Monthly Archives: November 2012

More Changes to Pennsylvania’s Mechanic’s Lien Law May be Coming

On behalf of Kaplin Stewart Meloff Reiter & Stein, P.C. posted in Mechanic's Liens on Nov 30, 2012.

After years of doing little to change the Mechanic’s Lien Law, it seems the Pennsylvania Legislature now can’t leave it alone. Significant changes have gone into effect in the last several years, and the legislature has continued to dabble in it regularly.

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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS SOUGHT FOR POTENTIAL CONVENTION CENTER IN BETHLEHEM

On behalf of Kaplin Stewart Meloff Reiter & Stein, P.C. posted in Construction Industry News on Nov 26, 2012.

Northampton County executive John Stoffa and Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan recently announced their support for a feasibility study that would eventually lead to the construction of a convention center in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The projected site for the new large convention and exposition center would be near the Sands Beth Works site. Northampton County has awarded $50,000 to the Bethlehem Redevelopment Authority to open the funding for the feasibility study. Increased revenue from the county’s hotel room rental taxes will be used to seek proposals from consultants to complete the study in the near future. Those involved with the potential project estimate that the privately owned center would have between 100,000 to 200,000 square feet of usable space and would be capable of hosting large scale conventions and conferences.

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OSHA Extends Temporary Enforcement Measures in Residential Construction

On behalf of Kaplin Stewart Meloff Reiter & Stein, P.C. posted in OSHA Safety Issues on Nov 22, 2012.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration extended its temporary enforcement measures in residential construction until December 15, 2012. By offering, and now extending, priority free on-site compliance assistance, penalty reductions, extended abatement periods, and other measures to increase outreach and ensure consistency, OSHA is trying to decrease the number of fatal falls on residential sites. Falls are the number one cause of fatalities on residential construction projects.

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BUILDER BEWARE: The Superior Court’s Holding in Conway v. Cutler Group

On behalf of Kaplin Stewart Meloff Reiter & Stein, P.C. posted in Construction Defect on Nov 19, 2012.

The doctrine of caveat emptor – or buyer beware – has long been a guiding principal in the law. The Pennsylvania Superior Court recently decided a case that marks a significant change in that approach though. In Conway v. Cutler Group, 2012 Pa.Super. 242, the Superior Court held that a builder can be liable to subsequent home buyers beyond the initial purchaser for breach of the implied warranty of habitability.

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U.S. Supreme Court to Hear Cases That Will Impact Construction

On behalf of Kaplin Stewart Meloff Reiter & Stein, P.C. posted in Construction Industry News on Nov 15, 2012.

The United States Supreme Court has announced its docket for next session. Several cases that will impact the construction industry in Pennsylvania in some way appear on the list. Because the Supreme Court is not required to accept a case from the lower courts, its decision to do so likely means the issue is an important one that could have far reaching consequences.

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AIA Reports Bad Economic Numbers For Design Firms In Continuing Trend

On behalf of Kaplin Stewart Meloff Reiter & Stein, P.C. posted in Construction Industry News on Nov 12, 2012.

The American Institute of Architects recently released the results of its survey of economic conditions as it relates to the construction design industry. The data was not encouraging for the construction industry of Pennsylvania or New Jersey.

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New Technology Allows Access to Construction Drawings More Easily

On behalf of Kaplin Stewart Meloff Reiter & Stein, P.C. posted in Contract Bidding on Nov 8, 2012.

The construction world continues to be changed – like the rest of the business world – by technology. With the advent of smart phones, people became more flexible and productive. As smart phones become even smarter, the growing opportunities for increased efficiency and productivity seem to be presently focused on integration. A new application for smart phones seems to fit that description perfectly.

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Possible Development and Construction Opportunities in Easton?

On behalf of Kaplin Stewart Meloff Reiter & Stein, P.C. posted in Construction Industry News on Nov 5, 2012.

Officials in Easton, Pennsylvania recently put on a program for developers. It included a tour of the downtown area in order to showcase the city’s potential for growth and occupancy, particularly in the business district. The program was offered by the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce and was attended by close to 50 people.

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