Is this a green building career opportunity?
Are you a builder looking for a profitable greenbuilding career opportunity?
StarCross Village may be your next partner. This group is a trust investing in Greenbuilding projects here in Lenoir to deliver:
- Funding for homes that builders and homebuyers want.
- Solar homes with R-50 building envelopes right here in Lenoir.
- Builders build, no selling. Our RE agents do all the selling.
Searching for a Silent Partner who will fund your next building project in Lenoir?
If you really want to build Green, this investor will:
- Fund qualified builders or sub-contractors who are trained and certified locally.
- Find homebuyers who want build-to-suit contracts with reputable builders.
We are not builders. We only want what you want…
- Meet or exceed the minimum design parameters recommended by our engineers
- Work alongside expert solar panel installers to provide reliable service to the resident
- Reasonable profit for our time & labor.
What is StarCross Village?
- Development experts with three years of research and development in Lenoir
- A team of engineers, designers, building energy planners , city planners and public officials
- 136 homes in one of the first solar powered neighborhoods in NC
- Known to Homebuyers who have shown a pent-up demand for low/zero energy homes
- A Silent Partner who assists builders to participate in Green homebuilding
- Ground floor greenbuilding career opportunity
- Investors of solar installations, energy production equipment, energy efficiency products
- Requesting Bids, job setup, equipment & tools training, property financing, homebuilding business opportunities, introduction to design & planning.
You are invited to join StarCross Village in an introductory meeting to manage your expectations:
1. Two types of contracts
a. No-risk negotiated build-to-suit builder contract with –lower profit
b. Builder places deposit on a sales contract to buy land –discounted land price plus a guaranteed to be resold to homebuyer
2. Pre-arranged Build-to-suit contracts with homebuyers
3. Greenbuilding career opportunities
Friday, January 30, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Lenoir History and Culture
The last 24 hours was a Lenoir history lesson … about its musicians, its civil war stories, its place in the Revolutionary War battles …
While reading the local Lenoir paper, www.LenoirNewsTopic.com , I was drawn to a column on the editorial page written by John O. Hawkins.
Mr. Hawkins, a local historian, wrote about Mr. Thomas Ivey and his life after the civil war. This article described details of how Mr. Ivey longed to return to his childhood home in Lenoir. I am taking the liberty to excerpt quotes describing Mr. Ivey’s thoughts in that article. He said “Lenoir is a jewel resting in the valley just below the mountains. I loved the portion know as the Hollow, surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. I longed to hear the singing of a clear mountain stream and see again the inviting background of my dear dreams. I yearned to see the sunrise once more through the white mist that covered Hibriten (Mountain), and to gaze at the face of the old man…the majestic profile of Grandfather Mountain.”
I was struck by this article because we often take things for granted. 150 years ago, Thomas Ivey spoke of his hometown like it was a magical place…a place that he realized too late how very much he missed the natural beauty of Lenoir. And earlier today, as I passed by Hibriten Mountain as I do every day on my way home, I saw this mountain from a VERY different perspective, one I will not forget.
Lenoir has always been rich in heritage and the arts. Last evening I was invited to the first ‘Blues Night’ at F. Futs & Co., www.ffutsandcompany.com , a new eatery downtown. Pop Ferguson lifted my soul.
Pop Ferguson, who is listed in “The Traditional Artists of the Blue Ridge”, sang the blues with his son as accompaniment. Pop made us cry with joy with his gift of rich blues music...and to see the love of a devoted son told a story that goes along with the folklore of when Pop was growing up in Lenoir as a minister’s grandson. Pop had a habit of sneaking into the juke joint to put his quarter in the juke box, hear his favorite song, replay the music that was swirling through his head as he bolted home, and soon earned the reputation that he ‘made that tune his own’.
His grandfather, the minster, would hold ‘Tent Revivals’ in town. One time at a tent revival, Pop’s father introduced Pop after a sermon with this intro, “And now my son will play for us...” Pop, was a young boy at the time. He started playing the blues that he loved so much… a song that he had heard at the juke joint. Well, Pop’s grandfather was shocked at Pop’s selection of music, and his grandfather asked him to leave that night at the tent revival. Pop’s love for the Blues deepened that day.
He is now 81 years young and hasn’t stopped playing the blues. As I sat listening to Pop Ferguson in downtown Lenoir I have to admit that I haven’t heard the Blues played any better in New Orleans or Memphis or anywhere else. Pop will be playing the Blues every other Thursday at ‘Sister’ Fut’s as long as he is able. Check out Pop’s web site, www.popfergusonblues.com .
Bluegrass and Blues music history feature the rich music of several Lenoir originals, the legends of Caldwell County. The Blues culture is as rich as the beauty that surrounds us.
StarCross Village brings this rich culture to the public at their planned clubhouse for residents. Call Julie or Gil at gstarble@starcrossvillage.com to learn more.
While reading the local Lenoir paper, www.LenoirNewsTopic.com , I was drawn to a column on the editorial page written by John O. Hawkins.
Mr. Hawkins, a local historian, wrote about Mr. Thomas Ivey and his life after the civil war. This article described details of how Mr. Ivey longed to return to his childhood home in Lenoir. I am taking the liberty to excerpt quotes describing Mr. Ivey’s thoughts in that article. He said “Lenoir is a jewel resting in the valley just below the mountains. I loved the portion know as the Hollow, surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. I longed to hear the singing of a clear mountain stream and see again the inviting background of my dear dreams. I yearned to see the sunrise once more through the white mist that covered Hibriten (Mountain), and to gaze at the face of the old man…the majestic profile of Grandfather Mountain.”
I was struck by this article because we often take things for granted. 150 years ago, Thomas Ivey spoke of his hometown like it was a magical place…a place that he realized too late how very much he missed the natural beauty of Lenoir. And earlier today, as I passed by Hibriten Mountain as I do every day on my way home, I saw this mountain from a VERY different perspective, one I will not forget.
Lenoir has always been rich in heritage and the arts. Last evening I was invited to the first ‘Blues Night’ at F. Futs & Co., www.ffutsandcompany.com , a new eatery downtown. Pop Ferguson lifted my soul.
Pop Ferguson, who is listed in “The Traditional Artists of the Blue Ridge”, sang the blues with his son as accompaniment. Pop made us cry with joy with his gift of rich blues music...and to see the love of a devoted son told a story that goes along with the folklore of when Pop was growing up in Lenoir as a minister’s grandson. Pop had a habit of sneaking into the juke joint to put his quarter in the juke box, hear his favorite song, replay the music that was swirling through his head as he bolted home, and soon earned the reputation that he ‘made that tune his own’.
His grandfather, the minster, would hold ‘Tent Revivals’ in town. One time at a tent revival, Pop’s father introduced Pop after a sermon with this intro, “And now my son will play for us...” Pop, was a young boy at the time. He started playing the blues that he loved so much… a song that he had heard at the juke joint. Well, Pop’s grandfather was shocked at Pop’s selection of music, and his grandfather asked him to leave that night at the tent revival. Pop’s love for the Blues deepened that day.
He is now 81 years young and hasn’t stopped playing the blues. As I sat listening to Pop Ferguson in downtown Lenoir I have to admit that I haven’t heard the Blues played any better in New Orleans or Memphis or anywhere else. Pop will be playing the Blues every other Thursday at ‘Sister’ Fut’s as long as he is able. Check out Pop’s web site, www.popfergusonblues.com .
Bluegrass and Blues music history feature the rich music of several Lenoir originals, the legends of Caldwell County. The Blues culture is as rich as the beauty that surrounds us.
StarCross Village brings this rich culture to the public at their planned clubhouse for residents. Call Julie or Gil at gstarble@starcrossvillage.com to learn more.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
A 'Common' Vision For Lenoir
Lenoir is a small community in Western North Carolina, a place that I have called home for the last seven years. This crisp cold day in the foothills was our first snow of the season. A gentle dusting of one inch was enough for us to relish in the delight of a snow fall. It might be the last snow of the season.
The sky above Lenoir is Carolina blue with a stray feathery cloud on the horizon with the silhouette of Grandfather Mountain in the background.
Lenoir enjoys snow for a comfortably short stay from time to time here. My two boys enjoy winter sports by making the short drive up Rte 321 to Blowing Rock.
Our diversity is a refreshing change from the city. A local elementary teacher told me she enjoyed taking her fifth graders on a short eco-field trip to snowboard and ski country yesterday.
As I shoveled my drive way I could not help noticing the small bird tracks left in the snow as they scattered about in search of food. The beauty of this little hamlet is amazing when the powder glistens off the rolling hills. It feels good… except for one thing. My home is on the dark north face of a mountain where the snow remains today. Yes, I see the golf course, but still, I don’t like the cold.
This week I was reminded how nice it will be when I move into my new home at StarCross Village where I’ll be facing the sun all day. No kidding, I will not miss this cold side of the mountain.
In the middle of January, we often reconnect with friends we haven’t seen since the holiday rush of parties. Last night a group of friends gathered at a local banker’s home to toast the new administration in Washington and this morning my friend called me to talk as she drove to the middle school where she teaches social studies. We all come from such different backgrounds.
We reflected on the friends that attended and we agreed that we lived in a slice of heavenly bliss. Last night’s gathering brought a diverse group made up of a doctor, a lawyer, a furniture company executive, a retiree from the furniture industry, two retired teachers, one of which is handicapped, an artist, a dispatcher in a trucking firm, a manager in a communications company, a politician, and a retired forester.
Why is the diversity of a neighborhood important? As we celebrated inaugural history, we really did feel a sense of the ‘common purpose’, and we gathered by coming to this celebration from our own individual perspective - a true commons.
It is relaxing to see so few problems– even if we might disagree on some things. We shared laughter and debated ways to help reaffirm President Obama’s vision of a ‘new era of responsibility’ and to help do our part through some tough times. All of us had a sense of hope…and plenty of it.
I see my involvement with StarCross Village as a sense of hope. The thought of a sustainable community in Lenoir is exciting. I would like to think that I will meet other people who move into these homes who will also want to make a difference ‘one day at a time’. I want to realize the dream of protecting our environment from the effects of global warming by doing my part, but I still want to enjoy my life.
Elected officials and planners in Lenoir and Caldwell County deserve a slap on the back working on StarCross Village, a neighborhood which plans to use energy from solar panels to serve the electricity and hot water for each home. The home I want to live in will be less than one half the size of my current home. Is this a sacrifice for me? I would not call it that. It will be part of the promise we were asked to make by President Obama. I would like to see this seedling grow into something important right here in my hometown.
My friends and I are having some fun with this plan to perform simple acts of service. What better way to be of service to the environment than to live in a sustainable neighborhood?
The sky above Lenoir is Carolina blue with a stray feathery cloud on the horizon with the silhouette of Grandfather Mountain in the background.
Lenoir enjoys snow for a comfortably short stay from time to time here. My two boys enjoy winter sports by making the short drive up Rte 321 to Blowing Rock.
Our diversity is a refreshing change from the city. A local elementary teacher told me she enjoyed taking her fifth graders on a short eco-field trip to snowboard and ski country yesterday.
As I shoveled my drive way I could not help noticing the small bird tracks left in the snow as they scattered about in search of food. The beauty of this little hamlet is amazing when the powder glistens off the rolling hills. It feels good… except for one thing. My home is on the dark north face of a mountain where the snow remains today. Yes, I see the golf course, but still, I don’t like the cold.
This week I was reminded how nice it will be when I move into my new home at StarCross Village where I’ll be facing the sun all day. No kidding, I will not miss this cold side of the mountain.
In the middle of January, we often reconnect with friends we haven’t seen since the holiday rush of parties. Last night a group of friends gathered at a local banker’s home to toast the new administration in Washington and this morning my friend called me to talk as she drove to the middle school where she teaches social studies. We all come from such different backgrounds.
We reflected on the friends that attended and we agreed that we lived in a slice of heavenly bliss. Last night’s gathering brought a diverse group made up of a doctor, a lawyer, a furniture company executive, a retiree from the furniture industry, two retired teachers, one of which is handicapped, an artist, a dispatcher in a trucking firm, a manager in a communications company, a politician, and a retired forester.
Why is the diversity of a neighborhood important? As we celebrated inaugural history, we really did feel a sense of the ‘common purpose’, and we gathered by coming to this celebration from our own individual perspective - a true commons.
It is relaxing to see so few problems– even if we might disagree on some things. We shared laughter and debated ways to help reaffirm President Obama’s vision of a ‘new era of responsibility’ and to help do our part through some tough times. All of us had a sense of hope…and plenty of it.
I see my involvement with StarCross Village as a sense of hope. The thought of a sustainable community in Lenoir is exciting. I would like to think that I will meet other people who move into these homes who will also want to make a difference ‘one day at a time’. I want to realize the dream of protecting our environment from the effects of global warming by doing my part, but I still want to enjoy my life.
Elected officials and planners in Lenoir and Caldwell County deserve a slap on the back working on StarCross Village, a neighborhood which plans to use energy from solar panels to serve the electricity and hot water for each home. The home I want to live in will be less than one half the size of my current home. Is this a sacrifice for me? I would not call it that. It will be part of the promise we were asked to make by President Obama. I would like to see this seedling grow into something important right here in my hometown.
My friends and I are having some fun with this plan to perform simple acts of service. What better way to be of service to the environment than to live in a sustainable neighborhood?
Monday, January 12, 2009
Monday, 4:30am, 1/12/09
I could not sleep. The energy percolated through the room where Lenoir, NC planned its first steps to launch a green neighborhood development in the first half of 2009.
Concerned residents who reside on the Cedar Rock Country Club in Lenoir have hosted a series of pivotal engagements this week on the topic of StarCross Eco-Village, Plymouth Road, Lenoir. A refreshing spirit of local rebuilding and a joyful confidence flowed through the rooms of this private residence on three consecutive dates.
Has this grassroots movement become contagious? As Mike W. played the harp he warmed the room better than any heating system… a divine intervention perhaps?
Here is what I have observed in this past week: 24 earnest local residents, three non-profit organizations, one county college sustainability institute, and two local bankers who have showed me that the people of Lenoir are hungry to reverse this economic downturn. An eco-businessman from Asheville suggested that Western North Carolina is ready for the first green neighborhood development since the highly acclaimed Westwood Estates in the Asheville area was built ten years ago.
Local planning official Chuck Beatty, Mayor David Barlow, and others with the help of entrepreneurs, expert energy planners, engineers and designers across the state have toiled in an effort to make this innovative project happen during the worst housing slump in modern history.
We digress with a bit of encouraging prose from a confident anonymous author: “From the dark clouds the sun will rise to breathe hope into the hearts and minds of an earnest people.”
Now back to the log of recent events. It has only been two days since Jim and Jon, bankers at the local thrift, Parkway Bank met with this developer to encourage what we hope are the first steps to financing the road and to leading local financial institutions in sustainable neighborhood development.
Many successful real estate developer acquaintances I have come to know these past 25 years typically succeed at planning neighborhood building ventures because they purchase land when prices are low. However, that is a bygone era. Stick built homes are now referred to as ‘legacy developments’ because of obsolete design. A new world of much higher energy standards is young and growing.
One industry Lenoir could hold securely in its hands for many decades is the emerging green building industry if a well-conceived landmark sustainable neighborhood development thrives citywide. Planners have made a strenuous effort to use renewable energy equipment and low environmental building science as the new standard and not as optional features. Hold onto your hat.
Contact Julie or Gil at gstarble@starcrossvillage.com – and prepare to enjoy the ride.
I could not sleep. The energy percolated through the room where Lenoir, NC planned its first steps to launch a green neighborhood development in the first half of 2009.
Concerned residents who reside on the Cedar Rock Country Club in Lenoir have hosted a series of pivotal engagements this week on the topic of StarCross Eco-Village, Plymouth Road, Lenoir. A refreshing spirit of local rebuilding and a joyful confidence flowed through the rooms of this private residence on three consecutive dates.
Has this grassroots movement become contagious? As Mike W. played the harp he warmed the room better than any heating system… a divine intervention perhaps?
Here is what I have observed in this past week: 24 earnest local residents, three non-profit organizations, one county college sustainability institute, and two local bankers who have showed me that the people of Lenoir are hungry to reverse this economic downturn. An eco-businessman from Asheville suggested that Western North Carolina is ready for the first green neighborhood development since the highly acclaimed Westwood Estates in the Asheville area was built ten years ago.
Local planning official Chuck Beatty, Mayor David Barlow, and others with the help of entrepreneurs, expert energy planners, engineers and designers across the state have toiled in an effort to make this innovative project happen during the worst housing slump in modern history.
We digress with a bit of encouraging prose from a confident anonymous author: “From the dark clouds the sun will rise to breathe hope into the hearts and minds of an earnest people.”
Now back to the log of recent events. It has only been two days since Jim and Jon, bankers at the local thrift, Parkway Bank met with this developer to encourage what we hope are the first steps to financing the road and to leading local financial institutions in sustainable neighborhood development.
Many successful real estate developer acquaintances I have come to know these past 25 years typically succeed at planning neighborhood building ventures because they purchase land when prices are low. However, that is a bygone era. Stick built homes are now referred to as ‘legacy developments’ because of obsolete design. A new world of much higher energy standards is young and growing.
One industry Lenoir could hold securely in its hands for many decades is the emerging green building industry if a well-conceived landmark sustainable neighborhood development thrives citywide. Planners have made a strenuous effort to use renewable energy equipment and low environmental building science as the new standard and not as optional features. Hold onto your hat.
Contact Julie or Gil at gstarble@starcrossvillage.com – and prepare to enjoy the ride.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Steal This Property: Summary of Energy Tax Credits
Steal this property...
Play with me. How better to spend our leisure time than to hear the news of how our lot value has climbed? Those of us who still have some discretionary savings to play around with are a rare commodity these days. I don’t like paying the government a nickel more than necessary. And therefore, the news of exciting tax saving tips and estate planning strategies keeps my accountant refreshed with plenty of challenges.
Has anyone rewarded themselves with a delicious energy investment tax credit recently? This past few months have heard so many tragedies on the Wall Street that we may have missed some of the juicy tax incentives inspired lawmakers have hidden inside the housing rescue bill. For instance, an extension of solar and wind energy investment tax credits… and removal of the caps...boosting yield rates through the roof. Ask your accountant about the following matter of fact, courtesy of Michael Shore of FLS Energy, Inc., Black Mountain, NC:
HR 1424 - Summary of Renewable Tax Provisions
Summary of Solar Provisions
Extension. Extend for 8 years the 30-percent tax credit for both residential and commercial solar installations
Removal of Cap. Eliminate the $2,000 monetary cap for residential solar electric installations, creating a true 30-percent credit
Utilities. Eliminate the prohibition on utilities from benefiting from the credit
AMT. Allow Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) filers, both businesses and families, to take the credit
Title III. Tax Provisions
Division B: Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 - Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 - Title I: Energy Production Incentives - Subtitle A: Renewable Energy Incentives - (Sec. 101) Extends through 2009 the tax credit for producing electricity from wind and refined coal facilities. Extends through 2010 such tax credit for other facilities, including closed and open-loop biomass, solar energy, small irrigation power, landfill gas, trash combustion, and hydropower. Modifies rules for and definitions of refined coal, trash and biomass facilities, and hydropower production.
SEC. 103. ENERGY CREDIT
(a) Extension of Credit-
(1) SOLAR ENERGY PROPERTY- Paragraphs (2)(A)(i)(II) and (3)(A)(ii) of section 48(a) are each amended by striking `January 1, 2009' and inserting `January 1, 2017'.
(2) FUEL CELL PROPERTY- Subparagraph (E) of section 48(c)(1) is amended by striking `December 31, 2008' and inserting `December 31, 2016'.
(3) MICROTURBINE PROPERTY- Subparagraph (E) of section 48(c)(2) is amended by striking `December 31, 2008' and inserting `December 31, 2016'.
(b) Allowance of Energy Credit Against Alternative Minimum Tax-
(1) IN GENERAL- Subparagraph (B) of section 38(c)(4), as amended by the Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008, is amended by redesignating clause (vi) as clause (vi) and (vii), respectively, and by inserting after clause (iv) the following new clause:
`(v) the credit determined under section 46 to the extent that such credit is attributable to the energy credit determined under section 48,'.
(2) TECHNICAL AMENDMENT- Clause (vi) of section 38(c)(4)(B), as redesignated by paragraph (1), is amended by striking `section 47 to the extent attributable to' and inserting `section 46 to the extent that such credit is attributable to the rehabilitation credit under section 47, but only with respect to'.
(c) Energy Credit for Combined Heat and Power System Property-
(1) IN GENERAL- Section 48(a)(3)(A) is amended by striking `or' at the end of clause (iii), by inserting `or' at the end of clause (iv), and by adding at the end the following new clause:
`(v) combined heat and power system property,'.
(2) COMBINED HEAT AND POWER SYSTEM PROPERTY- Subsection (c) of section 48 is amended--
(A) by striking `Qualified Fuel Cell Property; Qualified Microturbine Property' in the heading and inserting `Definitions', and
(B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
`(3) COMBINED HEAT AND POWER SYSTEM PROPERTY-
`(A) COMBINED HEAT AND POWER SYSTEM PROPERTY- The term `combined heat and power system property' means property comprising a system--
`(i) which uses the same energy source for the simultaneous or sequential generation of electrical power, mechanical shaft power, or both, in combination with the generation of steam or other forms of useful thermal energy (including heating and cooling applications),
`(ii) which produces--
`(I) at least 20 percent of its total useful energy in the form of thermal energy which is not used to produce electrical or mechanical power (or combination thereof), and
`(II) at least 20 percent of its total useful energy in the form of electrical or mechanical power (or combination thereof),
`(iii) the energy efficiency percentage of which exceeds 60 percent, and
`(iv) which is placed in service before January 1, 2017.
`(B) LIMITATION-
`(i) IN GENERAL- In the case of combined heat and power system property with an electrical capacity in excess of the applicable capacity placed in service during the taxable year, the credit under subsection (a)(1) (determined without regard to this paragraph) for such year shall be equal to the amount which bears the same ratio to such credit as the applicable capacity bears to the capacity of such property.
`(ii) APPLICABLE CAPACITY- For purposes of clause (i), the term `applicable capacity' means 15 megawatts or a mechanical energy capacity of more than 20,000 horsepower or an equivalent combination of electrical and mechanical energy capacities.
`(iii) MAXIMUM CAPACITY- The term `combined heat and power system property' shall not include any property comprising a system if such system has a capacity in excess of 50 megawatts or a mechanical energy capacity in excess of 67,000 horsepower or an equivalent combination of electrical and mechanical energy capacities.
`(C) SPECIAL RULES-
`(i) ENERGY EFFICIENCY PERCENTAGE- For purposes of this paragraph, the energy efficiency percentage of a system is the fraction--
`(I) the numerator of which is the total useful electrical, thermal, and mechanical power produced by the system at normal operating rates, and expected to be consumed in its normal application, and
`(II) the denominator of which is the lower heating value of the fuel sources for the system.
`(ii) DETERMINATIONS MADE ON BTU BASIS- The energy efficiency percentage and the percentages under subparagraph (A)(ii) shall be determined on a Btu basis.
`(iii) INPUT AND OUTPUT PROPERTY NOT INCLUDED- The term `combined heat and power system property' does not include property used to transport the energy source to the facility or to distribute energy produced by the facility.
`(D) SYSTEMS USING BIOMASS- If a system is designed to use biomass (within the meaning of paragraphs (2) and (3) of section 45(c) without regard to the last sentence of paragraph (3)(A)) for at least 90 percent of the energy source--
`(i) subparagraph (A)(iii) shall not apply, but
`(ii) the amount of credit determined under subsection (a) with respect to such system shall not exceed the amount which bears the same ratio to such amount of credit (determined without regard to this subparagraph) as the energy efficiency percentage of such system bears to 60 percent.'.
(3) CONFORMING AMENDMENT- Section 48(a)(1) is amended by striking `paragraphs (1)(B) and (2)(B)' and inserting `paragraphs (1)(B), (2)(B), and (3)(B)'.
(d) Increase of Credit Limitation for Fuel Cell Property- Subparagraph (B) of section 48(c)(1) is amended by striking `$500' and inserting `$1,500'.
(e) Public Utility Property Taken Into Account-
(1) IN GENERAL- Paragraph (3) of section 48(a) is amended by striking the second sentence thereof.
(2) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS-
(A) Paragraph (1) of section 48(c) is amended by striking subparagraph (D) and redesignating subparagraph (E) as subparagraph (D).
(B) Paragraph (2) of section 48(c) is amended by striking subparagraph (D) and redesignating subparagraph (E) as subparagraph (D).
(f) Effective Date-
(1) IN GENERAL- Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.
(2) ALLOWANCE AGAINST ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX- The amendments made by subsection (b) shall apply to credits determined under section 46 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 in taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act and to carrybacks of such credits.
(3) COMBINED HEAT AND POWER AND FUEL CELL PROPERTY- The amendments made by subsections (c) and (d) shall apply to periods after the date of the enactment of this Act, in taxable years ending after such date, under rules similar to the rules of section 48(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1990).
(4) PUBLIC UTILITY PROPERTY- The amendments made by subsection (e) shall apply to periods after February 13, 2008, in taxable years ending after such date, under rules similar to the rules of section 48(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1990).
Thanks, Mike.
Contact Gil or Peter about obtaining tax credits to shelter your personal or corporate income. Buy a home site at StarCross Village and watch the value climb. Is there anything easier than profiting from home ownership in a neighborhood planned to replace oil & gas guzzling homes to help our economy recover? Lenoir and Caldwell County residents: We’ll find a way to help you steal this property … and to start a trend. Hold your laughter until you have run a mile in your CPA’s shoes.
Play with me. How better to spend our leisure time than to hear the news of how our lot value has climbed? Those of us who still have some discretionary savings to play around with are a rare commodity these days. I don’t like paying the government a nickel more than necessary. And therefore, the news of exciting tax saving tips and estate planning strategies keeps my accountant refreshed with plenty of challenges.
Has anyone rewarded themselves with a delicious energy investment tax credit recently? This past few months have heard so many tragedies on the Wall Street that we may have missed some of the juicy tax incentives inspired lawmakers have hidden inside the housing rescue bill. For instance, an extension of solar and wind energy investment tax credits… and removal of the caps...boosting yield rates through the roof. Ask your accountant about the following matter of fact, courtesy of Michael Shore of FLS Energy, Inc., Black Mountain, NC:
HR 1424 - Summary of Renewable Tax Provisions
Summary of Solar Provisions
Extension. Extend for 8 years the 30-percent tax credit for both residential and commercial solar installations
Removal of Cap. Eliminate the $2,000 monetary cap for residential solar electric installations, creating a true 30-percent credit
Utilities. Eliminate the prohibition on utilities from benefiting from the credit
AMT. Allow Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) filers, both businesses and families, to take the credit
Title III. Tax Provisions
Division B: Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 - Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 - Title I: Energy Production Incentives - Subtitle A: Renewable Energy Incentives - (Sec. 101) Extends through 2009 the tax credit for producing electricity from wind and refined coal facilities. Extends through 2010 such tax credit for other facilities, including closed and open-loop biomass, solar energy, small irrigation power, landfill gas, trash combustion, and hydropower. Modifies rules for and definitions of refined coal, trash and biomass facilities, and hydropower production.
SEC. 103. ENERGY CREDIT
(a) Extension of Credit-
(1) SOLAR ENERGY PROPERTY- Paragraphs (2)(A)(i)(II) and (3)(A)(ii) of section 48(a) are each amended by striking `January 1, 2009' and inserting `January 1, 2017'.
(2) FUEL CELL PROPERTY- Subparagraph (E) of section 48(c)(1) is amended by striking `December 31, 2008' and inserting `December 31, 2016'.
(3) MICROTURBINE PROPERTY- Subparagraph (E) of section 48(c)(2) is amended by striking `December 31, 2008' and inserting `December 31, 2016'.
(b) Allowance of Energy Credit Against Alternative Minimum Tax-
(1) IN GENERAL- Subparagraph (B) of section 38(c)(4), as amended by the Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008, is amended by redesignating clause (vi) as clause (vi) and (vii), respectively, and by inserting after clause (iv) the following new clause:
`(v) the credit determined under section 46 to the extent that such credit is attributable to the energy credit determined under section 48,'.
(2) TECHNICAL AMENDMENT- Clause (vi) of section 38(c)(4)(B), as redesignated by paragraph (1), is amended by striking `section 47 to the extent attributable to' and inserting `section 46 to the extent that such credit is attributable to the rehabilitation credit under section 47, but only with respect to'.
(c) Energy Credit for Combined Heat and Power System Property-
(1) IN GENERAL- Section 48(a)(3)(A) is amended by striking `or' at the end of clause (iii), by inserting `or' at the end of clause (iv), and by adding at the end the following new clause:
`(v) combined heat and power system property,'.
(2) COMBINED HEAT AND POWER SYSTEM PROPERTY- Subsection (c) of section 48 is amended--
(A) by striking `Qualified Fuel Cell Property; Qualified Microturbine Property' in the heading and inserting `Definitions', and
(B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
`(3) COMBINED HEAT AND POWER SYSTEM PROPERTY-
`(A) COMBINED HEAT AND POWER SYSTEM PROPERTY- The term `combined heat and power system property' means property comprising a system--
`(i) which uses the same energy source for the simultaneous or sequential generation of electrical power, mechanical shaft power, or both, in combination with the generation of steam or other forms of useful thermal energy (including heating and cooling applications),
`(ii) which produces--
`(I) at least 20 percent of its total useful energy in the form of thermal energy which is not used to produce electrical or mechanical power (or combination thereof), and
`(II) at least 20 percent of its total useful energy in the form of electrical or mechanical power (or combination thereof),
`(iii) the energy efficiency percentage of which exceeds 60 percent, and
`(iv) which is placed in service before January 1, 2017.
`(B) LIMITATION-
`(i) IN GENERAL- In the case of combined heat and power system property with an electrical capacity in excess of the applicable capacity placed in service during the taxable year, the credit under subsection (a)(1) (determined without regard to this paragraph) for such year shall be equal to the amount which bears the same ratio to such credit as the applicable capacity bears to the capacity of such property.
`(ii) APPLICABLE CAPACITY- For purposes of clause (i), the term `applicable capacity' means 15 megawatts or a mechanical energy capacity of more than 20,000 horsepower or an equivalent combination of electrical and mechanical energy capacities.
`(iii) MAXIMUM CAPACITY- The term `combined heat and power system property' shall not include any property comprising a system if such system has a capacity in excess of 50 megawatts or a mechanical energy capacity in excess of 67,000 horsepower or an equivalent combination of electrical and mechanical energy capacities.
`(C) SPECIAL RULES-
`(i) ENERGY EFFICIENCY PERCENTAGE- For purposes of this paragraph, the energy efficiency percentage of a system is the fraction--
`(I) the numerator of which is the total useful electrical, thermal, and mechanical power produced by the system at normal operating rates, and expected to be consumed in its normal application, and
`(II) the denominator of which is the lower heating value of the fuel sources for the system.
`(ii) DETERMINATIONS MADE ON BTU BASIS- The energy efficiency percentage and the percentages under subparagraph (A)(ii) shall be determined on a Btu basis.
`(iii) INPUT AND OUTPUT PROPERTY NOT INCLUDED- The term `combined heat and power system property' does not include property used to transport the energy source to the facility or to distribute energy produced by the facility.
`(D) SYSTEMS USING BIOMASS- If a system is designed to use biomass (within the meaning of paragraphs (2) and (3) of section 45(c) without regard to the last sentence of paragraph (3)(A)) for at least 90 percent of the energy source--
`(i) subparagraph (A)(iii) shall not apply, but
`(ii) the amount of credit determined under subsection (a) with respect to such system shall not exceed the amount which bears the same ratio to such amount of credit (determined without regard to this subparagraph) as the energy efficiency percentage of such system bears to 60 percent.'.
(3) CONFORMING AMENDMENT- Section 48(a)(1) is amended by striking `paragraphs (1)(B) and (2)(B)' and inserting `paragraphs (1)(B), (2)(B), and (3)(B)'.
(d) Increase of Credit Limitation for Fuel Cell Property- Subparagraph (B) of section 48(c)(1) is amended by striking `$500' and inserting `$1,500'.
(e) Public Utility Property Taken Into Account-
(1) IN GENERAL- Paragraph (3) of section 48(a) is amended by striking the second sentence thereof.
(2) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS-
(A) Paragraph (1) of section 48(c) is amended by striking subparagraph (D) and redesignating subparagraph (E) as subparagraph (D).
(B) Paragraph (2) of section 48(c) is amended by striking subparagraph (D) and redesignating subparagraph (E) as subparagraph (D).
(f) Effective Date-
(1) IN GENERAL- Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.
(2) ALLOWANCE AGAINST ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX- The amendments made by subsection (b) shall apply to credits determined under section 46 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 in taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act and to carrybacks of such credits.
(3) COMBINED HEAT AND POWER AND FUEL CELL PROPERTY- The amendments made by subsections (c) and (d) shall apply to periods after the date of the enactment of this Act, in taxable years ending after such date, under rules similar to the rules of section 48(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1990).
(4) PUBLIC UTILITY PROPERTY- The amendments made by subsection (e) shall apply to periods after February 13, 2008, in taxable years ending after such date, under rules similar to the rules of section 48(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1990).
Thanks, Mike.
Contact Gil or Peter about obtaining tax credits to shelter your personal or corporate income. Buy a home site at StarCross Village and watch the value climb. Is there anything easier than profiting from home ownership in a neighborhood planned to replace oil & gas guzzling homes to help our economy recover? Lenoir and Caldwell County residents: We’ll find a way to help you steal this property … and to start a trend. Hold your laughter until you have run a mile in your CPA’s shoes.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
New Year's Day: Strangely Exciting
New Year’s Day 2009: Strangely Exciting
2009 started off with an unexpectedly exciting 9:00am business call with an intuitive and intelligent artist in Lenoir. I have to fess up…I did not expect a business call with an artist on New Year’s Day to result in such an energizing and productive outcome. But it did.
We outlined a strategy to introduce local residents to my client, the developer, and his plan to incorporate a local arts council space for the public to enjoy at StarCross Village. The conversation quickly morphed into a plan to announce a developer sponsored design ‘charrette’. A design charrette is an intensive session in which participants collaborate to draft a design solution for a project. In places like Boston and San Francisco this type of design planning would be relegated to municipal arm-twisting and development ‘linkage’. But in Lenoir, volunteerism is a natural outgrowth of community ownership and civic pride. This is unlike most development projects.
In fact, after the business call with this individual on this holiday morning my sister called and at that moment it hit me. I love Lenoir. Even the love of my big sister was not strong enough to shake me from the reality that StarCross Village is only a symptom of a much more serious affliction: Hope. I could not even explain to a loved one how the impact of this dialogue with a stranger affected me. “How could this work be so fruitful for my client, and yet, so personally satisfying?” I asked myself as I pinched my arm to confirm this was real.
I would need to explain something to the developer. How would this productive phone call and the resulting investment expense payoff? My opinion was to look at a time-tested urban phenomena with decades of experience to prove its truth. When artists move into a neighborhood, soon afterwards others begin to arrive because they want to explore what was created by inspired artists... and before long, the neighborhood is gentrified.
There are many points to support our optimism: 1) a contagious spirit of hope and technical competency is coming from smart people in a friendly place, 2) local, state, and federal governments have enacted legislation to motivate wealthy people and socially responsible corporations to invest in a sustainable project, 3) an abundance of sunny days to support a neighborhood with renewable energy, 4) jobs … to build a neighborhood, and an emerging industry sector - photo voltaics, wind turbines, and energy electronics, all made right here in North Carolina.
Barack Obama’s ‘audacity of hope’ idea has become a reality to many people working on this project. Can we provide evidence to support our assumption that this neighborhood should be built in Lenoir?
There is one inalienable right that is possessed by the people who will live and work in this neighborhood: The right to pursue our own happiness to live in a comfortable place that is beautiful, friendly, and sustainable.
Somehow this day is strangely exciting. It takes an artist to change the world.
2009 started off with an unexpectedly exciting 9:00am business call with an intuitive and intelligent artist in Lenoir. I have to fess up…I did not expect a business call with an artist on New Year’s Day to result in such an energizing and productive outcome. But it did.
We outlined a strategy to introduce local residents to my client, the developer, and his plan to incorporate a local arts council space for the public to enjoy at StarCross Village. The conversation quickly morphed into a plan to announce a developer sponsored design ‘charrette’. A design charrette is an intensive session in which participants collaborate to draft a design solution for a project. In places like Boston and San Francisco this type of design planning would be relegated to municipal arm-twisting and development ‘linkage’. But in Lenoir, volunteerism is a natural outgrowth of community ownership and civic pride. This is unlike most development projects.
In fact, after the business call with this individual on this holiday morning my sister called and at that moment it hit me. I love Lenoir. Even the love of my big sister was not strong enough to shake me from the reality that StarCross Village is only a symptom of a much more serious affliction: Hope. I could not even explain to a loved one how the impact of this dialogue with a stranger affected me. “How could this work be so fruitful for my client, and yet, so personally satisfying?” I asked myself as I pinched my arm to confirm this was real.
I would need to explain something to the developer. How would this productive phone call and the resulting investment expense payoff? My opinion was to look at a time-tested urban phenomena with decades of experience to prove its truth. When artists move into a neighborhood, soon afterwards others begin to arrive because they want to explore what was created by inspired artists... and before long, the neighborhood is gentrified.
There are many points to support our optimism: 1) a contagious spirit of hope and technical competency is coming from smart people in a friendly place, 2) local, state, and federal governments have enacted legislation to motivate wealthy people and socially responsible corporations to invest in a sustainable project, 3) an abundance of sunny days to support a neighborhood with renewable energy, 4) jobs … to build a neighborhood, and an emerging industry sector - photo voltaics, wind turbines, and energy electronics, all made right here in North Carolina.
Barack Obama’s ‘audacity of hope’ idea has become a reality to many people working on this project. Can we provide evidence to support our assumption that this neighborhood should be built in Lenoir?
There is one inalienable right that is possessed by the people who will live and work in this neighborhood: The right to pursue our own happiness to live in a comfortable place that is beautiful, friendly, and sustainable.
Somehow this day is strangely exciting. It takes an artist to change the world.
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