Justice Department priorities. The cancellation of the federal grants caused disruptions at some nonprofit programs, according to organization leaders who spoke with CBS News. The head of a nonprofit that helps youth crime victims in Oakland, California, called the funding freeze a "devastating blow." Nancy Smith told CBS News she made plans to lay off 10 employees from her national "Activating Change" nonprofit, which helps provide sign language interpreters and legal aid to crime victims with disabilities and hearing impairments. Smith said 40% of her budget disappeared overnight. The list was provided by a federal source with oversight over the agency's funding of federal grant programs. Programs halted by Justice Department Obtained by CBS News The Justice Department told CBS News at least two of the grant funds, however, for the National Center for Victims of Crime in Maryland and The National Network to End Domestic Violence in Washington, D.C., have been restored since last week's memo was sent. The National Center for Victims of Crime, in Landover, Maryland, warned CBS News on Thursday that it planned to shutter its national crime victims hotline because of the cancellation of its Justice Department grant. The hotline receives approximately 16,000 calls from crime victims every year. But one day after a CBS News report about the prospect that the hotline would be shuttered, the organization's director notified CBS News that the Justice Department restored the grant money. A Justice Department spokesperson told CBS News the organizations that have lost their grant funding awards will have 30 days to appeal the decision. "We are confident that these cuts are consistent with the administration's priorities while at the same time protecting services that tangibly impact victims," the spokesperson said. The list of 365 grant programs notified of grant cancellations includes a broad array of initiatives to help crime victims and prevent violence. The impacted organizations include a San Francisco-based organization that seeks to reduce hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, a New York organization that works to reduce school shootings, the "Emmett Till cold case investigations and prosecution program" in New Orleans, the "Matthew Shepard and James Byrd hate crimes training and technical assistance" initiative for crime reduction in Florida, a Michigan group that supports re-entry for young offenders and a Virginia group that helps human trafficking and sex victims. Renee Williams, the executive director of the National Center for Victims of Crime, said she's grateful the Justice Department restored her grant funding, but told CBS News "our partners are still battling." Williams said the organization's crime victim hotline is a critical tool for those who suffer violence. Williams told CBS News, "After calling us, countless victims indicated that they had nowhere else to turn, but found hope, help, and comfort from our services." Joe Griffin, executive of director of California-based Youth Alive! told CBS News the interruption of his group's federal grant would have a devastating impact on community initiatives. "To do this ahead of summer, when we know there will likely be an uptick in violence, is really troubling," Griffin said. "We need our government to show up for our young people the way we do—every day, without fail." Other projects that were notified of terminations of their federal grants include the following: A Memphis, Tennessee, group that helps provide victims advocacy and support for non-English speaking crime victims An Atlanta project that supports crime victims under the age of 18 A Bronx, N.Y. initiative to prevent overdoses A Chicago-based study of elder-abuse victims A Florida project to help ensure the safety of correctional officers A Virginia-based project to help human trafficking victims.
Int'l Business Times
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Int'l Business Times
Justice Department Terminates $811M In Grants — Which Services Are Affected?
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is reportedly terminating $811 million in federal grants, affecting hundreds of programs across the country—including those supporting domestic violence victims, trauma recovery and police training. According to internal DOJ documents and two sources familiar with the matter, 365 competitive grants are being terminated. These grants, which were valued at $811 million when awarded, are typically paid out over a three-year period. However, it remains unclear how much of that funding had been disbursed before the termination. The grants were primarily managed by the DOJ's Office of Justice Programs (OJP), which had received approval to award approximately $3 billion in total competitive grants during the 2024 fiscal year, according to an exclusive report by Reuters. Impact On Key Justice Agencies The grant terminations span multiple agencies: Office for Victims of Crime lost approximately $71 million, affecting services for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. Bureau of Justice Assistance, which funds programs for local police departments and correctional facilities, saw cuts totaling $535 million. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention experienced $136 million in cuts. National Institute of Justice, which funds criminal justice research, lost nearly $59 million in grants. Domestic Violence Victims To Be Hit Hard A closer look at the terminated grants from the Office for Victims of Crime reveals the cancellation of crucial support services for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. One such organization, Activating Change, which supports victims with disabilities, lost five grants totaling over $2 million. According to Executive Director Nancy Smith, the canceled funding included grants for American Sign Language interpretation for domestic violence survivors and training for police on how to investigate trafficking crimes involving people with disabilities. Describing the grant termination a political act, Smith stated: "This punishes deaf and disabled survivors, silences marginalized voices, and dismantles vital support for those already facing the greatest barriers to safety and healing." Other eliminated grants funded programs on criminal justice reform, recidivism reduction, and support for formerly incarcerated individuals. Reckless Cuts Draw Backlash And Reversals The grant cancellations sparked immediate backlash from advocacy groups and lawmakers, some of whom labeled the move "reckless." In response to growing criticism and media attention, the department reversed several of the terminations. After media report on Thursday highlighted specific grant terminations, a DOJ official announced that seven victim services grants would be restored. Despite the sweeping reductions, Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that the DOJ was "discerning" in its decision-making process and emphasized that the department would "continue to ensure that services for victims are not impacted."
