Deeper Dive Data (DDD)

at March 21, 2024

https://www.theengineerspost.com/category/automobile-engg/

at March 21, 2024

at March 10, 2024

Check him out

at March 10, 2024

https://clevelandbrocks.org/2021/03/tifs-their-consequences-the-need-for-a-new-mindset/

Every decade or so conservative politicians and corporate interests, often the same thing, suddenly discover a new, or newly recycled, way to make money whilst claiming it’s in the best interests of the public. Weaponizing keywords like “market,” “lower taxes,” and “job creation,” they prey on the forlorn hopes of the many living in our country’s urban areas. This is why we’ve seen the emergence of TIF (tax increment financing) projects especially in the political realm.

In fairness, TIFs are not altogether black or white propositions. Their implementation is often complex, and even harder to explain in layman’s terms. However it’s possible they can be employed successfully and ethically, but only under the following conditions: 1.) the development wouldn’t take place “but for” the TIF and 2.) developers’ plans are part of a larger vision for refurbishing the area around the development, and not solely a corporate attempt to line their own pockets. And therein lies the rub, as this is infrequently the way they’ve worked in practice.

Condition #1 above is exactly why the Wolstein development in the East Bank of the Flats, one of the most desirable places to build in the entirety of Cuyahoga County, is so egregious. One can hardly claim the site wouldn’t be further developed, ‘but for,” the issuance of a TIF. TIFs, almost by their nature, create winners and losers, and in Cleveland they’ve led to a windfall for landowners; especially those owning and developing prime real estate. The Wolsteins among them. (For more background on this case specifically see Sam Allard’s piece in Scene, where he captures the moral indignation of many).

How Do TIFs Work?

Tax increment financing has been around since the 1950s when it emerged in California. Today, they’re put to use in nearly every state. Yet, over the last decade they have become something of a lightning rod. In Chicago, where TIF was employed frequently under former Mayor Richard Daley Jr, significant blowback to their usage, especially in well-to-do neighborhoods played a considerable role in Lori Lightfoot’s 2019 mayoral victory there as she harnessed the wave of anti-TIF sentiment. And California itself has passed legislation placing limits on the usages of TIFs to ensure they’re utilized in areas where a need actually exists. Individual states have some differing guidelines for implementing a TIF, but here’s how they work in Cleveland and Cuyahoga County.

TIF districts are created by the individual city
- Often situated in “blighted” areas
The public improvements to be made with future TIF funds are established by a government entity
Base property value is assessed and compiled
- The tax revenue can be used to fund public infrastructure, compensate private developers for their investments, or provide collateral for bonds
TIFs are used to offset the literal costs of building the development. For example, if a project costs $500 million, but its expected value when completed is only $300 mil., the TIF is being used to supply the extra $200 million. If, and when, the value of said development reaches that $500 mil. threshold, the developer would start paying the taxes at that time
In Cleveland, TIFs are voted on by City Council and the Cleveland Municipal School District, but the final, actionable decision rests with Cleveland City Council
- There are vagaries involved in this relationship involving CMSD not voting and what that means for the length and exemption amount of the TIF Cleveland City Council can offer
Property tax amounts collected by jurisdictions won’t go up during the applicable TIF period, they’re frozen; but will after the 30 (or 60!) year period ends without adjustments for inflation
- Extra revenue collected in property taxes is set aside for the previously designated projects
- All growth in tax revenue during the TIF period–which is where the term tax increment comes from since it’s the incremental growth in tax revenue–is set aside and used to finance these projects
Homeowner and resident taxes aren’t directly affected
Developers use annual payments from TIFs to pay the debt service on the mortgage of the project

Drawbacks

Inflation
- Freezing property taxes or values for 30 years will have that money being worth less by the end of the TIF period
Oversight/Transparency
- TIF revenues almost inherently have less oversight
  - In Cleveland, as is too often the case, transparency took a backseat again in the Flats East Bank case this past December; the public didn’t know who the developer even was in this case until Councilmember Brian Kazy pressed the city’s Economic Development Director to somewhat sheepishly admit it’s “a collection of various LLCs that ultimately go back to the Wolstein Group”
- Surely by sheer coincidence, developers make maximum contributions to councilmembers who have TIF zones in their wards. Surprise!

at March 10, 2024

https://www.germantownwi.gov/293/Plan-Commission

Appraisal Reports: Valbridge Restricted Appraisal Report of Grosenick Building Germantown 9-1-22.pdf Valbridge Restricted Appraisal Report of Grosenick Dev. Land Germantown 9-1-22.pdf

Wetland Delineation Report: Wetland Report-Grosenick Property-11-8-23.pdf ALTA Property Survey: 2023-04 Grosenick ALTA Survey-Signed-10-20-23.pdf

Phase I Environmental Assessment Report: Grosenick-10.20.2023_Village of Germantown_Phase I Environmental Site Assessment_DRAFT.pdf

Phase II Environmental Assessment Report: 01.22.2024_Grosenick Property_Phase II ESA_Working Copy.pdf

Appraisal Reports: Valbridge Restricted Appraisal Report of Grosenick Building Germantown 9-1-22.pdf Valbridge Restricted Appraisal Report of Grosenick Dev. Land Germantown 9-1-22.pdf

Wetland Delineation Report: Wetland Report-Grosenick Property-11-8-23.pdf ALTA Property Survey: 2023-04 Grosenick ALTA Survey-Signed-10-20-23.pdf

Phase I Environmental Assessment Report: Grosenick-10.20.2023_Village of Germantown_Phase I Environmental Site Assessment_DRAFT.pdf

Phase II Environmental Assessment Report: 01.22.2024_Grosenick Property_Phase II ESA_Working Copy.pdf

at March 06, 2024

What's Going on at the 5.2 acre site and old Exit Realty building, you ask? The truth is a real head scratcher!!! So, I think it is common knowledge that for "secret reasons" our Village Board decided to buy a 5.2 acre parcel of land behind the Bier Stube, along with the old gray and blue Exit Realty building, both owned by Jerry Groesnick.

Overall a number of decades, this property has been a village park, and an apple orchard, and also had several businesses on the property, including a frame and axle shop. I talked to a few people who actually grew up in Germantown, and they remember the 5.2 acres as a marshy, swampy piece of land.

However, in the last couple of years, that acreage was identified by Washington County as a site for "Next Generation Housing". And there are several issues with this entire project people should be aware of. I don't even think people who live in this area are aware of the Village's plans. Here are some facts: 1)The Village put in an offer to purchase the Exit Realty building for $450,000 and the 5.2 acres for roughly $750,000, the highest price the landowner has ever asked for the parcels.

This SAME Village Board cut the library and Recreation Department budgets, and in the name of "cost savings" is transitioning our local police dispatch to the County. So HOW do they have the money to fund a $1,200,000 purchase? Maybe ask your trustee! Oh, and by the way, a local business owner wanted to buy the property, but the Village swooped in and signed a contract, squeezing him out, and to add injury to insult, will not pay him back the money he paid the Village for a conditional use permit application.

Yet another example of how our Village treats it's own residents, POORLY! 2)As part of the due diligence process, several issues have been discovered, which are problematic. First of all, there are significant wetlands on the property (maybe that explains people recalling the area as "swampy" and "marshy"? So that limits the potential development of the site.

Second, there is significant contamination on the site, including pesticide residue from the apple orchard and other materials in the soil, up to a meter down. And that's not all, there are areas of potential contamination that can't be tested because there is concrete/other surfaces in the way. How much has the Village spent on all these soil tests/environmental testing? $12,000 - $13,000 and counting.

Also, there is a large storm water easement that cuts right through the middle of the parcel, limiting development. Again, these are big issues to navigate, why are they doing it? 3)The only area that can be developed is small compared to the 5.2 acres, and according to a recent report, the only thing that would fit is "multi- tenant housing" (I call that apartments).

So even though Next Gen Housing is for SINGLE family homes, if that site is developed, we will likely have a couple new apartment buildings there if the Village pushes ahead with it. 4)The Village has done all of this 'work" behind the scenes and hidden in closed session meetings.

They apparently have no interest in telling the residents of Germantown what their plans are, or perhaps MORE importantly, the people living right in that area. There is at least one if not more homes on the Germantown Historical Society registry right by that area, as one example.

Ask your trustee who told them to do this. I can't find anyone who supports it. Maybe the County dangled some ARPA funds in front of our nose and our Board bit on that, who knows? Information is very difficult to find out! I have a lot of information but did not want to throw a lot of links and information on this. if you want more information, message me and I will provide it.

This VERY CONCERNING, and we as taxpayers should be aware of how our taxes are being spent and why. Thank you for reading this post.

at March 06, 2024

Concours Mustang Photos Links.docx (17.53 kB - downloaded 2 times.)

at March 03, 2024

what is good ai to make images, i dont mean like leonardo, but charts histograms circuit sketches

For creating images like charts, histograms, and circuit sketches, you may want to explore various AI tools and software that specialize in graphic design, data visualization, or sketching. Here are some options:

Canva:
- Type: Graphic Design
- Description: Canva is a popular online graphic design tool that provides a user-friendly interface for creating a variety of visual content, including charts, infographics, and other design elements.
Tableau Public:
- Type: Data Visualization
- Description: Tableau Public is a powerful data visualization tool that allows you to create interactive and shareable charts and dashboards. It's particularly useful for representing and analyzing data.
Google Charts:
- Type: Data Visualization
- Description: Google Charts is a simple yet effective tool for creating various types of charts and graphs. It's based on JavaScript, making it easy to integrate into web applications.
Lucidchart:
- Type: Diagrams and Flowcharts
- Description: Lucidchart is a web-based platform for creating diagrams, flowcharts, and other visual representations. It's collaborative and user-friendly.
Inkscape:
- Type: Vector Graphics Editor
- Description: Inkscape is a free and open-source vector graphics editor. While it's not AI-powered, it's a robust tool for creating scalable vector images, including circuit sketches.
AutoDraw:
- Type: Sketch Recognition
- Description: AutoDraw, by Google, uses machine learning to suggest drawings as you sketch. It's more for casual drawing, but it can be a fun and intuitive way to create sketches.
DeepArt:
- Type: Neural Style Transfer
- Description: While not explicitly for chart or diagram creation, DeepArt allows you to apply artistic styles to your images using neural networks. It could be an interesting tool to explore for creating visually appealing graphics.

Remember that AI tools can vary in terms of capabilities and ease of use, so it's often beneficial to experiment with a few to find the one that best suits your needs and preferences. Additionally, for more specific tasks like circuit design, dedicated software like Autodesk Eagle or KiCad might be more appropriate, although they aren't AI-based.

at March 03, 2024

Certainly, Nikola Tesla indeed worked on various lightning protection devices, and he held several patents related to this area. One notable patent is "Lightning Protector" (US Patent 1,266,175), filed on November 4, 1915, and granted on May 14, 1918.

In the patent, Tesla describes a system for protecting structures from lightning strikes. Here are some key aspects of the invention as outlined in the patent:

Overview:

Dissipative Electrodes: The invention involves the use of dissipative electrodes to divert lightning away from structures. These electrodes are positioned at elevated points on the structure, such as towers or masts.
Corona Discharge: Tesla's design includes a method to enhance the corona discharge from the dissipative electrodes. Corona discharge involves the ionization of air around a conductor, creating a region of charged particles that can influence the path of lightning.
Control of Atmospheric Electricity: The patent discusses the control of atmospheric electricity to prevent the accumulation of excessive electrical potential on structures, which could attract lightning.
Air Ionization: Tesla emphasizes the importance of ionizing the air around the dissipative electrodes, stating that this helps to enhance the protective effect.
Prevention of Thunderstorms: Tesla proposes methods for influencing the atmosphere to prevent the formation of thunderstorms in the vicinity of the protected structure.

It's important to note that while Tesla's ideas were innovative, the practical implementation of some of his concepts may not have been fully realized during his time. The effectiveness of these lightning protection methods has evolved, and modern lightning protection systems often involve a combination of air terminals, conductors, grounding systems, and surge protection devices.

If you are interested in the specific details of Tesla's Lightning Protector patent, you can access the full text and diagrams through the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database or other patent repositories.

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TIFs, Their Consequences, & The Need for a New Mindset, Often an Abused Slushfund

How Do TIFs Work?

Drawbacks

Germantown Grosenick Property, A Curious Chain of Events

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

GTown 5.2 Acres Boondoogle, Apartments on Wetlands

Concourse Mustang By Specific Area of Car, A Fantastic Resource

Sunday, March 3, 2024

AI for graphics and images charts etc

Nikola Tesla Lightning

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