BUILDING in Maryland and Washington, DC by Kelly Grudziecki

EXCLUSIVE MAGAZINE OF THE MARYLAND-NATIONAL CAPITAL BUILDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2010

IN MARYLAND AND WASHINGTON, DC

Maryland — A Safer Place to Work Also in this Issue: The 2010 PROs Awards

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2010

BUILDING IN MARYLAND AND WASHINGTON, DC

Maryland-National Capital Building Industry Association 1738 Elton Road, Suite 200 Silver Spring, MD 20903 Phone (301) 445-5400 Fax (301) 445-5499 E-mail: communications@mncbia.org Website: www.mncbia.org 2010 Executive Committee Edward (Guy) R. Curley, III President

Frank Bossong, IV P.E., Associate Vice President

Jim Kettler Vice President/Calvert Co.

Steve Nardella Treasurer

Doug Meeker Vice President/Charles Co.

Dave Lunden Vice President, State Legislative/ Secretary

Robert J. Spalding Vice President/Montgomery Co.

BUILDING

IN MARYLAND AND WASHINGTON, DC Representing Calvert, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s counties in Maryland and Washington, DC

FEATURES

Robert A. Jacobs Life Director

Marty Mitchell Vice President/ Prince George’s Co.

Thomas M. Farasy Immediate Past President

John B. Norris, III Vice President/St. Mary’s Co.

Stephen P. Elmendorf Legal Counsel

Brian (A.J.) Jackson Vice President/Washington, DC

Diane K. Swenson CAE, Executive Vice President

2010 Board of Directors Bill Bilo Hillary Colt Cahan Mike Conley Chuck Covell Tony Crane Timothy Dugan Ken Dunn Andrea Leahy-Fucheck Robert Harris Howard Katz Gary Kret David Little Charlene F. Parker-Thayer

Stephen Paul Nanci Porten Karen Radisch Marc Rose Andy Rosenthal Gary Rubino Ronald Rymer Ted Smart Ray Sobrino Clark Wagner Peggy White Bryan Whittington Carter Willson

MNCBIA Staff Executive Vice President - Diane K. Swenson, JD, CAE Communications Manager - Kelly H. Grudziecki Financial Services Manager - Linda Groft Director of Government Affairs - F. Hamer Campbell, Jr. Associate Director/Government Affairs Raquel Montenegro Associate Director/Regulatory Affairs Annette T. Rosenblum Membership Manager - Debi Harrington Member Services Manager - Samantha Ager Program Manager - Builders Development Guaranty Group Debi Harrington Program Manager - Home Builders Care Foundation Patricia B. Kane

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2010

5 Workplace Injuries Declining Maryland is a Safer Place to Work

7 The 10th Annual PROs Awards For the People Who Build the Houses 9 Summer Golf Tournament Sizzles The Heat was on at Manor Country Club

DEPARTMENTS 4 A Message from the President 11 The Legal Pad 12 The Engineer’s Angle 13 MNCBIA Membership News

MNCBIA’s Most Wanted List

STARS Club

New Members

14 Events Calendar Published for: Maryland-National Capital Building Industry Association 1738 Elton Road, Suite 200 Silver Spring, Maryland 20903 301 445-5400 Fax: 301 445-5499 E-mail: building@mncbia.org Website: www.mncbia.org

Published by:

E&M Consulting, Inc. 80 West 78th Street, Suite #230 Chanhassen, MN 55317 800-572-0011 Fax: 952-294-9944 Website: www.emconsultinginc.com Published August 2010 MNC-S0210/9844

BUILDING IN MARYLAND AND WASHINGTON, DC

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2010

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Yes, We Have No Bananas!

ithin any business there are acronyms of either exceptional value or of exceptional detriment. First, MNCBIA, the best BIA in the country (USA) stands for the Maryland-National Building Industry Association and is an exceptional value. We also have MSBA, the Maryland State Builders Association, of which we are blessed to have immediate past president (IPP2009) Tom Farasy serving as President and representing us in a prominent statewide and regional position. Then we have NAHB, the National Association of Home Builders and our umbrella organization that heads up our national lobbying efforts. In NAHB’s ranks we have a number of members sharing their expertise on finance, green building and codes & standards, just to name a few. As we move into the last quarter of 2010 (4Q), the BIA will be keeping a close eye on the US House, the US Senate, the Cardin/Cummings bill “S1816”, EPA Effluent/TMDL Chesapeake Bay Federal Executive Order, MDE, NDPES, NOI, and Cap and Trade. Reckless actions taken by any of these organizations could be a setback to our fragile industry and all business in general. I am extremely troubled that in an election year our party leaders and elected officials (PLEO) are not concentrating on creating jobs and solving the housing crisis. The housing market is an integral part of the economic recovery, and that is the message we need to send to every elected official. The county and state budgets will not improve until new housing starts increase. And if those officials don’t heed the message there could be trouble. Over the next 20 years, nearly 1,000,000 more people, over 400,000 additional households and more than 600,000 new jobs are coming to Maryland. Where will all these people live and work, how will they get to their jobs, and what impact will this have on our existing communities, our natural resources and transportation systems? The only way our region can handle this tremendous growth rate (GR) is if the counties, the state and the Federal Government coordinate their efforts to make it happen. If they cannot work together I foresee a shortage of housing and rising prices in the near future, something this economy does not need. Another major challenge we face is the lack of Acquisition, Development and Construction (AD&C) loans. There are currently only a handful of banks in Maryland with residential lending capacity on their books. The Federal Regulators have stopped the availability of credit to the construction market. Projects that are shovel ready have either had their credit lines reduced, removed or stopped until other banks loans are paid off or sold. September 2010 will be the most important primary election to our industry in recent years. Let’s be sure to vote

Edward R. Curley, III

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BUILDING IN MARYLAND AND WASHINGTON, DC

for pro-building and pro-business candidates. After all, a job is a job and everyone with a job has the opportunity to become a homeowner. When you walk into the voting booth to make your decision, please remember that old Pink Floyd song…. “WE DON’T NEED NO REGULATION…” If we make the right decisions in September and November, NIMBY’s (Not In My Back Yard) could become extinct creatures, along with CAVEs (Citizens Against Virtually Everything) and NOPEs (Not on Planet Earth). In addition, I would be ecstatic if we could revive that old follow the bouncing ball cartoon classic…Yes, we have no BANANAS (Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anyone Syndrome) and everyone would be in favor of planned, orderly and responsible growth.

Is The Housing Industry Under Siege By Our State And Federal Elected Officials? You Be The Judge! Proposed Maryland Regulations E - Storm Water regulation implementation E - Storm Water redevelopment policy issues P - E rosion and Sediment Control draft regulation/technical standards P-M aryland NPDES re-opener modifications (This would make Maryland the first state with Effluent Limitation Guidelines.) P-M aryland NPDES - MDE is issuing letters to current NOI holders notifying them that if their project does not commence construction by 9/30/10, it will be subject to the new permit provisions. H - Controlled Hazardous Substance draft regulations E - State Highway Administration entranceway draft regulations H - New Home Third Party Warranty draft regulations P - Advanced energy efficiency construction requirements

Federal Regulation P - EPA Effluent Limitation Guidelines (state implementation) P - EPA Baywide TMDL (Expected by July 2010, with implementation by December 2010. This will then trigger local watershed implementation plans as a result of TMDLs) P - Federal Executive Order Initiative

Legend E=Enacted U=Unfavorable NA=No Action

W=Withdrawn P= Pending

A=Amended H=Holding

Maryland Workplace Injuries and Comp Claims Declining

By Joseph Gillian, IWIF

ationally, nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses among private employers in 2008 occurred at a rate of 3.9 cases per 100 full-time workers – the lowest it has been since 2002 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): Economic News Release – Workplace Injury and Illness Summary). Maryland’s Injury Rate Lower than National Average In Maryland, nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses among private industry employers in 2008 occurred at a rate of 3.3 cases per 100 full-time workers – a decline from 3.7 cases in 2007 and 3.8 cases in 2006, according to the BLS. Nationally, workplace fatalities in 2008 were at a low of 5,071, which is a decrease from 2007 when there were 5,657 fatalities (BLS: Economic News Release - Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries Summary, 2008). Workplace fatalities in Maryland declined to 59 in 2008, down from 82 in 2007, a decrease of 28 percent. The most frequent types of workplace fatalities in Maryland in 2008 were, falls to a lower level (9), homicides (9), contact with electric current (8), and highway incidents (6). These fatalities accounted for 54 percent of the deaths in the state for 2008. Maryland Workers’ Compensation Injury Claims Continue to Decline As reported by the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission, for 2008, there were 24,054 workers’ compensation injury claims filed in Maryland. This is down from 24,924 in 2007 and 26,143 in 2006. A Safer Place to Work A number of factors are having a positive effect on reducing workplace injuries and workers’ compensation claims in Maryland. Overall, the workplace

demographics in Maryland have been evolving from a manufacturing employment base to a service sector employment base. And with the general economic downturn the construction industry has seen a slight decline in workers, thus less exposure to potential workplace injuries. But, most importantly, Maryland employers and their employees in a majority of occupations are working more safely. Employers are stepping up efforts to promote the benefits of workplace safety to their employees through continuous safety training and ergonomic workplace changes. Maryland employers are taking advantage of safety resources both from public organizations like the Maryland Occupational Safety and Health department (MOSH) and outreach programs and training offered through the Chesapeake Region Safety Council. Insurance companies in Maryland, including IWIF Workers’ Compensation Insurance, have also been leading the efforts to promote the benefits of workplace safety. IWIF’s Safety Saves With IWIF brand message has been our safety and value proposition to more than 26,000 Maryland employers and policyholders for the past 10 years. In 2008, IWIF’s 10 Loss Control Consultants made more than 1,950 customer consultations and safety training visits. Joe Gillian, IWIF Director of Loss Control, states, “With workplace injuries continuing to decrease each year, employers and their employees can see their safety training and safety awareness efforts are paying off – literally.” m Joe Gillian, CSP, ALCM, CRM is Director of Loss Control for IWIF Workers’ Compensation Insurance in Towson, MD. He can be reached at 1-800-264-IWIF or gillian@iwif.com. To learn more about what IWIF has to offer visit their website at www.iwif.com.

BUILDING IN MARYLAND AND WASHINGTON, DC

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2010

The PROs Awards — For the People Who Build the Houses

crowd of more than 250 builders, developers, trade contractors and field/service employees gathered at Smokey Glen Farm in Gaithersburg, MD, on June 1st for the 10th Annual PROs Awards to honor those men and women who excel at their craft and set the standard for excellence in the building/ remodeling industry. The awards are sponsored by the Maryland-National Capital Building Industry Association and the Northern Virginia Building Industry Association, who, for the past 10 years have recognized and honored the best “workers in the field” who develop the land, construct the houses and work with the customer to produce award-winning homes. Nominees for the PROS Awards were submitted by their employers and interviewed by teams of judges including, Mike Anderson, Miller and Smith Homes, Lisa Conyer, Winchester Homes, Howard Katz, Michael Harris Homes, Sal Miglioire, Augustine Homes, Brian Phebus, Winchester Homes, and Mike Schueler, Winchester Homes who contributed many long hours to the adjudicating process.

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BUILDING IN MARYLAND AND WASHINGTON, DC

Special thanks to the PROS Committee, Co-Chair, Mike Schueler, Winchester Homes and Co-Chair, Mike Anderson, Michael Bell, the bell company, Lisa Conyer, Winchester Homes, Howard Katz, Michael Harris Homes, Sal Migliore, Augustine Homes, David O’Bryan, Charles P. Johnson & Associates, Brian Phebus, Winchester Homes Inc., Mark Sucher, Lyons & Sucher Advertising. And of course this event would not have been possible without the generous contributions of our sponsors and donors, of which a complete list can be found at www.mncbia.org > “Industry Awards” > “The PROs Awards.” A special thank you to Lyons & Sucher Advertising for all of their in-kind services including the print materials and website design and to Carter Johnston, Jimmy German and Richard Carter of Miller and Smith Homes for designing and constructing the fabulous PROs set. Be sure to check out all the photos from the PROs Awards at our photographer’s (Rex Reed) website, www.amberleafarm.com.

Congratulations to the following individuals who achieved the PROs Award for 2010: Category: Office Professional Accounts Payable Award of Merit Colleen Dooling, Bowa

Field Technician Construction 1 - 5 units/yr/SFH Winner Charlie Mearkle, Bowa

Project Manager 21 - 40 units/yr/SFH Award of Merit Zach Himmer, Pulte Homes

Field Technician Construction 21 - 40 units/yr/TH Winner Gonzalo dela Riva, Miller and Smith Homes

Project Manager 21 - 40 units/yr/SFH Award of Merit Justin Campbell, Pulte Homes

Field Technician Construction 21- 40 units/yr/SFH/TH Award of Merit Rafael Escobar, Miller and Smith Homes

Project Manager 21 - 40 units/yr/SFH Winner Chad Waddell, Winchester Homes

Field Technician Construction 21 - 40 units/yr/SFH/TH Winner Esad Omerhodzic, Winchester Homes

Project Manager 21 - 40 units/yr/TH Award of Merit Adriel Rodriguez, Winchester Homes

Field Technician Construction 41 - 60 units/yr/SFH/MF Winner Steve Glascoe, Miller and Smith Homes

Project Manager 21 - 40 units/yr/TH Winner Don Thurman, Winchester Homes

Field Technician Construction 41 - 60 units/yr/TH Winner Richard Carter, Miller and Smith Homes

Project Manager 21 - 40 units/yr/TH Winner Travis Dahiell, Woodside Communities

Settlement Coordinator Award of Merit Kathy Bartlett, Mid-Atlantic Builders, Inc.

Category: Customer Service Manager/ Field Customer Service Manager/ Field 21-40 units/yr /SFH/TH Winner Jerrod Brunk, Pulte Homes

Project Manager 41 - 60 units/yr/TH Winner Bernie Williams, Miller and Smith Homes

Settlement Coordinator Winner Tess Colton, Augustine Homes

Customer Service Manager/ Field 41-60 units/yr/SFH Award of Merit Joseph Cunningham, Pulte Homes

Category: Customer Service Representative/Office Customer Service Representative/Office 41 - 60 units/yr SFH Winner Jason Sheer, Mid-Atlantic Builders, Inc.

Customer Service Manager/ Field 41-60 units/yr/SFH/TH Winner Kyle Slusher, Pulte Homes

Accounts Payable Winner Gwynne Lammon, Winchester Homes Accounts Receivable Award of Merit Tonya Cole, Miller and Smith Homes Accounts Receivable Winner Mandy Wawro, Augustine Homes Administrative Assistant Winner Christi MacDonald, Bozzuto Group Permits Coordinator Winner Kathy Bartlett, Mid-Atlantic Builders, Inc.

Customer Service Representative/Office 61 - 120 units/yr SFH/TH Winner Melody Mayes, Pulte Homes Customer Service Representative/Office 120+ units/yr SFH/TH/MF Winner Karen Disbrow, Pulte Homes Category: Purchasing Purchasing Agent/Manager 1 - 20 home units/yr Winner Kaye Stewart, Winchester Homes Purchasing Agent/Manager 21 - 100 home units/yr Winner Doug Griffith, Winchester Homes Purchasing Agent/Manager 101 - 300 home units/yr Winner Tim Thomasson, Miller and Smith Homes Purchasing Agent/Manager 300+ home units/yr Award of Merit Dianna Portillo, Bozzuto Group Purchasing Agent/Manager 300 + home units/yr Winner Brian McCardle, Bozzuto Group Category: Land Development Superintendent Land Development Superintendent 21 - 100 home units/yr Winner Colleen McCall, Miller and Smith Homes Category: Field Technician/ Customer Service/ Construction Field Technician Customer Service 121+ units/yr/TH/MF Winner John Rippey, Bozzuto Group

Customer Service Manager/ Field 61-120 units/yr/SFH/TH/MF Award of Merit Greg Schutrum, Pulte Homes Customer Service Manager/ Field 61-120 units/yr/SFH/TH/MF Winner Bryn Hitchcock, Pulte Homes Customer Service Manager/ Field 121+ units/yr/SFH/TH Winner Gary Phelps, Winchester Homes Category: Project Manager/Superintendent Project Manager 1 - 5 units/yr/SFH Award of Merit Geoff Kuck, Bowa Project Manager 1 - 5 units/yr/SFH Winner Jim Zollman, Winchester Homes Project Manager 1 - 5 units/yr/TH Winner Jeff Biddle, Miller and Smith Homes Project Manager 6 - 20 units/yr/SFH Award of Merit JD Green, Winchester Homes Project Manager 6 - 20 units/yr/SFH Winner Tom Embrey, Woodside Communities Project Manager 6 - 20 units/yr/TH Winner Dave Boyer, Miller and Smith Homes Project Manager 6 - 20 units/yr/MF Winner John Bird, Pulte Homes

Project Manager 41 - 60 units/yr/MF Winner Nelson Green, Miller and Smith Homes Project Manager 61 - 120 units/yr/TH Winner James German, Miller and Smith Homes Project Superintendent 6 - 20 units/yr/SFH Award of Merit John Paige, Augustine Homes Project Superintendent 6 - 20 units/yr/SFH Winner Chris Kuehn, Winchester Homes Project Superintendent 21 - 40 units/yr/SFH Award of Merit Dewey Kelly, Pulte Homes Project Superintendent 21 - 40 units/yr/SFH Winner Miguel Solares, Winchester Homes Project Superintendent 21 - 40 units/yr/TH Award of Merit Dan Arsenault, Bozzuto Group Project Superintendent 21 - 40 units/yr/TH Winner Bill Alderson, Bozzuto Group Project Superintendent 61 - 120 units/yr/MF Winner Joe Russell, Bozzuto Construction Co. Category: Production Manager Production Manager 41 - 60 units/yr/SFH Winner Sid Starliper, Miller and Smith Homes Production Manager 41 - 60 units/yr/TH Winner Cater Johnston, Miller and Smith Homes Production Manager 61 - 120 units/yr/MF Winner Mike Armendariz, Bozzuto Construction Co.

BUILDING IN MARYLAND AND WASHINGTON, DC

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2010

BUILDING IN MARYLAND AND WASHINGTON, DC

Summer Golf Tournament Sizzles

prediction of a near 100˚ day with possible thunderstorms did not deter the avid golfers from playing in BIA’s Annual Summer Golf Tournament held again on the championship golf course of Manor Country Club in Rockville. The weathermen did not disappoint! The thermometer topped 80 degrees by 7:30am and the dark clouds rolled in around 1:30 bringing wind and driving rain, and chasing players off the course. Luckily most foursomes were nearly finished their round and happily took cover in Manor’s poolside pavilion where they were treated to a BBQ buffet and open bar. Prizes were awarded to the top scoring teams and players with the best shots. Taking first place in the tournament, with a score of 54, was the team of Marty Mitchell and Rob Mitchell of Mitchell & Best and Randy Anderson of TnT Services Group. Coming in a very close second, with a score of 55, was the foursome of Tony Fleming, Bert Fleming & Bill Friel of Metropolitan Fire Protection and Andrew Carbone of Three Brothers Land. Unfortunately, the rain washed out hole numbers on the closest to the pin contest but we managed to decipher the distances. Our winners were, David Pleasants with 8’ ½”, Dana Heidemann with 3’11½”, Tom Hudson with 8’10” and Bill Callahan, who mastered two holes with 3’9 ¾” and 12’5”. A big thank you to the Golf Committee for organizing such a great event. The committee includes, Chairman, Dana Heidemann, GE Appliances, Brooke Burns, Hanley Wood Market Intelligence, John Washington, Sears Commercial Sales, Melvin Willis, Burgess & Niple, Inc., Steve Fillipos, Fireside Hearth & Home, and Rob Brock, Masters, Inc. The event would not be successful without our loyal sponsors. Your continued support makes this a truly great affair. MNCBIA gives its sincere thanks to the following sponsors: Ball Sponsor, Washington Gas, Beverage Station Sponsor, Hanley Woods Market Intelligence, Breakfast Sponsor, Acacia Federal Savings Bank, and our many Tee Sponsors, Acacia Federal Savings Bank, BB&T, Charles P. Johnson & Associates, Georgetown Insurance Service, Inc., DGG-MC, Gutschick, Little & Weber, P.A., Hanley

Woods Market Intelligence, Linowes and Blocher, LLP, Loiederman Soltesz Associates, Inc., McMillan Metro, P.C., Miles & Stockbridge, P.C., Mitchell & Best Homebuilders, LLC, PEPCO, Pleasants Development, Inc., Rodgers Consulting, Inc. and Sandy Spring Bank. And passing out a fine assortment of cigars again this year was Davidus Cigars. m

BUILDING IN MARYLAND AND WASHINGTON, DC

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2010

BUILDING IN MARYLAND AND WASHINGTON, DC

The Legal Pad Expansion Of Implied Warranties For HOA And Condominium Projects By Michael Faerber, McMillan Metro, P.C.

new Maryland state law (SB-597, effective October 1, 2010) will expand implied warranties on Homeowners Association (HOA) common areas and Condominium common elements. The common areas and common elements are the property and improvements within a project that are owned by either the HOA or the council of unit owners of the Condominium and are built, developed and provided to the HOA or Condominium by the builder or developer of the project.

HOAs Maryland law currently provides for an implied warranty that all improvements to common areas will be: (i) free from faulty materials; (ii) constructed in accordance with sound engineering standards; and (iii) constructed in a workmanlike manner. This warranty commences with the first transfer of title to a lot to a member of the public. For improvements not yet completed at the time of the first transfer the warranty commences upon the completion of the improvement or with its availability for use by lot owners, whichever occurs later and extends for a period of one year. Starting October 1, 2010, the implied warranty period will expand to two years from commencement (as described above) or two years from the date on which the lot owners first elect a controlling majority of the members of the governing body of the HOA, whichever occurs later.

Condominiums For Condominiums, the current warranty requirement provides that the builder/developer is responsible for correcting any defect in materials or workmanship, and that the specified common elements are within acceptable industry standards in effect when the building was constructed. The warranty on common elements commences with the first transfer of title to a unit owner. The warranty of any common elements not completed at the time of the first transfer of title to a unit owner commences with the completion of that element or with its availability for use by all unit owners, whichever occurs later. The warranty extends for a period of three years. Now, for new Condominium projects whose governing documents are recorded on or after October 1, 2010, the implied warranty on common elements extends the warranty period to be (i) three years from

commencement (as described above) or (ii) two years from the date on which the unit owners, other than the developer and its affiliates, first elect a controlling majority of the members of the board of directors for the council of unit owners, whichever occurs later. Additionally, it is now more explicit that, to the extent improvements are shared by or serve more than one unit or serve any portion of the common elements, they now must include: (i) roofs, (ii) foundations, (iii) external and supporting walls, (iv) mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, and (v) other structural elements. The new law applicable to Condominium warranties does not apply to non-residential Condominium projects.

Effect On Builders And Developers The changes in the law will require builders/developers to be responsible for their development and improvements to the common area and common elements for longer periods of time than in the past and with condominiums, arguably for more improvements. Therefore, builders/developers should be mindful of and document the timing of the first conveyance and the status of completion of common area improvements and common elements and when control of the HOA or Condominium is transferred to the owners. This will help them understand when the applicable warranty period commences and terminates. Additionally, builders/developers should pay attention to transfer of control timing requirements under Maryland law. As builders/developers prepare to transfer control of HOAs and Condominiums to the owners, they should arrange a walk through inspection of the common areas and common elements with the board of directors (possibly even having it videotaped). This creates a record of the base line condition of the common areas and common elements and enables the builder/developer to disclaim responsibility for future damages that may occur which have nothing to do with its operations or defects in original construction. The builder/developer may want to prepare a maintenance schedule for common area and common element improvements to give to the HOA or Condominium board of directors to assist the owners in carrying out their maintenance and repair responsibilities. This can also create a strong argument for invalidating a warranty claim where failure to properly maintain by the HOA or Condominium after transfer of control is the cause of the need for repair. m Michael Faerber is a Partner of the law firm of McMillan Metro, P.C. and represents builders and developers in many facets of real estate and business transactions. He may be reached at mfaerber@mcmillanmetro. com or 301-251-1180.

BUILDING IN MARYLAND AND WASHINGTON, DC

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2010

The Engineer’s Angle Montgomery County Contemplates Bus Rapid Transit By Jim Soltez, Loiederman Soltesz Associates, Inc.

f the Washington Council of Government’s population projections are accurate, Montgomery County will grow by about a third to just over three million by 2050. Given how bad congestion is now, and the lack of opportunity to add additional roadway capacity, imagine the conditions in 40 years. According to the 2008 American Community Survey, 66 percent of workers in Montgomery County drive to work alone and only 14.9 percent commute by rail or bus. In an effort to help alleviate some of the traffic congestion, Montgomery County is looking into offering a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network. The Montgomery County Council’s Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee on July 16, 2009 issued a series of recommendations on the planning study for the I-270/Corridor Cities Transitway (CCT) that was presented by Maryland Transit Administration and State Highway Administration. The committee chose BRT as its preferred mode for transit on the CCT, although it reserved the right to revisit the light rail option based on densities the Council approves in the upcoming Gaithersburg West Master Plan. The committee recommended high occupancy express toll lanes (HOT) for the expansion of Interstate 270. The County is looking to cut carbon dioxide emissions levels down to what they were in 2002. According to Councilman Marc Elrich, this would mean an 8.3 percent reduction in the number of vehicles on county roads. So what exactly is BRT and how will it benefit you? BRT is a new and cost-effective way of providing high-quality transit service with buses. The buses operate primarily in bus-only lanes with light rail-like service characteristics and station spacing. Traffic signals are modified giving buses priority to help them move more quickly and reliably. BRT stations are similar to light rail stations, each with a boarding platform, shelter, proof-of-payment ticket validation, ticket vending machines, security features and real-time vehicle arrival information. BRT is much less expensive than light rail to construct and operate and retains the flexibility to operate in conventional traffic lanes. With the BRT vehicles being operated in guideways, the lanes are narrow with minimal right-of-way requirements. The guideways generally fit in existing road median strips thus not requiring the acquisition of new property. BRT systems’ popularity is due in part on being an economical and efficient alternative to traditional bus and rail services. They offer convenience and express travel without requiring the major capital investment required for rail. With segregated travel lanes and signal priority, BRT offers a reduction in travel time over traditional bus service and personal automobiles. To help determine the viability of BRT networks, Montgomery County contracted the PB America team, which includes Loiederman Soltesz Associates (LSA), to conduct a planning study. The study will assist the Montgomery Department of Transportation in determining the

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feasibility of a comprehensive network of inter-linked BRT corridors in terms of preliminary physical feasibility, the ability to attract new transit riders, and the system performance including cost effectiveness. LSA is providing project administration and public and agency outreach and is involved in the development of a parametric cost estimating tool and aiding in network refinement. This planning study is a means to demonstrate the capacity that BRT can provide a clean alternative fuel commuting option while helping to decrease automobile traffic and congestion. m Jim Soltesz is President/CEO of Loiederman Soltesz Associates, Inc. and a licensed Professional Engineer in Maryland, Florida, and Virginia. He has served on numerous committees on development issues, including transportation, adequate public facilities, infrastructure financing, school construction, and permit processing in Montgomery County.

BUILDING IN MARYLAND AND WASHINGTON, DC

MNCBIA Membership New Members (As of August 1, 2010) BUILDERS

Cheseapeake Irrigation Contractors Irrigation Systems, Irrigations Design & Construction Dave Underwood 405 Headquarters Dr., Suite 1 Millersville, MD 21108 Ph: 410-987-2969 dave@chesapeakeirrigation.com Sponsor: Marc Rose

ASSOCIATES

Klebasko Environmental, LLC Environmental Engineering Michael Klebasko P.O. Box 1067 Gambrills, MD 21054 Ph: 410-672-5990 mike@klebaskoenvironmental.com Sponsor: David O’Bryan

Sunrise Home Builders Single Family & Multi-Family Building Curt Adkins 11480 Sunset Hills Rd, Ste. 200 E Reston, VA 20190 Ph: 703-929-3548 cadkins@sunrisecapitalinvest.com Sponsor: Ted Smart

Allentuck Landscaping Landscape-Contractors Bruce Allentuck 24320 Frederick Rd. Clarksburg, MD 20871 Ph: 301-515-1900 brucea@allentucklandscaping.com Sponsor: Marc Rose

Let’s Move Kimberly McMahon 7108 Ramsgate Ct. Clarksville, MD 21029 Ph: 301-880-3407 kim@letsmovellc.com Sponsor: Leslie Marks

ATI Development, LLC Roofing Contractors Attila Buri 201 Davis Dr., Unit 6 Sterling, VA 20164 Ph: 703-787-9505 president@atiroofing.com Sponsor: Marc Rose

Listed here are firms whose membership in MNCBIA has lapsed in recent months. WE WANT THEM BACK! Please encourage these companies to reinstate their membership.

STARS Club GOLD

Acacia Federal Savings Bank BB&T Bank DGG-MC Hanley Wood Market Intelligence Linowes & Blocher, LLP PEPCO Pleasants Development, Inc.

SILVER

Georgetown Insurance Service, Inc. Loiederman Soltesz Associates, Inc. McMillan Metro, P.C. Miles & Stockbridge P.C. Rodgers Consulting Inc.

BRONZE

Ballard Spahr LLP Bank of America Elm Street Development Gutschick Little & Weber, P.A. Holland & Knight, LLP Learch, Early & Brewer, Chtd. Liberty Home Builder, Inc. Reznick Group P.C. Sandy Spring Bank Winchester Homes Inc.

Rubino Design & Consulting, LLC Planning, Landscape Architecture, Engineering Gary Rubino 2309 Twin Valley Ln. Silver Spring, MD 20906 Ph: 301-873-8109 gjrubino@gmail.com Sponsor: Tom Farasy

MNCBIA’s Most Wanted List

Lorraine CYR Management Group Property Management Oscar Lippe 7017 Barkwater Ct. Bethesda, MD 20817 Ph: 202-669-0605 oscar@lorrainecyr.com Sponsor: Marc Rose

Chesapeake Environmental Management, Inc. Environmental Consulting Charlene Thayer 260 Gateway Dr., Ste. 21-C Bel Air MD 21014 Ph: 410-893-9016 CThayer@cemscience.com Sponsor: Guy Curley

Morgan Stanley Mortgage Banking Jeff Kaufman 1 Big Oak Ct. Rockville, MD 20850 Ph: 301-518-8814 jeffrey.kaufman@msb.com Sponsor: Marc Rose

A & A Stairs & Railings, Ameritel, Butler Window & Door, Capitol Development Design Inc., Centennial Street Development, Comcast Cable Communications, Inc., Conteh Builders, Inc., Denison Landscaping Inc., Elsroad Trim Corp., Fire Tech, Garson Claxton, LLC, Ice Edge Business Solutions, J. Martin Carpentry Remodeling, Key Bank, Logan Yumkas Vidmar & Sweeney, LLC, M/I Homes of DC, LLC, Mark J. Mazz, AIA, Mason Dixon Funding, Murray A. Cohen Custom Builder, LLC, National Lumber & Building Material Dealers Association, P&P Construction, LLC, PDC, Inc., Premier Lifts, Inc., Quadrangle Development Corp., Quiza Management, LLC, RBC Builder Finance, Real Estate America, Robert Charles Lesser & Co., LLC, Signature Companies, Site Maintenance Companies, Snell & Sons, United Bank, Venable, LLP

FRIEND

1st Mariner Bank Baker Tilly Bowman Consulting Group, Ltd. Bozzuto Group Burgess & Niple, Inc. Charles P. Johnson & Associates christopher consultants, ltd. Columbia Bank Craftmark Homes Dewberry DICO Furey, Doolan & Abell, LLP GE Appliances Geo-Technology Associates Inc. Greenhorne & O’Mara Inc.

BUILDING IN MARYLAND AND WASHINGTON, DC

IDI-MD, Inc. K. Hovnanian Homes Kim Engineering M &T Bank Macris, Hendricks & Glascock, P.A. Michael Harris Development Mid-Atlantic Builders, Inc. Miller & Smith Homes Mitchell & Best Homebuilders LLC Shulman Rogers Steuart-Kret Homes, Inc. Terra Verde Communities LLC Ward & Klein Washington Gas |

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2010

LOG IN AND EXPLORE WWW.MNCBIA.ORG ACCESS BENEFITS One of the most valuable benefits of MNCBIA membership is information–and www.mncbia.org gives you access to housing industry information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s easy and fast!

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Events Calendar SEPTEMBER 2010

OCTOBER 2010

Environmental Committee meeting

Prince George’s Liaison Committee meeting

Multifamily Site Tour of Siena Park

Custom & Small Builders Council meeting

Development Review Process Subcommittee [DRPS] Environmental Committee meeting

8 Development Review Process Subcommittee [DRPS] Commercial Builders Council meeting Green Building Committee meeting

12 New Members Only Committee meeting Codes & Standards Committee meeting

Prince George’s Liaison Committee meeting

Commercial Builders Council meeting Green Building Committee meeting

14 Real Estate Finance Committee meeting Codes & Standards Committee meeting

50+ Industry Roundtable St. Mary’s County Liaison Committee meeting New Members Only Committee meeting Charles County Liaison Committee meeting

16 Home Builders Care Foundation board meeting WSSC Liaison Committee meeting Executive Committee meeting

14 Home Builders Care Foundation board meeting Stormwater Management Educational Conference (tentative) WSSC Liaison Committee meeting Executive Committee meeting

19 Fall Golf Tournament (The Country Club at Woodmore)

20 St. Mary’s Liaison Committee meeting Charles Liaison Committee meeting

22 NAHB Fall Board meeting

21 Board of Directors meeting

NAHB Fall Board meeting Board of Directors meeting Builder Connections - The Ultimate in Associate Networking

24 NAHB Fall Board meeting

25 INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

Appliance Distributors Unlimited, Inc...................Back Cover Ferguson Enterprises, Inc........................................Page 8 General Electric....................................................Page15 Macris, Hendricks & Glascock, P.A.........................Page 11 Shulman Rogers.................................................Page 12 Vintage Security....................................................Page 2

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2010

NAHB Fall Board meeting

26 NAHB Fall Board meeting

29 P&P Ad Hoc Committee

30 EPA Renovation, Repair and Paint Certified Renovator Course

BUILDING IN MARYLAND AND WASHINGTON, DC

26 50+ Marketing: Social Networking

28 General Dinner Meeting/Environmental & Member of the Year Awards

BUILDING IN MARYLAND AND WASHINGTON, DC

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2010

1738 Elton Road, Suite 200 Silver Spring, MD 20903