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A Lawyer's Journey: Quitting Job, Moving to Small Seaside Town
2024-12-15
After years of toiling away in the high-pressure world of law, Santiago Barraza Lopez found himself at a crossroads. Once a successful lawyer in London, he suddenly faced burnout and loneliness. But instead of succumbing to the stress, he made a bold decision - to quit his job and move to a small seaside town.

Discovering Peace and Purpose Beyond the Big City

Leaving the Comfort Zone

Leaving London was no easy feat. The high-paying job and the city's allure were hard to let go of. But Santiago knew that his mental health was at stake. He had reached a point where money couldn't buy him the peace and happiness he craved. After months of soul-searching, he took the leap and said goodbye to the rat race.

Eastbourne, the small seaside town he chose, was a world away from London. It offered a slower pace of life and a sense of community that he had never experienced before. At first, the transition was tough. He struggled with the new pace and the lack of hustle and bustle. But as time passed, he began to appreciate the simplicity and beauty of small-town life.

Embracing a New Lifestyle

Once settled in Eastbourne, Santiago started to focus on his well-being. He began therapy and a rigorous exercise regimen to make himself stronger and healthier. These changes gave him the clarity he needed to end his toxic relationship with his job and start fresh.

He also immersed himself in the local community. Joining the local rowing club and a volunteer group allowed him to connect with people on a deeper level. The sense of belonging and purpose he found was invaluable.

Finding Balance

On the professional front, Santiago struck a balance between work and personal life. He took on enough deals and clients to earn a living but also made sure to have time for himself every day. This balance was crucial in keeping him happy and healthy.

Although he knew that nothing is permanent, Santiago is happy for the time being. He has found peace and has been able to embrace his artistic side. Eastbourne has become his haven, and he has no regrets about his decision.

White Stadium's Construction Timeline Delays Inaugural Season
2024-12-15
Photo By J. Alexander Dolan showcases the site of what was once expected to be BOS Nation FC's home stadium. However, due to various setbacks, the completion date has been pushed back to the spring or summer of 2026. The City of Boston shared this updated construction timeline during a public meeting on Thursday.

Construction Timeline and Delays

The construction timeline now unfolds as follows: from Winter 2024 to Early Spring 2025, the demolition phase will take place. This crucial step will clear the way for the subsequent construction phase, which is scheduled from Spring 2025 to Winter 2026. Finally, by Spring/Summer 2026, the construction is expected to be complete. It's important to note that the original plan was to have the stadium ready in time for the start of the NWSL season in March 2026. But permitting issues, transportation planning, and design changes have all contributed to these delays. When the Boston Parks Commission approved the demolition in August, the Mayor's Office stated that the city was working on signing the lease by early fall, with demolition starting soon after. An updated timeline from an October transportation meeting marked the start of demolition and construction in the late fall. Despite this, the partnership has yet to sign a lease, which is a necessary step before demolition can begin. City officials at the Thursday meeting assured that the lease and construction management plans are being finalized. Additionally, a live camera feed will soon be available on the city's website to provide real-time updates on the construction site.

Tree Removal and Planting Plan

The public meeting primarily centered around the city's tree removal plan. Before demolition can commence, 145 trees around White Stadium will be removed. Out of these, 30 trees are considered healthy and will be removed. The remaining trees are in poor condition, invasive, non-native, or causing structural conflicts. In an effort to offset the loss of these trees, the city plans to plant 500 trees in Franklin Park over the next ten years. Specifically, 67 of these trees will be planted within the project site on "day one". This shows the city's commitment to maintaining the ecological balance.

Residents' Concerns and Responses

Boston residents, park goers, and environmental advocacy groups have expressed strong opposition to the tree removal plan. Many believe that the removal will have a more negative impact on the current and future generations of park users compared to any potential benefits from the new trees. A BPS contractor has estimated that it will take about 50 years for the new trees to grow to a size equivalent to the ones currently surrounding the stadium. Team representatives were not available for comment during the meeting, and BOS Nation FC did not respond to requests for comment regarding their plans if the stadium is not playable when it enters its inaugural season. This lack of response has left many questions unanswered and has added to the uncertainty surrounding the future of the club.
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The Maybury Nears Completion at 550 Tenth Avenue in Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan
2024-12-15
In the bustling city of New York, at number 17 on our year-end countdown of the tallest buildings under construction, stands The Maybury. This 520-foot-tall residential skyscraper is gracefully wrapping up its work at 550 Tenth Avenue in Hell’s Kitchen. Designed by Handel Architects and developed by the joint venture of Gotham Organization and Goldman Sachs Asset Management, this 47-story structure spans an impressive 430,000 square feet and yields 453 rental units. Among them, 137 are reserved for affordable housing, along with 9,000 square feet of lower-level retail space, over 20,000 square feet of amenities, and 26,764 square feet of administrative office space for Covenant House. The property is owned by GO Covenant LLC and is located along Tenth Avenue between West 40th and 41st Streets.

Exterior Progress and Finishing Touches

Since our last update in early June, all the bronze-hued paneling and floor-to-ceiling windows have been meticulously installed across the exterior. At that time, the hoist was still attached to the western elevation along Tenth Avenue, and the sidewalk shed, construction barriers, and metal fencing were in place. Recent photographs reveal that crews are now in the process of dismantling the last of the sidewalk shed. They are also engaged in doing some final touch-ups around the front entrance and ground-floor frontage. Along West 40th Street, crates of scraps are being hauled away. The floor-to-ceiling windows have been expertly washed, and the glass railings are now in place along the setbacks and outdoor terraces above the podium and near the top of the building. Workers are working at a rapid pace to finish the last of the interiors.

Residential Amenities

The Maybury offers an array of exceptional residential amenities. Pet lovers will be delighted by the pet-friendly policies. There are also bike storage lockers available for residents. A shared laundry room ensures convenience. The common area Wi-Fi keeps residents connected. The gym is well-equipped for fitness enthusiasts. The party room is perfect for social gatherings. The rooftop sky lounge provides a breathtaking view of the city. The outdoor terrace offers a serene space to relax. Coworking space is provided for those who work from home. Storage space is available for residents' belongings. An on-site resident manager is on hand to assist with any needs. And the concierge service adds an extra touch of luxury. Each unit is equipped with high-speed internet, ensuring seamless connectivity. Air conditioning keeps the units comfortable. Dishwashers and energy-efficient appliances are standard in every unit. Tenants are responsible for electricity, adding to the sense of independence.

Subway Accessibility

The property offers excellent subway access. The closest subways are the A, C, and E trains at the 42nd Street-Port Authority Bus Terminal station. This station provides an underground transfer to the 42nd Street-Times Square station, which serves the 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W, and Shuttle trains, leading to Grand Central station. Additionally, the local 7 train is nearby at the 34th Street-Hudson Yards station to the south. This makes commuting and exploring the city a breeze for residents.
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