Source: Sai Gon Thuong Tin Tan Thang JSC
Utah Governor stops Nevada water sharing agreement
This month, Utah Governor Gary Herbert said he would not sign an agreement that would divvy water under the shared border between Utah and Nevada. This water had been eyed by the thirsty metropolis of Las Vegas a few hours south. The pact was drawn up four years ago in response to a 2004 Congressional order that required the states to reach an agreement before any transfers of water would be permitted in the Snake Valley. The agreement was controversial because of a proposed pipeline enabled by the pact that would send Snake Valley water to Las Vegas. The pipeline spurred protests from farmers, environmentalists, tribes, and ranchers in Utah and parts of Nevada.It was not clear whether Gov. Herbert would support the agreement, and he shocked both supporters and critics of the project when he announced his decision. He told the Deseret News, "At the end of the day, when it comes down to those people who have the most to lose — it's their water, their lifestyle, their livelihood — I can't in good conscience sign the agreement. It's that simple."
In Utah, the reaction has been positive. The majority of local citizens and officials at the county level in Millard and Juab counties did not support the water sharing agreement.
The director of Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources said that they are "evaluating all of [their] options in light of Gov. Herbert's decision." A lawsuit could be forthcoming.
City focuses on 23 traffic projects in 2013-15
VNRE - HCMC focuses on only 23 key traffic projects in the period from now to 2015, according to a decision on adjustments to the city’s traffic development plan until 2020 made by the Government last week.
Most of the key traffic projects in the period 2013-2015 are road projects. They include construction of the road from An Phu Intersection to the Belt Road No. 2 with four lanes and expansion of the National Highway 1 section in HCMC.
The north-south road from Ong Lanh Bridge to Nguyen Van Linh Street with 4-8 traffic lanes and the east-west road connected to HCMC-Trung Luong Expressway with six lanes are also given priority. In addition, the Tan Son Nhat-Binh Loi road (6-8 lanes), the second phase of Provincial Road 25B (10 lanes) and Luong Dinh Cua Street (four lanes) will be implemented from now to 2015.
In this period, the new Mien Dong, Mien Tay and Da Phuoc coach stations will be built, together with a number of car parks in the downtown areas.
As for metro projects, HCMC focuses on only the Metro Line No. 1 and the first phase of the lines no. 2 and no. 5.
Three rapid bus transit lines, including line no. 1 along the East-West Highway, line no. 2 linking Mien Tay Coach Station, Nguyen Van Linh Street and Phu My Bridge and line no. 4 from Kha Van Can Street to Hoang Van Thu Park, will be put into service.
As for waterway projects, the city will carry out the Soai Rap River dredging project and the relocation of Ba Son Shipyard.
In comparison with the original plan, many changes have been made. For example, the city focuses on only 1-2 elevated roads, among four, and 2-3 metro lines, among six.
Moreover, some targets for development of transportation forms have been adjusted. By 2020, public transport will take up 20-25%, private transport 72-77% and other forms of transportation around 3%.
Source: The Saigon Times
Most of the key traffic projects in the period 2013-2015 are road projects. They include construction of the road from An Phu Intersection to the Belt Road No. 2 with four lanes and expansion of the National Highway 1 section in HCMC.
The north-south road from Ong Lanh Bridge to Nguyen Van Linh Street with 4-8 traffic lanes and the east-west road connected to HCMC-Trung Luong Expressway with six lanes are also given priority. In addition, the Tan Son Nhat-Binh Loi road (6-8 lanes), the second phase of Provincial Road 25B (10 lanes) and Luong Dinh Cua Street (four lanes) will be implemented from now to 2015.
In this period, the new Mien Dong, Mien Tay and Da Phuoc coach stations will be built, together with a number of car parks in the downtown areas.
As for metro projects, HCMC focuses on only the Metro Line No. 1 and the first phase of the lines no. 2 and no. 5.
Three rapid bus transit lines, including line no. 1 along the East-West Highway, line no. 2 linking Mien Tay Coach Station, Nguyen Van Linh Street and Phu My Bridge and line no. 4 from Kha Van Can Street to Hoang Van Thu Park, will be put into service.
As for waterway projects, the city will carry out the Soai Rap River dredging project and the relocation of Ba Son Shipyard.
In comparison with the original plan, many changes have been made. For example, the city focuses on only 1-2 elevated roads, among four, and 2-3 metro lines, among six.
Moreover, some targets for development of transportation forms have been adjusted. By 2020, public transport will take up 20-25%, private transport 72-77% and other forms of transportation around 3%.
Source: The Saigon Times
Tokyu Binh Duong launches first condos
VNRE - Becamex Tokyu Co. Ltd. last Friday launched the sample apartment of Sora Gardens, a component of the US$1.2-billion urban project Tokyu Binh Duong Garden City, and started offering the first apartments of this project.
Some 400 Sora Gardens flats among a total of 1,500 are now on sale through the distributor CB Richard Ellis Vietnam, said Hoshino Toshiyuki, general director of Becamex Tokyu.
Each apartment covers 67-105 square meters and has a price starting from VND1.28 billion, with 30% to be paid when contracts are signed and the remaining sum to be settled when apartments are handed over in the third quarter of next year.
Tokyu Binh Duong Garden City is developed on around 110 hectares in Binh Duong New City at a total cost of VND25 trillion, or some US$1.2 billion. When completed, the project will supply over 7,500 apartments, houses, recreational facilities, and commercial and office space.
Tokyu Corporation, the Japanese investor in the joint venture Becamex Tokyu, said that despite the problems of the property market, Binh Duong remained very potential. The property market in Binh Duong has lured a lot of investors from neighboring localities and helped many realty firms grow up through project distribution.
Binh Duong is better known when the plan for Binh Duong New City was announced about three years ago. The project covering around 1,000 hectares is expected to become an economic-political-social center of Binh Duong, with utilities and services for some 125,000 residents and 400,000 people coming for work.
Binh Duong is one of the few localities with the fastest and the most synchronous infrastructure development. Well-developed infrastructure will create a motivation for the property market.
Not only in the new city, multiple infrastructure projects connecting Binh Duong with nearby localities are also under construction, such as National Highway 13, HCMC-Chon Thanh Expressway, Belt Road No. 3 and 4.
Source: The Saigon Times
Some 400 Sora Gardens flats among a total of 1,500 are now on sale through the distributor CB Richard Ellis Vietnam, said Hoshino Toshiyuki, general director of Becamex Tokyu.
Each apartment covers 67-105 square meters and has a price starting from VND1.28 billion, with 30% to be paid when contracts are signed and the remaining sum to be settled when apartments are handed over in the third quarter of next year.
Tokyu Binh Duong Garden City is developed on around 110 hectares in Binh Duong New City at a total cost of VND25 trillion, or some US$1.2 billion. When completed, the project will supply over 7,500 apartments, houses, recreational facilities, and commercial and office space.
Tokyu Corporation, the Japanese investor in the joint venture Becamex Tokyu, said that despite the problems of the property market, Binh Duong remained very potential. The property market in Binh Duong has lured a lot of investors from neighboring localities and helped many realty firms grow up through project distribution.
Binh Duong is better known when the plan for Binh Duong New City was announced about three years ago. The project covering around 1,000 hectares is expected to become an economic-political-social center of Binh Duong, with utilities and services for some 125,000 residents and 400,000 people coming for work.
Binh Duong is one of the few localities with the fastest and the most synchronous infrastructure development. Well-developed infrastructure will create a motivation for the property market.
Not only in the new city, multiple infrastructure projects connecting Binh Duong with nearby localities are also under construction, such as National Highway 13, HCMC-Chon Thanh Expressway, Belt Road No. 3 and 4.
Source: The Saigon Times
Investment Promotion on Thu Thiem New Urban Area 2013
VNRE - On the development orientation of Ho Chi Minh City in the future, Thu Thiem New Urban Area will play a special role in the City’s growth. Together with the existing Center, Thu Thiem New Urban Area will not only be a large economic, financial center of Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam but also of the Southeast Asia. Located on the East bank of Saigon River, opposite to District 1’s center with the total land area of 657 hectares, the Thu Thiem New Urban Area is planned to be a new, modern and expanding center of Ho Chi Minh City which performs functions in finance, commerce and provides high-class services collectively with cultural values, entertainment and relaxation of the City.
As a modern urban area statue, the environmental sustainability is constantly recognized and established in every aspect of each project. Therefore, Thu Thiem New Urban Area is oriented to create the integration among environment, people and facilities. The ecological environment which characterized the Southern of Vietnam is preserved; the public utilities and open spaces are served to residents and visitors; all is to enhance the health and happiness of the community.
In order to introduce the potential opportunities to invest in Thu Thiem New Urban Area, to execute the direction of the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, Investment & Construction Authority for Thu Thiem New Urban Area (I.C.A), Investment & Trade Promotion Center and Ho Chi Minh City Real Estate Association co-organize the Conference “Investment Promotion on Thu Thiem New Urban Area”. This event will be held in Ho Chi Minh City in April 2013 expectedly.
We would like to invite delegates, investors and developers to attend the conference for further information on projects calling for investment.
To attend the event, please full fill and return the completed Registration Form including the Information Sheet. An official invitation letter shall be sent to you.
Investment & Construction Authority for Thu Thiem New Urban Area:
177 Ly Chinh Thang Street, Ward 7, District 3, HCMC
Tel: 84.8.3526 1299, 3526 1271, 3526 1301 - Fax: 84.8.3526 1272;
Email: bqlthuthiem@vnn.vn;
Website: www.thuthiem.hochiminhcity.gov.vn
Source: I.C.A
As a modern urban area statue, the environmental sustainability is constantly recognized and established in every aspect of each project. Therefore, Thu Thiem New Urban Area is oriented to create the integration among environment, people and facilities. The ecological environment which characterized the Southern of Vietnam is preserved; the public utilities and open spaces are served to residents and visitors; all is to enhance the health and happiness of the community.
In order to introduce the potential opportunities to invest in Thu Thiem New Urban Area, to execute the direction of the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, Investment & Construction Authority for Thu Thiem New Urban Area (I.C.A), Investment & Trade Promotion Center and Ho Chi Minh City Real Estate Association co-organize the Conference “Investment Promotion on Thu Thiem New Urban Area”. This event will be held in Ho Chi Minh City in April 2013 expectedly.
We would like to invite delegates, investors and developers to attend the conference for further information on projects calling for investment.
To attend the event, please full fill and return the completed Registration Form including the Information Sheet. An official invitation letter shall be sent to you.
Investment & Construction Authority for Thu Thiem New Urban Area:
177 Ly Chinh Thang Street, Ward 7, District 3, HCMC
Tel: 84.8.3526 1299, 3526 1271, 3526 1301 - Fax: 84.8.3526 1272;
Email: bqlthuthiem@vnn.vn;
Website: www.thuthiem.hochiminhcity.gov.vn
Source: I.C.A
Trang Tien Plaza shopping center reopened
VNRE - Trang Tien Plaza is the biggest shopping center in Old Quarter are. It's located on the side of Hoan Kiem lake, includes 6 floors and 3 facades.
After two years of repairing the exterior and interior, Trang Tien Plaza officially reopened yesterday.
Trang Tien Plaza Timeline:
Photo source: Vnexpress
After two years of repairing the exterior and interior, Trang Tien Plaza officially reopened yesterday.
Trang Tien Plaza Timeline:
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| Sebastien Godard (1839-1940) |
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| Grands Magasins Reunis (1953) |
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| Bách hóa tổng hợp (General groceries, 1959) |
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| General groceries (1993) |
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| Trang Tien Plaza (2002) |
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| Trang Tien Plaza (2013) |
Photo source: Vnexpress
Pavilion of dream terraces by H&P architects
VNRE - Vietnam is one of the wet rice civilization’s cradles – the civilization that based on the cultivation on the terraces field to take shape.
The wet rice civilization played the role of forming the community’s settlement and settled agriculture and immaterial culture achievement, which is the neighborhood culture.
The conceptualization for the Vietnam pavillion for Milano's 2015 expo by H&P architects mixes settled agriculture to create a sustainably functioning space. the building is conceived from steel structural frames (which have a numerous of modules – the longest being 7.5m) that are connected by simple joins or overlapping. the framing system is covered by salvaged wood to reduce the cost. The design has multiple functions: force resistance, planter, space for exhibits/furnishings, technical use – water, electricity supply and escape. the field covering the building helps condition the micro-climate, providing food for both interior and exterior.
Image courtesy H&P architects
Source: Design Boom
The wet rice civilization played the role of forming the community’s settlement and settled agriculture and immaterial culture achievement, which is the neighborhood culture.
The conceptualization for the Vietnam pavillion for Milano's 2015 expo by H&P architects mixes settled agriculture to create a sustainably functioning space. the building is conceived from steel structural frames (which have a numerous of modules – the longest being 7.5m) that are connected by simple joins or overlapping. the framing system is covered by salvaged wood to reduce the cost. The design has multiple functions: force resistance, planter, space for exhibits/furnishings, technical use – water, electricity supply and escape. the field covering the building helps condition the micro-climate, providing food for both interior and exterior.
Image courtesy H&P architects
Source: Design Boom
America gets a report card and it's not good
This month, the American Society of Civil Engineers released a 2013 report card for America's infrastructure. Overall, America's GPA is a D+. Dams, Drinking Water, and wastewater each got a D. Inland waterways and levees got a D- each. It is clear that the infrastructure we rely on to transport, distribute, treat, and store water is in pretty poor condition.
Check out the interactive report card at www.infrastructurereportcard.org.
Water Restrictions Implemented in Colorado
As spring approaches, many Colorado cities, including Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and Denver, are gearing up for another dry year by instituting tight water restrictions.
In Colorado Springs, watering lawns will be restricted to twice a week for three hours in an effort to bring water usage down 30% from last year. Addresses with odd numbers are allowed to waer on Tuesday and Saturday, even numbers on Sunday and Wednesday. Fines for non-compliance are up to $500. The restrictions go into effect this week, and are typical to the type of restrictions being implemted across the state.
 |
| From tripadvisor |
As drought conditions persist (long past the point of "severe" drought classifications), many other municipalities throughout Colorado are having to consider implementing restrictions. Cities that have traditionally kept water use unrestricted, like Loveland, will likely have to follow suit.
The Reporter Herald notes that some coservationists see a silver lining in the drought, which is that perhaps people will begin to understand the real consequences to living in an arid envionment. (However, this blogger is skeptical.)
First Hilton Garden Inn in Southeast Asia Opens in Hanoi, Vietnam
VNRE - Hilton Worldwide today announced the opening of Hilton Garden Inn Hanoi , the award-winning, focused service brand's first property in Southeast Asia. Located in Hanoi, Vietnam, the 11-storey hotel with 86 rooms and well-equipped facilities lies right in the heart of Hanoi, and is the second Hilton Worldwide property in Vietnam.
"Today's announcement not only celebrates the first Hilton Garden Inn property in Southeast Asia but also the expansion of our footprint in Vietnam," said Martin Rinck, president, Asia Pacific, Hilton Worldwide. "Backed by our strong owner, Hoan Kiem Tourism & Trading Company Limited, and our 93 years of international hospitality experience, we are confident that Hilton Garden Inn Hanoi will be a preferred choice for local and international travelers looking for quality yet affordable accommodation in Hanoi."
"We are excited to have Hilton Garden Inn break into a new Southeast Asian city, especially one as vibrant as Hanoi. Our focused service brand is tailored towards providing the signature features and services that meet the demands of value conscious travelers who are always on the move," said Adrian Kurre, global head, Hilton Garden Inn.
Located near the intersection of Phan Chu Trinh and Tran Hung Dao streets, Hilton Garden Inn Hanoi occupies a premium location in the business, cultural, and leisure center of the city. It is within a short distance of Hoan Kiem Lake, the Ministry of Finance, numerous embassies, government organizations and institutions, museums, shopping centers, and is only 40 kilometers from Noi Bai International Airport.
The hotel is equipped to ensure that each and every guest can sleep deep, stay fit, eat well, work smart and treat themselves while on the road. Each Hilton Garden Inn Hanoi room is furnished with the brand's signature Garden Sleep System® bed (Serta bed) - a revolutionary bed that's designed to provide ultimate comfort for a deep sleep. Each room also features an ergonomic Mirra® desk chair by Herman Miller which is good for the back with an ergonomic design offering 11 points to guarantee comfort and improve posture.
The Hilton Garden Inn Hanoi Business Center is open 24 hours and guests will have access to the Internet, computer(s) and a printer, and a photocopy machine featuring Print Spots remote printing - allowing for wireless printing from any laptop or PDA. Complimentary wired and wireless Internet access in guestrooms and public spaces will help guests stay productive anywhere in the hotel. Guests can choose to relax at the Lounge with a cocktail or burn some calories to stay fit at the hotel's fully equipped fitness center.
Hilton Garden Inn Hanoi's Garden Grill restaurant satisfies guests from a healthy nutritious breakfast to dinner. Guests can choose from different European and Asian cuisines at the restaurant or order room service. The Pavilion Pantry, a 24-hour on-site retail store, provides guests with a selection of microwaveable packaged, refrigerated and frozen food items, an assortment of beverages, snacks and sundries.
The Hilton Garden Inn brand was founded in 1990. This award-winning, focused service hotel brand continually strives to ensure today's busy travelers have everything they need to be productive on the road. The brand now has approximately 560 hotels in operation all over the world-Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, South America and the Middle East, with another 160 hotels in the development pipeline. In 2012, to strongly affirm the brand's quality service, Hilton Garden Inn launched its satisfaction promise that guarantees "We promise to do whatever it takes to ensure you're satisfied, or you don't pay. You can count on us. GUARANTEEDTM"
For more information, please log on to www.hgi.com.
Contact:
Audrey Wong
Hilton Worldwide, Asia Pacific
+65 6833 9763
audrey.wong@hilton.com
Dawn Ray
Hilton Garden Inn
+1 901 374 5954
dawn.ray@hilton.com
About Hilton Garden Inn Hanoi
Hilton Garden Inn (HGI) Hanoi is funded by Hoan Kiem Tourism & Trading Company Limited and belongs to the Hilton Garden Inn hotel chain, which is a brand of Hilton Worldwide. Hilton Garden Inn Hanoi is considered a focused service hotel designed for both domestic and international business and leisure travelers. HGI Hanoi is located at 20 Phan Chu Trinh, Hanoi - the economic and leisure center of the city, and is within a short distance of Hoan Kiem lake, the Ministry of Finance, numerous embassies, government organizations and institutions, museums, shopping centers. It is only 40 kilometers from NoiBai International Airport. For more information about Hilton Garden Inn Hanoi, visit www.hgi.com
About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide is a leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 93 years, Hilton Worldwide has offered business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Its brands are comprised of more than 3,900 hotels and timeshare properties, with 650,000 rooms in 90 countries and territories and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors®. Visit www.hiltonworldwide.com for more information and connect with Hilton Worldwide at www.facebook.com/hiltonworldwide, www.twitter.com/hiltonworldwide, www.youtube.com/hiltonworldwide, www.flickr.com/hiltonworldwide and www.linkedin.com/company/hilton-worldwide.
About Hilton Garden Inn
Hilton Garden Inn is the award-winning, upscale, yet affordable hotel brand that continually strives to ensure today’s busy travelers have everything they need to be most productive on the road — from our oh-so-comfortable Garden Sleep System® bed to complimentary wired and Wi-Fi Internet access in all guestrooms. So whether on the road for personal or business reasons, Hilton Garden Inn offers the amenities and services for travelers to sleep deep, stay fit, eat well and work smart while away from home. For more information about our locations around the globe, visit www.hgi.com or www.news.hgi.com.
Source: Hilton Worldwide
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